Van Halen
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1972 in Pasadena, California, United States |
| Headquarters | Pasadena , United States |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Van Halen () was a prominent American rock ensemble established in Pasadena, California, in 1972. Recognized for revitalizing hard rock within mainstream music, the band gained acclaim for their dynamic stage presence and the exceptional guitar skills of Eddie Van Halen.
Between 1974 and 1985, the group consisted of Eddie Van Halen (guitar, keyboards, backing vocals), his brother Alex Van Halen (drums), lead singer David Lee Roth, and bassist Michael Anthony. Their eponymous debut album released in 1978 climbed to No. 19 on the Billboard 200 and achieved Diamond certification by selling over 10 million copies in the United States. Following this success, they produced four additional multi-platinum records by 1982: Van Halen II (1979), Women and Children First (1980), Fair Warning (1981), and Diver Down (1982). The album 1984 sold another 10 million units domestically and featured their sole Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping single, "Jump."
After Roth departed in 1985 to pursue a solo path, former Montrose vocalist Sammy Hagar stepped in as lead singer. With Hagar at the helm, Van Halen released four consecutive U.S. number-one albums that earned multi-platinum status: 5150 (1986), OU812 (1988), For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (1991), and Balance (1995). They also issued the double-platinum live album Live: Right Here, Right Now in 1993. Hagar exited the band in 1996 prior to the release of their inaugural greatest hits compilation, Best Of – Volume I. Subsequently, former Extreme frontman Gary Cherone joined for the commercially underperforming Van Halen III in 1998 before departing in 1999.
Following a hiatus, Van Halen reunited with Hagar for a global tour in 2004 and launched the double-disc compilation The Best of Both Worlds. After Hagar’s second exit, Roth returned as lead vocalist in 2006 while bassist Anthony was replaced by Eddie’s son, Wolfgang Van Halen. The band’s final studio effort, A Different Kind of Truth, arrived in 2012 to both critical acclaim and commercial success—marking Roth’s first recording with Van Halen in nearly three decades and Wolfgang’s sole participation. Eddie Van Halen was diagnosed with cancer in 2001 and passed away on October 6, 2020. A month later, Wolfgang confirmed that the band had officially disbanded.
As of , Van Halen holds the 20th position on the RIAA's ranking of top-selling U.S. artists, with domestic album sales reaching 56 million and over 80 million worldwide, securing their status among the best-selling bands ever. By 2007, they were one of only five rock groups with two studio albums each surpassing 10 million copies sold in the United States, sharing the record for most multi-platinum albums by an American band. The group has achieved thirteen number-one singles on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart. VH1 placed them seventh on its list of the "100 Greatest Hard Rock Artists."
1972–1977: Origins and Early Development
Alex Van Halen (born 1953) and Eddie Van Halen (born 1955), siblings originally from Amsterdam, were the sons of Dutch musician Jan Van Halen and Eugenia Van Beers, who hailed from Indonesia. The family moved to Pasadena, California, in 1962. Eddie demonstrated a natural talent for piano by ear, consistently winning recital competitions despite not being proficient in sight-reading. During the 1960s, the brothers began making music together, initially with Eddie playing drums and Alex on guitar, before switching roles at Eddie’s insistence.
Their initial ensemble, called the Broken Combs, was formed in 1964 and underwent several name changes—including Trojan Rubber Co, Genesis, and Mammoth—by 1972. Eddie took on lead guitar and vocal duties while Mark Stone played bass. To access sound equipment, they rented gear from David Lee Roth, a recent arrival to Pasadena who fronted the R&B-inspired Red Ball Jets. To reduce expenses, Roth joined as lead singer after auditioning, bringing a dynamic stage presence that complemented Eddie’s guitar work and allowed Eddie to focus on composing.
In 1973, the group adopted the name Van Halen at Roth’s suggestion to establish a stronger artistic identity and market appeal. They cultivated a local fan base by performing at clubs, festivals, and backyard gatherings throughout Pasadena and surrounding areas, often attracting crowds as large as 2,000 despite frequent noise complaints. Their grassroots promotion included handing out flyers at high schools.
By 1974, Roth had been part of the band for about a year; Mark Stone was replaced by Michael Anthony Sobolewski, a college student from Pasadena with experience in local bands as a bassist. The band gained traction through steady performances at Sunset Strip venues such as Gazzarri's and Myron's Ballroom from 1974 to 1976. They became staples of the Los Angeles music scene and played renowned clubs like Whisky a Go Go.
In the summer of 1976, DJ Rodney Bingenheimer introduced Van Halen to Gene Simmons of Kiss. Impressed by their live show, Simmons produced an extensive 29-track demo titled "Zero" at Village Recorder studios in Los Angeles with overdubs added later at Electric Lady Studios in New York. Despite Simmons’ enthusiasm and a proposed rebranding to "Daddy Longlegs," Kiss’s management ultimately concluded that Van Halen lacked commercial viability at that time.
1977–1985: Breakthrough Era with David Lee Roth
Doug Messenger, guitarist for Van Morrison’s band and aware that producer Ted Templeman was searching for a "guitar hero" act, recommended Van Halen after seeing them perform at Hollywood’s Starwood nightclub. On a rainy evening in 1977, Warner Bros. executive Mo Ostin and Ted Templeman attended Van Halen’s Starwood gig. Although the audience was small, they were impressed enough to swiftly offer the band a two-album deal heavily favoring Warner Bros., paying the band $0.70 per album sold—leading to over $1 million in debt following their initial tour opening for Journey and Ronnie Montrose.
Their debut album was recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders with minimal overdubs to preserve a live atmosphere. It climbed to No. 19 on Billboard charts and achieved commercial success within heavy metal and hard rock circles. The album included enduring tracks like "Runnin' with the Devil" and the instrumental guitar solo "Eruption," which highlighted Eddie Van Halen’s innovative finger-tapping method; their first single was a cover of "You Really Got Me." They embarked on extensive tours including opening slots for Black Sabbath, solidifying their reputation through the synergy of Eddie’s guitar virtuosity and David Lee Roth’s charismatic performances.
The follow-up record Van Halen II (1979) maintained their established style and featured the hit single "Dance the Night Away," which reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. Over four years they maintained an intense touring schedule while rapidly producing albums. Women and Children First (1980) confirmed their platinum status with tracks like "And the Cradle Will Rock..." and "Everybody Wants Some!!," incorporating amplified electric piano alongside Eddie’s guitar work.
With Fair Warning (1981), Eddie explored darker and more intricate compositions that contrasted with Roth's preference for pop-oriented material. Despite internal disagreements, this album attained platinum certification following significant payola efforts. Plans for a break were interrupted when Warner Bros. pressured them into releasing Diver Down, an album featuring Roth-favored pop covers enriched by Eddie’s synthesizer textures and guitar riffs; it performed well on charts.
The band set a Guinness World Record for highest-paid single performance: $1.5 million for a 90-minute set at Steve Wozniak's 1983 US Festival; however, Roth's intoxication marred the show. Internal tensions continued; bassist Billy Sheehan claimed that Eddie approached him about replacing Michael Anthony but nothing came of it. Additionally, Eddie composed the score for The Wild Life, foreshadowing sounds later developed in subsequent albums.
Released on January 9, 1984, 1984 represented their commercial zenith, achieving five-times platinum status within its first year. Recorded at Eddie’s newly established 5150 Studios, keyboards were prominently featured—most notably on lead single "Jump," which became their only No. 1 pop hit with Roth and earned a Grammy nomination. Other singles such as "Panama," "I'll Wait," and "Hot for Teacher" were supported by popular MTV videos. The album peaked at No. 2 on Billboard charts behind Michael Jackson's Thriller, which included an Eddie Van Halen guitar solo.
Following the 1984 tour, Roth departed amid disputes over creative control and musical direction to form his own band; he also pursued a solo career with successful covers from his Crazy from the Heat EP including "California Girls" (No. 3 US) and "Just a Gigolo"/"I Ain't Got Nobody" (No. 12 US). He was offered a $20 million film deal titled Crazy from the Heat, intended to feature Van Halen providing the soundtrack; however, this project collapsed following CBS Pictures’ restructuring in 1986.
1985–1996: The Sammy Hagar Period
Following David Lee Roth's departure, Eddie Van Halen considered several replacements, including Patty Smyth and Daryl Hall, both of whom declined the offer. In 1985, Eddie was introduced to Sammy Hagar through their shared car mechanic. Hagar, known for his previous work with Montrose and his solo hit "I Can't Drive 55," accepted the role of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for Van Halen. Ted Templeman, who had produced Montrose's debut and earlier Van Halen albums, also produced Hagar’s 1984 release VOA.
Warner Bros. president Mo Ostin visited the band's 5150 Studios to preview new songs and was notably impressed by the live rendition of "Why Can't This Be Love," indicating promising commercial prospects.
Van Halen's 1986 album 5150 marked their first No. 1 entry on the Billboard charts, propelled by synthesizer-rich singles such as "Why Can't This Be Love" (which reached No. 3 in the U.S.), "Dreams," and "Love Walks In." This phase introduced a redesigned logo. The 5150 Tour followed, covering North America and resulting in the concert video Live Without a Net. The band's setlists during this time featured fewer tracks from the pre-Hagar era.
All four studio albums released during Hagar’s tenure achieved No. 1 status on the Billboard pop charts, with seventeen singles entering the top twelve of mainstream rock charts. Among these, "When It's Love" from the 1988 album OU812 peaked at No. 5. The group received two Grammy nominations and secured the Best Hard Rock Performance award in 1992 for For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. Maintaining their momentum into the mid-1990s, Van Halen issued the live album and concert film Live: Right Here, Right Now documenting their 1992 tour. During this period, Alan Fitzgerald of Night Ranger contributed offstage keyboard parts and later rejoined for tours in 2004, 2007, and 2012.
In 1995, Van Halen released Balance and joined Bon Jovi on a European stadium tour. The ensuing Balance Tour earned the nickname "Ambulance Tour" due to health problems experienced by band members.
While working on the soundtrack for Twister, tensions between Hagar and the Van Halen brothers intensified, culminating in Hagar's exit in June 1996. Disagreements centered on songwriting contributions; Eddie reworked "Humans Being" after expressing dissatisfaction with Hagar’s lyrics. During sessions when Hagar was absent for his child's birth, Eddie and Alex recorded the instrumental track "Respect the Wind," which later received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Instrumental Performance.
Additional disputes arose over a planned compilation album under new management by Ray Danniels. Hagar opposed releasing a greatest hits collection before issuing new material and preferred focusing on Roth-era songs or separating volumes by era. These creative differences ultimately led to a breakdown in relations between Hagar and the band.
1996: Brief Reunion with Roth
David Lee Roth reached out to Eddie regarding tracks intended for a Van Halen compilation that had been initiated prior to Hagar’s departure. Their interaction was amicable, leading Roth back into studio sessions with the band and producer Glen Ballard. Two songs from these recordings were included on Best Of – Volume I and released as singles to promote the compilation.
In September of that year, Van Halen appeared together at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards, marking their first public reunion in over eleven years. This event helped push the compilation album to No. 1 on U.S. charts. However, unbeknownst to Roth, Eddie and Alex continued auditioning other vocalists such as Mitch Malloy.
The MTV appearance sparked rumors of a full reunion, yet Roth was dismissed shortly afterward. He claimed that Van Halen had misled him into believing a reunion was forthcoming and insisted he would not have participated in the awards show without a genuine reunion agreement. The Van Halen brothers and manager Anthony denied any deception about plans to reinstate Roth.
Eddie later expressed embarrassment over Roth's conduct during the awards ceremony, especially his behavior behind Beck during an acceptance speech. At a backstage press conference, Eddie downplayed reunion speculation by citing his need for hip replacement surgery and plans for a new studio album before touring again. Roth urged Eddie not to dwell on such negatives, nearly resulting in a physical altercation between them.
1996–2000: Gary Cherone Period
Following David Lee Roth's departure, Van Halen appointed Gary Cherone, previously the lead vocalist of Boston's Extreme, who had gained prominence in the early 1990s. This lineup produced the album Van Halen III, which showcased lengthier, more experimental compositions and a notable emphasis on ballads, including a track with Eddie Van Halen providing vocals ("How Many Say I"). Although the album reached No. 4 on the U.S. charts, its commercial performance was modest relative to Van Halen’s prior successes, only attaining Gold status. The record featured the successful single "Without You" and "Fire in the Hole," which appeared on the soundtrack for Lethal Weapon 4. The subsequent III Tour marked the band’s inaugural visits to Australia and New Zealand, broadening their international presence. In 1998, "Without You" achieved the top position on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Charts, becoming Van Halen’s 13th chart-topper there and extending their record for most No. 1s on that list.
In early 1999, Van Halen commenced work with producer Danny Kortchmar on new material, reportedly crafting over twenty songs including "Left for Dead" and "Love Divine." Despite this prolific writing phase, the album was never released; Cherone departed amicably in November 1999 due to creative differences and personal conflicts. None of these recordings have surfaced publicly, and Van Halen did not issue new tracks until three songs recorded with Sammy Hagar appeared on the 2004 compilation Best of Both Worlds.
Reflecting later, Cherone suggested that engaging in touring before recording might have fostered better creative synergy. Attendance during his touring period was underwhelming, and Eddie Van Halen later revealed that Warner Bros. exerted pressure leading to Cherone’s exit. Unlike prior separations within the band, this departure was free of hostility; Cherone maintained positive relations with Van Halen members, sparking speculation about a possible reunion with Roth.
1999–2003: Period of Inactivity
Following Eddie Van Halen’s recovery from hip surgery in late 1999, the band entered a hiatus lasting from 2000 until early 2004 without releasing new music or making public announcements. Meanwhile, the Van Halen brothers continued songwriting efforts at 5150 Studios, while Cherone focused on his project Tribe of Judah, repurposing "Left For Dead," originally intended for an unreleased Van Halen album.
After Cherone's exit, rumors circulated regarding potential replacements. David Coverdale denied any involvement despite speculation, emphasizing his dedication to solo endeavors after departing Deep Purple.
In 2000, Van Halen briefly reunited with David Lee Roth to collaborate on a new album; however, disagreements stalled progress. Some demo tracks from this period were later reworked for the 2012 release A Different Kind of Truth. The band also contemplated scheduling concerts featuring Roth. In 2001, talks with Ozzy Osbourne about joining as lead singer ended due to his commitments producing The Osbournes television series.
During summer 2002, Roth and Sammy Hagar co-headlined the Song for Song, the Heavyweight Champs of Rock and Roll tour, attracting considerable attention as a Van Halen-related event despite the band not performing together. The tour featured no opening acts and alternating sets by each vocalist. Michael Anthony often joined Hagar’s group, the Waboritas, but did not perform alongside Roth. Although public statements emphasized mutual respect between Roth and Hagar, backstage tensions were apparent. Hagar released a live album titled Hallelujah, which included performances with Anthony and Cherone as well as a documentary DVD chronicling touring experiences with Roth.
Subsequently, Hagar formed Planet Us alongside Joe Satriani, Neal Schon, Michael Anthony, and Deen Castronovo. This venture produced two songs and a few live shows before disbanding when both Hagar and Anthony rejoined Van Halen.
On July 4, 2004, Roth appeared with the Boston Pops orchestra during their annual Pops Goes the Fourth celebration. Concurrently, Hagar concentrated on his solo career by releasing five albums and expanding his Cabo Wabo brand into tequila production and cantina establishments. He occasionally reunited with Montrose (band) and continued collaborations with Anthony. Michael Anthony also pursued entrepreneurial efforts including a Yamaha signature bass guitar line and hot sauce products while participating in organizing the annual NAMM Show.
2003–2005: Reunion with Hagar
After unsuccessful efforts to reunite with Roth, Anthony persistently reached out to Hagar about getting the band back together. Eventually, Hagar and Alex Van Halen reestablished contact and agreed to perform together again. This reunion led to a new compilation release and a U.S. summer tour featuring both Van Halen and Hagar.
In July 2004, the band issued The Best of Both Worlds, a double-disc collection that included three fresh tracks featuring Hagar: "It's About Time", "Up for Breakfast", and "Learning to See". Notably, these songs credited songwriting to Hagar and the Van Halen brothers, excluding Michael Anthony, who contributed only backing vocals at Hagar’s request while Eddie handled bass duties. No songs from Van Halen III were featured on this album. By August 2004, the compilation had achieved platinum status in the United States.
The 2004 summer tour generated close to $55 million in revenue, ranking among the top ten highest-grossing tours that year. Critical reception was mixed. Wolfgang Van Halen made guest appearances during select performances of "316", a song dedicated to him. Toward the tour’s conclusion, reports surfaced regarding Eddie’s struggles with alcohol, supported by fan-recorded videos showing inconsistent performances. At the final concert in Tucson, Eddie famously destroyed a guitar on stage.
Following the tour, tensions escalated within the band. Although initially still considered an official member, Hagar eventually announced he was "done with Van Halen," attributing his departure to Eddie’s alcohol-related issues affecting the group. Despite this, Eddie expressed satisfaction with how the tour had gone. Afterward, Hagar returned to his solo project, the Waboritas, occasionally touring alongside Anthony before Van Halen gradually faded from public attention after Hagar's exit.
2006–2008: Second reunion with Roth and Wolfgang Van Halen era
In early 2006, rumors about a Roth reunion began circulating again. Roth confirmed discussions with Alex Van Halen and described a reunion as "inevitable," although he noted that Eddie seemed somewhat detached from the process. Roth stressed that reuniting was important for preserving the band’s legacy. Meanwhile, Eddie was working on new material and planned to contribute some tracks to the soundtrack of the film Sacred Sin.
In March 2006, Michael Anthony disclosed that the Van Halen brothers were hesitant to include him in the 2004 reunion tour despite Hagar’s support; Anthony accepted reduced royalties and gave up rights to use the band's name after the tour ended. He was replaced by Eddie's son, Wolfgang Van Halen, later that year. Eddie confirmed Wolfgang’s involvement during an interview with Howard Stern and expressed openness toward reuniting with Roth.
By late 2006, reports suggested that rehearsals were underway for a potential 2007 tour, although no updates appeared on their official website. Eddie publicly invited Roth back into the band; however, Roth denied recent communication and cautioned that a reunion might result in conflict.
Van Halen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in January 2007. Only Hagar and Anthony attended due to Eddie being in rehab at the time. Roth declined to perform at the ceremony because of disagreements over song selections. Shortly thereafter, Billboard announced plans for a tour featuring Roth, which was later confirmed on Van Halen’s official website.
A Best Of (1978–1984) compilation was announced early in 2007 but was postponed amid uncertainties surrounding the tour schedule. Eddie entered rehab again in March but completed treatment by May.
In August 2007, Van Halen revealed plans for a North American tour with Roth and hinted at a future world tour along with a new album. Controversy arose when their revamped official website removed Michael Anthony from historical album images—a decision that was later reversed and attributed to marketing choices made without band approval. The Fall 2007 tour kicked off on September 27 in Charlotte, North Carolina, earning positive reviews and selling out numerous venues.
Some dates were delayed due to reports of Eddie undergoing medical procedures and speculation about a rehab relapse following disputes with Wolfgang. Valerie Bertinelli and Wolfgang publicly denied any current rehab involvement. The tour resumed on April 17, 2008, concluding on June 2 at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena. Roth reassured fans that this would not be their final performance together. Ultimately, this reunion tour became Van Halen’s highest-grossing endeavor ever, generating nearly $93 million.
On July 3, 2008, Van Halen performed as headliners at Quebec City Summer Festival before an audience of approximately 85,000 attendees.
2008–2020: A Different Kind of Truth and concluding tours
In a 2008 interview with Guitar World, Eddie Van Halen revealed details about his forthcoming EVH Wolfgang guitar and hinted at new Van Halen music, though no definitive release date was provided. In 2009, Eddie underwent surgery on his left hand to address arthritis-related discomfort caused by extensive touring. By 2010, Warner/Chappell Music renewed its administration deal for the Van Halen catalog, encompassing works by both Eddie and Alex, while reports indicated the band was working on a new album with Roth aiming for a 2011 launch.
Recording sessions with producer John Shanks commenced in January 2011. By midyear, insiders confirmed the album had been completed and mixing wrapped up by August. The band announced a 2012 tour in December 2011, highlighted by an unexpected intimate show in New York City in January that garnered positive media attention. The lead single "Tattoo" debuted on January 10, entering the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 67.
Released on February 7, 2012 through Interscope Records, A Different Kind of Truth was Van Halen’s first studio album since 1998 and introduced Wolfgang Van Halen as the bassist. This marked the first full-length album featuring Roth in over 27 years. The album opened at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and achieved the band’s highest UK chart position at No. 6, supported by favorable reviews from critics and fans alike.
The subsequent A Different Kind of Truth Tour proved financially successful despite ticket prices averaging around $150, with most U.S. arena dates selling out or nearly so. Kool and the Gang, chosen by Roth, served as opening acts for the initial two legs. However, in May 2012, the band postponed summer tour dates citing a need for rest following intensive recording and touring; these dates were ultimately canceled.
Eddie underwent surgery for diverticulitis in August 2012, which caused delays to scheduled performances in Japan. Live shows resumed in April 2013 with concerts across Australia and Japan. Their first live album featuring Roth, Tokyo Dome Live in Concert, was released on March 31, 2015, alongside remastered versions of their debut album and 1984.
Van Halen announced a North American tour spanning 39 dates from July to October 2015 with Roth fronting the band. Eddie expressed intentions to record new material after completing the tour. The group collaborated with Chris Cornell on songwriting efforts before his untimely passing halted progress.
On September 12, 2019, Van Halen issued a box set compiling their Japanese singles. Later that month, Roth voiced skepticism about the band’s continuation, stating "I think Van Halen is finished." In contrast, Sammy Hagar declared in May 2020 that as long as either Eddie or Alex remain alive, Van Halen persists and expressed optimism about a reunion tour involving himself and Michael Anthony.
2020–present: Eddie’s passing, dissolution, and potential archival releases
Wolfgang Van Halen announced on October 6, 2020 that Eddie Van Halen had passed away from cancer; this occurred shortly after original bassist Mark Stone also succumbed to cancer. In a November 2020 interview with Howard Stern, Wolfgang confirmed that the band had effectively ended, remarking, "You can't have Van Halen without Eddie Van Halen." He disclosed that prior to Eddie’s illness, there were plans for a reunion tour featuring Hagar, Anthony, and Cherone, with Eddie eager to participate. By August 2023, Wolfgang reiterated there were no intentions for a reunion and stated that the band "doesn't exist anymore."
During October and November of 2024, Alex Van Halen revealed he is examining previously unreleased material from the band's archives with the goal of issuing it as a tribute to Eddie. He described their creative process as fluid rather than formulaic and stressed that any forthcoming releases must uphold the high standards set by both him and Eddie. Alex indicated there is sufficient content to produce three or four albums.
Alex also noted that collaboration will be necessary to finalize these recordings and is investigating the use of artificial intelligence to emulate Eddie’s guitar playing style. He expressed interest in potentially recruiting Robert Plant as vocalist for future projects and announced plans for a biographical film centered on the band's origins.
Contract riders
Van Halen's intricate technical specifications played a significant role in shaping contemporary pop music tours, particularly through their concert's technical contract rider. The band utilized these riders to confirm details regarding venue power supply, security measures, structural integrity, and load-bearing capacities. Their riders are well-known for including a bowl of M&M's candies placed in the dressing room with all brown M&M's removed. This requirement was not merely decorative but served as a practical check to verify the venue’s compliance with critical technical and safety standards.
When the bowl adhered to this condition, the band could reasonably trust that other technical demands had been fulfilled; if not, Van Halen’s management reserved the right to conduct inspections, demand rectifications, or cancel the performance at the venue’s cost. A notable incident occurred at what is now Colorado State University Pueblo, where ignoring this clause resulted in damage such as disruptions in dining facilities and harm to the gym floor caused by excessive stage weight.
Musical style
Van Halen's musical approach encompasses genres such as hard rock, heavy metal, AOR, pop rock, and glam metal. Their early works featured an energetic "party-ready pop metal sound" highlighted by David Lee Roth’s unique vocal style, whereas their later productions adopted a softer and more mainstream tone.
Band members
Final lineup
- Eddie Van Halen – guitar (1972–2020; until his passing), backing vocals (1974–2020), keyboards (1979–1997); lead vocals (1972–1974, 1997)
- Alex Van Halen – drums, percussion (1972–2020); occasional backing vocals (1982–1983, 1990–1991)
- David Lee Roth – lead vocals, occasional acoustic guitar and synthesizer (1974–1985, 1996, 2006–2020)
- Wolfgang Van Halen – bass, backing vocals (2006–2020)
Former
- Mark Stone – bass, backing vocals (1972–1974; deceased 2020)
- Michael Anthony – bass, backing vocals (1974–2006); occasional synthesizer (1980–1998)
- Sammy Hagar – lead vocals, guitar (1985–1996, 2003–2005)
- Gary Cherone – lead vocals (1996–1999)
Lineups
| Period | Members | Releases |
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| 1972–1974[lower-alpha 1] |
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| 1974–1985[lower-alpha 2] |
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| 1985–1996 |
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| 1996 |
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| 1996–1999 |
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| 2003–2005 |
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| 2006–2020 |
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Discography
- Van Halen (1978)
- Van Halen II (1979)
- Women and Children First (1980)
- Fair Warning (1981)
- Diver Down (1982)
- 1984 (1984)
- 5150 (1986)
- OU812 (1988)
- For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (1991)
- Balance (1995)
- Van Halen III (1998)
- A Different Kind of Truth (2012)
Concert tours
- 1978 World Tour
- World Vacation Tour (1979)
- World Invasion Tour (1980)
- Fair Warning Tour (1981)
- Hide Your Sheep Tour (1982–1983)
- 1984 Tour
- 5150 Tour (1986)
- OU812 Tour (1988–1989)
- For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge Tour (1991–1992)
- Right Here Right Now Tour (1993)
- Balance Tour (1995)
- III Tour (1998)
- Summer Tour 2004
- North American Tour 2007–2008
- A Different Kind of Truth Tour (2012–2013)
- North American Tour 2015
Awards and nominations
At the 34th Annual Grammy Awards, Van Halen's album For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge secured the award for Best Hard Rock Performance. The same record also earned Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Album at the 1992 American Music Awards. Beyond these wins, the band received two further Grammy nods and garnered eight additional nominations from the AMAs. Their 1992 music video for "Right Now" achieved three MTV Video Music Awards, including Video of the Year, complementing four earlier nominations at that event. Additionally, "Jump" was honored with Best Stage Performance at the first-ever MTV Video Music Awards held in 1984.
See also
- List of artists who reached number one in the United States
- List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart
Sources
External links
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