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.

Notes

• {{note|81gpint}} 1981 Player interview with Eddie Van Halen
• {{note|discography}} For album and single sales information view the Van Halen Discography
• {{note|2004tourpr}} Press Release Announcing 2004 Van Halen Concert Tour
• {{note|vhtimeline-ron}} Timeline of Van Halen from Rock on the Net
• {{note|dvhfcmikeint}} 1999 Dutch Van Halen Fan Club Interview with Michael Anthony
• {{note|dwavh}} Drummerworld biography on Alex Van Halen
• {{note|mavocals}} Michael Anthony's vocal contributions to Van Halen are often overlooked. It is his sopranoesque range that forms the backbone of the band's distinctive vocal harmony.
• {{note|rothbio}} Roth, David Lee "Crazy From the Heat" ISBN 0786863390
• {{note|78guitarint}} 1978 Guitar.com interview with Eddie Van Halen
• {{note|ttvocal}} Ted Templeman's voice can be heard on the single "Unchained" from the Fair Warning album. It is his voice that breaks-in during the middle of the song to declare "Come on Dave, gimme a break!"
• {{note|78gpint}} 1978 Guitar Player interview with Eddie Van Halen
• {{note|bestselling70s}} 1970s: 100 Best-Selling Albums according to industry sales
• {{note|rollingstonetop500}} Rolling Stone Top 500 Greatest Albums Ever Made
• {{note|85grammys-ron}} 1985 Grammys - Rock on the Net
• {{note|92grammys-ron}} 1992 Grammys - Rock on the Net
• {{note|96grammys-ron}} 1996 Grammys - Rock on the Net