It’s the album which introduced us to Eddie Van Halen’s stunning finger-tapping guitar gymnastics. The same album which gave us Diamond David Lee Roth, one of rock’s greatest frontmen. It was Van Halen’s debut album, featuring so many great songs and so many classic guitar riffs. It was released back in 1978, after Kiss’ Gene Simmons had financed the band to make some demo recordings. ‘Van Halen’ was eventually recorded in the studio as a live album, in just one take with all members playing together in the studio. Michael Anthony once recalled how the band didn’t have many songs so they just recorded the songs from their live show in the studio. It has gone on to sell over 10 million copies.
At this year’s Melbourne Guitar Show you’ll be able to hear each track played live back to back by some of Australia’s most respected musicians. Simon Hosford’s Fair Warning will play the entire Van Halen debut album live on stage at 4pm on Saturday August 3 at Caulfield Racecourse in the Whammy Bar.
Fair Warning is:
Simon Hosford (guitar)
Gerry Pantazis (drums)
Jason Vorherr (bass)
Eugene Hamilton (vocals)
Ahead of Fair Warning’s much anticipated performance at the Melbourne Guitar Show, Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips sat down with ace guitarist Simon Hosford to dissect the album.
Van Halen Tracklisting (notes thanks to Noise 11)
Side one
1.”Runnin’ with the Devil” (last played by Van Halen, 4 October, 2015, Hollywood)
2.”Eruption” (last played by Van Halen, 24 April, 1980, Cincinnati)
3.”You Really Got Me” (last played by Van Halen, 4 October, 2015, Hollywood)
4.”Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love” (last played by Van Halen, 4 October, 2015, Hollywood)
5.”I’m the One” (last played by Van Halen, 26 June 2013, Osaka)
Side two
6.”Jamie’s Cryin’” (last played by Van Halen, 18 June 2013, Nagoya)
7.”Atomic Punk” (last played by Van Halen, 18 June 2013, Nagoya
8.”Feel Your Love Tonight” (last played by Van Halen, 4 October, 2015, Hollywood)
9.”Little Dreamer” (last played by Van Halen, 3 July, 2008, Québec)
10.”Ice Cream Man” (last played by Van Halen, 4 October, 2015, Hollywood)
11.”On Fire” (last played by Van Halen, 2 September, 1984, Nuremberg)
Get your Melbourne Guitar Show tickets Now!
http://australianmusician.com.au/melbourne-guitar-show/tickets/