Van Halen - Full Concert - 06/12/81 - Oakland Coliseum Stadium (OFFICIAL)

[@vinniebredice7810]

I'm 57 yrs old...Watching this and smiling like a kid, remembering seeing them for the first time in 1979. I was 16. This was such a kick ass lineup. Vintage VH at their best!

[@pottymandotty4308]

And cranked with the headphones on!

[@celesteb.6118]

I was at this show in Oakland!! ❤

[@rneu1978]

Vinnie we were so blessed to grow up in this time...you know? we didnt know it at the time....look now what we had! In my world Vinnie it is right up there as one of the most important things in my life i could experience!!

[@johnmarshall3903]

VH at the very height of their career.

[@eastwestguitar5561]

Dude I’m 57 also AND I seen them for the first time in 79 also! At the Oakland Auditorium. Saw this concert here in Oakland as well the night before this one. NO other band came close to their live shows. A truly incredible time!!!! Rest In Peace my Guitar Hero.

[@jeepmoab1]

i'm 50 yrs old and this still makes me feel like i'm in high school rockin' out! God I miss this music!

[@AngelofAnguish]

I'll be 50 NEXT YEAR and, TO THIS DAY, rock/metal is or are MY LIFE!

[@thodoris3790]

this is the magic of rock n roll

[@tose917]

Scott McEllhiney - same here and I’m 53!

[@guslakis]

I can can close my eyes listening to this, and I’m right back in high school.

[@Micas099]

And I'm 53 as well. This was a special time. A better time IMO

[@SALESPRODUCTIONS]

That was "their time". There was no better Van Halen era than this right here.

[@marcuscritchley]

@GFrank2 it’s true

[@fuhrank]

I too agree.

[@mothergoose3739]

For me their 82-83 tours are a close contender

[@badmonkey2222]

Got that right, right about this time Fair Warning tour 83 they were in their prime!!!

[@badmonkey2222]

@@marcuscritchley you probably weren't even a sparkle in your daddy's eye in 76 son, tell another lie.

[@lynncase3506]

The Mighty Van Halen at their peak! Hard to imagine anyone ever matching this level of musical performance, showmanship, and raw energy!

[@voodoochild1975az]

Peak Van Halen was a force of nature and left nothing behind on stage but scorched earth. In early days the few bands they opened for.... Really regretted having them open. They blew everyone off the stage. Even Black Sabbath. Ozzy and Tony freely admit as much.

[@toddhardy1391]

Never.

[@saxonsteve]

Van halen's energy in their hayday, just couldn't be touched. With Diamond Dave, Eddie's Ferocious Playing ,Anthony's thunderous bass playing and Alex's drumming, they were on FIRE!!! Rest In Peace, Eddie.

[@autodidacticprofessor869]

I like all the eras. Dave was too controlling and held Eddie back from being as creative as he wanted to be, which he himself stated. You can tell because when Sammy joined, his playing and the compositions got more complex and inventive. I love the Dave era stuff but it was pretty simple rock'n'roll stuff and as much as I love it, Eddie wasn't satisfied with the same blues rock style. Sammy didn't try to tell Eddie what to play or whatever he could play keys are collaborate with other musicians, so that freedom was evident in the Sammy-era music. I even like some of the tunes on Van Halen III and in my opinion, his solo on "Year to the Day" was the most gut-wrenching and emotional solo he ever played on record. Van Halen was not about the singer.... it was about the brothers. Period.

[@latkagravas986]

Thank You & R.I.P Ed, show the Lord what you did with 'lute & lyre' baby!

[@Polentaccio]

Totally. DLR didn't even need to be consistent or that good vocally because presence wise he was always "on". The guy just completely changed the game in terms of how a lead singer carries themselves and the band. Bottom line, VH was all 4 of these guys .., not just one out of this world guitar player. I mean would Hagar in the early years have delivered the sleeze of these early albums? Not even close.

[@Polentaccio]

@@autodidacticprofessor869 It was probably time by the time DLR departed anyway. You can't just keep the same thing going forever and there is no way Dave would have been able to sing the more melodic stuff from the Hagar era. That said, Hagar sucks on the DLR era stuff and he looked like a dork on stage for most of his tenure. They are almost two different bands.

[@redfishradical]

As a sophomore in high school I went to see Black Sabbath & instead watched Van Halen BLOW THEM OUT OF THE Seattle COLISEUM. We had NO idea who Van Halen were yet, but from the first radical new Eddie lick and their EXPLOSION of raw energy we were fanatics and wound up splitting maybe 4-5 songs into Sabbath. (Much of the crowed bolted). Early VH with the Van Halens, Diamond Dave & Michael was one of the all time great energy bombs rock has or ever WILL produce my brother!

[@cartermay4898]

That intro of "Hear About it Later" is simply ethereal. Eddie was no doubt the greatest to ever play the guitar. RIP

[@hims12]

RIP Eddie

[@jamesheskey298]

Whoever wrote this took my EXACT words…rip eddie…we miss you

[@coryman4245]

He was the best to ever play rock and roll put it that way. A game changer like Hendrix was. Likewise, Jerry Reed knew every chord and note in between and was simply the best to ever touch a guitar. No tricks no frills just a complete understanding and grasp of his instrument. Honestly there's really no single best guitar player. It's a subjective topic and everybody has their opinions. There's definitely a top 10 greatest list though I'll give that much

[@chrisbunch6811]

It's incredible to think he wrote the intro to hear about it later on piano then transposed it to guitar that is genius

[@tdz69]

Damn. Haven’t heard this song in ages and it just brought me back to my youth.

[@mattwoodardtn]

Micheal Anthony may not be the most well known guy in Van Halen but he is damn sure the most underrated and damn sure the coolest guy in the band! Probably the best backup vocal bass player there is.

[@UnitedSoundVideo]

Dressed like a car mechanic 🤗🤣

[@johncoker13]

His vocals are the best !!!

[@paulbrown2681]

Yes but he looks strange trying to rock out on the bass. Only looks good when guitar player rocks out

[@americanmomma7674]

Micheal Anthony was awesome, it’s just that he was standing next to DLR and EVH, who were more awesome.

[@haliaeetus8221]

Perhaps literally 'the coolest' ie. others being more flammable characters ;-) Through his vocals he gave the live playing a foundation so Dave could mess around, squealin'n'screaming and of course through the bass he, together with Alex's superb drumming made a huge live canvas for Eddie to paint on.

[@reset-xs9ql]

I honestly don't think there was a better, high energy, so completely entertaining live rocknroll concert, to attend than Van Halen on their first 6 tours..

[@jimmyjames7946]

Absolutely!! Seen them 8 times. 2 with Dave and many other bands but nothing came close to them.. there's a reason they were called THE MIGHTY VAN HALEN..👍👍👍👍

[@MRCATL3]

Dave's scream at 7:44 is still incredible

[@jimmyjames7946]

@@Plisken65 👍👍 mine 2

[@alexanderpatrick4866]

There never has been,... is ....or ever will be a better true to life rock and roll entertaining band then these four nutbars.. lol!.... I know.. because I was there..

[@coryman4245]

There wasn't man. They fucked everything/everyone up when they came out. WAYYYY ahead of their time They were a well oiled machine by 1981 playing great firing on all cylinders every night

[@gag7236]

Eddie was always smiling ear to ear...effortless playing...What talent

[@TuckFrump-r9h]

He was probably thinking the same thoughts that PT Barnum thought...about the public.

[@virginiapicker]

@@TuckFrump-r9h How's that? The VH shows gave the fans their money's worth, and then some.

[@virginiapicker]

That's the thing - it's one thing to shred while standing in a corner or sitting on the edge of your bed (not that I could even do that). It 's another to just own the stage, doing mid-air splits, spins, tapping your full left leg in time to the music, smiling, and everything else you see in these videos. Holy cr@p!

[@JimA-pp2nu]

booze and cocaine

[@chrissimpson6701]

I will miss that smile.💔

[@theodosios2615]

THIS is Van Halen...firing on all cylinders and unstoppable.

[@latkagravas986]

Fkn A! (Indeed!)...:Thank You & R.I.P Ed, show the Lord what you did with 'lute & lyre' baby!

[@ratter531]

@@latkagravas986 Sad not many views on this epic Van Halen concert.

[@latkagravas986]

@@ratter531 - Fucken A! (Fucken Indeed!)...As a 15 growing up in early 80s East L.A., Id go with my cousin to this Wabash park and different street 'sandlot football teams' would be cranking Van Halen after the game, regardless of winner and booze!

[@brentramsey]

As you know they played this over and over, but for one magical night they blew it out in Oakland. What a treat for those who witnessed this. I so wish I could have been there.

[@petersvox9762]

The first time I saw this was in 1982, we just got MTV. Before that I only had their albums and posters and my imagination of what they were like live. The day finally came....Unchained...I was 12. .I went from a fan to being obsessed. They made me feel truly alive like nothing ever did before in my life. I started then to take my singing more seriously and practiced singing to their albums EVERY DAY after school. By age 19 I was playing gigs. By age 20 we were scouted by managers and agents. Although we never got signed, I was a busy musician for 30 years. I got to be Dave; in shape, shirt off, feeling tribal every night we played. Thank you Alex, Michael. David and dear Eddie; you guys saved my life!!! I'll love you guys forever.

[@jayalexander7657]

This period of time was Dave's highest level of vocal abilities and a big part of what makes Dave by far the greatest frontman to ever live!!!

[@richcarpenter824]

FW was their best tour and there is less video footage of it than almost any other. BTW they opened with On Fire on this tour, so this isn't the full show.

[@Adept179]

@@richcarpenter824it’s their best album too

[@BPoweredLove]

True, but not only "vocal abilities", my friend. Being a frontman of a MONSTER band goes WELL beyond simple vocal abilities. There were MANY singers better than Dave, but none of them, not one singular one of them could have brought VH to the places they got to from the late 1970s into the mid 1980s. Prove me wrong. LOL! 🙂

[@richardkeller4193]

He's not even in the Top 10.

[@krusher70]

The simple fact that there is not a single person holding a camera phone is what makes this footage priceless. You kids missed out on all the great shows in the 80s. RIP EVH

[@ltjjenkins]

And the dark audience not a light on them most of show. Great minimal use of stage light. Just a great look and feel. Rip to that time so much is lost.

[@Pyruh360]

hey man i didnt choose to miss out! so what if i was born in 07! id have killed to have paid nearly 4 bucks to go see some van halen! love eddie with all my heart man!

[@fatalcoolfatalcool]

@@Pyruh360 right on! Keep on rocking!!!

[@CP-kb1du]

Considering it was June 12 1981 .. May 12 1981 when they kicked off the tour in Halifax NS Canada some took pics .... 1st time they played these songs live

[@brettmasonmedia]

This notion that kids can’t enjoy a concert while holding a phone up and recording is the most old fart bullshit ever. And I’m old. Stop saying ridiculous shit.

[@SN-nh6pq]

EXTREMELY LUCKY to have had this in my youth. These kids today don’t have any clue of what this experience was like

[@TheGuitaristFrom1984]

Everyone my age (mid 20's) just wants to go see someone play a laptop. Man, I was born in the wrong decade! I have and will always be an 80's rock n' roller! \m/ \m/

[@abigailpeace4829]

Believe me, some of us kids today wish we had this :(

[@michaelwoods9005]

@@TheGuitaristFrom1984 "le wrong generation" alert..

[@eastwestguitar5561]

You got that right. Thankful I was in high school when VH debuted. Their concerts could never be topped.

[@usermegutan644]

Esta perron

[@Stuff7164]

There will never be another live act like this again. The planets just aligned perfectly for them.

[@showmegod5376]

So Good.

[@billsmith9966]

i saw Diver Down tour at 12 y.o..... Fucking Magical it was!

[@billsmith9966]

great comment by Hi

[@virginiapicker]

This is the result of them playing live, and often, together for 7 years prior, and you can see it paid off. They put in the time and paid their dues, and were on top of their game.

[@brentramsey]

Absolutely! You nailed it!

[@Mr25thfret]

This was the greatest pure Rock n Roll band to ever hit the scene. These FOUR. They made history and there'll never be another group like them.

[@USCFlash]

lol, they were awesome and i was a big fan of their pre 1984stuff...but sorry Led Zeppelin was the greatest band to ever hit the scene and it' not even close.

[@AngelofAnguish]

@@USCFlash Don't forget the original Kiss and '70s Alice Cooper! Both of them brought SHOWMANSHIP and the SPECTACLE to rock/metal!

[@USCFlash]

@@AngelofAnguish no clue what you are talking about and it has nothing to do with my comment about led zeppelin being the greatest band ever.

[@gtdcoder]

@@USCFlash Zep was an artsy, folksy, blues proto-metal band. VH is a true, pure rock-n-roll band. Their music is the very epitome of what rock is all about. They were actually better live than they were in the studio. Zep was nothing without the studio. They couldn’t hold a candle to VH on stage. Imagine Zep trying to play even a single VH song? VH could play the entire Zep catalog without breaking a sweat. VH were all great musicians who could play like virtuosos while singing like angels. The only one in Zep who could sing was Plant. Zep could write more iconic, legendary songs though. That’s it.

[@USCFlash]

@@gtdcoder lol 1. Led Zeppelin was hard rock. They had a variety of styles, that we wrer equally proficient in from acoustic folk, blues etc something which Van HAlen did not have. 2. There is nothing "true" or "pure" about VH. "Jump" wasn't pure rock, neither was I'll Wait. Neither was ICe Cream MAn, or Big Bad Willie, or Dancing in the Streets, or any of a number of other tunes. 3.vVH was not hte "epitome" of what rock is all about. That is laughable....like somehow they were ABOVE Zeppelin in what "rock is all about". 3. Couldn't hold a candle to VH on stage? that is funny. Zep used to play for three - three and half hours and did so with variety. by 1984, VH was off i under 2 hours. ASide from Roth's acrobatics, there is virtually nothing VH did onstage that differentiated them as being better than Zeppelin live. Sure Eddie could do 20 minutes of Eruption....big deal. Page could play his theramin and do his laser and bow stuff. What else was there? Mike Anthony jumping up and down on his bass guitar and rolling around with it? ooooo. AL lighting a gong on fire.....gee where'dthey get that idea. 4. "Zep was nothing without the studio." Lol. Go and listen to their first tours. 5. "Imagine Zep trying to play even a single VH song?" Yeah geee Zep could have never played "You really got me" or "Dance the Night Away" or "Jamie's Cryin" 6. "VH could play the entire Zep catalog without breaking a sweat." Yeah except they couldn't do it well. 7. "VH were all great musicians who could play like virtuosos while singing like angels. " lol. A. John PAul Jones is a far superior bassist to Mike Anthony, who never even wrote songs for VH. Anthony was by no means a "virtuoso". B. John Bonham was the quintessential rock drummer. So much so, Alex Van HAlen used to go to zep shows to study Bonham's drum setup. C. David Lee Roth was not a great musician. He had no ability to write songs, only lyrics. Plant was a superior lyricist to DLR and a superior singer. D. Eddie Van Halen is far more technically gifted than PAge. PAge, howefver wrote the far better and more memorable songs and riffs. E. Sing like angels? Sure mike anthony had an excellent high range backup voice. Neither Ed or DLR could "sing like angels". 8. "The only one in Zep who could sing was Plant." So? he was the lead singer. The only one in VH who could sing was the backup singer/bassist. The reason Ed stopped singing back in teh mid 70s was that he was not good at it and they needed a real singer. 9. "Zep could write more iconic, legendary songs though. That’s it." lol. That's it? -Better, more iconic legendary songs - better overall catalogue/body of work - far more influential, - far more pioneering - much bigger worldwide fame and historical recognition - mammoth album sales far exceeding VH. - pioneered touring, maximizing the $$$ that musicians would make, ending the era of bands getting ripped off by everyone on the road. Maybe put down the crackpipe friend. I love early VH....but they will never be near Zeppelin.

[@michaelschaffran3948]

I was at this show. My first concert ever. I was 16. Eddie was unspeakably the best Guitarist I ever heard, or saw. EVER. God Blessed Him. Hope I see you in Heaven Edward.

[@mr.g1758]

Randy Rhoads was just as good in terms of technique. Regardless of what you think of Osborne.

[@michaelschaffran3948]

@@mr.g1758 Well, I saw both Eddie and Randy. They were both very good, but much different. I love Eddie’s sound. Part of that is Fender, but not much. He makes everything he used. I saw Edward 7 times. Never saw a guy like him live. Anyway. God bless you. You have great taste! Enjoy your summer!

[@mr.g1758]

@Mikel>> like your avatar. Hoping Ed and Randy are with "your avatar." Despite the R&R lifestyle, THAT'S where their talent came from.

[@michaelschaffran3948]

@@mr.g1758 Amen✝️ You can say Jesus🙂🩸🙏🏻❤️. Well said! You be well!

[@Inka_player]

Hi how are you, could you confirm if the show had more songs and why only so few were recorded, thanks for the help.

[@AchillesWrath1]

That opening riff to Unchained. One of the best ever.

[@nordvegfigg7746]

That performance of Unchained is one of the great moments in Rock n Roll.

[@craigbusick9676]

I couldnt agree more.I remember seing that clip on MTV and then couldnt wait to see it again. I still cant believe that I never saw them live back in the.m day👍✊

[@surpk1]

And even with the mistake it still sounds perfect.

[@DesertScorpionKSA]

@@surpk1 I noticed that too. Eddie went into the verse too soon but recovered well enough.

[@joda8349]

Actually, "So This Is Love" stole the show. Dave nailed it. Eddie's solo was best of night. His voice was going in "Unchained" and their timing was not quite perfect. BTW Saw enough of Dave crapping in shows with shot voice. This was one of his best performances, at least, that I've seen.

[@seanstrider2185]

@@joda8349 "Unchained" was the encore on the 1981 tour while "So This Is Love?" was played early in the set. That is why Dave's voice is fine during "So This Is Love" and ragged during "Unchained".

[@deadguy29]

The energy and musicianship of the young Van Halen was unmatchable

[@tomcral5346]

Yes real deal van halen ed is the spiritual

[@laurielacomb2765]

Deadguy29. You know you said the magic word. YOUNG. We can look back on just about any band and see the breakdown or change as it aged. So few groups have survived the fame and what comes with it. I graduated in 1976 and knew who VH were by just living here in Southern California. The times have changed so drastically that to be musicians isn’t what the young do any longer. Not like before.

[@mikebealsrocks]

Yeah --- ALL they want to be is rap and hip-hoppers. SAD REALLY. Music is -- SHIT -- right now.

I like them too, but really? Prime Guns n Roses were what i consider unmatchable. Led Zep too. Van Halen, are great as they were, are in a the class just below.

[@laurielacomb2765]

Personal Email I think it’s just a matter of who you liked the most. They all rocked. I saw Zep, VH, ......... thank god for utube

[@robertkise]

I've watched this all so many times and it never ever gets old. I hope someday we can see the rest of this show.

[@nellawell4976]

Bro, I use to own this show on 2 CD's called "Live Without A Net" (Audio & Video) and It's Amazing. You can find it here on youtube.

[@giuseppetrinci2859]

@@nellawell4976 Umm, no lol

[@MrDuds1984]

This is all that was taped this is what Wolf was told to him by Ed

[@Iknowthelaw13]

@@nellawell4976 that’s Van Hagar, (not at all the same band, newsflash). This is Van Halen.

[@michaelt3308]

@@nellawell4976 Nope that was New Haven,CT and with Sammy

[@greatexpectations2307]

Look how hard Alex plays the drums, an underrated drummer.

[@wanton1234]

best drummer ever

[@bassicly4250]

This was the show to have seen. Totally in their prime. Nobody could top this.

[@Buddycoop1]

Nah, Sammy in VH doing Right Now live is better. I'm kidding.

[@goring19]

Couldn't agree more. VH was in their prime and I saw 2 shows on this tour woohoo!

[@michaelhamann5000]

I was there. One of the lucky ones. I still have the ticket stub. Section 205. Row H. $9. Amazing. Video sounds just like it did 40+ years ago.

[@damionberv5074]

Over the years there have been many imitators, and even a few incarnations, but to my eyes and ears, there can be only one Mighty Van Halen and this is it. Unquestionably.

[@fearsomename4517]

No band beat the attitude and swagger of Van Halen. I love when Edward is looking towards Dave...he's gonna do it. Dave leaps off the drum riser and proceeds to sing the best hard rock anthem since forever. Unchained. Missing Edward Van Halen, but his music will last forever.

[@MagnumMuscle1000]

Dave was a phenomenal performer. Those backing vocals are killer! Alex was a monster player in those days. Wow. The whole band was truly mighty.

[@BruceStephan]

Sam's still jealous ex-wife#2 . He won't shut up about Dave . The band always did a better show with Dave .

[@GTUF]

The best EVER. Van Halen with DLR is the best of all time

[@carlosfilho6148]

Totally agree with you!!

[@Kurac12]

100% True. DAVE was much better than SAMMY with VH

[@nunyabusiness6691]

Glad to see there are still sane people out there

[@richardkeller4193]

@@Kurac12 Sammy didn't get drunk and forget all of the lyrics. Maybe YOU like that mess........

[@sandiebabie1111]

I was there!!!!! Best concert ever...Van Halen played 2 hours on stage.... No opening band.....Just pure Van Halen...The energy at the show was totally ELECTRIC.....⚡️⚡️⚡️

[@pipeman3088]

sandiebabie1111 I saw them on the balance tour even tho with Sammy it was the best show I’ve ever been to just wish I was still with the person I went with o well that’s life no regrets tho!

[@mickflaire]

Actually there was an opening act that night. They were called The Fools, and I felt really sorry for them because I knew they were pretty much the sacrificial lambs until Van Halen went on. The reason I know this? I was working security for Bill Graham Presents as a Bluecoat in the pit front of stage. After this show I got sent over to Longshoreman Hall in San Francisco to work Wendy O. Williams and the Plasmatics midnight show. This was graduation night in the San Francisco Bay Area, a hot summer Friday night in June.

[@skidad63]

I was at this show... had just graduated from high school.

[@mickflaire]

@@skidad63 So 39 years laterr at the age of 57 years old now do you still dig rock and roll and Van Halen as much now as you did back then?

[@skidad63]

Mick Flaire as I age I have learned to appreciate all kinds of music... I still like Van Halen, but have broadened my horizons. Not a big fan of Rap.

[@SteveOuimette]

I was at this show. Remember it clear as yesterday since it was my 3rd concert. First, KISS Dynasty in '79 at the Cow Palace, then VH for the WACF tour in 1980 (Invasion). Then THIS! Un-freaking real.

[@ExcitedAnacondaSnake-hg8ec]

Is this video the genuine concert or do you think there was overdubs

[@SteveOuimette]

@@ExcitedAnacondaSnake-hg8ec Sounds like I remember it, I don't think there were overdubs.

[@BruceStephan]

​@@ExcitedAnacondaSnake-hg8ec? Nothing to overdub . It's all live .

[@michaelhamann5000]

I was there too.I still have the ticket stub. Section 205. Row H. $9. Amazing. Video sounds just like it did 40+ years ago.

[@SteveOuimette]

@@michaelhamann5000 wow, still have the ticket stub. Amazing. That show changed so much for me musically. Was it $9???!!!

[@mikedreucci4236]

Michael Anthony is not replaceable as a member of Van Halen.

[@RSTI191]

Michael Anthony is not replaceable..period

[@3313-c2j]

Yup,

[@joshfierro5695]

Actually, he is imminently replaceable, hence why he was replaced.

[@RSTI191]

Replaced by Pugsley.. Not quite the same...

[@johnmarshall3903]

100 % right. These 3 are some of the best live performances of the origional band period.

[@seansmithson2210]

I was at this show when I was a 14 year old kid, living near the Coliseum (which was a super rough area at the time, still is). STILL one of the single greatest shows I've seen, and I've seen some shit both in arenas and clubs growing up in the bay. This still stands out after all these years.

[@coldwinter5710]

Lucky you! Thx for sharing 🎶

[@iancarroll1246]

That is so awesome!

[@doublejake.4846]

This is so beautiful, at onetime nobody and I mean nobody could touch the mighty Van Halen!!!! Been a fan since 1982.

[@daniellee3634]

82?!

[@greatexpectations2307]

Confucius say 14 minutes of prime Van Halen cure all ailments.

[@cbmerritt]

They were the most popular Rock Band of that era and it’s still fun to look back and watch a old show. Timeless.

[@benscozzaro311]

Saw them on that ‘80-81 tour for Fair Warning at the Hollywood Sportatorium!!!! Greatest concert band in history!! Tickets were $8!!!!! Those were the good old days of real rock and roll!!!

[@cindyimhoff2359]

That's what I paid too that tour!8 bucks,now you can barley get a beer at a concert for 8$!Crazy!

[@mickeylynch8982]

Holy Sheet, the Sportatorium was just a dump. Acoustics were awful, smelled like a urinal, traffic was brutal trying to get in on a Fri night. Only venue to see our beloved bands. Damn I miss that place!

[@edwardmvh10]

Ahh, the Sporto, middle of no where then,now developed all the way to US27. What memories!!, saw VH "79-84, ears still ring watching this.

[@richardkey4289]

Ha ha, my 1 St concert was VH & ' Rail' , women & children first tour , I wish I had kept my ticket, I'll guess it was about $10. Still have a stub for Pat Travers, Scorpions, & Ted Nugent, $8.50 advance, $10/ day of show, that show was LOUD

[@coldroses5337]

This is my favorite VH album. Saw this tour as a kid just picking up the guitar. Darkest album but the TONE was hypnotic and still is. Yeah...sigh...those were the days. Cheers🍷

[@Mad_Axe_Man125]

I agree. musically this is their best album..to me its the aggressive moody tone and daves weird lyrics. you could definetely tell there was tension in the band..

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

Wow! What a awesome stage show.

[@BaseFury]

From their MOST underrated album, Fair Warning. I wear it out even to this day.

[@richmac4719]

These 3 videos were the Holy Grail of early MTV. I would sit in front of the TV for an hour if they even mentioned the possibility of a VH video being played. Of course, they always played it at the end of the hour, but I could never take the chance if they didn't. So I sat there... waiting for it to come on. And when it did, it was like the sky exploded into an absolute Rock 'N Roll Heaven that just bathed the Earth in a sound found deep within our souls. Or... I jumped so high I hit my head on the ceiling and passed out... and that's what it felt like. Today, Chuck Berry passed away (actually it's 4am so it was yesterday). My thanks to him and all like him who led up to what this band has given us over the years. Without them, VH would have never been possible. The fact that they are, the fact that they have made me love music so much, is a testament to the entire concept of Rock 'N Roll to which Mr. Berry contributed so much. I love Rock 'N Roll. And I love The Mighty Van Halen. Thanks to Chuck Berry and all who paved the way.

[@charlesconha2530]

Rich Mac same here..I would wait hours

[@stevenpivornik4921]

Rich Mac I'm the same way with the radio. Everytime I hear one of their tunes come on, that thing gets CRANKED!!! :D

[@edwardwaldron7813]

Rich Mac he’ll yeah me too I’d wait all day to see one these VH videos. Now that my pick up truck has blue tooth I play the videos from my phone sounds even better

[@westvirginiagroyper485]

You took me back to your childhood sir

[@leviathanesque]

ik this is two years old but it's so sweet and heartfelt

[@philipreedwallace]

I could never get tired of this

[@alexanderpatrick4866]

+Philip Reed Wallace I concur Mr. Wallace

[@r8ersfan]

+Alexander Patrick I concur Mr.Patrick.Been to many shows,seen many bands,even The Stones,seems to me no one in that era put on a better show!Even when it was a lil sloppy, we couldn't tell!

[@alexanderpatrick4866]

no doubt

[@LegettHall]

I am a huge fan of the Roth period. Arguably, there is no finer debut hard rock album. I saw them in Dallas in July 1978 and they played hard. Not too many years after that they decided to tell stupid stories during a song. Show up at their own concert drunk. What happened to a band with so much talent-I’ll never understand them.

[@Chris-is1rd]

Right? And I have been watching it since it originally came on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert decades ago

[@bogdanbernert9030]

This was 40 years ago to the very day. I was there.

[@MarkCuevas-w4y]

Me too ! It was great

[@Johnny-oy9fh]

I was 15 when van Halen came out in 78. Changed my whole life musically. Suddenly I had to totally rethink how I played guitar. Had to get a strat, rip it apart and stick a humbucker in the bridge position. I'm 57 now. Ed is still a huge...

[@yourbeardispatchyaf]

We have lost our hero but his music lives on FOREVER! Thank you Mr. Edward Van Halen for allowing me to be a part of your musical journey. We will fuckin miss you Eddie

[@robertthomas5736]

Always Free on KZbin, The Best of Van Halen

[@sam-sy8jy]

roths vocals & presentation is flawless here,, clearly,, he drove this band,, i knew he was grateful 4 anthonys backin vocals

[@heartfanjim01]

If you think his vocals are flawless here then you are tone deaf. He sounds pretty shitty to me. Off key and nowhere near as good as the studio version. Of coursenin the studio he was able to sing parts over and over until it was acceptable.

[@tonypowell250]

Best front man ever!

[@tonypowell250]

@@heartfanjim01 You silly bitch...this is live and raw. Big difference!

[@heartfanjim01]

@@tonypowell250 that is no excuse dipstick. You don't expect them to be perfect but Roth really sucked live. He wasn't even close. I have never seen a band with a singer that sucked that bad live. So have had voices I didn't care for but they hit the notes and were on key for the most part. Roth is totally off on both live.

[@fortheluva1248]

@@heartfanjim01 you really just don't get the Van Halen of 1981 then. And that's great. You're probably a musician and a huge Rush fan. That's fine too. Van Halen were just as much about the spirit of Rock & roll as the musicianship. Roth out on a show, and controlled the crowd. I've never been to a concert where the crowd was that excited and loud the entire show as VH. You just don't get it. Not an insult; just an observation. I know, you love Eddie, just not Dave

[@jayboz034]

ALLLL THAT TALENT, in ONE band. It's almost not right. Unstoppable.

[@angelozararis8096]

Alex van halen. You one bad mf.

[@rafasounds2010]

Diamond Dave was really the perfect guy for the job.

[@chriscircelli8821]

Absolutely !!! He can sing on a good night. Sammy is just a watered down early version of 90's over bearing vocals,Nickelback etc...no soul or swagger. Dave also gave the band balls.

[@sz5876]

Sammy was the worst, his song writing is garbage

[@tonypowell250]

Hagar has the charisma of a shit stained condom. DLR is the real deal!

[@akimmbo]

I think Dave was the only guy for the job. I still don't listen to any of the Hammy Sager songs. Dave's voice was a monster. Anymore not so much but he's an old man. As I said Dave used to sing the s*** out of a song. Hammy screamed every song. Very irritating voice in my opinion

[@akimmbo]

@uly roth could be, but it didn't go that way did it. ? so it's all conjecture. Dave Ruled...it was fun fun fun...and when you heard THAT voice, sorry dude that WAS VAN HALEN. It really feels 'icky', when anyone mentions Hammy's name in the same paragraph with DLR. ugh. ;-)

[@toneloc223]

This is Van Halen at their absolute prime and best and they were fucking good

[@BurnoutJonathan02]

Van Halen at the height of their powers. What a concert!

[@bruteforce1228]

Van Halen at there best!! Wish i could go back & see this live.

[@claussteiner5857]

I saw them live. Totally bad ass

[@bruteforce1228]

@@claussteiner5857 I can only imagine.

[@claussteiner5857]

​@@bruteforce1228 Porto Alegre, Brazil, 1983 Diver Down South America Tour

[@LedZep14]

I’m so glad I grew up during this golden era of classic rock. Eddie Van Halen was one of the greatest rock guitarist of all time in my opinion. Rest in peace King Edward Van Halen.

[@jimmyjames7946]

Agree! King Edward. There will never be another like him.. true genius

[@claytoncarey2730]

It's not your opinion, it's a fact, except Eddie is THE greatest rock guitarist of all time!

[@ritarollins6664]

@@claytoncarey2730 agreed. 100%

[@rafro007]

Fair Warning for me was Van Halen's best studio album. Man, how I wish I could've seen this tour. They are at the top of their game here.

[@innnews6299]

No band has ever come close to match Van Halen live! Pure raw talent, showmanship, and boundless energy. Just epic and legendary.

[@JimA-pp2nu]

you are clueless

[@innnews6299]

Jim A Go f... yourself.

[@ghostwolf1435]

This was the pinnacle of the ultimate party arena rock band that actually kicked ass Van Halen Van Hagar was just completely different

[@Olubumni]

Damn, Dave’s voice was on point with this show. Van Halen was my shit! Michael Anthony, Eddie, Alex... badasses! I miss the ‘80s

[@derekatkinson4674]

Someone asked me the question if you were to be born again who would you be…without hesitation I said David Lee Roth… I’m dead serious!

[@teleguy5699]

You're right. Before the screaming and coke took hold.

[@Olubumni]

@@teleguy5699 😂😂😂You win!

[@theodosios2615]

Anytime someone tells me Dave sung terrible live, I just send them this video. Best frontman ever.

[@saintdamien8290]

His vocals are not what he was singing that night. Overdubbed or whatever, but that's not how he sounded that night live.

[@dcpatters0]

I remember when “So this is love” and “Unchained” were music videos on MTV. Also, remember during the 70’s, Eddies tone and pioneering technique were nothing short of revolutionary. A legend and guitar god right here.

[@elchompo6114]

Not just the 70s though, Eddie pretty much changed musical landscape forever on van halen 1 with the way he played. Few bands have had such an impact like these and eddie will always be one of if not the best

[@rstevie48]

I remember when MTV came on

[@crimsonskies1445]

One of my favorite VH albums that never gets enough credit in my opinion is "Women and Children First".

[@jerryvivanco4898]

"Romeo Delight"!!!!!!!!

[@Kurac12]

Could Not Agree More

[@daniellee3634]

Take your Whiskey Home!!

[@michaelhardin4218]

Im 52yrsold i was 11yrs old when i saw this vid on MTV(1981) my GOD that guitar solo(Different from album) is the best solo by far. Eddie f it up with the others. Oh, Oakland is my hometown.

[@dawnzook4957]

God bless Van Halen. So much talent. I lived it and wish I was still back in the 80s when rock and VH ruled!!!

[@diezeldiamond1041]

I lived it too and wish I could go back

[@jeffdavis5122]

Dawn Zook me too miss it bad best time of my life seen them 15 times live never did I see any other band rock like them never greatest show on the planet👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@rockkstah2550]

In 1983 going into 10th grade is when I heard about these guys. This is the Van Halen that I grew up listening to and dig.. I can never get tired of the first 5 albums period man! after that, I don't know what ta heck happen to them... great memories from back in the day..

[@thriftdig]

Michael Anthony killing it. Then he hits those high notes! Good Gawd

[@MedardKrzisnik]

Van Halen when they were the best! They are young, full of energy, ambitious, and still a band of brothers with their shared goal to play the best as possible to the audience.

[@Rover7577]

The 'magic' of MA's voice with EVH's, along with DLR's lead is the perfect VH vocal unit.

[@flashy5150]

Hard Rock Master Roth's voice was at it's peak in 1981.

[@flashy5150]

Hard Rock Master The whole band was at it's best in 1981 -- I saw them and they were very memorable. Dave was a "killer" front man at that time. So everybody that sees Dave now, and talks shit about him, he has already done it and been there. Dave was about 25-26 when these Oakland '81 videos were made, he is now into his 61st year -- Now it's time for us - the true VH fans to " Give Dave a break" and respect what he and the rest of the band has done over the 40 years that they've been around. I would truly give Dave, Alex, Eddie, Micheal,Wolfe and Sammy a big hug for making me love music and making me feel positive during difficult times. God bless them and I hope they out-live me.

[@jklewisjkldev]

+Hard Rock Master Agree with all 3 comments.

[@alexanderpatrick4866]

+jklewisjkldev I CONCUR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@derekmtheriault]

Who can touch his voice in that era?

[@lyndellhall3457]

David Lee Roth was the EPITOME of a Rock Star!!!!!!

[@melissababin7654]

T00kthemoffidontliledavidleeroth

[@voodoochild1975az]

Easily one of the greatest front men in the history of the sport.

[@davidpearlactorteacherbizman]

The vocals the background vocals the stage show the guitar bass and drums--wow

[@bluesatsunrise8812]

I was at this concert in the last row up top. 16 years old and broke but I was happy as heck to have the seats we did. This video is awesome and reminds me of being there. Bringing back a lot of great memories. RIP Eddie, you were one of the greatest ever!

[@RichBuddy]

07:00 best guitar solo ever. I've never forgotten this solo all my life.

[@cappy781]

This is the era of ed testing the new locking bridge floyd rose invented. You can see the locking nut on the circles guitar. Two years later floyd rose bridge became the standard locking trems on kramer. Im a dork but this is important guitar history

[@bruceniblett959]

Actually Eddie got pissed at Floyd. Eddie was the one who told him to put fine tuners on the bridge and he went and patented it

[@surpk1]

From 1983, until now that is all I use and have. Floyd Rose("dance with the girl that brought me").

[@billsmith9966]

@Bob Sebring rememberthe kahlers?? the great early 80s temolo wars... steve lynch of autograph used kahler, eddie used floyd....

[@mojopin70]

Yes I noticed the locking nut, he really was ahead of his time...

[@acegibson9533]

The first trem that Eddie used was the Rockinger trem system. From what I was told, the people at Rockinger weren't the easiest people to work with and actually suggested Eddie should change his playing style to accommodate the trem. That did NOT go over very well. Floyd was actually the second choice, but Floyd was willing to take input from Eddie and that's why the Floyd became standard equipment at Kramer.

[@とくめいくんさん]

若い頃、ベストヒットUSAというバングでこのライブを初めて観ました。 当時、来日がなかったので非常に 残念だったのを覚えてます。 最高のバンドでした。 また、エディの書く曲が とても ユニークで他の誰とも似てなくまた 誰も書けないようなものでした。 個性、、それが全てですよね。 持って生まれた才能と感性です。

[@kenvschneider]

37 years ago. Damn. Haven't seen anything better since then

[@diezeldiamond1041]

And we never will ! The era of big party rock unfortunately is long gone !

[@ccccnash]

@@diezeldiamond1041 Yes. What happened?

[@tonykaye4620]

Those guys from cali.man they kicked ass.....

[@Cream_CurdlR]

@@ccccnash nothing happened. it is just been done. like elvis or any other . once is is done its done.

[@tonymarinelli7304]

That’s my biggest complaint

[@flashy5150]

I always get a chill down my spine when Dave says "a little drums and bass guitar for our friends out there, I say" - then you hear Ed noodling on his guitar -- fuckin' awesome !!!

[@dan11jrs]

flashy5150 every time I hear this " I got myself a brand new Oakland scarf right here" get chills 👍👍

[@flashy5150]

I totally hear ya !!! In 1981, VH was at the top of their game and Dave always knew the things to say that would get the crowd going nuts.

[@rob3399905]

I loved your playing since I was 6 years. Now I am 46 years old and seen Van Halen in concert many time and had all your albums. You were my guitar hero and to this day the best live band that I've ever heard. RIP Edward Van Halen, you changed my life tremendously thanks to your music.

[@rb9581]

Please release the entire concert! This is the greatest show ever recorded at that time! Man, the memories…

[@GregFoster-f6o]

Van Halen is the best rock band in this world 🌎

[@ThePurpleFriday]

@Fred.Carpenterand arguably those who disagree have no clue what they are talking about. Lol.

[@ThePurpleFriday]

@Fred.Carpenter wait what the hell are you talking about?? I’m saying those that disagree with Van Halen being the greatest band are totally lost. Eddie is to me the most influential guitarist of my lifetime. Not sure why you are calling me a hater. I think you are misunderstood.

[@garymckee6200]

Everyone knows how great Eddie is but can we also say how awesome Alex was on drums and Michael Anthony on bass, especially his backing vocals! That dude was vital to the true Van Halen sound!

[@daviddiamond1128]

RIP Eddie.... this was an MTV staple for years. I will never forget MSG 1981.. Fair Warning Tour..

[@pontiacjeff]

Fair Warning tour was my first rock concert, August 1981 at The Omni in Atlanta. I was 13yo. VH set the bar on the moon for every band/concert that came after!

[@lylewing7234]

what a kick ass group!!! I grew up in the right time!!!! yahhhhzaaaa

[@cindyimhoff2359]

Lyle Wing You sure did!!We were LUCKY!!😉

[@kimsweesy7508]

Just regret never seeing them:(

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

only in 2020 we realize how special it all was.

[@HOWYOUDOIN884]

Eddie's music is like hot cocoa for the soul. He could balance happy and sad in a way that will probably never happen again. There won't be another Eddie. Every famous guitar player is coming out expressing how great he was.

[@BarryAllen-hm1op]

I was at this concert . Took my parents. They loved it I was 18

[@BobSebring]

Amazing to think that very next month on the fourth of July, Bill Graham had his Day in the Green concert right there at the Oakland coliseum. I was able to secure a back stage pass and git to hang out with Randy Rhoads from the Blizzard of Oz. and others. Heart was the headliner that day. An incredible time back than. Thanks for this.

[@SVT1969]

Man do I miss Michael Anthony's voice. What a sound. You really can't beat VH in their prime. Only these 4 guys can make this sound.

[@jamesholmberg3158]

Lucky Sammy Hagar retained him after leaving HV...AND picks up Jason Bonham for a drummer!

[@duncansutherland47]

SVT1969 ....the best back up singer in rock n roll!

[@flafferty61]

These guys brought California to the rest of the world... my first big trip was to L.A., they were the reason I wanted to go! It was everything I expected and more!

[@vh8765]

James Holmberg, Look up Highway Star by Chicken Foot. Michael Anthony at is absolute finest. Probably the best rock ‘n’ roll bassist ever. Dude definitely gets better with age.

[@scottmacleod9830]

The band is the band! To me like a pact!! Money goes to the head and then your forgetting about the friendship and the dream and you drop your bass player. Shame on you Eddy

[@juanvallejo8826]

RIP Eddie. Thank you for sharing your talent with all of us. It will remain forever.

[@markcontento7588]

I love how David introduced "so this is love " as new material. I can only Imagine seeing that live at the time! Full throttle!!

[@Brandonchavaria5150]

Their is a little bit if Vanhalen in all of us and man o man does it feel fucking good.

[@kurtnoble5306]

Best Backup vocals always. You almost take for granted how good their backup vocals will always be. Then they come in on the chorus and sound like pro singers...amazing.

[@rockbass74]

Kurt Noble always loved the straight forward evh/Michael Anthony vocals

[@dynjarren7523]

That’s Michael Anthony who is sadly missed. I have nothing against Eddies son Wolfgang but he can’t sing backup like Anthony. Nobody can!

[@billyg5803]

Concerts will never be this awesome again

[@BPoweredLove]

I'm 53. I have no idea how many times I've seen clips of this show. And here I am commenting in 2024 and MY GOD I cannot tell you how amazing this is. These boys were otherworldly, each of them.

[@rb9581]

Right there with you! Hard to explain the impact this band had on us, but we knew greatness when we saw it and man was it great! Soundtrack of our youth!! Good stuff!

[@marccharbonneau1967]

57....hear ya....it's alotlol

[@hartfordave75]

Same here! I’m 61, watch these three vids frequently. Wish the whole show existed!!!

[@bluestreetcar]

I will never forget the 1980 tour in Jacksonville Colosseum. I was 16 years old. No one could hold a candle to David Lee Roth.

[@rb9581]

1980 Invasion brother!! Yep, I was also 16 and saw them in May! Still the best concert I ever saw! Ed was on top of the speakers playing and pointed right at me!! Miss ya Ed 😢

[@guyinpajamapants6892]

Unchained is by far the best anthem!!!! Still gets you pumped up after all these years!

[@jerseysucks6158]

Live version is better than studio!

[@rosbifle413]

Eddie went a bit josephina on the solo though. Shame.

[@KeyofDavid5778]

So clean and clear on the vocals and Eddie's guitar which he's never made a mistake!

[@rm1042]

It created hair metal

[@evankeal]

One of the heaviest songs I have ever heard. Everyone mentions Mikes vocals, but Eddie is even better to me and just as important and almost always is singing when Mike is singing.

[@sethseiden5736]

That's how you own a stage. DLR was the man!

[@cardio0007]

I was lucky enough to see them in Cleveland in 81,82, and 84. They were to us what Elvis must have been to another generation. The planet had never seen concerts sell out that fast. In December of 1981, my brother and I were in line for 3 days (2 nights) in 20 degree weather for the "hide your sheep" tour and still only were about at half-court looking right at 12 rows up. 40 yrs later we will still have a drink and have the laugh about it. I love stories of true fans waiting in line for days to earn an experience. Surrounded by equally rabid fans during the concert and not by quick thumbed rich kids with a cell phone app.

[@showmegod5376]

Hell Yeah man. I grew up in Ohio. I know that 20-degree weather. Long Live the 80s!!!!

[@Scorpio1060-]

I was at this show, those were fun times. The first time I saw them at the coliseum in 78 they opened for Black Sabbath, both shows were great.

[@linnaenelson-seys4176]

RIP, Eddie! Very sad to hear of your passing this afternoon. I've loved Van Halen my entire life.

[@Steve.Cutler]

When I think of Van Halen, this 78-84 era is the best version to me. This IS Van Halen. I was 15 when this came out and that's the same year I started playing guitar. Eddie fueled a generation to ROCK!!!

[@jayalexander7657]

This tour was perhaps there very best ever, although ive seen VH 6 times this tour this show was incredible!!! They were all on fire!!! This is Dave at his.very best people. Yes, there was a time when Dave could actually sing really good. This tour was spot on fantastic!!! There never will be another band with this kind of energy and excitement!!! No band ever even comes!!! close!!!

[@tommyduncan4833]

Saw this tour in Biloxi. I still remember it like it was yesterday.

[@nickgodfrey1148]

Mike is having the time of his life up there. Great to see all the band on form and you can see how close they all are. I haven’t seen any band before or since that match the energy and power of VH in their prime. They were something else.....

[@dewaba1]

Saw them live in 1981 it was Awesome ! Couldn't hear a thing for days.

[@johnringoo756]

😆

[@ronnukowitz7576]

I saw them in the late 1970s and again in 1980 and I know I had a good time. Where have all the good times gone?

[@sommerwood2920]

Digital technology.They grew up with analog etc

[@danielcarpineto1475]

Nothing compares.

[@lgmnowkondo938]

Further proof that at this point in history....Van Halen ruled the world!!!

[@adamfox9245]

PRIEST ruled the world then..VAN HALEN had their moments..I was a big fan too...

[@american_warrior724]

Diver Down was their pinnacle imo

[@american_warrior724]

@@adamfox9245 At the time, it was VH, Priest, Rush, Journey

[@lgmnowkondo938]

@@american_warrior724 if you love VH...its impossible to love Rush...and vice versa. Rush has some good tunes...but they are more for people who get masters degrees in political science. Van Halen is every mans band...