Pelo magazine #153, 1981, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Our Van Halen Page serves as a helpful guide in finding all Van Halen and Van Halen related articles on ClassicRockHistory.com. Links to every Van Halen article including best Van Halen songs, albums and so much more have been listed below. We are fans of both the David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar eras and so we have always covered both eras in the most fair and celebratory way. Van Halen released their first studio album in 1978 with David Lee Roth as their lead vocalist. No one at the time would have ever thought that David Lee Roth would leave the band and the group would continue on with a new lead singer.
Even more surprising was that no one would have ever thought in the 1970s that the red rocker Sammy Hagar would eventually join Van Halen as their lead vocalists. Yet rock and roll history is full of surprises and twists. And wouldn’t you know it, the last Van Halen studio album ever released would see the return of David Lee Roth as the band’s lead singer once again.
One could very easily argue that Van Halen stands as one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time. We write about their greatest moments on record in many of the Van Halen articles below. They were one of the first bands we ever wrote about on the site, and we have continued publishing Van Halen articles on a pretty steady basis over the years. We will never stop.
VAN HALEN ARTICLES
VAN HALEN ALBUM ARTICLES
Top 10 Van Halen Albums
Our Van Halen albums article looks at the best Van Halen albums in depth while also ranking them in what we believe are the best Van Halen albums form 10 to 1. This article takes into consideration all Van Halen albums ever released
David Lee Roth Van Halen Albums Ranked
Our David Lee Roth Van Halen albums list includes a ranking of only the Van Halen albums in which David Lee Roth appeared as the lead vocalist.
Sammy Hagar Van Halen Albums Ranked
Our Sammy Hagar Van Halen albums list includes a ranking of only the Van Halen albums in which Sammy Hagar appeared as the lead vocalist.
Top 10 Van Halen Album Covers
This is a fun article in which we rank the best Van alen album covers from ten to one.
VAN HALEN SONG ARTICLES
Top 10 Van Halen Songs
Our 10 best Van Halen songs article takes into account all Van Halen songs ever released that includes David Lee Roth, Sammy Hagar and Gary Cherone as lead vocalists
Top 10 Van Halen Power Ballads
A look back at all the great Van Halen ballads released throughout Van Halen’s entire recording career.
Top 10 Van Halen Cover Songs
This article showcases the best cover songs written by other artists and songwriters that Van Halen recorded for their studio albums.
10 Best Covers Of Van Halen Songs
This fun article looks at musical artists that have recorded versions of Van Halen songs.
Top 10 David Lee Roth Van Halen Songs
A look back at the best songs that Van Halen recorded only with David Lee Roth as their lead vocalist.
Top 10 Sammy Hagar Van Halen Songs
A look back at the best songs that Van Halen recorded only with Sammy Hagar as their lead vocalist.
VAN HALEN RELATED ARTICLES
DAVID LEE ROTH
Top 10 David Lee Roth Songs
A look back at the best songs David Lee Roth released as a solo artist.
David Lee Roth Albums Ranked
Having some fun choosing our favorite David Lee Roth albums and putting them in ranked order.
David Lee Roth Announces Retirement From Rock And Roll
A sad day for David Lee Roth as the legendary singer calls it quits.
David Lee Roth Cancels His Final Concerts
It all came to an end even before we thought it would
Sammy Hagar
Top 10 Sammy Hagar Songs
A look back at the best Sammy Hagar songs
Top 10 Sammy Hagar Cover Songs
A fun read on some amazing songs that Sammy Hagar covers on his studio and live albums.
Top 10 Sammy Hagar Deep Cuts
Some of the best Sammy Hagar songs that some fans may not know.
Top 10 Sammy Hagar Albums
A ranking of the best Sammy Hagar albums from ten to one.
Top 10 Sammy Hagar Album Covers
Looking back at the best covers of all of Sammy Hagar’s studio and live albums
How Sammy Hagar Blew Boston Off The Stage In 1977
A fun story of experiencing our first Sammy Hagar concert way back in 1977. Don’t miss this one.
Sammy Hagar’s 2015 Circle Tour Was Spectacular
A review of Sammy Hagar’s spectacular 2015 tour with his killer band Circle
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Sammy Hagar
A fun read in some cool Sammy Hagar fun facts and stories.
Sammy Hagar & The Circle Album Review
An in depth review of the grand Sammy Hagar & Circle album
Van Halen Discography & Songs
Van Halen With David Lee Roth
Van Halen
Released February 10, 1978
Featuring
Eddie Van Halen – Guitar
Alex Van Halen – Drums
Michael Anthony -Bass
David Lee Roth – Lead Vocals
Produced by Ted Templeman
CD Track Listings
1. Runnin’ With The Devil (3:35)
2. Eruption (1:42)
3. You Really Got Me (2:38)
4. Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love (3:49)
5. I’m The One (3:46)
6. Jamie’s Cryin’ (3:30)
7. Atomic Punk (3:01)
8. Feel Your Love Tonight (3:42)
9. Little Dreamer (3:23)
10. Ice Cream Man (3:20)
11. On Fire (3:00)
Van Halen II
Released March 23, 1979
Featuring
Eddie Van Halen – Guitar
Alex Van Halen – Drums
Michael Anthony -Bass
David Lee Roth – Lead Vocals
Produced by Ted Templeman
CD Track Listings
1. You’re No Good (3:17)
2. Dance The Night Away (3:09)
3. Somebody Get Me A Doctor (2:54)
4. Bottoms Up! (3:06)
5. Outta Love Again (2:53)
6. Light Up The Sky (3:12)
7. Spanish Fly (1:02)
8. D.O.A. (4:11)
9. Women In Love (4:09)
10. Beautiful Girls (3:56)
Women and Children First
Released March 26, 1980
Featuring
Eddie Van Halen – Guitar
Alex Van Halen – Drums
Michael Anthony -Bass
David Lee Roth – Lead Vocals
Produced by Ted Templeman
CD Track Listings
1. And The Cradle Will Rock… (3:33)
2. Everybody Wants Some!! (5:08)
3. Fools (5:56)
4. Romeo Delight (4:19)
5. Tora! Tora! (0:56)
6. Loss Of Control (2:39)
7. Take Your Whiskey Home (3:11)
8. Could This Be Magic? (3:09)
9. In A Simple Rhyme (4:40)
Fair Warning
Released April 29, 1981
Featuring
Eddie Van Halen – Guitar
Alex Van Halen – Drums
Michael Anthony -Bass
David Lee Roth – Lead Vocals
Produced by Ted Templeman
CD Track Listings
1. Mean Street (5:01)
2. Dirty Movies (4:07)
3. Sinner’s Swing! (3:09)
4. Hear About It Later (4:34)
5. Unchained (3:29)
6. Push Comes To Shove (3:48)
7. So This Is Love? (3:06)
8. Sunday Afternoon In The Park (1:58)
9. One Foot Out The Door (1:57)
Diver Down
Released April 14, 1982
Featuring
Eddie Van Halen – Guitar
Alex Van Halen – Drums
Michael Anthony -Bass
David Lee Roth – Lead Vocals
Produced by Ted Templeman
CD Track Listings
1. Where Have All The Good Times Gone! (3:03)
2. Hang ‘Em High (3:29)
3. Cathedral (1:22)
4. Secrets (3:27)
5. Intruder (1:39)
6. Oh, Pretty Woman (2:55)
7. Dancing In The Street (3:46)
8. Little Guitars (Intro) (0:42)
9. Little Guitars (3:49)
10. Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now) (2:45)
11. The Full Bug (3:22)
12. Happy Trails (1:05)
1984
Released January 9, 1984
Featuring
Eddie Van Halen – Guitar
Alex Van Halen – Drums
Michael Anthony -Bass
David Lee Roth – Lead Vocals
Produced by Ted Templeman
CD Track Listings:
1. 1984 (1:08)
2. Jump (4:04)
3. Panama (3:32)
4. Top Jimmy (3:01)
5. Drop Dead Legs (4:15)
6. Hot For Teacher (4:44)
7. I’ll Wait (4:45)
8. Girl Gone Bad (4:35)
9. House Of Pain (3:19)
Van Halen With Sammy Hagar
TDC Photography / Shutterstock.com
5150
Released March 24, 1986
Featuring
Eddie Van Halen – Guitar
Alex Van Halen – Drums
Michael Anthony -Bass
Sammy Hagar – Lead Vocals
Produced by Mick Jones, Donn Landee and Van Halen
CD Track Listings:
1. Good Enough (4:05)
2. Why Can’t This Be Love (3:47)
3. Get Up (4:37)
4. Dreams (4:54)
5. Summer Nights (5:06)
6. Best Of Both Worlds (4:49)
7. Love Walks In (5:11)
8. 5150 (5:44)
9. Inside (5:02)
OU812
Released May 24, 1988
Featuring
Eddie Van Halen – Guitar
Alex Van Halen – Drums
Michael Anthony -Bass
Sammy Hagar – Lead Vocals
Produced by Donn Landee and Van Halen
CD Track Listings:
1. Mine All Mine (5:14)
2. When It’s Love (5:39)
3. A.F.U. (Naturally Wired) (4:30)
4. Cabo Wabo (7:04)
5. Source Of Infection (4:01)
6. Feels So Good (4:31)
7. Finish What Ya Started (4:24)
8. Black And Blue (5:26)
9. Sucker In A 3 Piece (5:55)
10. A Apolitical Blues (3:51)
For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge
Released June 17, 1991
Featuring
Eddie Van Halen – Guitar
Alex Van Halen – Drums
Michael Anthony -Bass
Sammy Hagar – Lead Vocals
Produced by Andy Johns, Ted Templeman and Van Halen
CD Track Listings:
1. Poundcake (5:21)
2. Judgement Day (4:38)
3. Spanked (4:52)
4. Runaround (4:21)
5. Pleasure Dome (6:57)
6. In ‘N’ Out (6:04)
7. Man On A Mission (5:03)
8. The Dream Is Over (3:59)
9. Right Now (5:21)
10. 316 (1:29)
11. Top Of The World (3:52)
Balance
Released January 24, 1995
Featuring
Eddie Van Halen – Guitar
Alex Van Halen – Drums
Michael Anthony -Bass
Sammy Hagar – Lead Vocals
Produced by Bruce Fairbairn
CD Track Listings:
1. The Seventh Seal (5:18)
2. Can’t Stop Lovin’ You (4:07)
3. Don’t Tell Me (What Love Can Do) (5:56)
4. Amsterdam (4:45)
5. Big Fat Money (3:57)
6. Strung Out (1:28)
7. Not Enough (5:12)
8. Aftershock (5:28)
9. Doin’ Time (1:41)
10. Baluchitherium (4:04)
11. Take Me Back (Déjà Vu) (4:42)
12. Feelin’ (6:34)
Van Halen With Gary Cherone
Van Halen III
Released March 17, 1998
Featuring
Eddie Van Halen – Guitar
Alex Van Halen – Drums
Michael Anthony -Bass
Gary Cherone – Lead Vocals
Produced by Mike Post and Eddie Van Halen
CD Track Listings:
1. Neworld (1:45)
2. Without You (6:30)
3. One I Want (5:30)
4. From Afar (5:24)
5. Dirty Water Dog (5:27)
6. Once (7:42)
7. Fire In The Hole (5:31)
8. Josephina (5:42)
9. Year To The Day (8:34)
10. Primary (1:27)
11. Ballot Or The Bullet (5:42)
12. How Many Say I (6:04)
Van Halen With David Lee Roth Return
s_bukley / Shutterstock.com
A Different Kind of Truth
Released February 7, 2012
Featuring
Eddie Van Halen – Guitar
Alex Van Halen – Drums
Wolfgang Van Halen -Bass
David Lee Roth – Lead Vocals
Produced by Van Halen and John Shanks
CD Track Listings:
1. Tattoo (4:44)
2. She’s The Woman (2:56)
3. You And Your Blues (3:43)
4. China Town (3:14)
5. Blood And Fire (4:26)
6. Bullethead (2:30)
7. As Is (4:47)
8. Honeybabysweetiedoll (3:46)
9. The Trouble With Never (3:59)
10. Outta Space (2:53)
11. Stay Frosty (4:07)
12. Big River (3:50)
13. Beats Workin’ (5:02)
VAN HALEN COMPILATION ALBUMS
Best Of – Volume I
Released October 22, 1996
Featuring
Eddie Van Halen – Guitar
Alex Van Halen – Drums
Michael Anthony -Bass
Sammy Hagar – Lead Vocals
David Lee Roth Vocals
CD Track Listings:
1. Eruption (1:44)
2. Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love (3:49)
3. Runnin’ With The Devil (3:37)
4. Dance The Night Away (3:07)
5. And The Cradle Will Rock… (3:34)
6. Unchained (3:30)
7. Jump (4:03)
8. Panama (3:33)
9. Why Can’t This Be Love (3:48)
10. Dreams (4:53)
11. When It’s Love (5:41)
12. Poundcake (5:22)
13. Right Now (5:23)
14. Can’t Stop Lovin’ You (4:09)
15. Humans Being (5:09)
16. Can’t Get This Stuff No More (5:17)
17. Me Wise Magic (6:06)
The Best of Both Worlds
Released October 22, 1996
Featuring
Eddie Van Halen – Guitar
Alex Van Halen – Drums
Michael Anthony -Bass
David Lee Roth – Lead Vocals
Sammy Hagar – Lead Vocals
CD Track Listings:
Disc One:
1. Eruption (1:43)
2. It’s About Time (new song) (4:15)
3. Up For Breakfast (new song) (4:57)
4. Learning To See (new song) (5:15)
5. Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love (3:48)
6. Finish What Ya Started (4:24)
7. You Really Got Me (2:38)
8. Dreams (4:53)
9. Hot For Teacher (4:43)
10. Poundcake (5:20)
11. And The Cradle Will Rock… (3:34)
12. Black And Blue (5:27)
13. Jump (4:04)
14. Top Of The World (3:54)
15. (Oh) Pretty Woman (2:53)
16. Love Walks In (5:11)
17. Beautiful Girls (3:57)
18. Can’t Stop Lovin’ You (4:08)
19. Unchained (3:28)
Disc Two:
1. Panama (3:32)
2. Best Of Both Worlds (4:49)
3. Jamie’s Cryin’ (3:30)
4. Runaround (4:20)
5. I’ll Wait (4:42)
6. Why Can’t This Be Love (3:48)
7. Runnin’ With The Devil (3:36)
8. When It’s Love (5:38)
9. Dancing In The Street (3:45)
10. Not Enough (6:48)
11. Feels So Good (4:32)
12. Right Now (5:22)
13. Everybody Wants Some!! (5:10)
14. Dance The Night Away (3:10)
15. Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love (4:43)
16. Panama (6:39)
17. Jump (4:20)
VAN HALEN LIVE ALBUMS
Live: Right Here, Right Now
Released February 23, 1993
Featuring
Eddie Van Halen – Guitar
Alex Van Halen – Drums
Michael Anthony -Bass
Sammy Hagar – Lead Vocals
Produced by Andy Johns and Van Halen
CD Track Listings:
Disc One:
1. Poundcake (5:28)
2. Judgement Day (4:52)
3. When It’s Love (5:22)
4. Spanked (5:08)
5. Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love (4:37)
6. In ‘N’ Out (6:20)
7. Dreams (4:49)
8. Man On A Mission (4:49)
9. Ultra Bass (5:15)
10. Pleasure Dome / Drum Solo (9:38)
11. Panama (6:39)
12. Love Walks In (5:14)
13. Runaround (5:21)
Disc Two:
1. Right Now (6:13)
2. One Way To Rock (4:58)
3. Why Can’t This Be Love (5:22)
4. Give To Live (5:39)
5. Finish What Ya Started (5:50)
6. Best Of Both Worlds (5:00)
7. 316 (11:37)
8. You Really Got Me / Cabo Wabo (7:58)
9. Won’t Get Fooled Again (5:41)
10. Jump (4:26)
11. Top Of The World (4:59)
Tokyo Dome Live in Concert
Released March 31, 2015
Featuring
Eddie Van Halen – Guitar
Alex Van Halen – Drums
Wolfgang Van Halen -Bass
David Lee Roth – Lead Vocals
Produced by Van Halen
CD Track Listings:
CD One:
1. Unchained
2. Runnin’ With The Devil
3. She’s The Woman
4 I’m The One
5. Tattoo
6. Everybody Wants Some
7. Somebody Get Me A Doctor
8. China Town
9. Hear About It Later
10. Oh, Pretty Woman
11. Me And You (drum Solo)
12. You Really Got Me
CD Two:
1. Dance The Night Away
2. I’ll Wait
3. Cradle Will Rock
4. Hot For Teacher
5. Women In Love
6. Romeo Delight
7. Mean Street
8. Beautiful Girls
9. Ice Cream Man
10. Panama
11. Eruption
12. Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love
13. Jump
VAN HALEN VIDEO RELEASES
Live Without A Net
Released November 24, 1986
Featuring
Eddie Van Halen – Guitar
Alex Van Halen – Drums
Michael Anthony -Bass
Sammy Hagar – Lead Vocals
1. Introduction
2. There’s Only One Way To Rock
3. Summer Nights
4. Get Up
5. Drum Solo
6. 5150
7. Best Of Both Worlds
8. Bass Solo
9. Panama
10. Love Walks In
11. Guitar Solo
12. I Can’t Drive 55
13. Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love
14. Why Can’t This Be Love
15. Rock And Roll
16. End Credits
Live: Right Here, Right Now.
Released January 26, 1993
Featuring
Eddie Van Halen – Guitar
Alex Van Halen – Drums
Michael Anthony -Bass
Sammy Hagar – Lead Vocals
with Alan Fitzgerald on keyboards behind the stage
1. Poundcake
2. Judgement Day
3. Man On A Mission
4. When It’s Love
5. In ‘N’ Out
6. Right Now
7. Ultra Bass
8. Pleasure Dome/Drum Solo
9. Spanked
10. Runaround
11. Finish What Ya Started
12. Eagles Fly
13. 316
14. You Really Got Me/Cabo Wabo
15. The Dream Is Over
16. Jump
17. Top Of The World
Video Hits Volume I
Released January 26, 1993
Featuring
Eddie Van Halen – Guitar
Alex Van Halen – Drums
Michael Anthony -Bass
David Lee Roth – Lead Vocals
Sammy Hagar – Lead Vocals
Gary Cherone – Lead Vocals
1. Jump
2. Panama
3. Hot For Teacher
4. When It’s Love
5. Finish What Ya Started
6. Poundcake
7. Runaround
8. Right Now
9. Dreams
10. Don’t Tell Me (What Love Can Do)
11. Can’t Stop Lovin’ You
12. Not Enough
13. Humans Being
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
