Here's an age old question Classic Rock fans try to ask in order to gage your music competence.


Van Halen?  Diamond David Lee Roth, or Hagar?


Don't answer this....there's no "right" answer.

Think about it...

David Lee Roth is Van Halen.  That's how they were first introduced to us and he is the only one that can sing those ridiculously, corny songs from 1984.  They just don't have the same cheese with someone else singing them.  Only the leotard clad one can sing them with such nasty gusto!

Now when Sammy joined the group something happened to Van Halen.  They started actually making good rock music.  So honestly if I had to listen to a rock album, it would be OU812. 

But again...a catch 22 situation...You here that synthesizer come on and "Jump" starting...or "Hot for Teacher" and you can't help but turn it up and think, "This is the REAL Van Halen."

It's a discussion no one will ever win, and the people that ask the question, have a very clear decision already concluded in their mind.....you have a 50/50 chance of winning their respect musically.  It's a trap.  You need to only offer the answer if you are quite certain, just as they are, of your feelings (and then brace for a potential debate) Or you can choose to answer if you have a ready explanation like the one I have just laid before you.

Either way...Van Halen was a good, fun band, that Rocks!