From the moment David Lee Roth appeared at the top of a giant runway that snaked through the Ford Center audience Tuesday night, he wore the one thing that told every Van Halen fan that everything was right with the world. It was a maniacal Cheshire cat smile announcing happiness and enthusiasm that cannot be faked. Not only was the old band back together, it was thriving.
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Roth’s smile spread like a contagion and did not go away for well over two hours as he and Eddie, Alex and Wolfgang Van Halen put shock paddles on the band’s 1978-84 catalog and jolted it back to life. Michael Anthony’s absence on bass could not be avoided, but as Roth announced after tearing through “You Really Got Me” and “I’m the One,” this was a line-up that was “three quarters original, one quarter inevitable.”
Wolfgang, 16, was born squarely in the Sammy Hagar era, but he did what he was supposed to do: he held the bottom down, blowing out the thunderous bass and singing the high harmonies that all those classics required. His father, Eddie, looked and sounded thoroughly rejuvenated on “Runnin’ With the Devil” and “Somebody Get Me a Doctor” — any reported deficiencies from late-period “Van Hagar” shows could not be heard this time around.
The big lovefest just kept coming: “Beautiful Girls,” “Dance the Night Away,” “Everybody Wants Some,” “So This is Love?” and “Mean Street” were all played enthusiastically and sung back to the band by the capacity crowd. All the while, Roth harpooned the air with his mike stand and strutted like a proud rock peacock.
Van Halen barreled through a slew of classics, including “Unchained,” “I’ll Wait,” “Little Guitars” and “Jamie’s Cryin’.” Then Roth, wearing a matador jacket, tight pants and that wicked smile, took the stage solo with an acoustic guitar, told a story about bicycling around Oklahoma City on the band’s first visit in 1977 before launching into an August-hot version of “Ice Cream Man.” The crowd went bonkers for “Panama,” an extended version of “Eruption” and “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” before the band left the stage, readying their final leap.
Everyone knew what it would be, but it didn’t not make it any less special. As the opening synths from “1984” played, Roth appeared at the top of the catwalk, brandishing a giant red flag as the chords to “Jump” hit the air. Confetti blew out of the ceiling as Roth bellowed the band’s biggest pop hit, performed his signature roundhouse kicks and stalked the stage wearing a spangled captain’s hat, reveling in the moment.
As the crowd left, many were still wearing big smiles borrowed from Diamond Dave. Older and having lived through breakups, recrimination and disappointment, Van Halen was not the same band that they were in 1978, but they were exactly the band they wanted and needed to be in 2008.
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Chris, Jones...I'm with James, there was plenty of dope floating around my wife and I. I have to agree on the acoustics, but I have to say, the concert sounded a lot better than I thought it would. I saw Ozzy/Rob Zombie last month and the sound was so bad during Ozzy that, even though he announced each song, it took 30 or 45 seconds for me to even be able to find the beat in the song, let alone the melody. I thought VH's soundman did a very good job considering what he had to work with. As far as Wolfie goes, while I was aware that Michael Anthony wasn't there (and I wish he were), I didn't notice Wolfie most of the night. He played his parts and didn't make me notice him. On one hand, that's the mark of a good bass player...you don't notice most of the great bass players - they don't draw your attention like the lead singer or guitar player does. But, when they screw up, it's glaringly obvious. On the other hand, it was a bit apparent that Wolfie still doesn't know what to do with himself onstage. That'll come with time. Besides, I guess being on stage with Dave with do that to you. hehehe Anyway, I've been to a lot of shows and this one is probably the best I've seen. I've seen Van Hager, Van Halen here in OKC in 1984 with Dave, and Dave by himself and, to my tastes, Van Hager is a garage band compared to the DLR led VH. Definitely worth the money and I hope they come back again soon. I'll be waiting at the door for them to let me in! Hank from Arlen (tell Bobby hi)...they're gonna be in Little Rock on the 30th, that's just a couple hours from OKC. I saw AC/DC in that arena and, let me tell you, there isn't a bad seat in that arena. It would be well worth your time and expense if you could make it!
I have to agree with the acoustics comment. We sat at the back of the concert on the upper level and there were many times that the guitar overpowered the vocals. I love to hear Eddie play but I want to hear DRL sing at the same time. All in all it was well worth the price, one concert I'll brag about attending for a long time.
Saw the show as well. Hopefully, if the MAPS for Millionaires passes, some of the upgrades to the Ford Center will include some work on the accoustics. I've seen a lot of concerts there and the accoustics were at their worst last night. David Lee's vocals didn't quite get the loudness they needed against Eddie's guitar. Let's see how the Ford Center handles the nuances of Rush when they play in April. In any event, last night's show was one to be remembered and savored.
Long time VH fan. Saw Van Hagar 4 times and Dave solo. This was the greatest concert I have ever been to. I'll Wait and Little Guitars were phenomenal. Dave was in great shape physically and vocally and sported short hair and long sideburns. I definitely missed Michael Anthony but the list of songs played left nothing to be desired. Lots of Tulsa folk made this trip as the interstate was busy heading back to Ttown. Go see this tour if you get a chance!
As a fan of both versions of Van Halen (I try to forget the one album of Gary Sharone) I wish BOTH David and Sammie could work it out with Eddie to tour and put on a looooooong show. Of Course, Micheal Anthony would need to be brought back as well.
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