The undisputed biggest rock band of the 80s, Van Halen recently shocked both fans and critics by reuniting with the band’s original singer/front-man David Lee Roth for a North American tour. Van Halen have not toured with Roth since they parted company about 22 years ago, so the reunion tour was a highly anticipated event, and sold out concert venues throughout North America.
But the Van Halen tour is currently on-hold indefinitely while guitarist Eddie Van Halen undergoes a series of “medical tests,” according to the bands publicist. Insiders say that Eddie is back in rehab for alcohol abuse, after the pressures of touring with the band led him back to the bottle.
Edward Van Halen has struggled with an alcohol problem for many years, and finally emerged from rehab last year looking and sounding healthier than in a long time. Artistically, Van Halen still seem to have the old creative spark, and the guitarist’s lightening fast guitar riffs are as crisp and sharp as ever.
But the reunion Van Halen tour with original singer Roth almost never happened at all. Last spring, just weeks before the tour was scheduled to commence, Edward checked into a rehab facility, leaving fans to wonder if the reunion tour was over before it even began. Eventually, Eddie emerged from rehab, looking healthy and fit; and the band finally embarked upon their “come back” tour.
The band line-up now consists of Edward Van Halen on lead guitar, Alex Van Halen on drums, and Wolfgang Van Halen on bass guitar (Eddie’s son, who replaced original bassist Michael Anthony), and of course, singer/front-man extraordinaire, “Diamond” David Lee Roth.
Ross was replaced as the band’s singer years ago by vocalist/guitarist Sammy Hagar, much to the chagrin of loyal Van Halen fans. Although Hagar was undoubtedly a more controlled and technically proficient singer, without the raw exuberance of David Lee Roth on the mic, the band’s sound and stage image became bland and unimaginative.
Van Halen fans tend to be split into two distinct camps. Those who appreciate the early Van Halen, with Roth on lead vocals, and those who prefer the latter Van Halen, with Sammy Hagar upfront (also sometimes known as “Van Hagar”). But there is little doubt that the most diehard Van Halen fans prefer the original lineup. The raw energy and mind-boggling guitar virtuosity combined to create something truly special — something the band lost during the “Van Hagar” years.
Let’s hope Eddie gets his act together and the reunion tour continues. Millions of dedicated fans of the original Van Halen are counting on it.
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