Fans of both eras?

[Contrails]

Is there anyone out there who are just plain and simple Van Halen fans? There is something on every album that I like and that includes VH III
as well. Dave's era vs. Sammy's era. What a joke. The fact of the matter is that the material that Van Halen has written over the years even with different singers at the helm is unbelievable. Ever wonder what Led Zeppelin would of sounded like without Plant? What happened to Motley Crue when they changed the frontman? There is one constant behind the music and I sure hope I get to hear more of it in the future.

[Down In Flames]

I do believe in eras - Gary's is spelled "error."

Are there moments on the 3 that are good? Sure. But the majority was crap, in my opinion.

There was less crap during the Sam-era, but there was still too much.

The Dave era of VH, the "Classic VH" period had a rare misstep here and there (Dancin' In The Streets, Loss Of Control) but on the whole... It was, and still is, amazing.

Each singer brought different skills, not to mention a different vibe, to the table while in VH. That's why you notice people talking about the Dave or Sam "era." It's reflected in the music. For instance, Sam is more mellow than Dave... The music VH made with same also happens to be more mellow than what they'd produced with Dave. That's where the notion of "eras" comes into play.

One era rocked, the other... swayed. LOL

More power to you, though, if you dig all the music.

Welcome to VHForums.

[Pat]

I would definitely describe myslef as a general "non-specific" mega-fan!! I got into VH just after the release of 1984, and have loved the band in all it's differing incarnations ever since. Living in England with no internet at the time etc., I never picked up on any "Sammy can't possibly replace Dave" type vibes - and consequently listened to the "new band" with an open mind. If anything, I probably liked the Sammy era slightly more. Also, VH III is a stunning album with incredible depth and vision, and it SUCH A GREAT PITY so many are unable to shake their "Dave or the grave" blinkered mentalities and give it a fair listen. Before I get flamed here, just ask yourself - did you really sit down and listen to that CD free of any preconceptions? If some were truly honest I think they'd have to say no. Agian, before I get flamed I would remind you that I am a HUGE fan of the Dave era and hold no "anti Dave" views.

[Bob_R]

I would describe myself as a VH fan of all eras. [img]graemlins/thumb.gif[/img] But the DLR era rules! [img]graemlins/bounce.gif[/img]

[Contrails]

Will I go see this circus show that we are presented with this summer? Absolutey, 100% NOT! This music is too good to be played by wannabes. I have resigned to the fact that we probably will never see this group with Dave or Sammy play "Live" again. I've been to Van Halen concerts since "Fair Warning came out in 80-81' through Hagar and Cherone. I'll stick to the great memories I have of those shows rather than the ("I'm better than YOU Show this summer") You all go ahead and feed their big ego's this summer and fill Dave and Sammy's Million Dollar Accounts. Lord knows they need the money!!

[Raldo]

Add me to list that loves both eras of Van Halen. I even liked some of the stuff that they did with Gary Cherone. To me Van Halen was more than the music, although that was a major part of it. Both Dave and Sammy brought different elements to the table and that's what made the transition successfull. Of course, not everyone liked Sammy but the string of #1 albums can not be discarded.

[z28girl]

Although I consider myself a Van Halen fan, I had to learn to love the Sammy era whereas I just fell in love with the band instantly with Dave. I listen to everything because with Edward playing, it's all good, depending on what you're in the mood for.

For me, Dave leaving was like a divorce and having to develop a relationship with the step-parent and accepting the change in the way things are done. Van Halen with Sammy had a whole different personality than the one with Dave. That's why I find it kind of ironic that Sammy is working so hard to be the party boy on this tour while Dave is down to business. Ed's biggest complaint with Dave was the circus atmosphere and wasting so much time between songs blabbing and that's been the biggest complaint that everyone has had about Sammy's show now.

[yomamasofat]

I like both eras. My favorite VH album is the first one and my favorite song is Dreams. I prefer the Hagar era compared to Roth era but I'm not saying that one is better than the other. It's only rock n roll and I'm here to enjoy it. Hell, I even enjoyed Gary's era... too bad he wasn't given much chance.

[dirtymovies]

I love both eras (Not Gary era!) and miss how VH was like a family when Sammy was in.

[Zahzoo]

Hi...My name is Robi.

I've been a Van Halen addict for nearly 25 years. I've tried to kick the habit numerous times but the addictive nature of this stuff is just too dang strong. I've tried the 12 album program... it just made the cravings even stronger!! [img]graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]

[Crystalfish]

Originally posted by EVH FANATIC:
I would describe myself as a VH fan of all eras. [img]graemlins/thumb.gif[/img] But the DLR era rules! [img]graemlins/bounce.gif[/img]

That's Right!!! [img]graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]

[futzbutton]

I consider myself a VH fan and like a lot of the music from all of the eras. Yeh, I know, VH3 was pretty much a mistake but it has it's moments as well.

For a totally in depth of my opinion of the VH situation, please read my post,

"VH IS IT'S OWN COMPETITION"

There are a lot of valid points there for you to consider.

Thanks

[Stuff No More]

Originally posted by Down In Flames:
There was less crap during the Sam-era

... than during the Dave era. Agree with you completely

Seriously though, I make not attempts to cover my Sam-days preference, but I like just about everything else Van Halen has put out with some exceptions (Get Up, Loss of Control, and How Many Say I jump to mind).

[USFestVet]

I like all eras as well. I started with Van Halen back in 1980 or so and it's been a great ride. [img]graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]

I too had a really tough time with the Dave-divorce too but for some reason I never held it against Sammy or Van Hagar. To me it was an entirely different band so it wasn't an issue. Great music and great live shows.

VH3 is also a great album and one I still enjoy quite a bit. It is really powerful music and sounds great all cranked up. It took me while to warm up to it so I missed the VH3 tour but I did catch a bit of it on MTV and I was so embarrassed by Gary's dancing around Wham crap that I turned it off. Horrible stuff but it didn't affect how I feel about VH3.

As for the most recent era of VH... It's more like BS. Pssssst...wake up....the dream is over.

[The Mighty STR]

For me, there will always be only ONE Van Halen. The David Lee Roth Van Halen was the best band in the world to me. Nothing compares.

It's not that I am against a band carrying on with another member under the same name. I loved Black Sabbath with Ozzy AND Dio. I love AC/DC with Bon and with Brian.

My motto has always been... If Dave's not in Van Halen, I'm not interested. Am I living in the past? I don't think so. I just know what I like and I don't settle for an inferior product. How many of you remember the New Coke fiasco in the mid-80's? I tried New Coke once and I didn't have to keep drinking it to figure out that it sucked. I prefer Classic Coke and Classic Van Halen.

I've had a personal boycott against any non-Roth Van Halen products since April 1, 1985. I loved the two DLR/VH songs on BOV1... but I didn't buy it.

At this point I feel like it is very clear who the assholes with no work ethic in Van Halen are. I know that this will stir up anger in some of you... and I really don't give a shit. It is my personal opinion. I don't say this to start a flame war. I'm not interested in that.

I would have loved to have seen a TRUE Van Halen reunion with Diamond Dave. That will probably never happen, so now, I would rather see one-fourth of the Classic VH playing the classic songs with four awesome musicians than to see three-fourths of the Classic line-up with anyone else at the mic.

This band has meant so much to so many people and I respect the opinions of other fans.

In other words ... "Save the Fuck You's for someone who wants to argue about personal opinions"