Van Halen , an American rock band, became known for its loud, hard-driving music and exciting live performances. The group’s Dutch-born guitarist, Eddie Van Halen (1955-2020), was known for his fast, precise guitar playing. He ranks as one of rock’s most influential and innovative guitarists. Van Halen’s singer, David Lee Roth (1954-…), became known for his shrieking vocals, showmanship, and acrobatic dance moves in concert. Van Halen’s albums rank among the best-selling in rock history.
The band was formed in 1974 in Pasadena, California, by Eddie; his Dutch-born brother, drummer Alex (1953-…); bassist Michael Anthony (Michael Anthony Sobolewski, 1954-…); and Roth. At first, they called the group Mammoth. They later changed the name to Van Halen.
The group’s first album, Van Halen, was released in 1978. It became one of the most successful debut albums by a rock band. Van Halen’s version of the 1964 hit song “You Really Got Me” became a radio hit. The album also included some of the group’s best-known songs: “Runnin’ with the Devil,” “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘bout Love,” “Jamie’s Cryin’,” and the instrumental “Eruption,” featuring a guitar solo by Eddie.
The group’s second album, Van Halen II (1979), featured the group’s first top-20 hit single, “Dance the Night Away.” Van Halen’s fifth album, Diver Down (1982), featured the group’s versions of the 1964 hit songs “(Oh) Pretty Woman” and “Dancing in the Street” and the 1965 hit song “Where Have All the Good Times Gone?”
Van Halen reached its peak of commercial success with its sixth album, 1984 (1984). It was notable for Eddie’s heavy use of synthesizer . The album included the songs “Jump,” “Panama,” and “I’ll Wait.”
In 1985, Roth began a successful solo career. Later that year, he was replaced on lead vocals by singer and guitarist Sammy Hagar (1947-…). Van Halen’s first album with Hagar, 5150 (1986), became the group’s first number-one album. It featured the songs “Why Can’t This Be Love,” “Love Walks In,” and “Dreams.”
Hagar left the band in 1996. That year, Roth briefly rejoined the group to record new songs for a Van Halen compilation album. From 1996 to 1999, Gary Cherone (1961-…) was the group’s vocalist. Hagar returned as vocalist for a reunion tour in 2004. In 2006, Eddie’s son Wolfgang (1991-…) replaced Anthony on bass. In 2007, Roth again returned as the group’s singer. That year, Van Halen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame .
In 2012, Van Halen released its 12th studio album, A Different Kind of Truth. The album became a top-10 hit. Its single “Tattoo” also became a hit.
See also Heavy metal music ; Rock music (The heavy metal sound) .
