MSN Music Blog - Reverb

Van Halen just needs a break

Band has spent too long on the mean streets

By Mark C. Brown May 18, 2012 2:20PM
Van HalenSometimes the simplest explanations are the least-sexy ones. When Van Halen announced this week it was postponing the second leg of its tour, conspiracy theories flew. Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth are fighting so badly they can't stand it. Ticket sales are in the toilet. Eddie's health issues have resurfaced.

But none of them made sense. Fighting? They can't stand each other, yet they'll work together for five more weeks? No. Low ticket sales? Continuing to tour would be like throwing good money after bad, so they'd pull the plug immediately as well. Besides, the tour is selling strongly. Health issues? Again, a five-week wait to deal with that makes no sense.

The truth? According to a source, the band is simply burned out after dozens of high-energy dates so far this year. This first leg ends in New Orleans on June 26 and the band is going to take some time off and regroup for the second leg. Sources couldn't promise any dates when the band would be back out, but the key at the moment is that the dates are "postponed," not "canceled."

So catch 'em while you can between now and June 26, or take your chances on the rest of the year.

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14Comments
ledhead07
May 19, 2012 3:20PM
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ok being 50 my self i understand  im a production /stage mgr my self  and after 3 years on the road i needed a break my self so... kick it back boys take a break but come back and make these douche bag want to be"s back up and and say im sorry ...eddie van is a ROCK GOD  bow bitches
Waa...A
May 19, 2012 11:26AM
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Well Van Halen was the "Baddest" band out there in the 70's-early early 80's" I went to allot of parties that they "Rocked" the mood.  I don't care if they have aged and slowed down.  That's Van Halen crank up the music dude!
1badrott
May 19, 2012 9:42AM
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Meh...just take some Geritol and that will do the trick you ol' geezers!
lgbizzle
May 19, 2012 9:42AM
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They were one of the best rock acts ever; and to do it 20 years later is harder than you think. Why do you think most retire after a couple decades. Playing shows on the road for weeks or  months is grueling even on young guys. I won't comment on Wolf as bassist, it's Eddie's call.
central ohio
May 19, 2012 7:26AM
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Use both Sammy and David for front singers. One is bound to show up. But the latest Van Halen album is mediocre at best so who cares. Sorry Eddie. Best R/R guitarist. Neil Young sang rust never sleeps and these guys proved it.
TheLeopoldStotch
May 19, 2012 7:09AM
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Wow. The haters are really out. Eddie changed how the guitar was played in popular music. I don't care if he plays with a band of chimps, go see him. You can tell your grandchildren you saw live one of the greatest rock guitar players of all time. Just like I wish I'd been able to see Robert Johnson, Django Reinhardt,  Hendrix,  Stevie Ray, on-and-on. I thank god I was able to see some of the old bluesmen like B.B and Buddy Guy. Hope Eddie plays on as long as he can.
Safety Sam
May 19, 2012 6:59AM
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I'm glad the first rock n roll concert I saw was the "Invasion" tour in 1980. I saw every tour after until 2007. I was 12 in 1980. Its a shame that kids today can only relate to politically correct,non-offensive,teeny​ bopper,cry baby music. Frank Zappa was right after all...Joes Garage's fore told the future of music.
Sammie65
May 19, 2012 6:59AM
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Its not the same without Michael Anthony! Seen them with Sammy and you all rocked! but no way am I seeing this circus.  agreed with boatraider, you want to see fighting, tune into our husbands, wifes, brothers,sisters,aun​ts,uncles,nieces,nep​hews, moms,dads,friends, fighting  a war over seas....It has to come from your soul to get together and perform, not for the $$$...   
doulikemyhair
May 19, 2012 6:04AM
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LAME! RETIRE ALREADY, WASHED UP WANNA BEE`S, D LEE VOCAL TRACKS AREN`T FINISHED YET SO THEY HAVE TOO DELAY, LORD KNOWS THE MAN CAN`T SING LIKE HE USED TO!!!

i fix it
May 18, 2012 9:15PM
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THEIR NOT VAN HALEN WITHOUT MICHAEL ANTHONY ANYWAY!!!!!   GET EDDIES DUMB KID OUTA THERE!!!!!!!!
alur77
May 18, 2012 6:07PM
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They were a little interesting getting some songs in the old top 40 in the 1970's, but they aren't interesting any more. They have a few hits, but not a large catalogue of songs like Journey or Foreigner, so no one has missed them.

 

David Lee Roth was more interested in appearing to be a rock star than being a rock singer like those that came after such as Axl Rose. Add Sammy Hagar, and you just have a backup band with a singer. They were just an odd lot.
B C (bcap2bcap2)
May 18, 2012 5:28PM
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Ain't it a bitch getting old?
Boatraider123
May 18, 2012 5:08PM
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Come on now it isnt like anyone actually got hurt! How dangerous or bad could it be? its a couple of aging rockers who should have hung up the spurs years ago fighting like a married couple. If they want to see real fighting tell them to turn on the News when a report about Afghanistan is on and watch the Marines.
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