VHLinks News: Is 3/4 Good Enough?

[Brett]

I'm sure this will get many pissed, but whatever I don't like writing objective news stories about this crazy band anymore. So here's my dumb write-up on this thing.


http://www.vhlinks.com/links/index.p...t_from=&ucat=&



With possibly one of the most underwhelming press releases of all-time, Van Halen announced today that David Lee Roth is back as lead singer, and Michael Anthony is out of the band.

The press release that was posted to several news outlets, including the Official Van Halen Web Site, read as follows:

VAN HALEN IS BACK!
VAN HALEN OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCE SUMMER TOUR
February 2, 2007

Los Angeles, CA - In what is no doubt one of the most anticipated moments in rock and roll, VAN HALEN officially announces their 2007 North American tour.

The tour will mark the first time since 1984 that original VAN HALEN front man David Lee Roth will perform with Eddie and Alex Van Halen along with new bassist Wolfgang Van Halen for 40 shows this summer.

VAN HALEN fans can look forward to legendary high intensity performances, featuring a set list of the most iconic hits ever produced by America's premiere rock band.

Eddie Van Halen states, "I am very excited to get back to the core of what made VAN HALEN."

What should be a great time for Van Halen fans with the return of Dave, actually leaves a sour taste in the mouths of many, with the abrupt dismissal of the fan-favorite, and 30-year member Anthony. It seems the perfect reunion could have been a reality if petty differences were put aside. But it wouldn't be Van Halen without a little controversy would it?

No matter how well the new band plays on their 40-show tour, there is no way to replace Mike's stage presence, his attitude, his connection with the fans, or his incredible backing vocals, which are a signature part of the special Van Halen sound. Good luck to the guys in replicating all of that.

Tour dates have not been listed yet, nor is it known for sure if Van Halen will play at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on March 12. It is also not known whether Mike or Sammy Hagar will be at the event, although both have hinted that they plan to attend should there not be any animosity. Yeah someone tell Ed that.

Stay tuned for more from the saga, "As Van Halen Turns - 2007."

[hain23x]

wouldn't it be safe to say that if Dave was handling PR there would be a much more interesting note or something left on the front of that website?

[hain23x]

With possibly one of the most underwhelming press releases of all-time

THAT tells you everything

[TheresOnlyOneWay]

I've never been embarrassed to say I'm a "Van Halen" (is that what they're calling it now?) fan until now. Even my friends shake their heads in disbelief when I share the drama. No one cared much before...now, they just care even less.

[hain23x]

My whole crew is laughing at this whole thing. They use to love Van Halen and use to go and see them every tour.

They've been trippin' off them since 1996--I'm the last holdout

or should say WAS

[Red]

I wish them all the best as they go in another direction.

Looking forward to the Chickenfoot project.

[ZachenFoot]

Eddie Van Halen states, "I am very excited to get back to the core of what made VAN HALEN."

OK, he just sounds like a fucking moron there. The CORE of what made Van Halen is Ed, Al, and Mike. As much as I love Dave, Sam did prove they could be successful with his vocals replaced. Van Halen's signature sound is in the big three, and one man has been taken out of that core. When that happens, the sound cannot be replicated perfectly at all.

Replacing Mike is as crucial as replacing Ed or Al. His stage presence, vocals, showmanship, and bass playing are all signature sounds in VH, just sadly only recognized by the die-hard such as myself.

Just my two cents.

[AT]

Van Halen is known for short press releases. When Gary left in '99, there was a press release about as brief posted to the front of the VH website. It was so short, in fact, I could probably quote it word-for-word. That one also contained a quote from Ed at the end.

"Gary is a brother and he and I will continue to have a personal and musical relationship." (Going for memory... How close was I?)

[AT]

I'm sure this will get many pissed, but whatever I don't like writing objective news stories anymore about this crazy band anymore. So here's my dumb write-up on this thing.

Actually, Brett, you did a good job of summing up the majority opinion of die-hard VH fans. And it's my impression this site is more for that than actual objective news on VH (which can be left to those who are more casual about VH).

[Van Squalen]

The core of what made Van Halen. Pffffft. What the good fuck does Edward remember about the core of what made Van Halen?

Jack shit, that's what.

Beyond ridiculous. Just plain embarassing.

[Blount5150]

VH3 flopped partly or even mainly because the "essence" of Van Halen was missing. Mad Anthony is that essence. Would Ed really be happy if the "EVH of bass was in the band?" He's too jealous and egotistical. Ed's words are a joke. If Wolfgang has kicked them in the ass so much, where's the new music. I have no problem with a dad being proud of his kid, but this is too much. 10 years ago this reunion would have been a dream come true, now it's barely a novelty act. I'm sure the casual fan really care, but the casual fan isn't going to pay the huge ticket price either. Climb deeper into the Loon Ed, you sir, are a fucking has been.

The REAL Van Halen was Dave doing the PR...and that won't be allowed this tour...they all suck. Al's now a pussy, Ed's an uninspired dick with nothing new, and as much as I thought I would never say it, after years of Dave wanting the chance again, he sold out and caved in...I hope he makes Ed miserable this year.

[Van Halens]

With MA officially subtracted from the CVH formula, they got themselves a brand new sound …… again. And with the addition WVH, that makes it VH version IV.

The last time I got angry at Diamond DLR was in my senior year in high school when I read an article that he quit VH to embark on a solo and movie career. Damn, was I mad. I lived in the P.I. and never got the chance to see VH in concert and was really looking forward to moving back to California for college so that I could watch them live. That was way back in 1985.

Twenty-two years later, I find myself mad at EVH for being so cruel to MA and such a curmudgeon to the CVH fans. I’m disappointed with DLR too, this time it’s for him not being loyal to his CVH crusade. I guess for DLR, VH IV is better than nothing and greater than $0.00. As for AVH, aside from being EVH’s brother, he must be his Lap Poodle as well because I would’ve given my brother a Deep Heat wedgy if he behaved the same manner as EVH.

Godspeed to VH IV. May you succeed, EVH can’t handle another failure like VH III. We all saw what happened to EVH after that debacle and claptrap of an album. He deteriorated into a rotten human being and lost good people.

Godspeed to Michael Anthony. Thanks for everything and for appreciating us fans. You treated us with respect and gratitude. You are part of the core sound of VH. Your outstanding background vocals and bass-playing will NEVER be duplicated or equaled.

All the best to the ones who will be attending the concert. Hope you enjoy it and have a good time. Be sure to give us your feedback, especially on their new sound.

Peace.

[Van Halens]

double post.

[KT]

The question posed was, "Is 3/4 Good Enough?" and my answer to that is a screaming, "HELL NO"!!!!!!

With that being said, however, it's as good as we're gonna get at this point in the game (or soap opera, rather).

vhrocks2005 posted, "Van Halen's signature sound is in the big three, and one man has been taken out of that core. When that happens, the sound cannot be replicated perfectly at all." While I completely agree with this statement, I have to add that even if the original 4 were all together again the original sound would STILL not be replicated. I believe too much time has passed and two of the four original members have evolved into something I'm not sure I know anymore. As much as I like Dave, from what I've heard his vocals aren't NEAR what they were years ago (nor should they be expected to be, I suppose) and I'm afraid this, coupled with Eddie's drunken and whacked-out playing he displayed during the '04 tour, is going to lead to a major train wreck. I hope I'm wrong, but...

I'm tempted to fly out to wherever the first show will be played b/c it wouldn't surprise me if this thing goes all to hell after the first few nights!

I'm not setting my expectations high AT ALL, so maybe I won't be disappointed. We could be seeing a glimpse into the future of what Van Halen will become, however, and that'll be interesting if nothing else.

Just my $.02 since I've held my tongue for months now during all this drama.

[VHND]

Brett, great job, man. Just about word for word what I would have written if I was still running the VHND.

For what it's worth, after reading the news I felt compelled to email Janie Liszewski. I figured why not - if you put your email address at the bottom of the press release that's inviting emails, right?

Here's what I wrote. The subject line was "ATTN: Edward Van Halen".

Dear Janie,

I ran the most popular Van Halen web site on the net, vhnd.com, from
1996-2003. Edward may remember me - I had dinner with him and Valerie
the first night he landed in Australia for the band's tour in 1998.

Please pass the following two messages to Edward. These messages come
from a diehard fan who has followed this band through the good and bad
for well over 20 years. He will find my opinion is the same as almost
every other Van Halen fan on the internet.

1) Thank you for finally agreeing to tour again with Dave.

2) Please don't kill the reunion before it starts by not including
Michael Anthony. Please do whatever it takes to include Michael,
otherwise it will not be a true reunion. Please do this properly.

Thanks for your time.

Grant Fisher