October 12, 2011 8:16 PM
VAN HALEN burst on the rock scene in 1978 like a larger-than-life, hard rocking, non-stop party, and channeled that energy into a seminal debut. Ostensibly, the band had two frontmen: leonine lead vocalist DAVID LEE ROTH and volcanic guitarist Edward Van Halen. Both possessed the charisma and talent to be the focal point of a solid rock band, but together, they created an undeniable dynamic that quickly captivated legions of loyal fans.
Anchoring the unit was the powerhouse rhythm section of bassist Michael Anthony and drummer Alex Van Halen, Eddie’s brother. By the time Van Halen arrived in the studio to record their debut, they had honed their skills honestly, playing nightclubs, parties and high school gymnasiums across Southern California. It was during those formative years of touring that the band learned the value of showmanship – and how to win audiences all over the world with it.
As Van Halen grew in popularity, the production quality of their stage show followed suit as an increasingly flamboyant rock and roll spectacle. Alex Van Halen used the drum kit not only as a percussion instrument, but also as a visual art form. Working with various drum manufacturers, Alex custom designed enormous and elaborate drum kits that reflected the group’s musical sensibility and provided Alex the platform to shine.
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MelodicRock.com reports that Van Halen have cancelled their planned 2012 Summer Tour of Europe, before the dates were even announced. But because planning was so far along for the tour – the dates and venues were already locked in. There has been no reason given to promoters for the cancellation. Simply that it was not going to go ahead.
The cancelled dates were:
May
28 – Paris Zenith
30 – Zuerich Hallenstadion
June
1 – Barcelona Pala Jordi
3 – Milano Arena Fiera
5 – Dortmund Westfalenhalle
7 – Sweden Rock Solvesborg
10 – Download Festival Donnington
13 – Stuttgart Schleyerhalle
15 – Hellfest Clisson France
17 – Fields Of Rock Festival Holland
19 – Berlin O2 Arena
21 – Prag
23 – Grasspop Metal Meeting Belgium
Van Halen are currently mastering their as-yet-untitled new album. The band have been in the studio with Grammy Award winning producer John Shanks (BON JOVI, FLEETWOOD MAC, STEVIE NICKS) and producer/engineer Ross Hogarth (DIO, MÖTLEY CRÜE, RATT), recording their first album with David Lee Roth in more than 25 years, and their first new music as a band in seven years. The hard rock legends are rounded off by brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen and Eddie’s son Wolfgang.
Source: Bravewords
Posted by Stargazer
Categories: News
Tags: VAN HALEN
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