Van Halen and David Lee Roth Page
My first experience with Van Halen was from my Dad. I was only about 9 years old and my Dad had "Jump" on tape. I really liked it, especially the line: "Ahh can't you see me standing here I got my back against the record machine". I remember jumping on the trampoline to it pumped up loud in the backyard. My Dad also told me about "Dreams" on the old Eon FM (now triple M). He said that "Dreams" used to be played everyday at about 4pm for many years. I was amazed by this and my Dad reckons that this had something to do with Lee Simon, who was working at Eon FM at the time. I saw the song once and I will never forget it. The Blue Angel planes flying and the great sound and guitar. I then heard a little bit of it one day at the end of Channel 10 news after the airshow had been on. I just couldn't believe it, although it had been five years since I heard the song I still remembered it like yesterday. I then asked my Dad to go and look for a Van Halen CD with both "Jump" and "Dreams"  on it. He found the "Best Of" for $15. That was 1997 and that was the start of my interest in Van Halen. They are the greatest band ever, no matter who sings for them. Dave gets 10/10, Sammy gets 10/10 and Gary gets 10/10. When I first heard "Eruption" I was like "what? is that  guitar?". I was blown away, like many others. Now I have every album and video and I'm a bit obsessed.
Alex Van Halen
1974-
Drums - Percussion - Backing vocals
What I like about Alex is that although he looks like he's stoned, he is, besides John Bonham, the greatest drummer of all time. He looks like a fish when he plays, he has a funny laugh and he has great taste in clothes. His drum solos have become a crowd favorite and his triplet style and inventive mind have made him the best drummer to come out of the 80's.
David Lee Roth
1974-85, 1997
Lead vocals
This is the high energy man. Dave was the man who helped get Van Halen noticed thanks to his rocking party voice and his stage antics. His inventive video clips and his style in clothing were second to none. His tight trousers attracted the women baby but he got a big head and went solo. Maybe it was good for the band. Who knows?
Edward Van Halen
1974-
Guitar, keyboard, background vocals
Eddie has never had a guitar lesson in his life but this hasn't stopped him becoming the greatest guitarist of all time. His two handed tapping and lickedy-split guitar playing has inspired many future rock and metal bands. Just listen to eruption. He actually played drums and was a trained concert pianist, but when Alex could play "Wipeout" better than him, they decided to swap instruments. While Al went out and got laid, Eddie would sit in his room and play guitar all night.
  Gary Cherone
1996-2000
Lead Vocals
Gary gave the third version of Van Halen a bit of both worlds, some Sammy and some Dave but he also brought a funky style, showing in his song writing. Although he didn't have the flamboyance of Roth or the scream of Hagar, he didn't have the "I'm a big solo star" way of thinking. It's sad to see him go but he just was never going to be accepted by the fans.
S Sammy Hagar
1985-96
Lead vocals, rhythm guitar
The "red rocker" managed to stay with Van Halen 10 years, but it seems he wanted the spotlight too much while he was on stage. He really did yell a lot and he never shut up, but that didn't stop him contributing to five great albums. His wild hair was out of this world and the chicks still dig him, but not as much as Roth. Sammy still thinks he was kicked out the band for Roth. At least he has talked about Van Halen in a good way since his departure, even agreeing on a reunion tour with Roth. Let's hope he can come back soon and scream a few more tunes, but first, grow the hair back.
j Michael Anthony
1974-
Bass guitar, background vocals
Mikey is looking a little chubby these days but there is no doubt that all Van Halen's fans love him. He smiles a lot and he plays a wicked bass solo. He was snatched up by Roth and the two Van Halen brothers from rival band "Snake" in the mid 70's and he never looked back. His unique "Jack Daniels" guitar is one of his most prized possesions. There has even been talk about getting Mikey to be the new lead singer. I have no doubt in my mind that he could do the job. Just take a listen to past Van Halen albums for the high pitched screaming.