[jims69camaro]

i went to a lot of concerts when i was younger. van halen, of course, was one of the bands that i saw. i'd have to say that although their music isn't very musically intense, eddie's guitar solos aside, their hooks and melodies were what got your attention. dave was a part of that. so while there was some OK music that came out post DLR, it just didn't have the same quality as when they recorded with dave.

sure, some would argue that the music went up a notch once sammy joined the group, but the quality of music never got better. they churned out some songs in the late '80s and '90s, for sure, but nothing beats having all of the roles in the band clearly defined (expanding on my previous post) where everyone knows what is expected of them, can experiment inside of their pocket, and can concentrate on doing the best that they can. that change once dave left the band, because now they had two guitarists. egos clashed, and on more than one occasion alex was heard saying he couldn't deal with the band anymore - he would even just up and leave recording sessions. recording time is a premium, and the studios charge big bucks to let you use their equipment, so for someone to know that and still leave because of the clashes happening while recording, says a lot about what was happening at the time.

DLR isn't the best singer in the world, but he knows his job. look at the stuff he put out after he left VH. i mean, talk about a showman. and then when he got one of the best guitarists in the world, put him together with one of the greatest bassists of all time, and dave led the show... it was pure chemistry. and, again, the roles were clearly defined. here's the best bassist, able to concentrate on what he does best; here's one of the best guitarists able to concentrate on what he does best; decent drums, although not on par with alex van halen, but still someone who can lay down a solid beat; with dave doing all of his antics and what have you on stage (and in the studio, from what i understand)... it worked. unfortunately, the DLR band had a few too many egos in it, and they ended up seperating, but i knew at some point dave would have another shot at VH. and it's the '80s, all over again. one of the very best live shows i've ever been to. i am not much for concerts at this point in my life, but i wouldn't mind seeing VH again.