Michael Anthony does not get enough credit for his backup vocals. His color on his harmonies are something that makes VH's songs so grounded. He is often overlooked.
My wife's a teacher and I'm always quoting the bits out of this song to her, I don't feel tardy is my favorite. Along with "I brought my pencil, give me somethin to write on".
In the 80s, that video was one of the ones targeted by the PMRC in their crusade for censorship in rock music. Thankfully, people like Frank Zappa, Twisted Sister's Dee Snider, and Dead Kennedys' Jello Biafra fought them tooth and nail. It's a fascinating piece of modern music history.
I was in High school when this album came out. We went to see the show and luckily stayed at the same motel they were staying at and luckily seen Ed there after the show. I said said the show was better than the last tour of Diver Down. He walked straight towards us and said "You came to see the last tour" we said of course, you're our favorite band. He seemed floored by that and was so appreciative that we got a good 10-15 minutes with him just talking about songs and albums we like from them. He was very nice to us.
That's an awesome story! Not at all surprised that Eddie was super cool. There's Bach, there's Mozart, there's Chopin, there's Miles Davis, there's Jimi Hendrix, and there's Edward Van Halen...each one a genius of the first rate and possibly from another planet
That is an awesome story. I was supposed to be in the New Haven Coliseum when they recorded Live Witbout a Net with Sammy. Most famous Eruptiin solo with Eddie in orange pants. Unfortunately - my dad grounded me and I didn’t go. He still apologizes to this day whenever I ring it up. I was 14 now 51. LOL!
Absolutely. I saw VH in 2012 with Wolfgang replacing Mike on bass. He did a fine job on the instrument, but the backing vocals just didn't sound the same.
This video represents why many of us who lived through the 80's loved it so much and miss it. The 80's were just FUN and nobody really took themselves too seriously. You look at videos by Van Halen, Twisted Sister, etc. and they demonstrate this so well. Also, yes, you have this to look forward to with your son. The reality was the teacher walking up between the desks in a normal skirt and blouse. The bikini, dancing, and parading around represents the fantasy going on in young men's heads. Lots of carrying books, bags, or jackets in front of yourself back in those days. 🤣
I've been thinking for years about how much fun rock music used to be and how we seemed to have lost that. Every time I hear something like Ballroom Blitz, or anything from Twisted sister or David Lee Roth, I miss it. At least we had The Presidents of the United States of America and Cake to make us happy for a while a couple decades back.
@@PuppyMonsters There's still some really fun rock and metal coming out of Europe these days. A lot of it is from the northern countries, but there are some amazing groups from England, France, and Italy that I've heard as well. If you want some *really* fun stuff, check out the Italian band "Nanowar of Steel".
Yes, thank you! You took the words right out of my mouth. I'm so thankful to have been in high school/college in the 80s. It was exactly as fun as it looked, upbeat (besides stuff like the Cure etc), silly, creative, just going all out, and having fun!!! MTV was such a huge cultural phenomenon, it affected and reflected how we felt. Special times.
Not just technically, artistically great, but also a great innovator. I think our host is perhaps too young to recognize this, especially when she commented that Eddie may have been influenced by SRV.
Eddie and Alex, Van Halen’s father was a jazz musician. Both of them study piano as children. Their understanding of music was superb. In my opinion, Alex Van Halen doesn’t get enough credit for his playing. He’s outstanding ❤❤❤❤
Michael Anthony - the bass player - has been largely overlooked for his vocal contributions to Van Halen's sound . He does much of the heavy lifting on VH's harmonies & covers the upper register of their choruses particularly during the DLR days . Even during the Sammy Hagar days - who had a much larger vocal range than Dave - he still sang on a lot of it and was instrumental in that Van Halen sound . - he's the singing unsung hero of VH in my humble opinion 😊
There are better singers than Dave but none more fun, cool and charismatic. It's impossible not to smile when listening to classic Van Halen largely because of his personality. He's like your cool friend that your parents don't want you to hang out with.
@@wildwillie5408 Did you join the "It Ain't Van Halen Without David Lee Roth" movement back in the early 2000s? I'm still wearing those tee-shirts, 20 years later. Van Diamond Dave Halen, friends -- accept no substitute.
@@merriemisfit8406more like late 70s. I believe VH 2 was my first album from them. Not that I disliked sammy but it just wasn't the same without the Dave effect. Much like AC/DC when Brian tried to replace Bon.
@@wildwillie5408 Yeah, I go way back too. I was more of a Van Halen appreciater, not a fan. I never saw them perform live in any configuration. The "It Ain't" movement started with a couple of fellows in New Jersey who, like so many, were sick of VH inactivity and lead singer switching. They just finally put their feelings on a bunch of shirts and sold them for several years up until the Van Halen boys and Dave finally regrouped and took their act back out on the road -- when was it? 2007?
@@sjp35productions6 I started school in the late 70's and both my parents are retired school teachers, I heard this a lot growing up. My mom still uses the term if I show up later than expected for a visit.
Most people admire Eddie because of his fast solo playing, the tapping and stuff. But in fact he is one of the greatest rhythm players, too. He started with drums before he and his brother Alex switched their instruments. There are many guitar players who can play as fast as Eddie, but his playing is still outstanding because he had this special rhythm feeling that others don't have. And Dave may not be the best singer - technically - but he's powerful with pure charisma! A true entertainer.
@Ocean Lives yeah, Alex doesn't get much credit. He played a lot of very unique beats and his technical accuracy was amazing. He is very under praised as a drummer.
@@joenefflen845 Hard to step out of your brother's shadow when your brother is Eddie Van Halen, but yeah, Alex is crazy talented in his own right and didn't get as much credit for it as he should have.
One of the great things about early Van Halen was that they never took themselves too seriously, and this video is a classic example. It was a bunch of guys who loved playing music and just having fun doing it. Eddie Van Halen was one of the guitar greats of all time. He will be missed.
He rarely got the praise he deserved. Wolfe did ok when I saw them without Michael, but nowhere near as great as when the original lineup were together
Indeed! I’m really surprised Elizabeth didn’t comment on it! But even though his vocals are definitely present here, it’s not as much as many other VH songs. 🙏
You are totally right about Alex's drumming on this one, but for me the tip top has always been the triple hits on the crash cymbal EXACTLY when he wants them. But I would never fight you on that kicker...just add the triples on top of it. LOL
@@Mhantrax Conversely, look at Jane's Addiction. What makes that band is Eric Avery's bass and Steven Perkins' polyrhythms, and how those two parts connect so tightly.
Edward Van Halen and the album 1984 changed the trajectory of my life. I wanted to be a guitarist more than anything in the world after hearing this album. Thank you Ed for changing my life and igniting a passion that is still with me after all these years.
It I'm not mistaken, the drum intro is timed perfectly with the sound of a top fuel dragster idel. That's all I can hear when I listen to this and it hits me in my brain and makes me smile.
@@bretandcynthiawelch5089 Alex didn't seem to even try the drum intro when I saw them on the Fair Warning tour. I'm a drummer (was: ) and I tried so hard copy this track. He was drunk. I was in the 5th row just shaking my head.
@@stevecuzz8820 Hot for Teacher hadn't been released on the Fair Warning tour, it was released in 1983/84 (the Album 1984) and the Fair Warning tour was in 1981.
@@bretandcynthiawelch5089 I believe they've also started the song with a mic by a Harley Davidson and transitioned into drums but that could have been a Sturgis special or one off thing.
If you found Dave's vocal trills fascinating, "Runnin with the Devil" is one of their most famous songs that puts them on full display. Van Halen fans will be in alignment that it is definitely worthy of a listen/reaction!
She laughed through most of the video and didn't give the song the credit it deserves. One of the most iconic guitar solos of the 80s and the most incredible drum lead in rock history. And yeah, DLR kills it in RWTD!
The line "I don't feel tardy" is epic! I bet every kid in every class in every school said that if he walked in late, someone said "You're tardy!" and replied "I don't feel tardy!" Also, the David Lee Roth era of Van Halen is the epitome of fun kick ass rock and roll.
I like the Family Guy version. Joe drives Meg to school. She says they have to hurry or she'll be tardy. Joe responds I don't think you can get that way just by being late for school.
Yes, Alex Van Halen is the drummer. The dance routine in the video took several takes as Alex had trouble getting the timing of the routine down. That’s what is hilarious to me, of all the band members, the drummer had no timing.
@@Hazardteam, Nope! It usually is with Van Halen, but the choreographer wanted to kill Alex, Michael, and Eddie, because they just couldn't get it together. When David Lee Roth does that last turn of the first dance, he was genuinely shocked that they were all facing him, but went with it. Just like with the movie "Dragnet", the choreographer thought she'd have an easy time, because Dan Aykroyd was a Blues Brother and both he and Tom Hanks did such physical comedy. She was pulling her hair out trying to get them to do the dance for the video, and they both were so wooden. Just because someone is a good musician, especially the rhythm section, doesn't mean they can dance, or take direction well. It makes for a hilarious video, though! And no more choreography for the band after this! 😁🤘
Eddie was an innovator in guitar. He didn’t invent hammer-ons and pull offs, but he did figure out how to make them melodic. Also his famous use of “brown sound” in his amplifiers makes him a legend. His red guitar “Frankie” was pieced together and painted by his own hands. He and Alex were poor so they had to learn on their own and build their instruments. Eddie is a legend and always will be.
True, Steve Hackett was an early adopter of tapping and such back in the early 70s. He didn't invent the style either, but he was one of the first to use it in a rock setting. Steve has only gotten better with age! Listen to albums like Wolflight, At the Edge of Light and Surrender of Silence. Oh, and if you want to hear one of the longest notes ever played on guitar, listen to Twice Around the Sun from his album Dark Town. That's real; not "studio magic".
Yep. I missed out on the era of Clapton and Hendrix, but at least our generation had some mind-blowing innovators like Eddie, Mark Knopfler, and The Edge.
In fact, he made all his guitars himself after that (too i mean) Some guitar factories even provided him with his own small, separate room for this purpose.
I would never have thought I'd see the day when a professional could analyze DLRs voice and come up with so many impressive statements. We all know Sammy had the very classic rock voice and some serious vocal chops, but DLR is no slouch! He just threw his entire over the top personality into his singing style. It is a large part of what made early VH the animal it was. Also, I don't think there is any VH fan out there that didn't sit in awe of those high pitched squeals. That was a whole singing style unto itself. I hope you decide to check out Eddie Van Halen, Eruption solo, live without a net version. I'd love to get a more analytic take on that.
There really wasn't much complaining about Dave's singing until he left . I still think Dave's voice goes better with Ed's sound . Like Jack Daniels and Coke .
Yeah, I think Sammy has more talent, and is technically a better singer. But I think Dave had a knack for harnessing whatever vocal talent he did have into something really effective and downright powerful.
I saw every DLR/VH era tour except the 1st in 1978. I think it was the Diver Down tour they played two shows in Charlotte, February 1st & came back two weeks later Feb 14. Back then it was general admission & we camped out by the box office. We always got front center/right, Eddies side👍 They were THE best live show bar none. The general admission 🕺😵💫🕺
This video is pretty much a parody of all the “teen coming of age” comedy movies of the 80’s. Very well done, just like all of VH’s music! Loved this video when it first came out and still do today!
There's nothing like 80s MTV videos! Suddenly every film student/commercial director had an opportunity to make a short movie, it was a brand new art form. A wide, wide variety of expressions and very creative. They basically had license to do anything. This one is so fun, clever and creative....and of course a great song on its own.
I wonder if it's the same person who is behind of Van Halen and David Lee Roth music videos? They really have very similar style on to it. Maybe it's just coincidence since the music is quite the same style.
So...I'm 55 and it's hard to describe just how much influence VH had on a whole generation of kids who grew up in the 70's and 80's. You can pretty much blame all of Gen X's characteristics on this band. Hot for Teacher came later with the advent of music videos and so forth, but if you really want to hear what launched them to the stratosphere, check out Unchained, Mean Streets and basically the whole album Women and Children First. DLR is a showman first, singer second and has no respect for "rules" when it comes to singing. And Eddie...well, Eddie. I hope you dive deeper; because as you analyze DLR, you will come to realize (in the background) that there has never been a person who could show his soul through a musical instrument as well as he did.
I agree with everything you said. I'm 53 and bought 1984 when it came out. I had listened to Van Halen before because of my older sister so then i started going back to what i heard when i was younger. Women and Children First is still my favorite. They are all great. I'm a huge Pantera fan and there wouldn't be a Dimebag Darrell if not for Eddie Van Halen.😉
I’ve seen Diamond Dave live with Van Halen on the last tour, and he still sounded fantastic! David Lee Roth is in my top 5 for most favorite singers of all time. He’s an absolute legend. RIP Eddie❤
I listened to this over the radio and it didn't have an impact for me until I saw the MTV video for the first time also. I think Van Halen outdid Weird Al Yankovich's dark humor music videos. It was a perfect young adult mature man at 22 years of age music video to enjoy this tune for the lyrics and song. The music video sold this and other Van Halen tracks more of how it sounds over the radio.
Songwriting duties in this band were that the Van Halen brothers wrote all of the music with Michael Anthony. They handed Dave a completed instrumental piece. Dave's job was to come up with a vocal melody and lyrics. Dave had to actually be underrated as musician as well because how do you come up with a vocal melody to sing over this?
To be more precise , all the songs came from Ed . Mike just played the way Edward wanted him to . Sometimes Al and Ed would literally fight till Edward got the drum sound HE wanted .
I am totally floored and completely overjoyed to see you analyze Van Halen! I’m 50 years old and they were my childhood. To this day, STILL my favorite band of all-time. David Lee Roth often gets criticized for his vocals. And while it’s true that age has taken its toll on his present day ability, back in the band’s prime time he was magnificent! Different from most others in the traditional sense, he always had style, personality, and plenty of skill. Their first six albums are the blueprint for all rock music that came after!
Ed is the absolute master to those of us who grew up in the late 70s and 80s. You must do Eruption studio version first, then live version to fully appreciate what he’s doing live. No vocals but you will be blown away.
I grew up in the Early 90s but my Dad made sure I knew who Van Halen were and what Eruption was. Very likely the reason I started playing guitar at 13 and still going today now I am 32.
@@chrisgoblin4857 Chris I'll be 60 in December man and when I heard eruption for the 1st time I was speechless . I played it over and over and over . Lol . I still play it 2 to 3 times every time I listen to it . I don't think there will ever be another Eddie Van Halen . Rest in peace Eddie .
The studio version is definitely best for an initial reaction, because of how clean, polished, & perfect it is, and to get a feel for how the basic sections fit together. But the live versions show just how much full-on ultra-complex improvisation is actually going on in which parts he chooses, in which order, and how he links them together, as well as how down & dirty he can get.
On the album, Eruption led into You Really Got Me Now. While I think the live version of Eruption (you know the one) would be better for a guitar analysis, doing both songs from the album would give her vocals to analyze to fit in with the theme of the channel. Or maybe there's a live performance with the two songs together... I remember seeing the sheet music for Eruption at the music store and thinking there was no point in buying it.
I was 16 when this came out. The 80's was just a cool time to grow up. This video is just an example of how the envelope was pushed further and further by artists
I was a junior in high school and was 16. I was just starting to get into hard rock and VH was one of my first. I bought this LP and about wore it out. Then I bought all of their albums after.
Finally!!! An analysis of a Van Halen song… I hope Elizabeth can do more Van Halen analysis videos and focus on the amazing backup vocals of Michael Anthony… (Hint, Hint) 😀
David Lee Roth is one of the greatest lead singers/frontman in the history of rock. He was a performer 100 percent of the time. Van Halen (David Lee Roth era) was some of the greatest rock produced.
This was Van Halen at the absolute pinnacle of their career. All 4 guys just killed it on this entire album. Panama is one of my all time favorite tracks.. period. The vocal doubling you noticed was the bassist Michael Anthony backing DLR up. He was the lead singer in the band he was in before joining Van Halen. His vocal additions are very important to how the band sounds. When they toured without him at the end of their run you could hear a massive difference.
"David Lee Roth went on to become America's favorite TV game show host" is what it says at the end. That "scream" is signature Diamond Dave at his best.
DLR is the perfect example of 80’s frontman. Attractive, smart ass, kinda bad boy, but mostly merry prankster, athletic, studied martial arts and gymnastics and mainly very entertaining. VH tribute bands are some of the best local/regional acts going right now, but it’s hard to find a good enough “Dave” to pull it off!
@@dizastro5437 Sammy could sing too ('I can't Drive 55' comes to mind) but Dave was the total package. Although he was criticized as being vain, having an ego, being a dick...whatever, IMO he was one of the best 80's frontmen.
Pop's got good taste! My 1st time was 1984, arguably at their absolute height, they were an unstoppable machine at that point. 2nd time was Texas Jamm 1986 their first in the Van Hagar era. I maintain these are the TWO greatest rock performances I've ever seen.
I went to that first one in the Cotten Bowl. So hot. They didn’t have bottled water back then to pass around. We were burning up. They hit the crowd with a Fire Hose as more like rain not full force. I remember wishing they hadn’t done that. The humidity was like Houston after that. You don’t get a breeze in the Bowl. You crockpot in there. Still, one of the best times I’ve had. I was 20 then, I’m 65 now and enjoying life more now than I even did then. Suck the marrow out of life. We Boomers left a legacy that will never be matched.
Elizabeth, I'm amazed at your first impressions of Eddie's guitar solo. Greatest rock guitarist, EVER. The more you dive into Van Halen the more you'll hear, he was unmatched and unlikely to ever be exceeded.
Yes, the guitar work in this track is unprecedented. You really have a good ear for detail . You are primarily a vocalist, yet you noticed the amazing guitar lead work and the cool transition to a simple, offset rhythm. It was very fun to share. Peace out honey!✌️
True story. When I was in 8th Grade our teacher was going to be gone for a couple days. She told us all (my friend and I specifically) that if we got any detentions from the substitute that she would double them when we got back. First day of the substitute it happened and I swear it was completely by accident, nothing planned at all. Roberto and I walked into class shortly after the bell rang. When the substitute called us out on it, this song and the thought just popped into my head. I looked up at the clocked, then at the teacher and said, "Awww man, I think the clock is slow. I don't feel tardy." Everybody in the room just busted up laughing. Detention #1. Later in the class as she's going over something Roberto raises his hand to ask a question. She called on him and said, "I brought my pencil, now give me something to write on man." Again everyone busted up laughing. Detion #2 for us both. And I also got #3 because I laughed so hard I fell out of the chair. So in just 1 hour of class on the 1st day, when you factor in getting doubled, I hot 6 detentions all because this song popped into my head at the wrong (or right) time. 😂
David's vocals are unmistakable. No one sounds like him, and he was at his peak in this time. The shrieks and calls along with his vocals are so iconic. Another video on this same vein is his cover of "California Girls," the Beach Boys classic.
Diamond Dave and Huey Lewis sounded alike. They just did different things with their voices. Don't know if Huey could ever scream two different notes at once, though. Maybe if he inhaled his harmonica ...
If you want to be blown away by an Eddie Van Halen guitar solo, I would recommend Eruption/You really got me, the original studio version. It is one of the most important moments in guitar history and brought it to a place where it would never come back from.
I've often said that if you listen to Eruption/You really got me really closely, you can hear Rock and Roll changing direction. Eddie was absolutely mind blowing, but he needed Dave's audacity to help bring the band forward and appeal to the masses. That being said, I think if Elizabeth really wants to critique Dave's vocals, Runnin' with the Devil is where it's at. Man, the first album and 1984 are definitely two of my desert island albums. There's nothing like them.
I completely agree. However, I've always been a huge fan of the opening drums for AFU (also by VH). The syncopation, the groove, and how the hard high-hat just rides so constantly over the top. WOW.
I was in high school when this video came out, I was THE demographic this video was made for... Music was so great at that time, Van Halen really knew how to take advantage of the music video format. One of the best videos of that decade
Oh yeah, David has an incredible octave range and does that high pitched dog whistle as a vocal signature. When they recored their songs I'm sure they started off fairly sober .. but DLR went off the rails on the last tour where even Eddie had to let him go for a time to get his head on straight. I don't like it when musicians get so wasted that it effects their abiity to perform in a huge sold out concert. Bill Graham Presents recorded the show I was at .. and Roth was such a mess that the footage disappeared deep in the vault for good reason. That is why Eddie fired Roth. I have no idea how he sounds today. The band centered around Eddie Van Halen though, so bringing Sammy Hagar for a time worked too.
David Lee Roth was incredibly limber, acrobatic and was a black belt and also used real sword ⚔️ acts on stage. Imo he was the fittest rock star ever. Also super unique voice. He is referred to as Diamond Dave and I loved him
@@redtesta - That isn't true. Dave wanted to change the direction of the band, steering them into making vapid pop hits while Eddie wanted more complex music with thoughtful themes. It's why they got rid of him
This song and tape changed my life forever. I got this on Christmas, 1984. I knew that day I wanted to be a drummer. 39 years later, I'm still playing drums.
Lol David's voice just naturally creates that whistle sound on his high belts . It's very unique to Van Halen and later in his solo career . Have never heard it duplicated till this day not ever .
This was really difficult for us Top 40 singers in the circuit bands in the '80s. I had to do those chirps and whistles and was judged if they were wrong. It was extremely hard work
@@Rockingoodman Wow that's awesome Chris . I have never heard anyone even attempt David Lee Roth's high belt whistle's that he does so naturally . Cool man good for you 👍 .
@@TarkasBane Hmmmmmmmm interesting . Never heard about that before . It is a very distinct sounding whistle he makes when singing . I'd be interested in hearing how close he can duplicate it . I have heard steel panther before also .
@@lucky7-1-1 i tried to post a link to their song Eatin Ain't Cheatin, but I think UA-cam removed it, or something. But you can easily find it yourself. The intro is basically Unchained, scream and all.
The bass player Michael Anthony is hands down THE best backup singer in rock, ever. His tone and range were key in Van Halen's sound. Nothing would have sounded as good without him.
I never paid Michael Anthony's voice much attention but now I will have to listen to more Chickenfoot. Hymn singing and playing with Sammy Hagar and that will probably make it more clear to me exactly what he adds vocally.
@Ocean Lives 1984 is the only album that replicates the same energy as the debut. I don't even listen to the others, despite being only 30 mins each, they just sound like B-side tracks.
Part of what made Van Halen special is that in the David Lee Roth days especially that all of the music was recorded live in the studio in a single take with very few overdubs. This song Hot for Teacher was done in one take not including the vocals. If you listen to enough Van Halen you can spot mistakes that Eddie makes all throughout the early catalog but that is what gave VH music so much energy and character. Many bands made amazing studio albums with layered instruments and vocals and so on but then they can't reproduce it in a live setting. VH was always in a live setting and brought energy and fun at a time when the world sorely needed it.
Wow, how she immediately recognizes Eddie's musical approach in the solo and even understands the blues influences (not SRV, but Clapton). It took guitar nerds decades to do that. 😀
David Lee Roth was the consummate showman with his vocals and antics. Eddie Van Halen was the consummate axe shredder. And that drum part by Alex Van Halen is something I've been working on in vain for forty years. Epic 1983 anthem.
@@mrfashionguy1 I was referring to the Van Halen days and his role in making the band the success they were. He is still the consummate showman... Just without Van Halen.
As an '80's teen, I can confirm that the 80's were a crazy time. The video is done in the style of 80's teen movies with the class rebels. Great song 👍
I graduated High School in 86 and my teachers never looked like that! But yes the 80's was a crazy time and the girls were just as crazy as in the movies lol.
While working as a bouncer at a small club in N. San Diego co. Called the Belly Up Tavern in Solono Beach. I was fortunate enough to meet EVH. He was just hanging with some friends having a drink listening to the band that night. While his wife Valerie Bertinelli was doing some business in the era. His friends asked me if it would be ok if Eddie could play. So I asked the band at the break. Of course there was no objections. So for the next hour and a half I was front and center to watching the greatest guitarist in the world. And hung out and had a few drinks afterwards. Just an exceptional man. Truly an honor to meet.🎸
@@Lizardboy68 That's your myth and absolute nonsense. Listen to the isolated tracks for the facts... start to finish one take. Occasionally with punch ins as is typical of recording but as far recording Ed kept it as real as it could possibly get. THAT is what he was famous for.
@Gerardus1970 the isolated tracks have nothing to do with rerecording for tone ,he would try different amps to get the right sound for a piticular song at times too. A lot of guitarist do that as well and trying different guitars as well.
@@Lizardboy68 Fascinating. But Eddie Van Halen. Hot For Teacher. One take. Straight thru. Front to back. From pick slide to “Oh my goddddd!”. No changing amps. No punch-ins. No cuts.
One of the all time greatest front men for a band with Eddie Van Halen on guitar. They were glorious times. "Running with the Devil", "Beautiful Girls", "Dance the Night Away", "Ain't Talkin' Bout Love", the list goes on an on. If you want to focus on just David Lee Roth then check out his rendition of "California Girls" or "Just a Gigalo". His personality cannot be contained. Also, the Eddie Van Halen eruption solo is something to see and hear. You like Randy Rhoads, you'll like EVH
I always considered "1984" Van Halen's best all-time party album - I'm glad you picked "Hot For Teacher" as a perfect example of Van Halen's ability to speed at 300 miles an hour and never lose their grip - the video of course is tongue-in-check and Diamond Dave made sure his lyrics could be shot for MTV - these guys were Masters of their Craft!❤🎸🎹
Eddie Van Halen and Michael Anthony did all the backing harmonies in all the VH songs. They were also pretty decent singers. and I'm just now realizing this song is 39 years old. I remember when it first came out. Yep, now I feel old.
It’s great to see you start doing VH reactions. I’ve been a fan since around 1980, a few years before this album broke them into the mainstream in a big way. David Lee Roth’s albums with them were the best (in my opinion) by far, and there were so many, many great songs on their early Roth-era VH albums that I hope you check out. The “whistle” sound you refer to (I call it a “squeal”, personally) was a staple of Roth’s vocal style during that era, and he artfully inserted it at least a few times in practically every song. In later years during his late solo career, and eventual reunion with VH, he couldn’t do it anymore. It may be a consequence of alcohol/drug use, but I think it was just age.. most men’s voices get deeper and gruffer with age, and that squeal was sooooo much fun to hear, but good things can’t last forever!
To me this is the greatest solo in a song ever…for the groove, pace, tone…it’s got everything…and blends with the song effortlessly…a true masterpiece.
@@maiden-eq4uv Machine Gun is amazing, but imo it's too much of a solo instrumental to be in the conversation of "greatest solo". Alos, the two songs/styles are too different to compare. I wouldn't compare them to begin with. They're both great for different reasons.
So much fun. this came out my senior year in high school and was truly one of the great music videos. The best line about Van Halen as a band: "We just throw a party each night with 15,000 of our best friends." For every "serious" band that wants to address serous social issues and society, there needs to be a Van Halen to compensate. And I love your face when Eddie starts his solo. Yeah, he was that breathtaking in his prime as a player.
What I wouldn't give to go back for just one day. Better times, better music, better world. Bonus, I was young, had hair down to mid back and SO MUCH positive energy! A shame youth is wasted on the young isnt it...
Rock is about freedom, having fun, feeling alive... Joy!! if some "serious" band makes a song about global warming BS, or whatever topic, I don't wanna hear it. if you're a narcissistic activist, woke whatever, go to a fkng march. leave Rock'n Roll out of ur bs (I'm not saying this to you, I'm just saying) this music was alive, had life. today's... well... no comments
This music was just plain fun! To me that's what really made Van Halen so popular. This is one of the things that's missing from a lot of "modern" music
One of the best drum intros to a song ever! Alex recorded this with 4 bass drums!!!! And when the ride cymbal starts it goes to two bass drums!!! ALEX VAN HALEN IS A PHENOMENAL DRUMMER WHO IS EXTREMELY UNDERRATED!!!
@@gumballthechewy I play drums so I would know if you don’t believe me check out the article on it by Alex himself: For the layered effect at the beginning of the song, I strung together four bass drums. The rest of it I played using two. It's a great example of double bass drumming. When the double bass pattern begins I’m playing paradiddles on the floor toms.
Something that is probably of particular interest to you, Elizabeth, is that Dave knew he wasn't a great singer, but he wanted to be, so he took vocal lessons in his teens and early 20's to get to the point that he became one of the most iconic frontmen in Rock history.
I think a great choice for the DLR years of Van Halen would be "Ain't Talking 'Bout Love" for the vocals. Great song, and really just phenomenal vocals.
@@xxwookey Very true. There's a video on UA-cam with John 5 on guitar, Fred Coury from Cinderella on drums, and Corey Taylor from Slipknot jamming a few Van Halen songs with Michael Anthony on bass. Especially on "Take Your Whiskey Home" as soon as Michael starts playing bass, it SOUNDS just like Van Halen, and even more once he starts singing the background vocals. He was always in the pocket with the drummer, and DLR says that he missed Michael Anthony big time when he was ousted by EVH.
David Lee Roth had the best scream in rock history. I say "had" because he can't really pull it off anymore. It's almost like he produced multiple tones when he would scream. Very cool.
P-A-R-T-Y BAND!!! Nobody was more fun than the original Van Halen line-up. And yes, that was school life for boys. My algebra teacher was a Mrs. New Jersey competitor and made “that” moment in life a difficult one.
David Lee Roth is the singer, Eddie Van Halen is lead guitar, Alex Van Halen is drums and Michael Anthony is on bass.
AKA the good lineup.
Michael Anthony does not get enough credit for his backup vocals. His color on his harmonies are something that makes VH's songs so grounded. He is often overlooked.
@@chad_holbrook MIchael Anthony is the reason that I bought a bass guitar back in the 80's
I'm surprised Elizabeth didn't comment more on his backing vocals.
Michael Anthony is the one of the most underrated bass players ever!✌️
The fact that an old boyfriend played this song for you when you got home from teaching is fantastic.
Hahaha bruh same hearing that made me laugh
I wanted to be the little Van Halen kids from the video 😂🤘🏻
I think everybody that's dated a teacher has done that once or twice.
My wife's a teacher and I'm always quoting the bits out of this song to her, I don't feel tardy is my favorite. Along with "I brought my pencil, give me somethin to write on".
If no former boyfriend of hers ever mentioned this song, then that would be unbelievable.
In the 80s, that video was one of the ones targeted by the PMRC in their crusade for censorship in rock music. Thankfully, people like Frank Zappa, Twisted Sister's Dee Snider, and Dead Kennedys' Jello Biafra fought them tooth and nail. It's a fascinating piece of modern music history.
I was 16 in 1984. I cannot begin to express my admiration for this song :D
Don't forget John Denver
and John Denver sealed that deal
and don't forget Anthrax's PMRC anthem "Startin' Up a Posse" 😜
John Denver and Dee were fantastic in the hearings!!! A must see!!!
I was in High school when this album came out. We went to see the show and luckily stayed at the same motel they were staying at and luckily seen Ed there after the show. I said said the show was better than the last tour of Diver Down. He walked straight towards us and said "You came to see the last tour" we said of course, you're our favorite band. He seemed floored by that and was so appreciative that we got a good 10-15 minutes with him just talking about songs and albums we like from them. He was very nice to us.
That's an awesome story! Not at all surprised that Eddie was super cool. There's Bach, there's Mozart, there's Chopin, there's Miles Davis, there's Jimi Hendrix, and there's Edward Van Halen...each one a genius of the first rate and possibly from another planet
Eddie and Alex Van Halen guitar and drums respectively
That is an awesome story. I was supposed to be in the New Haven Coliseum when they recorded Live Witbout a Net with Sammy. Most famous Eruptiin solo with Eddie in orange pants. Unfortunately - my dad grounded me and I didn’t go. He still apologizes to this day whenever I ring it up. I was 14 now 51. LOL!
Interesting Avatar Name...Liking Eddie.🤣🤣😂😂🤣🤣
The high harmony isn't engineering, it's Michael Anthony's voice, it helped make this band!
Came here to make this exact comment
Yeah he meshed perfectly with David Lee Roth, it was magic
Thank you!
I had to scroll down too damn far before I finally saw a post about Michael Anthony's backing vocals!
Absolutely. I saw VH in 2012 with Wolfgang replacing Mike on bass. He did a fine job on the instrument, but the backing vocals just didn't sound the same.
This video represents why many of us who lived through the 80's loved it so much and miss it. The 80's were just FUN and nobody really took themselves too seriously. You look at videos by Van Halen, Twisted Sister, etc. and they demonstrate this so well.
Also, yes, you have this to look forward to with your son. The reality was the teacher walking up between the desks in a normal skirt and blouse. The bikini, dancing, and parading around represents the fantasy going on in young men's heads. Lots of carrying books, bags, or jackets in front of yourself back in those days. 🤣
I've been thinking for years about how much fun rock music used to be and how we seemed to have lost that. Every time I hear something like Ballroom Blitz, or anything from Twisted sister or David Lee Roth, I miss it. At least we had The Presidents of the United States of America and Cake to make us happy for a while a couple decades back.
@@PuppyMonsters There's still some really fun rock and metal coming out of Europe these days. A lot of it is from the northern countries, but there are some amazing groups from England, France, and Italy that I've heard as well. If you want some *really* fun stuff, check out the Italian band "Nanowar of Steel".
Speaking of Twisted Sister, she should really do a reaction to "The Price".
Yes, thank you! You took the words right out of my mouth. I'm so thankful to have been in high school/college in the 80s. It was exactly as fun as it looked, upbeat (besides stuff like the Cure etc), silly, creative, just going all out, and having fun!!! MTV was such a huge cultural phenomenon, it affected and reflected how we felt. Special times.
It happened for me in 1st grade. No shit. I thought she would wait for me, but she ended up marrying a car salesman. Ripped my heart out. Ms. Hartle.
The reaction to Eddie’s solo. You’re in for a ride with him if you dig deeper into their music. Greatest guitar player of all time, Rest his soul.
100%, greatest guitar player of all time.
Ohh yes!!!!!!
Not just technically, artistically great, but also a great innovator. I think our host is perhaps too young to recognize this, especially when she commented that Eddie may have been influenced by SRV.
@@matthewdaumen1612 nah, all of you are just fanboys
@@nemanjamanutd Sure, that's why even people like Joe Satriani have said the "Diver Down riff is impossible!"
Eddie and Alex, Van Halen’s father was a jazz musician. Both of them study piano as children. Their understanding of music was superb. In my opinion, Alex Van Halen doesn’t get enough credit for his playing. He’s outstanding ❤❤❤❤
True... Alex actually played keys on a few tracks... on the twister soundtrack I think.
@@MadtownMaineland Yes!!
enough credit? literally any musician knows eddie, there’s even pedals named after him
@@IPursuePeppers-CTHLighten Up, Francis!
In your rush to bash, you got the name wrong. He wrote Alex.
@@howdy1487 i’m not bashin on him i was just baffled
Michael Anthony - the bass player - has been largely overlooked for his vocal contributions to Van Halen's sound . He does much of the heavy lifting on VH's harmonies & covers the upper register of their choruses particularly during the DLR days . Even during the Sammy Hagar days - who had a much larger vocal range than Dave - he still sang on a lot of it and was instrumental in that Van Halen sound .
- he's the singing unsung hero of VH in my humble opinion 😊
Yes, definitely! And he's a damn solid bassist.
Michael Anthony is my hero. The crap he put up with and the leg work he put in all around I will always appreciate. Van Halen's secret weapon no doubt
Best voice in the history of the band and that is sayin’ something.
Arguable, definitely one of the greatest.
You’re not wrong.
There are better singers than Dave but none more fun, cool and charismatic. It's impossible not to smile when listening to classic Van Halen largely because of his personality. He's like your cool friend that your parents don't want you to hang out with.
Yeah, and his David Lee Roth band as well.
Amen. Van Hagar had some hits but it's just not Van Halen without David Lee
@@wildwillie5408 Did you join the "It Ain't Van Halen Without David Lee Roth" movement back in the early 2000s? I'm still wearing those tee-shirts, 20 years later. Van Diamond Dave Halen, friends -- accept no substitute.
@@merriemisfit8406more like late 70s. I believe VH 2 was my first album from them. Not that I disliked sammy but it just wasn't the same without the Dave effect. Much like AC/DC when Brian tried to replace Bon.
@@wildwillie5408 Yeah, I go way back too. I was more of a Van Halen appreciater, not a fan. I never saw them perform live in any configuration. The "It Ain't" movement started with a couple of fellows in New Jersey who, like so many, were sick of VH inactivity and lead singer switching. They just finally put their feelings on a bunch of shirts and sold them for several years up until the Van Halen boys and Dave finally regrouped and took their act back out on the road -- when was it? 2007?
"I don't feel tardy" is still one of my favourite lyrics in any song.
Agreed! Still makes laugh!
How come?
I just randomly say this almost daily.
In the ‘70’s, that was a common reply to a teacher who would say, “You’re tardy” when you walked into class after the bell rang.
@@sjp35productions6 I started school in the late 70's and both my parents are retired school teachers, I heard this a lot growing up. My mom still uses the term if I show up later than expected for a visit.
Most people admire Eddie because of his fast solo playing, the tapping and stuff. But in fact he is one of the greatest rhythm players, too. He started with drums before he and his brother Alex switched their instruments. There are many guitar players who can play as fast as Eddie, but his playing is still outstanding because he had this special rhythm feeling that others don't have. And Dave may not be the best singer - technically - but he's powerful with pure charisma! A true entertainer.
Eddie had the best swing grove in his playing. There is a video where the guy slows it down and you can hear the groove in his picking.
The only one that compares is Nuno Bettencourt. He's almost more Eddie than Eddie
They were America’s absolute treasure, especially from 1978-1984. Van Halen were quite possibly the best example of what a rock band can aspire to be.
Eddie Van Halen was beyond extraordinary. He was revolutionary. He changed the way we view the guitar.
RIP Eddie Van Halen. RIP Randy Rhoads.
And I didn't start to appreciate Alex until I started drumming. Like his brother is is insanely technical and precise. Not easy to play at all.
@Ocean Lives yeah, Alex doesn't get much credit. He played a lot of very unique beats and his technical accuracy was amazing. He is very under praised as a drummer.
@@joenefflen845 'Out of Love' showcases the whole group tight & kicking it.
@@joenefflen845 Hard to step out of your brother's shadow when your brother is Eddie Van Halen, but yeah, Alex is crazy talented in his own right and didn't get as much credit for it as he should have.
One of the great things about early Van Halen was that they never took themselves too seriously, and this video is a classic example. It was a bunch of guys who loved playing music and just having fun doing it.
Eddie Van Halen was one of the guitar greats of all time. He will be missed.
Not being serious is pretty much the definition of 80s rock.
They were one of the best party bands ever.
Van Halen is the only band who can wear those suits and dance so out of sync and still look awesome.
From the stories I've heard, Eddie was so bad at dancing that filming the dancing took up the majority of the time it took to shoot the video.
They were known as a very laid back band, kinda rebellious in their own way, despite being incredibly precise in their music
Leisure suits is what they used to call them
Loved the 80s
@@jungness
Which reminds me of a computergame called Leisure Suit Larry. 🕺🏻
The bassist, Michael Anthony, is considered one of the best back up singers in rock, so might be something to keep an eye on in future VH analyses.
His niche in the band was more for the vocal harmonics (which were always outstanding) vs his bass chops.
He rarely got the praise he deserved. Wolfe did ok when I saw them without Michael, but nowhere near as great as when the original lineup were together
Mike was literally the lynch- pin that held it all together with his bass playing and back-up singing! They screwed up when they pushed him out!
Indeed! I’m really surprised Elizabeth didn’t comment on it! But even though his vocals are definitely present here, it’s not as much as many other VH songs. 🙏
It's worth pointing out that Alex Van Halen's drumming on "Hot For Teacher" is fantastic; that kick drum is so light but so forceful.
It’s one of my favorite intros, sounds like a big choppy cam on a V8.
Totally. It was Van Halen that taught me the core of a band can be the guitarist and drummer.
@@Zachsquatch531 You're right! I hadn't thought of it that way, but you're absolutely right.
You are totally right about Alex's drumming on this one, but for me the tip top has always been the triple hits on the crash cymbal EXACTLY when he wants them. But I would never fight you on that kicker...just add the triples on top of it. LOL
@@Mhantrax Conversely, look at Jane's Addiction. What makes that band is Eric Avery's bass and Steven Perkins' polyrhythms, and how those two parts connect so tightly.
Who else is here just for Elizabeth’s laughter?
Never ceases to make me smile!😁
Not just here for the laugh, but I love the way she can get lost in the music. The discovery of music for others always makes my day. 🙃😉
I love her enthusiasm.
I'm here for the thumbnails.
The most enjoyable part of these videos is watching Elizabeth's reactions & laughing with her. This is now my new favorite video by her ❤
She's totally hyped in this one (more than usual)... and it made my night!
Edward Van Halen and the album 1984 changed the trajectory of my life. I wanted to be a guitarist more than anything in the world after hearing this album. Thank you Ed for changing my life and igniting a passion that is still with me after all these years.
The opening drums, leading into the guitar is, IMO, one of the greatest openings in any song in history.
It I'm not mistaken, the drum intro is timed perfectly with the sound of a top fuel dragster idel. That's all I can hear when I listen to this and it hits me in my brain and makes me smile.
@@bretandcynthiawelch5089 Alex didn't seem to even try the drum intro when I saw them on the Fair Warning tour. I'm a drummer (was: ) and I tried so hard copy this track. He was drunk. I was in the 5th row just shaking my head.
@@stevecuzz8820 Hot for Teacher hadn't been released on the Fair Warning tour, it was released in 1983/84 (the Album 1984) and the Fair Warning tour was in 1981.
@@bretandcynthiawelch5089 I believe they've also started the song with a mic by a Harley Davidson and transitioned into drums but that could have been a Sturgis special or one off thing.
If you found Dave's vocal trills fascinating, "Runnin with the Devil" is one of their most famous songs that puts them on full display. Van Halen fans will be in alignment that it is definitely worthy of a listen/reaction!
There is a video out there where his vocals are isolated. Amazing
There was a time when this song "woke up the house" !!! Full blast💫
running with the devil is great, but I've always loved unchained.
She laughed through most of the video and didn't give the song the credit it deserves. One of the most iconic guitar solos of the 80s and the most incredible drum lead in rock history. And yeah, DLR kills it in RWTD!
Definitely!
The line "I don't feel tardy" is epic! I bet every kid in every class in every school said that if he walked in late, someone said "You're tardy!" and replied "I don't feel tardy!"
Also, the David Lee Roth era of Van Halen is the epitome of fun kick ass rock and roll.
I love that part - I don't FEEL tardy, like it's a state of mind rather than a condition of disobedience. 😊
I like the Family Guy version. Joe drives Meg to school. She says they have to hurry or she'll be tardy. Joe responds I don't think you can get that way just by being late for school.
Probably my Favorite line!
I got to say that to a teacher in High School back in 1990. it was glorious. lol
my favorite line in any song ever.
I always love it when someone gives Alex his props. He's an incredible drummer.
Literally one of the best there was. Raised on jazz too, the man had an undisputed talent from even the early years
Extremely difficult to do as a drum cover, let alone replicate that drum opening
The fact that you had such a good time with this song is exactly what the band intended.
Yes, Alex Van Halen is the drummer. The dance routine in the video took several takes as Alex had trouble getting the timing of the routine down. That’s what is hilarious to me, of all the band members, the drummer had no timing.
Great assertion..pretty funny that the drummer has the most difficulty with this dance routine..lol…BTW.. Alex is an amazing drummer
Do you really believe that? Are you serious? This clumsiness is just part of the show man...
The drum timing on this is incredible as well.
AVH is, IMHO, one of the most UNDER-RATED rock drummers of all time- the man is a MONSTER!!
@@Hazardteam, Nope! It usually is with Van Halen, but the choreographer wanted to kill Alex, Michael, and Eddie, because they just couldn't get it together. When David Lee Roth does that last turn of the first dance, he was genuinely shocked that they were all facing him, but went with it. Just like with the movie "Dragnet", the choreographer thought she'd have an easy time, because Dan Aykroyd was a Blues Brother and both he and Tom Hanks did such physical comedy. She was pulling her hair out trying to get them to do the dance for the video, and they both were so wooden. Just because someone is a good musician, especially the rhythm section, doesn't mean they can dance, or take direction well. It makes for a hilarious video, though! And no more choreography for the band after this! 😁🤘
Eddie was an innovator in guitar. He didn’t invent hammer-ons and pull offs, but he did figure out how to make them melodic. Also his famous use of “brown sound” in his amplifiers makes him a legend. His red guitar “Frankie” was pieced together and painted by his own hands. He and Alex were poor so they had to learn on their own and build their instruments. Eddie is a legend and always will be.
True, Steve Hackett was an early adopter of tapping and such back in the early 70s. He didn't invent the style either, but he was one of the first to use it in a rock setting. Steve has only gotten better with age! Listen to albums like Wolflight, At the Edge of Light and Surrender of Silence. Oh, and if you want to hear one of the longest notes ever played on guitar, listen to Twice Around the Sun from his album Dark Town. That's real; not "studio magic".
Yep. I missed out on the era of Clapton and Hendrix, but at least our generation had some mind-blowing innovators like Eddie, Mark Knopfler, and The Edge.
@@paulglidden8893 - There's also Alex Lifeson, Ian Crichton, Charlie Burchill and Steve Hackett just to name a few others who are still around today.
And when I was a kid we were so poor we could not afford Mcdonalds burgers, so I built my own Cow!
In fact, he made all his guitars himself after that (too i mean) Some guitar factories even provided him with his own small, separate room for this purpose.
The contrasting dancing ability of Dave compared to the rest of the band has always made me laugh
One of the most iconic drum intros out there and Eddie Van Halen is definitely up there with all the legendary guitarist.
A la altura!!? Por encima de casi todos!!🎸🎸💨💨💨💨
Up there… 😂
He’s the greatest guitarist that’s ever played the instrument.
@@silverjaw138... Yeah, Ohhhh kee.
That double bass shuffle, along with the ride cymbal pattern, is not for the faint of heart.
@@silverjaw138 everyone has their preferences
Michael Anthony had the best backing vocals. High pitch and loud on every album he played on. Even better live! 👍🏻
I would never have thought I'd see the day when a professional could analyze DLRs voice and come up with so many impressive statements. We all know Sammy had the very classic rock voice and some serious vocal chops, but DLR is no slouch! He just threw his entire over the top personality into his singing style. It is a large part of what made early VH the animal it was. Also, I don't think there is any VH fan out there that didn't sit in awe of those high pitched squeals. That was a whole singing style unto itself. I hope you decide to check out Eddie Van Halen, Eruption solo, live without a net version. I'd love to get a more analytic take on that.
and his little aside comments
@@jmazoso "one break coming up!"
There really wasn't much complaining about Dave's singing until he left . I still think Dave's voice goes better with Ed's sound . Like Jack Daniels and Coke .
Yeah, I think Sammy has more talent, and is technically a better singer. But I think Dave had a knack for harnessing whatever vocal talent he did have into something really effective and downright powerful.
I saw every DLR/VH era tour except the 1st in 1978. I think it was the Diver Down tour they played two shows in Charlotte, February 1st & came back two weeks later Feb 14. Back then it was general admission & we camped out by the box office. We always got front center/right, Eddies side👍 They were THE best live show bar none. The general admission 🕺😵💫🕺
This video is pretty much a parody of all the “teen coming of age” comedy movies of the 80’s. Very well done, just like all of VH’s music! Loved this video when it first came out and still do today!
There's nothing like 80s MTV videos! Suddenly every film student/commercial director had an opportunity to make a short movie, it was a brand new art form. A wide, wide variety of expressions and very creative. They basically had license to do anything. This one is so fun, clever and creative....and of course a great song on its own.
That is so well said
Twisted Sister literally dominated the 80’s MTV video genre.
I wonder if it's the same person who is behind of Van Halen and David Lee Roth music videos? They really have very similar style on to it. Maybe it's just coincidence since the music is quite the same style.
@@jussi-pekkaturunen689 DLR had a lot to do with Van Halen's videos. With them, or on his own, there was always a lot of cheeky humor.
@@bongodave13 "Cheeky". Definitely, in this video.
So...I'm 55 and it's hard to describe just how much influence VH had on a whole generation of kids who grew up in the 70's and 80's. You can pretty much blame all of Gen X's characteristics on this band. Hot for Teacher came later with the advent of music videos and so forth, but if you really want to hear what launched them to the stratosphere, check out Unchained, Mean Streets and basically the whole album Women and Children First. DLR is a showman first, singer second and has no respect for "rules" when it comes to singing. And Eddie...well, Eddie. I hope you dive deeper; because as you analyze DLR, you will come to realize (in the background) that there has never been a person who could show his soul through a musical instrument as well as he did.
Yes! I recommended to start from the beginning with Van Halen and the song Running With the Devil.
The dance moves are informed by his rock climbing.
I agree with everything you said. I'm 53 and bought 1984 when it came out. I had listened to Van Halen before because of my older sister so then i started going back to what i heard when i was younger. Women and Children First is still my favorite. They are all great. I'm a huge Pantera fan and there wouldn't be a Dimebag Darrell if not for Eddie Van Halen.😉
Turning 58 this summer and VH was so big to me while growing up. I agree 100% with your comment.
Well said! And Michael Anthony complimented it all together! Great video too!
I just love this woman’s passion for music!
I’ve seen Diamond Dave live with Van Halen on the last tour, and he still sounded fantastic! David Lee Roth is in my top 5 for most favorite singers of all time. He’s an absolute legend. RIP Eddie❤
The bassist Michael Anthony had amazing harmonies with that higher pitch
One of the best music videos ever. DLR's high pitch screams are iconic. Eddies guitar phenomenal. And brother Alex on the drums wonderful.
I listened to this over the radio and it didn't have an impact for me until I saw the MTV video for the first time also. I think Van Halen outdid Weird Al Yankovich's dark humor music videos. It was a perfect young adult mature man at 22 years of age music video to enjoy this tune for the lyrics and song. The music video sold this and other Van Halen tracks more of how it sounds over the radio.
We lost Eddie awhile back, he was possibly the greatest rock guitarist ever. To me, the greatest
Songwriting duties in this band were that the Van Halen brothers wrote all of the music with Michael Anthony. They handed Dave a completed instrumental piece. Dave's job was to come up with a vocal melody and lyrics. Dave had to actually be underrated as musician as well because how do you come up with a vocal melody to sing over this?
To be more precise , all the songs came from Ed . Mike just played the way Edward wanted him to . Sometimes Al and Ed would literally fight till Edward got the drum sound HE wanted .
The best thing about these videos is Elizabeth...
Her reaction are so pure and full hearted,charming and we'll intended
I know! I fell in love with her almost immediately.
I am totally floored and completely overjoyed to see you analyze Van Halen! I’m 50 years old and they were my childhood. To this day, STILL my favorite band of all-time. David Lee Roth often gets criticized for his vocals. And while it’s true that age has taken its toll on his present day ability, back in the band’s prime time he was magnificent! Different from most others in the traditional sense, he always had style, personality, and plenty of skill. Their first six albums are the blueprint for all rock music that came after!
There is so much they did prior to "1984" that doesn't get the recognition it deserves.
They need to leave DLR alone
...every singer goes downhill after a time...some more than others....greatest front man ever....
@@g54b95 Before 1984, is my favorite VH era...raw energy for DAYS!
But he's never lost _that_ magic.
Ed is the absolute master to those of us who grew up in the late 70s and 80s. You must do Eruption studio version first, then live version to fully appreciate what he’s doing live. No vocals but you will be blown away.
Les you are correct man . One of the best damn guitar solos on the planet for sure . Right on man ☮️✌️☮️✌️
I grew up in the Early 90s but my Dad made sure I knew who Van Halen were and what Eruption was. Very likely the reason I started playing guitar at 13 and still going today now I am 32.
@@chrisgoblin4857
Chris I'll be 60 in December man and when I heard eruption for the 1st time I was speechless . I played it over and over and over . Lol . I still play it 2 to 3 times every time I listen to it . I don't think there will ever be another Eddie Van Halen . Rest in peace Eddie .
The studio version is definitely best for an initial reaction, because of how clean, polished, & perfect it is, and to get a feel for how the basic sections fit together.
But the live versions show just how much full-on ultra-complex improvisation is actually going on in which parts he chooses, in which order, and how he links them together, as well as how down & dirty he can get.
On the album, Eruption led into You Really Got Me Now. While I think the live version of Eruption (you know the one) would be better for a guitar analysis, doing both songs from the album would give her vocals to analyze to fit in with the theme of the channel. Or maybe there's a live performance with the two songs together...
I remember seeing the sheet music for Eruption at the music store and thinking there was no point in buying it.
The concept is so ridiculous that it’s easy to forget just how well written this song is.
Absolutely spot on
I was 16 when this came out. The 80's was just a cool time to grow up. This video is just an example of how the envelope was pushed further and further by artists
I was in 9th grade, so I think I was 14 lol
15 for me. (Nov 1968). :)
I was a junior in high school and was 16. I was just starting to get into hard rock and VH was one of my first. I bought this LP and about wore it out. Then I bought all of their albums after.
Finally!!! An analysis of a Van Halen song… I hope Elizabeth can do more Van Halen analysis videos and focus on the amazing backup vocals of Michael Anthony… (Hint, Hint) 😀
Not to mention his bass playing...
@@MikeBarnett1776 Definitely!
Michael Anthony is already a beast of a bass player, but his back up & harmony vocals are criminally underrated.
David Lee Roth is one of the greatest lead singers/frontman in the history of rock. He was a performer 100 percent of the time. Van Halen (David Lee Roth era) was some of the greatest rock produced.
DLR is the greatest frontman in rock history
meh. @@ski843
Eddie van Halen may he rest in peace is one of if not the greatest lead guitar players ever and his brother Alex is one of the greatest drummers ever
This was Van Halen at the absolute pinnacle of their career. All 4 guys just killed it on this entire album. Panama is one of my all time favorite tracks.. period.
The vocal doubling you noticed was the bassist Michael Anthony backing DLR up. He was the lead singer in the band he was in before joining Van Halen. His vocal additions are very important to how the band sounds. When they toured without him at the end of their run you could hear a massive difference.
There was a wonderful sense of humor in early Van Halen albums, and Diamond Dave made it happen vocally.
He is also who brought the humor! Dave's the man.
As cool as his solos were, Ed was a master of rhythm player. The groove, the swing and the aggression. Mike & Alex played in the pocket all the time.
Rhythm track to Mean Street is one of my very favorites.
Totally. In the final analysis, the riffs were what made Eddie great.
Don't forget Ed's song writing.
110%. Been a VH fan since 1990 and the rhythm guitar was always what drew me to it too. Wolfie's every bit as good too IMO
"David Lee Roth went on to become America's favorite TV game show host" is what it says at the end. That "scream" is signature Diamond Dave at his best.
DLR is the perfect example of 80’s frontman. Attractive, smart ass, kinda bad boy, but mostly merry prankster, athletic, studied martial arts and gymnastics and mainly very entertaining. VH tribute bands are some of the best local/regional acts going right now, but it’s hard to find a good enough “Dave” to pull it off!
Always going to be a Van Halen fan vs Van Hagar. I love Sammy, too, but Diamond Dave was the OG.
And he had a wonderful voice. Beats the brakes off of Sammy, imo
@@dizastro5437 Sammy could sing too ('I can't Drive 55' comes to mind) but Dave was the total package. Although he was criticized as being vain, having an ego, being a dick...whatever, IMO he was one of the best 80's frontmen.
Don't forget the asinine amount of cocaine use too 🤣
Dave could barely pull it off live😂
My dad saw Van Halen at the first Texxas Jam in 1978, and he still maintains it’s the greatest rock performance he’s ever seen.
Van Halen: best band live ever!!
I saw them in Lakeland for the 84 tour, I blame that for some of my hearing loss to this day. lol
Pop's got good taste! My 1st time was 1984, arguably at their absolute height, they were an unstoppable machine at that point. 2nd time was Texas Jamm 1986 their first in the Van Hagar era. I maintain these are the TWO greatest rock performances I've ever seen.
I went to that first one in the Cotten Bowl. So hot. They didn’t have bottled water back then to pass around. We were burning up. They hit the crowd with a Fire Hose as more like rain not full force. I remember wishing they hadn’t done that. The humidity was like Houston after that. You don’t get a breeze in the Bowl. You crockpot in there. Still, one of the best times I’ve had. I was 20 then, I’m 65 now and enjoying life more now than I even did then. Suck the marrow out of life. We Boomers left a legacy that will never be matched.
Went to many Texxas Jams but not that one. I was 10😢
Elizabeth, I'm amazed at your first impressions of Eddie's guitar solo. Greatest rock guitarist, EVER. The more you dive into Van Halen the more you'll hear, he was unmatched and unlikely to ever be exceeded.
ROY BUCHANNAN.
Yes, the guitar work in this track is unprecedented.
You really have a good ear for detail . You are primarily a vocalist, yet you noticed the amazing guitar lead work and the cool transition to a simple, offset rhythm.
It was very fun to share.
Peace out honey!✌️
True story. When I was in 8th Grade our teacher was going to be gone for a couple days. She told us all (my friend and I specifically) that if we got any detentions from the substitute that she would double them when we got back. First day of the substitute it happened and I swear it was completely by accident, nothing planned at all. Roberto and I walked into class shortly after the bell rang. When the substitute called us out on it, this song and the thought just popped into my head. I looked up at the clocked, then at the teacher and said, "Awww man, I think the clock is slow. I don't feel tardy." Everybody in the room just busted up laughing. Detention #1. Later in the class as she's going over something Roberto raises his hand to ask a question. She called on him and said, "I brought my pencil, now give me something to write on man." Again everyone busted up laughing. Detion #2 for us both. And I also got #3 because I laughed so hard I fell out of the chair. So in just 1 hour of class on the 1st day, when you factor in getting doubled, I hot 6 detentions all because this song popped into my head at the wrong (or right) time. 😂
This is hysterical!
Eddie Van Halen was one of the greatest guitarists in hard rock. RIP Eddie.
David's vocals are unmistakable. No one sounds like him, and he was at his peak in this time. The shrieks and calls along with his vocals are so iconic. Another video on this same vein is his cover of "California Girls," the Beach Boys classic.
Also at the end of Beautiful Girls.
Michael Star sounds like him. Listen to D.O.A. cover by Steel Panther.
@@phillipcraggs6202 haha! beat me to it, Michael Star is awesome!
@@phillipcraggs6202 Wow, he sounds great!
Diamond Dave and Huey Lewis sounded alike. They just did different things with their voices. Don't know if Huey could ever scream two different notes at once, though. Maybe if he inhaled his harmonica ...
Saw them in concert several times…..some of my favorite concerts!! 😍😍
If you want to be blown away by an Eddie Van Halen guitar solo, I would recommend Eruption/You really got me, the original studio version. It is one of the most important moments in guitar history and brought it to a place where it would never come back from.
'Spanish Fly' deserves a mention too .. . ..
It's got to be the best guitar solo ever - hits me every time I hear it, and it's not like VH are even my favourite band.
I've often said that if you listen to Eruption/You really got me really closely, you can hear Rock and Roll changing direction. Eddie was absolutely mind blowing, but he needed Dave's audacity to help bring the band forward and appeal to the masses. That being said, I think if Elizabeth really wants to critique Dave's vocals, Runnin' with the Devil is where it's at. Man, the first album and 1984 are definitely two of my desert island albums. There's nothing like them.
Probably one of the greatest opening drum tracks of any song...
up there with Painkiller
Probably!
I completely agree. However, I've always been a huge fan of the opening drums for AFU (also by VH). The syncopation, the groove, and how the hard high-hat just rides so constantly over the top. WOW.
I was in high school when this video came out, I was THE demographic this video was made for... Music was so great at that time, Van Halen really knew how to take advantage of the music video format. One of the best videos of that decade
Dave is a very underrated vocalist.
Oh yeah, David has an incredible octave range and does that high pitched dog whistle as a vocal signature. When they recored their songs I'm sure they started off fairly sober .. but DLR went off the rails on the last tour where even Eddie had to let him go for a time to get his head on straight. I don't like it when musicians get so wasted that it effects their abiity to perform in a huge sold out concert. Bill Graham Presents recorded the show I was at .. and Roth was such a mess that the footage disappeared deep in the vault for good reason. That is why Eddie fired Roth. I have no idea how he sounds today. The band centered around Eddie Van Halen though, so bringing Sammy Hagar for a time worked too.
Dave is the WORST vocalist in the history of music but he's an amazing front man and entertaining As Fuck!!!
David Lee Roth was incredibly limber, acrobatic and was a black belt and also used real sword ⚔️ acts on stage. Imo he was the fittest rock star ever. Also super unique voice. He is referred to as Diamond Dave and I loved him
Eddie called him Cubic Zirconia Dave. All Dave cared about was money.
totally agree
@@Temulon they all did. lol.
@@redtesta - That isn't true. Dave wanted to change the direction of the band, steering them into making vapid pop hits while Eddie wanted more complex music with thoughtful themes. It's why they got rid of him
This song and tape changed my life forever. I got this on Christmas, 1984. I knew that day I wanted to be a drummer. 39 years later, I'm still playing drums.
Lol David's voice just naturally creates that whistle sound on his high belts . It's very unique to Van Halen and later in his solo career . Have never heard it duplicated till this day not ever .
This was really difficult for us Top 40 singers in the circuit bands in the '80s. I had to do those chirps and whistles and was judged if they were wrong. It was extremely hard work
@@Rockingoodman
Wow that's awesome Chris . I have never heard anyone even attempt David Lee Roth's high belt whistle's that he does so naturally . Cool man good for you 👍 .
Steel Panther's Michael Starr can mimic it pretty good.
@@TarkasBane
Hmmmmmmmm interesting . Never heard about that before . It is a very distinct sounding whistle he makes when singing . I'd be interested in hearing how close he can duplicate it . I have heard steel panther before also .
@@lucky7-1-1 i tried to post a link to their song Eatin Ain't Cheatin, but I think UA-cam removed it, or something. But you can easily find it yourself. The intro is basically Unchained, scream and all.
VH didn't record individual parts in the studio, they all played live. So great!
The bass player Michael Anthony is hands down THE best backup singer in rock, ever. His tone and range were key in Van Halen's sound. Nothing would have sounded as good without him.
I never paid Michael Anthony's voice much attention but now I will have to listen to more Chickenfoot. Hymn singing and playing with Sammy Hagar and that will probably make it more clear to me exactly what he adds vocally.
@@steveh7108 The backing vocals on Van Halen songs are Michael, a very high, tight, clear voice.
insanely talented bass player as well when eddie is soloing theres no rhytm guitar just bass and drums
Also one of the best bass players out there!
Growing up in the 80s there was no band bigger than Van Halen. So many good songs, such a deep catalogue of work. Cheers!
Well thinking of AC/DC, Kiss, Metallica Late 80s, Deep Purple maybe Not the biggest Band ….but Van halen was awesome
The Police! But Van Halen was most definitely up there too :D
All great 80s bands, hopefully we'll see more 80s breakdowns
Eh, the first album and 1984 are really the only 2 albums worth listening. The other releases are almost shockingly uninspired.
@Ocean Lives 1984 is the only album that replicates the same energy as the debut. I don't even listen to the others, despite being only 30 mins each, they just sound like B-side tracks.
Part of what made Van Halen special is that in the David Lee Roth days especially that all of the music was recorded live in the studio in a single take with very few overdubs. This song Hot for Teacher was done in one take not including the vocals. If you listen to enough Van Halen you can spot mistakes that Eddie makes all throughout the early catalog but that is what gave VH music so much energy and character. Many bands made amazing studio albums with layered instruments and vocals and so on but then they can't reproduce it in a live setting. VH was always in a live setting and brought energy and fun at a time when the world sorely needed it.
And man I miss it!😢
Still hard to believe that EVH smile and guitar showmanship will not grace the stage again. My fave band😢😢😢
Wow, how she immediately recognizes Eddie's musical approach in the solo and even understands the blues influences (not SRV, but Clapton). It took guitar nerds decades to do that. 😀
David Lee Roth was the consummate showman with his vocals and antics. Eddie Van Halen was the consummate axe shredder. And that drum part by Alex Van Halen is something I've been working on in vain for forty years. Epic 1983 anthem.
Alex's drum part is overdubbed. Alex is a great drummer though
was?
@@mrfashionguy1 I was referring to the Van Halen days and his role in making the band the success they were. He is still the consummate showman... Just without Van Halen.
This video is like a Time Machine into the 80’s. I love watching the energy VH has, and the talent to support it. RIP EVH
As an '80's teen, I can confirm that the 80's were a crazy time.
The video is done in the style of 80's teen movies with the class rebels.
Great song 👍
I graduated High School in 86 and my teachers never looked like that!
But yes the 80's was a crazy time and the girls were just as crazy as in the movies lol.
While working as a bouncer at a small club in N. San Diego co. Called the Belly Up Tavern in Solono Beach. I was fortunate enough to meet EVH. He was just hanging with some friends having a drink listening to the band that night. While his wife Valerie Bertinelli was doing some business in the era. His friends asked me if it would be ok if Eddie could play. So I asked the band at the break. Of course there was no objections. So for the next hour and a half I was front and center to watching the greatest guitarist in the world. And hung out and had a few drinks afterwards. Just an exceptional man. Truly an honor to meet.🎸
This is awesome. I love these kind of life experiences! Living in the moment, good for you. That’s what life is for!
By the way, Eddie’s guitar part. One take. No cuts. The different tones, phrases, even the solo. No cuts. Start to finish. Brilliant.
That would be a myth he was famous for redecorating parts and entire songs to get the right tone .
@@Lizardboy68 One take. If you can find a cut in this, you let me know, chief. ua-cam.com/video/jM1-uAjPMCU/v-deo.html
@@Lizardboy68 That's your myth and absolute nonsense. Listen to the isolated tracks for the facts... start to finish one take. Occasionally with punch ins as is typical of recording but as far recording Ed kept it as real as it could possibly get. THAT is what he was famous for.
@Gerardus1970 the isolated tracks have nothing to do with rerecording for tone ,he would try different amps to get the right sound for a piticular song at times too. A lot of guitarist do that as well and trying different guitars as well.
@@Lizardboy68 Fascinating. But Eddie Van Halen. Hot For Teacher. One take. Straight thru. Front to back. From pick slide to “Oh my goddddd!”. No changing amps. No punch-ins. No cuts.
This ERA of Van Halen with David Lee Roth was just plain fun. Great vocals along with Eddies mastery of the guitar.
One of the all time greatest front men for a band with Eddie Van Halen on guitar. They were glorious times. "Running with the Devil", "Beautiful Girls", "Dance the Night Away", "Ain't Talkin' Bout Love", the list goes on an on. If you want to focus on just David Lee Roth then check out his rendition of "California Girls" or "Just a Gigalo". His personality cannot be contained. Also, the Eddie Van Halen eruption solo is something to see and hear. You like Randy Rhoads, you'll like EVH
One of the most talented and distinctive voices in rock ‘n’ roll, one of my favorites.
Love watching you react to what we all knew you would find intriguing and that is David's capability of screeching at those high octaves. Love it!
This takes me back to the days when the videos were silly, magical and must-see TV on MTV. So glad you're doing a deep dive!
Great.......The mighty Eddie Van Halen lives forever👌💪👍❤
I always considered "1984" Van Halen's best all-time party album - I'm glad you picked "Hot For Teacher" as a perfect example of Van Halen's ability to speed at 300 miles an hour and never lose their grip - the video of course is tongue-in-check and Diamond Dave made sure his lyrics could be shot for MTV - these guys were Masters of their Craft!❤🎸🎹
Eddie Van Halen and Michael Anthony did all the backing harmonies in all the VH songs. They were also pretty decent singers. and I'm just now realizing this song is 39 years old. I remember when it first came out. Yep, now I feel old.
Preach, brother. I was a sophomore in high school when this album came out.
It’s great to see you start doing VH reactions. I’ve been a fan since around 1980, a few years before this album broke them into the mainstream in a big way. David Lee Roth’s albums with them were the best (in my opinion) by far, and there were so many, many great songs on their early Roth-era VH albums that I hope you check out. The “whistle” sound you refer to (I call it a “squeal”, personally) was a staple of Roth’s vocal style during that era, and he artfully inserted it at least a few times in practically every song. In later years during his late solo career, and eventual reunion with VH, he couldn’t do it anymore. It may be a consequence of alcohol/drug use, but I think it was just age.. most men’s voices get deeper and gruffer with age, and that squeal was sooooo much fun to hear, but good things can’t last forever!
RIP Eddy Van Halen. Arguably the greatest rock and roll guitarist of all time.
I am impressed. For someone that never saw the video did you realized her hair and shirt color match their dance outfits. lol gj
To me this is the greatest solo in a song ever…for the groove, pace, tone…it’s got everything…and blends with the song effortlessly…a true masterpiece.
I can't agree more
Can you give me your opinion on Jimi Hendrix’s “machine gun” live solo at the Fillmore east and tell what I’m missing
Yep, my favorite EVH solo, so tasty and tasteful.
@@maiden-eq4uv Machine Gun is amazing, but imo it's too much of a solo instrumental to be in the conversation of "greatest solo". Alos, the two songs/styles are too different to compare. I wouldn't compare them to begin with. They're both great for different reasons.
So much fun. this came out my senior year in high school and was truly one of the great music videos. The best line about Van Halen as a band: "We just throw a party each night with 15,000 of our best friends." For every "serious" band that wants to address serous social issues and society, there needs to be a Van Halen to compensate.
And I love your face when Eddie starts his solo. Yeah, he was that breathtaking in his prime as a player.
What I wouldn't give to go back for just one day. Better times, better music, better world. Bonus, I was young, had hair down to mid back and SO MUCH positive energy! A shame youth is wasted on the young isnt it...
I`m glad she didn`t give him as much love as the guitarist that he was jealous over.
@@randallampsWell, that’s nonsense he wasn’t jealous of Eddie. There really is a lot of nonsense amongst VH fans
@@edwardblack9680 He sure wasn`t and you`re right about VH fans.
Rock is about freedom, having fun, feeling alive... Joy!!
if some "serious" band makes a song about global warming BS, or whatever topic, I don't wanna hear it.
if you're a narcissistic activist, woke whatever, go to a fkng march.
leave Rock'n Roll out of ur bs
(I'm not saying this to you, I'm just saying)
this music was alive, had life.
today's... well... no comments
This music was just plain fun! To me that's what really made Van Halen so popular. This is one of the things that's missing from a lot of "modern" music
And they lost that when Sammy joined and I love Sammy to death but DLR was the heart of the band.
The guitar solo is a perfect example of Eddie and Al at there best together. Al’s drums really drive the speed and fluidity of Ed’s solo.
This. Alex’s crashes on the cymbals was just as unique as Ed on the guitar.
One of the best drum intros to a song ever! Alex recorded this with 4 bass drums!!!! And when the ride cymbal starts it goes to two bass drums!!! ALEX VAN HALEN IS A PHENOMENAL DRUMMER WHO IS EXTREMELY UNDERRATED!!!
It's almost comical how he's underrated. Dude always misses out of the Top 10 Rock drummers. But not mine
Dude, it's just a double kick and two floor toms.
ua-cam.com/video/g64B-QH8rXQ/v-deo.html
@@gumballthechewy I play drums so I would know if you don’t believe me check out the article on it by Alex himself: For the layered effect at the beginning of the song, I strung together four bass drums. The rest of it I played using two. It's a great example of double bass drumming. When the double bass pattern begins I’m playing paradiddles on the floor toms.
Something that is probably of particular interest to you, Elizabeth, is that Dave knew he wasn't a great singer, but he wanted to be, so he took vocal lessons in his teens and early 20's to get to the point that he became one of the most iconic frontmen in Rock history.
Whatever Dave lacked in vocal talent he made up for exponentially in presence and charisma. A showman first every time.
@@jimz6850 he lacked nothing in vocal talent.
@richardharrold9736 - Everybody keeps SAYING he wasn't a great singer. I don't think we need to pay that penance anymore.
@richardharrold9736Roth sounded pretty damn good on their first five records. They were a rock band, not an opera for God's sake. WTF
I think a great choice for the DLR years of Van Halen would be "Ain't Talking 'Bout Love" for the vocals. Great song, and really just phenomenal vocals.
I think this is the funniest reaction you ever done. Laughed from the very beginning (your boyfriend signing this while you were a teacher)… amazing!
Michael Anthony also does those amazing high harmonies. Some of that isn’t doubled up Dave, it’s Dave and Michael.
Mr Anthony has an excellent singing voice for which he doesn't get enough credit.
@@xxwookey Very true. There's a video on UA-cam with John 5 on guitar, Fred Coury from Cinderella on drums, and Corey Taylor from Slipknot jamming a few Van Halen songs with Michael Anthony on bass. Especially on "Take Your Whiskey Home" as soon as Michael starts playing bass, it SOUNDS just like Van Halen, and even more once he starts singing the background vocals. He was always in the pocket with the drummer, and DLR says that he missed Michael Anthony big time when he was ousted by EVH.
David Lee Roth had the best scream in rock history. I say "had" because he can't really pull it off anymore. It's almost like he produced multiple tones when he would scream. Very cool.
Polyphonic as heck
I don't disagree, but I'd also put Roger Daltrey's iconic scream up there from Won't Get Fooled Again!
@@Sl4yer7123 that’s a great one!
I am here to second Roger Daltry.
If we're talking the BEST scream, it's Roger Daltry
P-A-R-T-Y BAND!!! Nobody was more fun than the original Van Halen line-up. And yes, that was school life for boys. My algebra teacher was a Mrs. New Jersey competitor and made “that” moment in life a difficult one.
I LOVE you enthusiasm for every song that you listen to. I just love your channel.