Van Halen’s 1984 recording set the music world on it’s ear. The group’s songwriting had evolved to Top 10 single status. Guitar genius Eddie Van Halen’s rhythm guitar playing had become funkier, and his solos continued to redefinine the instrument. Eddie had been playing piano and keyboards for his entire life, but now he was incorporating those sounds on a Van Halen recording. Singer and frontman David Lee Roth was at his attention grabbing peak, and his recorded vocals jumped out of the radio. Bassist Michael Anthony’s foundational bass and background vocals were as supportive as ever. Then there was powehouse drummer Alex Van Halen. Like his brother Eddie, Alex Van Halen could wow the stadiums with jaw dropping virtuosity, slip in subtle rhythmic hooks, and keep the listeners dancing. His musical influences drew from all four corners of the musical universe. This month we take a look at three […]

March 2022 Issue