Artist Van Halen

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Van Halen

It seems like Eddie Van Halen just can’t get along with everyone in his band at the same time. His long-discussed reunion with original singer David Lee Roth took years and a couple of highly publicized false starts to actually come together, but in the meantime, Eddie forced out founding bassist Michael Anthony in favor of his 16-year-old son, Wolfgang. The move understandably irritated a lot of fans, since Anthony’s contribution to Van Halen’s best material was more significant than his low profile might suggest. (Anthony’s now playing with another ex-bandmate, Sammy Hagar.) Still, the return of Diamond Dave is worth flicking your lighter on from the cheap seats, so strap in and prepare to hear “Panama” the way God intended it to be heard, except for the basslines and backing vocals.

Updated 10/29/2009