It's about time we heard this one as an instrumental! Holy hell, it smokes! And so many nuances that are lost under the vocals. It's so fantastic to be able to hear it in this form. "It's About Time" is one of three songs from the Best of Both Worlds two-disc compilation, released in 2004. It was the first time the world heard a new Van Halen song with Sammy Hagar since … [Read more...]
“Dime was an original, he deserves the original” —Eddie Van Halen on Dimebag Darrell
The great “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott was tragically shot dead onstage while performing on Dec. 8th, 2004 with Damageplan at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio. This is the story of why Dimebag's last words were "Van Halen!", and how he was buried with the guitar that inspired him most — Eddie Van Halen’s yellow and black striped Charvel hybrid guitar featured on the back cover … [Read more...]
VHND’S All Access Photo: Ed & Wolfie, 2004
A never seen shot of a 13-year-old Wolfie and his dad backstage during Van Halen's 2004 tour. “All Access” Photos is a weekly feature at VHND.com. Every weekend we feature a photo from a roadie, friend, or band insider. Many are never-seen-before exclusives. Tune in every weekend for more! … [Read more...]
Sammy on ’04 tour: “There were some real problems in the band”
Sammy Hagar recently spoke with Billboard.com about Van Halen's 2004 reunion tour. "There were some real problems in the band," Hagar is quoted as saying. "I have to tell you, there were nights I didn't know what song Eddie [Van Halen] was playing. There were times I wanted to kill that guy for what he was playing. I would have left that tour in the middle of it if it wasn't … [Read more...]
Ed goes 5150 during tour finale
Based on reports of Eddie's behavior during the band's final show of this tour, which took place in Tucson last Friday, it sounds like Van Halen has hit more bumpy ground. A reporter for Tucson Weekly reviewed the show, and his write-up includes the following excerpt: Seeming to have fallen off the bandwagon yet again, EVH's mood changed drastically as the final … [Read more...]
Sammy denies breakup, Alex says new album possible
Sammy and Alex have gone on the record to refute widespread rumors that Sammy and the group are on the verge of their second divorce. "Listen here, all these crazy rumor flying around cyberspace are that," Sammy said in a statement posted at his website. "Plain and simple, I never said I was quitting Van Halen." Last Friday (11/5), Alex told Kansas newspaper The Wichita … [Read more...]
Van Halen unveils stage design
The group's stage, which is designed to look like the band's swirling "VH" logo, features two standing-room-only pits that will corral a limited number of concertgoers. Tickets for the special seating area---which is dubbed the Golden Ring---are available for various stops on the outing via an online auction hosted by Ticketmaster. (Ticketmaster is liveDaily's parent … [Read more...]
Sammy and Alex discuss reunion tour, best-of set
From LiveDaily.com: Reinstated Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar and drummer Alex Van Halen talked to reporters on Thursday (5/27) about Hagar's return to the group, the band's upcoming summer tour and a forthcoming hits compilation that includes three new cuts. "The simple answer is: It just felt right," Alex Van Halen said of the decision to reunite after splitting on bad … [Read more...]
New VH publicity photos
Here are two more new publicity shots that show the guys back together again: … [Read more...]
Van Halen announces tour dates, officially christens Hagar
Van Halen has unveiled the itinerary for its upcoming summer tour, and has officially confirmed former lead singer Sammy Hagar's return to the band. … [Read more...]
Van Halen ends 6-year hibernation
Hallelujah! After lying dormant since its 1998 world tour ended, The Mighty Van Halen has finally announced plans for its return to the road. … [Read more...]