Van Halen

Released: March 23, 1979

Songwriter: Michael Anthony (Bassist) Eddie Van Halen David Lee Roth Alex Van Halen

Producer: Ted Templeman

I've been sitting here 'bout half the night
Oh, mama, fill my cup up
Said I came here to waste some time
I think I'm gonna jump up
I'm singin', I'm dancin' most every night
And I want to do that with you babe
Let's do this bottle right
Oh, oh, baby, bottoms up
Pretty maids, all in a row, go on, set 'em up, up
Come um um um um um, baby, bottoms up
I'm singin', I'm dancin' most every night
And I want to do that with you, babe
Let's do this bottle right
Come um um um um um, baby, bottoms up
Come um um um um um, baby, bottoms up

Van Halen is one of the most iconic American rock bands of all time. Formed in Pasadena, California in 1972, the group’s primary line-up consisted of Eddie Van Halen on guitar, Alex Van Halen on drums, David Lee Roth providing lead vocals, and Michael Anthony providing bass duties and significant harmonies.

Their first six albums, recorded and released between 1977–1984, are considered to be classics and pioneering efforts in the field of hard rock. Eddie Van Halen’s groundbreaking guitar sound and techniques completely changed the landscape of music and radio culture in the 1980s. His and brother Alex’s virtuosity, along with David Lee Roth’s charisma and bassist Michael Anthony’s foundational contributions garnered the band early comparisons to their predecessors—Led Zeppelin—a group who had a profound influence on them. Though, even more so than Jimmy Page, Eddie cites Eric Clapton as having the biggest impact on his playing.

In 1977, after recording a demo with Gene Simmons (who wanted the band to change their name to “Daddy Longlegs”) they were introduced to KISS‘ management, who told Simmons they wouldn’t sign them

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Van Halen II

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Van Halen II (1979)

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Bottoms Up!Van Halen

Van Halen

Van Halen II