Saturday, March 28, 2015

3 Reasons I Won't Be Attending the 2015 Van Halen Tour

I have been on a kick lately.  I have been taking every opportunity possible to see all of the band that I love that I missed out on seeing in my youth.  The Dickies, The Damned, Echo & The Bunnymen and more.  Most of these bands no longer consist of their original lineup but there were enough to make it worth while.  One band I loved in my youth was Van Halen.  All of my friends had gone to their shows but I never seemed to have the cash when they came around.  I will have my chance again in 2015.  Although 3 of the 4 original members will be on hand but it looks like I am going to pass this time.  I am sure that the shows will be sellouts but my heart just isn't in it.  I have already made the conclusion that I will be disappointed.  Below are the 3 main reasons why.







1. David Lee Roth's Voice - Diamond Dave once had the pipes of a God.  This video is proof.




You can't sing like this forever without it having some sort of long term effect on your voice.  Just listen to Robert Plant.  Dave is a shell of the singer that he was.  You can only hear him pass up so many high notes before thinking somehow you are being cheated.  I would rather remember him for what he was than regret hearing him for what he is now.




2. Wolfgang Van Halen - I don't care who's kid he is, he ain't Michael Anthony.  I need the JD swigging bass man to make this lineup complete.  It's not like he's dead or unwilling.  It's not like he is Jason Bonham filling in for his deceased father.  Michael is still with us.  He is just waiting for that phone call.   Don't you want to call him?!?  I think his trademark, high backing vocals will be greatly missed if you don't.

3. 1/2 The Catalog - Although the camps are split, I celebrate their entire catalog. Sammy Hagar is as much a part of Van Halen to me as David Lee Roth.  Unfortunately, this group of individuals as a band is more dysfunctional than a Jersey Shore reunion.  They had the right idea about 10 years ago they just couldn't work together.  I don't think they ever will.  One can dream though.

Unfortunately, I won't see you at this next show.

Fran



10 comments:

  1. For years I wanted a real Van Halen reunion...and then I saw David Lee Roth on the 1996 MTV Music Awards.

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    Replies
    1. Hahaha. So true. His voice disappeared with his hair.

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  2. I was with you until #3. I read it and blacked out. I woke up later and read #3 again. And after thinking about it, I blacked out again. Love, Gary Cherone.

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    1. Who is Gary Cherone???

      J/K - I actually liked Van Halen III. Well, it had its moments.

      BTW - Sammy Hagar is 67 years old. The splatter sounds from his urine test sound better than David Lee Roth's last performance.

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  3. I'm having the same feelings you are. They're coming through here and the only thing that makes me want to buy a ticket is seeing Eddie Van Halen play Eruption live. If he even does that. I'm assuming he would. Great article!

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  4. Dave's vocals are just as inconsistent now as they were in 1979 & 1980, when I first saw them. Wolf is a much better bassist than Michael Anthony, and the background vocals are spot on. Go see the show.

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    1. My 15 year old son actually saw the show when it came to town. He said Dave didn't sound great (but in his defense it was publicized that he was battling a cold) but it was a really good show.

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    2. My 15 year old son actually saw the show when it came to town. He said Dave didn't sound great (but in his defense it was publicized that he was battling a cold) but it was a really good show.

      Delete

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