Van Halen
The Joint
Las Vegas, NV
October 3, 1998

Photos by Brian Hightower ©1998 - munchie@coam.net

Set List - Click here!

Review by Louie Doblado - lvcarman@aol.com

Absolutely amazing show put on by VH! Saw them in a venue that holds about 1500 people standing and sitting. Gary was amazing, Eddie proved that he is the master, Alex and Mike pounded the room like no one can. Had my doubts before I saw them but they went out the window after the opening song! Can't wait to see 'em again!

All I can say is that Im SO glad I went!! The Hard Rocks showroom, The Joint ONLY holds 1400 people filled shoulder to shoulder, like it was last night. Even though I found out about this show a little too late, when all that was remaining was 'standing room only' tickets... I have NO COMPLAINTS at ALL about those conditions we were put in!!

They LOOKED great... SOUNDED great, and most of all, were in the absolute best moods! Probably because last night was their LAST U.S. concert date before they take a short break and head to Japan to tour. They were relaxed, happy, and treated it as if they were playing to 1400 of their good friends after the long tour and were just plain relieved knowing a much needed break would begin the following day.

They seemed to take full advantage of the fact that this small engagement didnt have a major promoter's strict schedule, and chose to arrive fashionably late. They took the stage more than a half-hour after the scheduled start time, but no one in the crowd really seemed to care. All of us were very patient, looking around at the intimate gathering, with a stage so close, you could toss a cold beer to anyone of the 4 of them, as if they were just across the room at a buddy's party!

What was most exciting to me about the night, was not just their presense and the live show I was seeing, cause I also saw them back in May, and basically KNEW what to expect.. but how ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE and YOUTH- FUL EDDIE looked with each of the facial and body ges- tures he made all night! I had to snap myself out of constant daydreams and the vivid memories I have of the Eddie Van Halen of the VERY EARLY 80's. He wore his boyish grin the entire night, but lost his shirt very early in the show. (Purrrrr..) And, WHAT back and hip problems?? He was all over the stage and stage FLOOR.. (as much as the small stage allowed) doing any & all of the acrobatics he did back when he shared a stage with David Lee Roth!!

I watched the 4 of them for what seemed like forever from the comfort and open view I had, sitting RIGHT ON TOP of the cocktail bar that was in the back of the showroom. The 3 bartenders working at this bar, were endlessly standing perched up on their work area behind us, also watching as much of the show as they possibly could, in-between pouring drinks all night!

With so little rules and boundries for the crowd AND the Hard Rock staff to follow, it was a bit surprising the crowd acted on their best behavior throughout the shows entire duration. But with so little distance and so much affection coming from Gary, Eddie, Mike & Alex, it made the perfect distraction and a peaceful, friendly atmosphere among every person there. For ME, it was a total BLAST FROM THE PAST (minus Dave and/or Sammy of course) and kept my heart racing AND ROCKING much like the earlier Van Halen shows did 15 years ago.

I dont believe any of us will ever watch Eddie play WITHOUT having to pick up our jaws off the floor each and every time! The man's STILL A GD GENIUS, with lightning fingers and a guitar that sings sweeter than ANY angel ever could!

I'm reassured again of this unstoppable band's abilities and their apparent never-ending desire to remain as always.. THE entertaining and REIGNING KINGS OF rock music! AND... amazingly remaining FOREVER YOUNG! Gaaawwd, Eddie just KICKS, and always will!!

This was my fifth time to see the guys since July (San Diego, San Bernardino, Paso Robles, and 2 in Vegas), and they just seem to get better and better. I have sacrificed a lot of time and money, closing my business and dragging my family all over California and Nevada to see them, and I don't regret it one bit.

The set lists were the same as other shows, but that didn't matter either. The sound seemed a lot better Saturday night than on Friday, but big deal!

VH touches me like no other musicians ever have, and I am grateful. I know Eddie and the guys want us to "get a life" and not make so much fuss over every little or big thing they do, but my life is basically pretty boring most of the time, and I find all of the stuff they are up to, and their music, some of the most interesting things around. They are such pros, there is no better word.

Whoever thought that some of us would get to see VH in a club again? What a treat! Thanks for bringing Gary aboard. He brings a whole new dimension and a new attitude that is refreshing! I'm very much looking forward to the new record and tour already.

Is there any chance either of the Hard Rock shows will be on the VHI specials from there? These shows were way better than the MTV thing from Sydney. Hope so! Thanks guys for everything-- your music has always made this old soul pretty darn happy, and always will! Sorry this is late, but we just got back !!

Both shows were absolutely incredible. The intimate setting of The Joint at the Hard Rock Casino/Hotel made for two unforgettable evenings with Van Halen.

The energy level of the boys was through the roof, and they really looked to be having the time of their lives. That's impressive after being on the road for so long. Most notably, Eddie's playing was absolutely ferocious!! I've seen all incarnations of the band (and have loved them all), but I don't quite remember ever seeing Eddie play so hard and so well. He is at the TOP OF HIS GAME.

To some, this concert would have been just like any other but to ME, it was a new beginning to the heart-beating, foot-stomping music that I've been listening to from High School.

This is "THEE" best concert I have ever seen! When I seen them back in 1995 with Sammy...they didn't look like they were enjoying themselves as much as they did the other night! I love those guys!!!

Gary has a great deal of potential, not only trying to fill the shoes of two other great entertainers before him, but the way he romped, rocked and rolled on stage was very exciting. He can sing, dance, and entertain! And the new blonde hair was very 90's! When Gary sang "Humans Being" and "Right Now" (the two songs I figured he'd butcher) I was in AWE...not only can the man sing but he can sing good!

Michael of course was fantastic as always, he's just as terrific to listen to as to watch!

Alex is one of the best drummers I've ever heard and certainly gets a "thumbs up" for playing with a neck brace on!

EDDIE, Truely the best guitarist in the WORLD! What he does with his fingers is unbelievable!

And to think these guys were "IT" in the past and still going strong in their 30's and 40's!!!

I will UNpatiently await the next time they come to Vegas to wake me up! Thanx for a fantastic, one-of-a-kind concert my ears will never forget!!!