Interesting Observations From A Casual Fan

**Smokin' 5150** · 03.22.02, 06:57 AM

Most of us will admit that our passion for VH is well beyond the norm (borderline psychotic is more accurate). We know every note and nuance of ever VH song. Many if not most are passionate about the various eras of the band. (I prefer Dave-era, although I enjoy Sammy-era and Sammy's solo work also).

But, given that we are far from the mainstream, I thought it would be interesting to share some observations from a casual fan, my wife (she prefers Sammy-era), regarding this summer's Sam and Dave tour.

This is NOT an exhaustive study, so don't flame me about data, etc.

Here are a couple of her remarks:
(1) "It gives everybody something they want."
(2) "Dave and Sammy are the ones people want to hear singing the songs."
(3) "The other guys are just the musicians -- if they are any good they can play the notes that Ed wrote -- no one else can duplicate the sound of the singers."
(4) Nobody wants to sit through those boring solos. (I have to agree with that statement with respect to Mikey's bass solo (I can't even sit through it on RHRN) and Al's drum solo) although I still love Ed's guitar solo -- even if he has done the same one for the last few tours).
(5) This should sell out in 5 minutes.

Bottom line: This tour can get widespread appeal from hard core fans and casual rock music fans as well.

**Foghornleg** · 03.22.02, 07:19 AM

I liked everything u said, but the guitar and drum solo is the signature of a Van Halen show

**Lou** · 03.22.02, 07:31 AM

I don't really care that much for a drum solo, but the guitar solo is definitely an integral part of the show. I was listening to Eddie's solo from the 6/19/81 concert at the L.A. Forum, and it was just incredible--a mix of Eruption, Spanish Fly, Cathedral, and other stuff. It was the perfect length too, about 7 minutes long. I can't imagine a show without an Eddie solo. Now if it drags on and on over 10 minutes, yeah I would start to get bored with it much like I get bored with long Jimmy Page solos.

**THEMrBrownSound** · 03.22.02, 07:32 AM

Originally posted by Smokin' 5150:
Most of us will admit that our passion for VH is well beyond the norm (borderline psychotic is more accurate). We know every note and nuance of ever VH song. Many if not most are passionate about the various eras of the band. (I prefer Dave-era, although I enjoy Sammy-era and Sammy's solo work also).

But, given that we are far from the mainstream, I thought it would be interesting to share some observations from a casual fan, my wife (she prefers Sammy-era), regarding this summer's Sam and Dave tour.

This is NOT an exhaustive study, so don't flame me about data, etc.

Here are a couple of her remarks:
(1) "It gives everybody something they want."
(2) "Dave and Sammy are the ones people want to hear singing the songs."
(3) "The other guys are just the musicians -- if they are any good they can play the notes that Ed wrote -- no one else can duplicate the sound of the singers."
(4) Nobody wants to sit through those boring solos. (I have to agree with that statement with respect to Mikey's bass solo (I can't even sit through it on RHRN) and Al's drum solo) although I still love Ed's guitar solo -- even if he has done the same one for the last few tours).
(5) This should sell out in 5 minutes.

Bottom line: This tour can get widespread appeal from hard core fans and casual rock music fans as well.

Good post, and I agree with everything your wife said except for point #3. To many of us, especially the musicians in the crowd, we can tell the difference (BELIEVE ME! lol) and would actually prefer it the other way around. But admittedly, I'm sure there are just as many people who subscribe to her viewpoint, especially the women, so it's all good.

SBS

**The Van Baron** · 03.22.02, 10:00 AM

......usually people who are not musicians " get the visual " in a band...that's cool that your wife picked Sam....most people , i think would pick roth for the visual & Sam for writing the songs......ROTHS energy on those first records is really what was captured on tape....let's face it....what the hell is he talking about " unchained "....but he's right there with the band..i'm singing the lyrics in my head !!...now there are songs that are masterfully crafted " lyrics "....little dreamer....jamies crying....& my favorite beautiful girls.....wene roths on .he's on...energy & lyrics....now SAM...he can sing the back of a cereal box & it's great

**Raldo** · 03.22.02, 11:15 AM

Your wife has some could observations but I have to disagree with #3. One of the many things that I love about VH is the musicianship of Eddie Van Halen. When I see a DLR show or a Hagar show, even though the guitarists are playing the same notes (or close to it), it just doesn't have the same 'feel'. As for #4, I enjoy the solos but if they shortened them to include more songs, then that's fine with me.

**joe318** · 03.22.02, 03:17 PM

you know if van halen was smart they would be part of this tour. then and again maybe they are.

**Walter Payton #34** · 03.22.02, 05:00 PM

Interesting post. The casual fans I've talked to however would seem to disagree with #3. Even though they are not musicians they do recognize that Van Halen has a unique sound -- and it's not just the lead singer's voice. My sister-in-law last summer told me how she saw part of Sammy's pay per view show awhile ago. I then told her about the huge success Dave was having with his minitour. She told me she had no desire to see either one of them solo but would love to see one of them reunited with Van Halen (she said she preferred Sammy). She then asked me how Van Halen was doing with the the former lead singer of White Lion -- I told her it was Extreme and that he left almost 2 years ago. I think that shows how much casual fans think about Van Halen without Dave or Sammy.

The Dave and Sammy Tour would be a huge tour -- especially if word gets out that they are only playing Van Halen music like what Dave did this summer AND Michael Anthony was involved. If it happens I hope I can see it. However, even casual fans would recognize that two brothers are missing...

Think about the Page - Plant tour several years ago. That tour was successful but someone figured that if John Paul Jones was also a part and they toured as Led Zeppelin the tour would grossed something like 8 times more.

**surflizard84** · 03.23.02, 12:11 PM

It's not Van Halen without Mike, Al, and Ed. VH music should be played by VH. My own personal feelings.
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**Mario VH** · 03.23.02, 12:59 PM

I hear what you're saying surflizard. It might be Dave and Sam singing but it's not Van Halen without Ed, Al and Mike. Besides which other muscians duplicating what Ed, Al and Mike do on stage musically will always be a big notch below what that trio is capable of. The sonic boom of Ed, Al and Mike is unmatched.