Meanwhile, brother Alex’s trademark
drumming still simulates a cattle stampede with remarkable accuracy and Michael Anthony’s
invisibly permeating bottom end was just the same as before. In another interesting turn,
the usually lost in the shadows bassist got his chance to shine as lead vocalist on a
spastic “Somebody Get Me A Doctor.” Obviously, the set list was geared around
Hagar-centric tunes like “Poundcake,” “Dreams” and “Best Of Both
Worlds.” This worked well enough but when the band slammed head first into numbers
like “Panama” and “Unchained,” it was evident where loyalties were.
Hagar, having clearly come to terms with the band’s legacy showed a new found respect
for the David Lee Roth material, even making “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love”
the ultimate high as Hagar sang from the catwalks in the lighting trusses. |
 
 
|
 
 
|
Near the end of the main set, Eddie did an extended
“Eruption” that featured the intro to “Little Guitars” and repeated
bits of “Cathedral” surrounded by stunning new bits that’ll no doubt leak
onto future VH discs. During his solo, the excitement was palpable. Seeing him nail those
building block hammer-ons, tortured soul screams and laughing hyena licks with perfect
precision melted away years from the performer and his fans. The audience even broke into
the display with chants of “Eddie, “Eddie” that actually brought the metal
man to tears before he murmured something about this being “the best night of my
life.” “Right Now” ended the show with renewed potency. Screens showed the
familiar phrases from the award winning video of the song. Some, such as “Right now,
your government is doing things you think only other governments do” were
particularly weighty with the current Abu Ghraib scandal. This is rock ‘n’ roll,
though, so the song ended with “Right now, Van Halen is kicking your ass in
Greensboro.” No one could argue! Welcome back.
Chris McKay / concertshots.com |
