• Blog,  Concerts

    The Best: Van Halen Concert Review

    Hi everyone!
     
    Well, as of this writing, I’ve been home for about an hour after seeing the mighty Van Halen in Cincinnati!
     
    If you saw my post earlier, you will know this is the 2nd time I’ve seen Van Halen.
     
    And once again, they did not disappoint.
     
    First, let me get to the opener: the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band.
     
    They were very good, very bluesy, but rocking.
     
    Their bassist, Tony Franklin, was in 2 rock bands that I really like, The Firm (with Paul Rodgers, Jimmy Page, and Chris Slade, whose drumming for AC/DC again now), and Blue Murder (with John Sykes and Carmine Appice).
     
    Kenny Wayne Shepherd is definitely a talented guitarist.
     
    They played for about 50 minutes.
     
    Now, to the reason why I went to this show: Van Halen, one of the greatest rock bands in history.
     
    Most people seem to love to hate David Lee Roth these days.
     
    It seems that nearly everyone I talk to wants Sammy Hagar back in the band.
     
    As cool as that would be, I don’t see it happening anytime soon, if ever.
     
    And I’m okay with that because you know why: I love David Lee Roth in Van Halen.
     
    He has his own style of singing, and regardless of what anyone says, he still has it.
     
    And to be honest, I have always preferred Dave in Van Halen because when he’s in the band, their songs are much more rocking and in your face, which I love.
     
    And they’re just more fun with Dave.
    Anyway, Dave is one of my favorite singers/frontmen ever.
     
    Guitarist Eddie Van Halen’s son Wolfgang has been the band’s bassist since 2007, and as much as I would love to see their original bassist Michael Anthony there, Wolfgang is a solid player and very good.
     
    Drummer Alex Van Halen, Eddie’s brother, is still a solid, amazing drummer.
     
    And now to the man, the
    myth, the legend, one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Eddie Van Halen!!
     
    This man is a sight to see and hear play.
     
    He truly is like a mad scientist. And I mean that as a compliment.
     
    His riffs and solos are so innovative, loud, heavy, in your face, and perfect.
     
    Every accolade he gets as a player he deserves and more.
     
    I can go on forever talking about Van Halen, but I’ll end this by saying that Van Halen is one of my favorite bands of all time. Especially with Diamond David Lee Roth on the mic.
     
    And no one is going to change my opinion on that.
     
    I hope you have enjoyed this review.
     
    There will be more to come soon.
     
    I wish the pictures were clearer, but oh well.
     
    I still had a blast, and even though the pics are not perfect, I really did have a great view.

    Van Halen Band Members:

    Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band Members:

    Van Halen Set List:

    1. Light Up The Sky
    2. Runnin’ With The Devil
    3. Romeo Delight
    4. Everybody Wants Some
    5. Drop Dead Legs
    6. Feel Your Love Tonight
    7. Somebody Get Me A Doctor
    8. She’s The Woman
    9. China Town
    10. I’ll Wait
    11. Drum Solo
    12. Little Guitars
    13. Dance The Night Away
    14. Beautiful Girls
    15. Women In Love
    16. Hot For Teacher
    17. In A Simple Rhyme
    18. Dirty Movies
    19. Ice Cream Man
    20. Unchained
    21. Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love
    22. Guitar Solo
    23. You Really Got Me
    24. Panama
    25. Jump

    Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band Set List:

    1. Somehow, Somewhere, Someway
    2. Slow Ride
    3. Deja Voodoo
    4. Come On (Part 1) (Earl King Cover)
    5. Shame, Shame, Shame
    6. Blue On Black
    7. I’m A King Bee (Slim Harpo Cover)
    8. Oh Well (Fleetwood Mac Cover)
    9. Voodoo Child (Slight Return) (The Jimi Hendrix Experience Cover)

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)