Van Halen
Entertainment Centre
Sydney, AU
April 20, 1998

Photos by Vegemite Milkshake

Set List - Click Here!

Review by Chris Chuvan - macca1@fl.net.au

Hang on a minute...Let me catch my breath, I am still in a state of shock. I can't actually believe I've seen Eddie and the boys live!!! And I ain't about to forget this show!! Un-fuckin'-believable!!!

People had been telling me the shows were great and kicked ass. They got it wrong. It was TEN TIMES BETTER!! I don't know if the band put on a special show for us Sydney people because it was being filmed for MTV but it was for sure the best live concert I've seen in my life sor far!!!!

Gary is pure dynamite!!! I wasn't in the best spot to get the best sound mix so I had trouble hearing his words but what I heard sounded great anyway. My friends that weren't fans of the new album agreed that he sounds much better live. And the guy is so full of energy. "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout love" is gonna be one of the great moments of the video as he jumped off the stage and started running up and down the aisles on Eddie's side, even falling down the stairs in the process while singing the chorus!!!!!

Eddie....What can I say about Eddie? He had the crowd eating in the palm of his hand. The guy is GOD and I wasn't the only one finding myself on my knees in prayer during his solos. I even felt bad for the other guys because, between every song, the crowd would go "Eddie!!! Eddie!!! Eddie!!!" but they ended all having their turn in the spotlight.

Michael amazed me on "Somebody Get Me A Doctor" (which actually segued into "Feel Your Love Tonight" and got the whole crowd singing) with his presence and his voice and Alex is the first drummer that manages to keep me hanging for a drum solo. His solo was just a "tour de force".

Anyway, I had fun, I went nuts and I even went a bit overboard figuratively speaking and litterally speaking as well: my friends ended up catching me while I did a split on "jump" and throwing me down two rows forward as a joke!!! So, if you saw a weirdo on the balconee on the left side of the stage just making a fool of himself, that was me!!!!

woooooooooooooooow!!!!!!someone pinch me, was that a concert or what?

When god created eddie van halen he was showing off. the guy was unbelievable.

Its just been an hour since the show finished and i had to do this review to Let the world know that van halen is kicking arse still after 20 years ,and if anybody is sceptical,i have the cure for that scepticism = go to a current vh Concert!.

it is beyond anything i can say, yes it was that good!

When eddie took On frontman gary cherone he knew what he was doing. Cherone was absolutely great. The guy fitted in as though he was there from '78. This guy can sing!!!! He pulled off the roth and hagar material brilliantly, he actually sounded better than he did on the CD and I really mean that! How could a band sound that good live?

These guys are real professionals, they played with so much heart and soul.

Highlights of sydney show:

1. Alex's drum solo which showed why he is still the best Rock drummer in the world.
2. Mike singing "Somebody Get Me A Doctor"
3. Fire In The Hole (Eddie shooting Gary with opening solo notes)
4. Gary amongst the audience during "Aint Talkin' 'Bout Love"
5. Eddie's guitar solo (the guy still has the crown). I am totally lost for words, the guy was phenomenal.
6. Panama and Jump

A pleasure to watch and definitely worth the wait.

Thank you Van Halen!

This was Van Halen's first time in Sydney, and I don't think it will be their last (Eddie said they'd have to come back, lets hope they do).

The show went down really well, from the opening number "Unchained" to the last song "Jump".

Musically, the show was perfect, and I was very pleased to see so many older songs, from Van Halen 2, Women and Children First, and Fair Warning.

Michael Anthony was well received doing lead vocals on "Somebody Get Me A Doctor", in fact, if Gary ever leaves, maybe VH could become a three-piece, just joking. :)

The crowd response seemed to vary though, and "Year To The Day" didn't go down all that well, except for Eddie's solo which was stuck in the middle of the song. The crowd seemed to definitely prefer the older material.

Alex's solo was terrific, and included some keyboard samples which made it more musically interesting than most drum solo's. Gary was an absolute wildman, and I really worried about his safety when he jumped off the stage and onto a railing, almost missing it. He then went running up through the crowd, and seemed to fall down the stairs on his way back down. I couldn't tell if he was clowning about or if he really fell, but this guy is crazy!

He has some unusual dance moves too, but you'll all be able to see that for yourself when this show is aired on MTV.

If there was ever a good show to tape for MTV, this was it. This was a great show, and I feel honoured that Van Halen chose Australia and NZ to kick off their tour. Lets hope it's not another 20 years before we see them back.

Man what can I say...similar to the other reviews I've read in NZ etc.. But tonight was on film for MTV...It kicked! I've never seen the Sydney Ent Cent so freakin Alive!

I managed to sneak one or two pics: http://www.apic.net/~greggles/vh02ed.jpg You can see here Eddie bashing Gary up just before Gary jumped into the audience and ran around the first tier of the audience and then bounce rolled down 50-60 steps to land on the dance floor...These guys were so pumped tonight!

The set list was also similar to other concerts so far...my mate got Michael Anthonys Towel that he threw at the audience and we all had the best night of our life! Rock on Gary! You are the new King.....

The press were right at front and a bit of a pain in the arse.....and the rail cams were always in ya face when eddie or gary came within 5 feet...but hey! Sydney's on film so thats cool!

A rockin' concert from a rockin band! Havent heard a bad comment yet!

WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!! IF I DIED NOW IT'D BE ONE SHORT TRIP TO HEAVEN!!!!

I've waited my whole life for tonight, so had Sydney. The pre show atmosphere was amazing, the place just buzzed. Mexican waves were in full swing, it sure buried the Metallica concert a week or so before.

When the lights when down, the place went off! Van Halen roared through Unchained, Without You and Mean Street. But when Gary sang "When It's Love" and nailed it, he had Sydney in the palm of his hands.

Speaking of Gary, this boy has got a set of lungs on him, (although judging by some of the topless flashing he got from the girls thats not all they admire!) He just killed the DLR era stuff, "Dance the Night Away" and "Feel Your love Tonight" turned into a huge sing along medley.

The crowd went ballistic when he ran into the stands during "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" then threw himself down the stairs!!! STILL SINGING!

Eddie, hero to me and a million other guitarists and musos alike was truly unbelievable. He was just simling and jumping around the whole show. He played his guitar solo during "Year To The Day" before sitting right in front of me and finishing with "316"! Eddie said to me at the autograph signing the day before (meeting him was the highlight of my life) that he had to go back and relearn some of the older songs that Gary wanted to do! The 5000 watt smile on his face as he played them showed he was having a ball.

I can't list highlights as the whole show was one, Alex's drum Solo, "Dreams" and "Josephina", Eddie saying that "They'll be back Sydney as this is just too good".

I like to say a special thanks to MIKEY, he was just great. Everytime I pointed he pointed back or pulled a face. Then at the end of the show covered me in beer!!! I've still got the CUP!!!

Whatever you do, beg, borrow, sell a kidney, do whatever it takes to get a ticket.

Van Halen - Sydney Loves You. Come back soon.

Well what can i say but it was the greatest rock show on earth, they absolutley blew us away. We were in the 3rd row right in the middle of the dancefloor so we had great seats. When they started with Unchained i thought the roof was gonna blow off, totally amazing.

A superb setlist handled like a true master by Cherone,the guy just goes OFF.Ed looks so happy now and was just played everything so brilliantly from the old stuff to the new stuff. Mike went off totally,sang Somebody get me a Doctor,man somebody give Me a shot.

MTV were in my face with the camera several times cause I was going OFF like howling Wolf that hadn't been fed for 20 years.Als' solo was unreal,he's so cool.When Gary said everyone do what Mike is doing,Mike goes WOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHOOOOO as this happened Gary looked straight down at me crouching and pointing his finger straight at me,that for me was so so cool.

I didn't want the night to end.I also had the pleasure off talking to Gary just before he left and I asked him how Nuno is going ,Gary said he's good and spoke to him 2 days before the tour began ,told Nuno he was really nervous.I asked him if they are coming back he replied "OH yeah we'll be coming back"Gary signed my guitar world mag (apl 98 the king is back)and my sister's ticket.

I was also 2nd in line to meet them on sunday at sydney hmv,met the whole band and autographs, totally amazing,these guys are just beautiful people and Scotty too, my sister asked for his autograph and he got all embarrased.THANKYOU SO MUCH it was the concert of all concerts WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...

What can I say but Pure Magic. The boys absolutley rocked. Seeing them in Melbourne and Sydney, I could see them again and again. Anyone now who says Gary does not rate must just be just one eyed. He was brilliant.

All the old stuff was performed brilliantly - with his own special touches that made it even better. Alex is just an animal, and Eddie is a God. If you have not got a ticket and are a bit sceptical, just go out and beg, buy or steal (not that I condone that) one cause you don't want to miss the hottest band in the world.

Just hope Eddie wasn't lying when he said they would be back soon.

Very Loud & Very Good.

Good mix of current tracks with some nice older stuff. Eddie was on fire - never seen a guitar playing performance like it - including Satriani and Vai.

Gary's moves were awesome and his voice is so powerful. He is up to the standard of the previous singers.

Michael & Alex were top class and the hidden keyboards player was great too. Wish they had toured earlier, it was a spectacular show.

I went with very low expectations, as I didn't like the new album very much, and if the show sucked I wouldn't be disappointed. Wow, did I certainly get in the mood quickly! From the opening number Unchained (!!), to Somebody Get Me A Doctor, to When it's Love to all of the rest, the show was fantastic. Gary handled all of the songs superbly, doing fantastic renditions of *all* songs whether they were Dave, Sammy or Gary era. Eddie went off although I felt his playing was a little strained at times. Mike and Al, as usual, were as solid as ever. Gary had the security staff pulling their hair out with his crowd-entering and stair-falling routine.

In all, the guys looked like they were genuinely having fun, and were pleased to be there. It was well worth the 20 year wait. Gary may not have looked like a VH member and he may not have the same presence (read ego) as the previous singers, and I had doubts he would fit in with the rest of the guys, but boy can he sing. An inspired choice by the band, and a great concert. I would have liked to have the concert go on longer, as I'm sure did everyone else. They certainly would not have been stuck for material! I just hope the MTV special comes out OK.

Took my finger tapping demon 16 year old and slap bass playing 12 year old to the Sydney concert last night and from the opening note to the closing bow from the band it was sheer enjoyment for all of us.

I'd bought them the "Van Halen Live" video a few years ago just to give them a taste and parts of the concert (especially Eddie's solo) were right on the button. Gary's voice soared with Eddie's biting top-of-the-neck riffs and those two amazing freight train drivers in the rhythmn section made sure there was no looking back.

I took the boys because they've been brought up on solid beat rock (eg. Free, Bad Company, Deep Purple) and because like those bands we'll probably never see this band play in Oz again. Fortunately we saw them last night and we'll never forget it.

It was the best concert I've ever seen and I was blown away. The show overall was amazing. Eddie's guitar solos were unbelivable and so were Alex's drums. We were in total disbelief. We couldn't believe how fantastic they were and so talented.

The crowd was awesome. It was the best crowd, they really got into it. Gary is the best frontman they've ever had, if it wasn't for his showmanship the show wouldn't have been as good as it was, and Michael Anthony was at his best.

I wish I could go and see them again - I would do anything to do so.

After waiting through many years and after several disappointments, my expectations for this concert were certainly unfairly high. After being fortunate enough to finesse a front row centre seat, the stage was set for a once in a lifetime experience.

And what an experience it was. A Van Halen experience beside which any recording paled in comparison. All my expectations were exceeded by an enormous margin. From my vantage point every note from every member of the band rang true and clear. Old favorites combined with a new singer and new songs in a nearly religious experience.

Gary Cherone is no Sammy Hagar or David Lee Roth. He has brought his own style, persona and frenetic energy into a third generation of Van Halen.

Eddie, Mike and Alex are even more brilliant in the flesh, however hard it may be to believe.

A definite must see. Personally, I can't wait till Newcastle.

This concert was incredible! Myself and two mates saw Van Halen in Canberra on the 18th for the first time - we'd been waiting all our life! There as in Sydney we were blown away by them opening with Unchained!

Gary was dressed in a black satin outfit for both shows and was partying down as hard as he could! At one stage - during 'Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love', Gary leapt from the stage a good 4-5 metres to land on the concrete wall of the first tier of seating, then ran up a huge flight of stairs through the crowd, then if you can believe it, forward-rolled down another steep flight - all while still singing!

Eddie played one solo here and two in Canberra - he was sizzling as quick and clean as I have ever heard on any video or CD etc - he was pumping hard. And Alex... What can I say... I've never heard him do the kind of stuff he was doing - some amazing off-beat rhythms, and it sounded like he had the hugest kettle drums or something - plus in both concerts he went into a kind of Latin-American hard-rock salsa beat to a backing track. I've never heard anything like that!

Big Mike was partying down as ever and drinking can after can of one of the most popular local beers - VB (Victoria Bitter). I didn't see the Jack Daniels bass or even a bottle at either show though...

All in all it was mind-blowing. This show was taped for MTV as well, so the crowd were pumped right up. One other thing was Eddie kicking over one of his amps and jumping/dancing on it at the start of Jump! The show lasted around two hours, and the lads were backstage for almost an hour afterwards before they left one by one.

Gary and Mike were the only ones to greet the crowd up close though, and Gary was the only one giving autographs...

I'll keep this short and simple.

That was incredible.

I'll begin by stating that this was a gig of real effort and musicianship by the VH guys... those wishing to see them in the next few months will certainly not be disappointed.

The band's performance relative to their legendary UK Castle Donington 1984 show was top-notch. Just that the sound was better and the lead singer didn't get slugged by a curvy stage-side photographer!!

Yup, I'm a VH fan from the old days; Eddie's solo had me shedding a tear or two back in 1984, the first time I'd seen the band. It was so powerful: everyone was struck dumb by what he could do on that guitar fretboard.

Well the same thing happened again last night momentarily, when he'd finished all the widdley-diddley Eruption stuff and decided to sit down, like he was in your living-room and played a few bars of 3:16. My own son Jake, born on 3:17 a year after Wolfie, was right in my thoughts. Hey, I'm an old guy, right?

I digress. Whether you watch this concert on MTV (yes, the cameras were everywhere) or catch the band live, just watch out for the opening number, Unchained. It doesn't get any better than this. The initial low frequency crunch of Ed's guitar sound sent a big electrical jolt up the spine of most everyone. And at the end Ed grabbed that tremolo arm and took Sydney way down into low frequency oblivion. Any afficionados of the first two albums will know exactly what I'm on about.

There was something here for all VH fans to enjoy.

TOTALLY MIND BLOWING!

We've waited 15 years for this and Van Halen have totally exceeded our expectations.

After meeting the band out the back at HMV Sydney the day prior to the concert (yes, God shined down upon us that day), we knew we were in for something special. The guys appeared to be in a great frame of mind and were friendly to the hundreds of fans waiting to get their CD's signed.

Van Halen were preceeded on the night by a local band. These guys unfortunately wore the brunt of die-hard Van Halen fans who simply couldn't wait for the guys to get on stage. Mind you, we have been waiting for a HELL of a long time!

The atmosphere was euphoric and the acoustics in the Sydney Entertainment Centre auditorium perfect.

With such a great mix of old and new, the crowd was totally entraced. The band totally got into it. Eddie and Michael were their normal jovial selves. Alex was extraordinary (as usual) and Gary...well, Gary was a true showman. Exceeding the work of his predessors, Gary was much more entertaining, and certainly more talented vocally than both Sammy and Dave put together. (He was immensely flexible too, making us question who really has the blackbelt in karate!!)

The concert truely reinforced, both our own and Sydney Van Halen fans, commitment to the band.

Now Sydney has had a taste of it, we don't think we will be able to wait for another tour. America, beware... mad Aussie Van Halen fans are heading your way for more!

Long live Van Halen...Louise & Dean Ewer, Sydney, AUST.

Finally, tonite, something I have been waiting to see for so long, an eternity it seems.

Imagine sitting thru all the changes and stuff that has happened to the band over the last 15 years and still hanging in there to see them live. It was really a dream come true.

All I can say, is that it was well worth the wait, and then some!

The set was just full of surprises. New tunes that kicked and old tunes worked so well that you would swear that they were released just yesterday.

I gotta hand it to Gary. Big expectations from the full house and he did not let down a single punter!

Eddie played like the legend he is. Alex's playing was solid all the way thru and his solo was true hero stuff. Michael pounded his 4 string like no tomorrow!!!

I never wanted the show to end except to tell the world how good it was.

Thank you so much for filling that hole in my life. I could die right now with a smile on my face!

Was The Concert Good...NO. It Was AWESOME!!! I Couldnt Believe It.

I Thought The Whole Review Section Was Rigged Because Of All The Good Reviews But The Show Rocked.A Great Set List and Amazing Performance.I Was Worried that it would be mediocre but it was 10+ I

Had Goosebumps Most of the show. Everyone Played Great. But Gary Is Just Incredible. The Singing And His Moves Are Great. Be Prepared For Something very Unique And Special. If You Dont Like The Album You MUST go Because its Like The Energy Like Never Before With A Guitar Crunch Sort Of From FW/F.U.C.K its So Warm and Thick my ears Are Still Ringing.

And If You Think Eddie Lost It Think Again Because The Only Thing He Lost Is Some Weight. He Plays Beyond Belief, Sometimes I Just Froze in Disbelief. After The Show I Was Fortunate The Meet Eddie And Gary and They Have To Be the Most Friendly Musicians Around. Signing my VH3 Sticker and getting Photos Gary Even Remembered Seeing My VH Rocks Oz Banner :].

Like You Might Have Read Before but its the Truth This Guy is Special And So Friendly. Go Open Minded and Come Home Shocked With A Huge Grin. Because Gary pulls ALL VH Songs Like Never Before!! Cant Wait For The MTV Special I Cant Think Of Highlights Because The Whole Show Was A Highlight. Im Now Thinking This Is Going To Be A Great New Start For VH. Im Saying Dave and Sammy Who Now!!..

OK - while others will no doubt provide explicit details of the highlights of this show, overall it was (not surprisingly) awesome, and had more than a few Oz fans caught on MTV cameras with slackened jaws :) But a little more on the audience in a moment. The highlights for the more "established" fan were undoubtedly the older tracks such as "Romeo Delight" (really went off!), "Unchained" and "Somebody Get Me A Doctor", with songs from the new album nicely blended into the set in a way that was seemingly impossible with Sammy-era VH.

It's difficult to say whether the presence of MTV altered the band's performance in any way, although there was very little posturing for the cameras, and in fact some near collisions occasionally made the whole thing occasionally look like a game of musical chairs!

A quick word on the lighting - the rig is smaller than many previous VH offerings, but this is due to a much greater sophistication in design; there were times when it could have been Pink Floyd, and this *wasn't* a bad thing, Floyd fan or not :)

For those who'll watch the show on MTV, I think a couple of important points need to be made about the audience. Those around me remarked on several "flat" spots in audience participation terms, and the band themselves occasionally looked a little confused at silences when screams were expected. As an Oz fan i can only hope that none (including the band) interpret this as indifference to or lack of appreciation of the show; Australia hasn't seen VH in the flesh before, and thus many were just utilising all available energy soaking in the experience (the silences were motivated more by curiosity than boredom).

You have to remember that for most present, twenty years of VH-deprivation was being compensated for in a mere two hours, which made many want to absorb and cherish every moment. This being VH's first tour here, the audience were also to some extent less aware of traditional "high points" in a VH gig (many don't have the videos, and thus didn't realise they were expected to go ape-shit after Al's drum-solo :) ).

There was also the issue of lighting the crowd, a relatively recent practice for Australian gig-goers, and one that makes them feel a little uncomfortable (without wishing to offend, the average aussie fan is much happier having the band as the sole recipients of the lights than their US counterpart :) ). This led to an amusing ending of the show whereby VH left the hall, the lights came up again and the crowd stayed put for another 10 minutes, not sure as to whether there was another encore on its way; however, there was also the genuine hope for this encore, and we can only wish that the band had toured before now, given the impression they made in such a short time.

I had been waiting to see this band for about 13 years. I never thought that it was going to happen, and it finally did. For years I had soaked myself in every Van Halen item possible. All the older recordings, Live in '77 at Pasadena, 1986's Live Without a Net, and my favourite, a pair of Van Halen tracksuit pants. Monday night was the night of nights. I could not have hoped for anything more from this performance.

Eddie was on song, as were Mike and Alex, and Gary Cherone was Mr energy! The set list was sensational. A great mix of old and new. Unchained, Somebody Get me a Doctor, Mean Street and Romeo Delight. These were all songs that I did not expect to hear. To sing along, and to have included all Dave's little spoken parts (Mean Street) was particularly nice. Unchained would have been nice (Hey man that suit is you etc) but still great.

The new songs went down well with the crowd, especially Without You. The music of Van Halen has greatly impressioned me, and certain songs. I don't think that I am the only one. During "When It's Love" I saw a couple on the other side of the Sydeny Entertainment Centre to me slow dancing and kissing. It must have been an emotional moment for them.

Music is something that can do that to you, especially VH. All up it was a night that lived up to all expectations, and can't wait for them to Tour again. I'll finish with the immortal words of Michael Anthony "Somebody Give me a Shot!"

Pinch me.........has this all been real? Damn it.....I've waited 13 years and now I've met all the guys, spoken to them (Ed is a very personable lad), shaken their hands (so I just know that my own playing has just improved just that little bit), and actually seen them in concert with my own naked seaming eyes!

This was a blistering concert that didn't let up for a second. This was a show that I can not fault in any way........pure adrenaline. I've actually got to say that it's funny to look around the audience because it is so damned obvious who are the long time fans and who are the Triple M fans who didn't know Van Halen sang anything else besides Jump, Panama or Dreams! Come on folks.......don't be shy.......learn the lyrics, get up out of your seats and swing as you sing.....you DO NOT GET TO SEE THESE GUYS EVERY DAY!!! Make the most of it. Actually, Triple M have a lot to answer for. They were sponsoring this concert but they did not play the new song on the radio until AFTER the concert......congratulation fellas for that promotion and support! Without You was played with such a passion and ferocity by the guys that it was scolding......the chorus is a designer label sing-a-long.....if only more people had the chance to hear it on the radio!!

Gary, it must be said, is a little powerhouse. His vocals were just incredible. He's the David Copperfield of vocals......pure magic! Hey I love Dave AND Sammy but geez, these songs have NEVER sounded as good live as they did tonight. He moves, he swings, he twists, he stretches and before you know what's going on he's already burst into the crowd like he's trying to make the great escape. Nice try Gary but there's no way we're going to let you escape the band that easily!

The gold logie of the night, though, goes to Mike for his rendition of Somebody Get Me a Doctor. His bass solos in the past have always been, er, interesting....but I'll take him singing this song and any other he cares for anytime. Sensational stuff.

Hell, even Alex's drum solo was entertaining! No Spinal Tap cliches here, his solo was a technical achievement and very very groovy.

As for Eddie, well what can I possibly say that you couldn't guess already? My mouth was floored most of the night.....just as you start to take Eddie's playing for granted you see the REAL thing......Hey don't take my word for it, buy your tickets NOW! Do NOT wait any longer. For those of you who are about to see the lads your lives ARE going to change.......You're going to see VAN HALEN!!!

Overall this was a great, entertaining, and energetic show. I would give it 8/10. The show had many highlights.

1. They opened with Unchained, which had the crowd on it's feet from the beginning. It's great to hear the classics in concert again.
2. Without You was great, definitely the strongest song off III. The backing vocals were terrific. At the end they sang a little teaser from the Beatles 'We Can Work It Out'.
3. Highpoint of the night for me was Why Can't This Be Love, not my favourite song, but they performed it brilliantly. Gary, Mike, and Ed all took turns singing, which was great.
4. Crowd singalong on Feel Your Love Tonight.
5. Somebody Get Me A Doctor, of course lead vocals were done by Mike. Brilliant!!
6. Alex's drum solo was awesome! I thought it may be a bit boring, but everyone loved it!
7. Ed's playing - need not say anything else.
8. Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love - absolute classic, and Gary went into the crowd, and not just a few rows in. He ran all the way to the back.
9. Human's Being was great - everyone loved the chorus where they sing "shine on, shine on".
10. Dreams - got a great crowd response, definitely a favourite.
11. Finale was excellent, with Panama and Jump closing the show. Jump especially got the crowd going.
12. Gary was excellent - really energetic. The weakest songs in the show were the new ones (with the exception of Without You), but Gary sung the old songs brilliantly, both Roth and Sammy era. I had doubts about him before the show, and the new album is rather weak, but he performs brilliantly.
13. Other songs were Dance The Night Away, Mean Street, When It's Love, Romeo Delight, Right Now, Fire In The Hole, One I Want, Year to The Day, and an acoustic Josephina.

There were no 'lowlights', although there were a few disappointing elements. Year to the day was easily the weakest song of the concert - the song was way too long, it just seemed to drag. Right Now didn't quite come off, I'm not sure why, but it didn't quite click that night. The piano intro didn't sound as good as usual.

Gary and Ed did the acoustic Josephina, and while it wasn't that bad, there was a drop in the energy of the show. I also wish they didn't play Fire In The Hole, as it sounds like the copied the start from Metallica's "One". 80% of the concert was sheer brilliance, but it tapered off a bit when they did Year To The Day, Right Now, and Josephina towards the end. It ended on a high, however, with Panama and Jump.

Overall the show was excellent. The energy and enthusiasm was great. For those of you who are wondering whether to go see them live, it's well worth it, even for those who have serious doubts about Cherone, he performs really well.

Well before I start on how great the Sydney performance was and like most die hard Australian fans we have waited, watched and weathered many storms pass by our beloved band I want to start 24 hours earlier at the instore appearance at HMV Pitt Street Mall.

This was going to be my first sighting of the guys. The crowd swelled and as did the excitement. People in the line ranged from the long haired to the short short haired but we had one thing in common. We were finially going to meet, talk and shake these guys hands who have bought so much musical pleasure to us over the years.

The guys turned up on cue and we were herded through like cattle but there were thousands there and so little time. The guys were cool, no bullshit just four normal but extremely talented guys.... what do you say to these guys and not come across like a blubbering idiot.. I don't know if i succeeded but I reminded the guys that "now you know where we are to much sure they come back soon and to try and enjoy themselves why they are here"

That seemed like a good thing to say but confessing my deep passion for this band and its music as well as the "attitude" that these guys put out might have had secruity drag me away... anyway thanks guys that is a memory that will live on through my grand kids (I'm only 27 but you get my point)

The show like all other reviewers have said was "F#@%$% unreal. No words could come close to try and descibe this event. The only suggestion get a bottle of water beacuse you die hard fans who know every note that the guys have ever played, you will be singing your arses off and jumping around like the true fan that you are. Don't worry if you make a dickhead of yourself, we have had to wait an eternity for this night so just enjoy yourself.

MTV was also filming which lead to one joke about having to change the tape but hey we will all buy this tape later on anyway. Guys I am hoping that you might read this (fingers crossed). Thanks for a great night and Eddie I hope you meant what you said at the end of the show and that you do come back soon as there is still a huge and loyal VH following in Australia and NZ.

If you guys really want to make my life complete how about organising an appearance on The Simpson's just for some fun? Thanks again guys "See you Soon Mate!"

WE ARE THE GREATEST VAN HALEN FANS IN AUSTRALIA AND WE PROVED IT ON MONDAY THE 20TH OF APRIL .

EDDIE VAN HALEN IS SIMPLY GOD.

I had the priviledge of seeing VH three times while they have been Australia. The first being Melbourne (travelled down from Sydney) where I met them at the Hard Rock Cafe. Was totally blown away at the Melbourne concert. I sat on EVH's side and was just mesmerized at everything. Could not get over seeing these guys live, they were great.

The second time being at Sydney where I lined up for 22 hours and got second row seats. This was just amazing. I was jammed up against the barrier and was not moving for anything. I think the band was just great, I think they have made a good choice in selecting Gary Cherone as their new singer. He is just sensational on stage. Michael Anthony is just superb, while Alex can't miss a beat, and not forgetting EVH he was (what can I say) the best. These guys did pretty good at Sydney, considering MTV were there filming, I do hope we get the special here in Australia.

The third time being at Newcastle, where I was very dissappointed at the crowd. Concert good, crowd shit. I think next time they come out they should forget about Canberra and Newcastle and do 2 shows in Sydney where they will get a bigger crowd.

I'm a very lucky lady, I got to meet the band 5 times whilst they where in Australia and got to kiss EVH 3 times. Now that's worth waiting 16 years for. Hope they come out again, soon, this time I will travel around Australia to see all their concerts.