The band was formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972 by brothers Eddie Van Halen (guitar) and Alex Van Halen (drums), along with vocalist David Lee Roth and bassist Michael Anthony.
Eddie Van Halen is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His innovative use of two-handed tapping, harmonics, and speed revolutionized rock guitar playing.
The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1978, included the iconic track 'Eruption,' a guitar solo that showcased Eddie Van Halen's virtuosity and became a staple of rock music.
Their 1984 album, simply titled '1984,' was a massive commercial success, featuring hits like 'Jump,' 'Panama,' and 'Hot for Teacher.' The album reached number two on the Billboard 200 chart.
'Jump,' one of their most famous songs, features a prominent synthesizer riff played by Eddie Van Halen, marking a departure from the band's guitar-driven sound.
The band's lineup has changed multiple times over the years, most notably with the departure of David Lee Roth in 1985 and the arrival of Sammy Hagar as lead vocalist. The band enjoyed continued success with Hagar, releasing several multi-platinum albums.
The band was known for their elaborate and energetic live shows, often featuring Eddie Van Halen's extended guitar solos and David Lee Roth's acrobatic stage antics.
The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, recognizing their contributions to rock music and their influence on countless artists.
Eddie Van Halen's signature 'Frankenstrat' guitar, a customized hybrid of various guitar parts, became one of the most famous and recognizable instruments in rock history.
Fans know them for their backstage demands, famously including a clause in their concert contracts specifying that a bowl of M&M's must be provided with all the brown candies removed. This was to ensure that the concert promoters had read the contract thoroughly.
The band's 1986 album '5150' was the first to feature Sammy Hagar as the lead vocalist and was named after Eddie Van Halen's home studio. The album included hits like 'Why Can't This Be Love' and 'Dreams.'
Van Halen's influence extends beyond their music; their style and sound helped shape the development of the glam metal scene in the 1980s.
The band's reunion with David Lee Roth in the late 2000s led to the release of the album 'A Different Kind of Truth' in 2012, which was their first full-length album with Roth in nearly three decades.
Eddie's son Wolfgang joined the band as the bassist in 2006, replacing Michael Anthony and contributing to the band's later recordings and tours.
Despite internal conflicts and lineup changes, their music continues to be celebrated by fans and musicians alike, and their legacy as one of the greatest rock bands of all time remains secure.
