Van Halen

Van Halen is an American rock band formed in the early-1970s and discovered by KISS bassist and co-founder Gene Simmons. The band's first studio album, Van Halen, released in 1978 is widely regarded as a milestone in rock music, and possibly the best rock debut album ever. With this first release, the band established itself as a leader in the emerging and commercially successful U.S. heavy metal music genre of the 1980s. In particular, the band's guitarist, Eddie Van Halen, quickly gained widespread notoriety for his technical prowess and musical sensibility. Almost overnight, he was touted as one of the most innovative and influential American rock and roll guitarists.{{ref|81gpint}}. The band has also established itself as one of the major live acts of that era, opening up for Journey, Montrose, and later Black Sabbath in 1978. According to Ozzy Osbourne, bringing Van Halen along on the tour was not the best idea because Van Halen simply outplayed them. It also became very popular for the antics, stage presence and larger-than-life persona of its lead singer, David Lee Roth, who was frequently called "Van Halen" by new fans.

Related Topics:
American - Rock - Band - 1970s - KISS - Gene Simmons - Studio album - 1978 - Heavy metal music - 1980s - Eddie Van Halen - Journey - Montrose - Black Sabbath - Ozzy Osbourne - David Lee Roth

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From 1978 to 1998 the band released 11 studio albums (all of which broke the Top 20 spot of the Billboard 200 music charts{{ref|discography}}). The band has sold more than 75 million albums worldwide{{ref|2004tourpr}} and has received several Grammy nominations{{ref|vhtimeline-ron}}. Van Halen is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records with the most number one hits on the Billboard Mainstream Rock List{{ref|dvhfcmikeint}}.

Related Topics:
Billboard 200 - Grammy - Guinness Book of World Records

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In addition to being recognized for their artistic contributions, commercial success and popularity, the band is known for drama surrounding the lead singer spot. Although the core instrumentalists and backing vocals have remained constant (Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen and Michael Anthony), the band has recorded studio albums with three different lead vocalists: David Lee Roth, Sammy Hagar and Gary Cherone. Each vocalist has departed (at least once) under cloudy circumstances. Following their 2004 concert tour the band is currently on hiatus; once again they have a vacancy in the lead singer position and an uncertain future.

Related Topics:
Lead singer - Eddie Van Halen - Alex Van Halen - Michael Anthony - Sammy Hagar - Gary Cherone

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