Van Halen 2012 tour (and album)

[Mikezilla]

Meh, Santana, Judas Priest, Poison, and even top tier shows like Wicked etc have all rolled through here for ~$35 on sale.  Our rodeo generally only does country music, but those tickets are $10 and I've seen damn near all of the big names.

We only sell out garbage like Metallica and AC/DC at full price.

San Antonio's a cheap place, but we've run out of housing and jobs so don't move here.

I wouldnt want to move out there, you live there. 

Garbage like Metallica huh? Thats a good one PBJ, AC/DC I agree with, but Metallica? One of the greatest bands of all time? Cmon.  Now if you said Tool, or U2 I would have agreed with you. With the exception of Judas Priest, which is pushing it, all those bands suck.

[yotsuya]

U2>Metallica. And I've seen both live.

[Mikezilla]

U2>Metallica. And I've seen both live.

Yotsuya... Why did you have to go and say something like that!!?  I hate U2. As I mentioned before, they are one of the most overrated bands in existence. Oh well, everyone is entitled to their opinion. 

[Ginsu Victim]

You'll love to hate on this:
I paid $102 for my Tool ticket and have no problem with that.

[yotsuya]

Mike-

I would say U2 is better because not only are they relevant still, but their sound has evolved. All I've heard from Metallica fans since Load/ReLoad/St. Anger/Duets with Lou Reed is how much everyone hates them now. The Black Album was the last good thing they did, and that was mainly for 'Enter Sandman'.

[Mikezilla]

You'll love to hate on this:
I paid $102 for my Tool ticket and have no problem with that.

I threw up in my mouth a little after reading that GV.

Mike-

I would say U2 is better because not only are they relevant still, but their sound has evolved. All I've heard from Metallica fans since Load/ReLoad/St. Anger/Duets with Lou Reed is how much everyone hates them now. The Black Album was the last good thing they did, and that was mainly for 'Enter Sandman'.

See, I dont see them as relevant. All of their songs sound the same to me. The real Metallica fans still appreciate their music. Yeah, Load/Reload arent as good as their early stuff, but thats them evolving to their tastes. There are still some good songs on those albums. The Lou Reed debacle is garbage though, I cant even believe they are standing behind that tripe. I listened to it on the internet, and the single they released is just god awful. Cant listen to it. The black album is great, that was their mainstream album, all the songs except for 2 were singles. Granted U2 has more in record sales, but that doesnt mean they are better. Also, if you call yourself "The Edge" youre a 

[yotsuya]

Without getting to much into it, Early U2 was a rock band, late 80s U2 was an acoustic band, mid 90s U2 was an electronic band, and current U2 is a hash-up of all 3. That allows them to stay relevant.

I'd put "...And Justice For All" up there with "The Joshua Tree" as two of my favorite complete albums, but I don't think Metallica has aged well.

[Mikezilla]

...And Justice for all is my favorite Metallica album.  I think they have stayed relevant considering their style of music, and the genre in general. They are a heavy metal/thrash band, instead of a pop rock band like U2, seems like its harder to be in the mainstream with that type of sound.

Like Hoopz mentioned, I wonder if the Van Halen 2012 tour will make it to San Diego. I wouldnt mind seeing them live. 

[yotsuya]

Mike-

If they make it to SD, go. When I saw them a few years ago, it was fun. I'm not a fan of Van Hagar, but with Dave there it was fun. The only drawback is that all those hot chicks from the 80s you saw at the concerts are now all not-so-hot soccer moms. 

[Ginsu Victim]

...And Justice for all is my favorite Metallica album. 

My favorite as well. It really made it hard for me to like the black album when it came out.

All the albums after that got worse and worse, so the black album sounded better and better. Still not a fan of it, but it's not as bad as I once thought it was.

[Zero_Hour]

Metallica died with Cliff Burton.
Van Halen Died with Eddie's liver.

I'm done seeing rock bands that are older than me (mid 40's). 

[shmokes]

I know this is kind of going to sound a bit like the pot calling the kettle black, considering I'm on a message board dedicated to playing the games of yesterday, but . . . I'm with ^ that guy. If you're gonna go see some live music, see something new and interesting. Even if Van Halen and the like were once awesome (much like the fashion, cars, TV shows, movies, and politics of the 80s, most of the music is actually an abomination  ), you've heard it all SOOOOOOOOOOO many times now. I mean . . . doesn't the same thing over and over and over and over ever get boring? When you were a kid you loved all this new music that was coming out. Do you think that people stopped making good music? Cos if you do, I have news for you. Your parents thought the exact same thing about your music. It's no more true now than it was then (actually it's probably less true, because your Parents let's be honest, your parents disdain was for the 80s music, lol).

[TopJimmyCooks]

I wasn't gonna,but I'm gonna . . . . .

. . .  most of the music is actually an abomination  ), you've heard it all SOOOOOOOOOOO many times now. I mean . . . doesn't the same thing over and over and over and over ever get boring?

I both agree and disagree.  I agree because I don't listen to classic rock radio under most circumstances, or any terrestrial radio most of the time.  I really don't need to hear night moves or mr roboto or comfortably numb ever again, frankly.  I spent time as an oldies/motown/classic rock/90's alternative DJ in college and I can put Stone temple pilots, gin blossoms and all motown in the same category.  I appreciate them, I just don't choose to listen, I can play back the entire song in my head, thanks. 

Now I actively seek the new and different, and find myself a lot more critical. 

Primal drumming > gregorian harmony > western art (classical) music > blues/origins of rock > classic rock era > top 40 era >  grunge > the crap of today. 

So yes, I think there is less good music reaching my ears now.  with the advent of youtube, DIY recording, a lot of crap that used to get filtered now gets some undeserved exposure.  I often go to the virtual music store to browse and come away empty handed.  I've explored and set aside electronic, filled in the holes in my 70's through 90's records, assembled a comprehensive collection of basically all Ska ever recorded, etc.   Looking over my current playlist, you see Dirty projectors, Beck, patti smith, gillian welch, OCMS and I realize I'm headed towards roots oriented pop with an indie leaning lately.  My first loves Zeppelin and Halen are not in heavy rotation, They're more like a bottle of 25 y/o scotch to be pulled out, sipped, savored and put in the cabinet for the next time the kids are out of the house for the night.

BUT:  I'm still going to see them this spring for several reasons.
1.  my sense of completion on seeing a good cross section great bands of the Classic era - the ones that meant the most to me, a 39yo.  Who, VH, Ozzy, Metallica, Yes, the english beat, janes addiction, grateful dead (don't listen to them, glad I saw them).  I've never seen DLR solo or with VH, I want to cover it. Many of these bands are no longer available in original form due to deaths, etc., it's a limited time offer.  I'm not such a completionist that I want to see the undead stones, I just consider them a miss for me.  I don't like the 2nd half of Springsteen's catalog, but I'd sure go to see him if the opportunity arose.  He is a worthwhile, history making artist.

2.  I really like and enjoy the memory of busting a {squirrel food} in the back of a 5 liter mustang down by the lake in time to the pounding bass drums of 1984.  The music of VH was part of the soundtrack to an important and fun time in my life, that I don't mind being transported back to for 2 hours or so.

3.  I don't need to justify a 3rd reason to the likes of you!  I said Good Day.

End of manifesto, carry on.

[TopJimmyCooks]

That said  , first single drops.  hope this is not the best they've got, but I'm scared.

http://www.vhnd.com/2012/01/10/van-halens-tattoo-song-video-released/

[yotsuya]

I mean . . . doesn't the same thing over and over and over and over ever get boring?

No.

[yotsuya]

I wasn't gonna,but I'm gonna . . . . .

. . .  most of the music is actually an abomination  ), you've heard it all SOOOOOOOOOOO many times now. I mean . . . doesn't the same thing over and over and over and over ever get boring?

I both agree and disagree.  I agree because I don't listen to classic rock radio under most circumstances, or any terrestrial radio most of the time.  I really don't need to hear night moves or mr roboto or comfortably numb ever again, frankly.  I spent time as an oldies/motown/classic rock/90's alternative DJ in college and I can put Stone temple pilots, gin blossoms and all motown in the same category.  I appreciate them, I just don't choose to listen, I can play back the entire song in my head, thanks. 

Now I actively seek the new and different, and find myself a lot more critical. 

Primal drumming > gregorian harmony > western art (classical) music > blues/origins of rock > classic rock era > top 40 era >  grunge > the crap of today. 

So yes, I think there is less good music reaching my ears now.  with the advent of youtube, DIY recording, a lot of crap that used to get filtered now gets some undeserved exposure.  I often go to the virtual music store to browse and come away empty handed.  I've explored and set aside electronic, filled in the holes in my 70's through 90's records, assembled a comprehensive collection of basically all Ska ever recorded, etc.   Looking over my current playlist, you see Dirty projectors, Beck, patti smith, gillian welch, OCMS and I realize I'm headed towards roots oriented pop with an indie leaning lately.  My first loves Zeppelin and Halen are not in heavy rotation, They're more like a bottle of 25 y/o scotch to be pulled out, sipped, savored and put in the cabinet for the next time the kids are out of the house for the night.

BUT:  I'm still going to see them this spring for several reasons.
1.  my sense of completion on seeing a good cross section great bands of the Classic era - the ones that meant the most to me, a 39yo.  Who, VH, Ozzy, Metallica, Yes, the english beat, janes addiction, grateful dead (don't listen to them, glad I saw them).  I've never seen DLR solo or with VH, I want to cover it. Many of these bands are no longer available in original form due to deaths, etc., it's a limited time offer.  I'm not such a completionist that I want to see the undead stones, I just consider them a miss for me.  I don't like the 2nd half of Springsteen's catalog, but I'd sure go to see him if the opportunity arose.  He is a worthwhile, history making artist.

2.  I really like and enjoy the memory of busting a {squirrel food} in the back of a 5 liter mustang down by the lake in time to the pounding bass drums of 1984.  The music of VH was part of the soundtrack to an important and fun time in my life, that I don't mind being transported back to for 2 hours or so.

3.  I don't need to justify a 3rd reason to the likes of you!  I said Good Day.

End of manifesto, carry on.

Imagine this starting out as a slow clap, then others joining in:

 

[shmokes]

3.  I don't need to justify a 3rd reason to the likes of you!  I said Good Day.

I was worth two, though, which makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.   

[TopJimmyCooks]

I had another, just got tired of typing, so consider yourself to rate the full 3 reasons!  Now go pay to see the live act of your choice.   

[shmokes]

Btw, at risk of sounding sappy, it occurs to me that I should mention, your response was really well written.

[TopJimmyCooks]

Thanks for saying that, Shmokes - I think about what's happening with music all the time and feel like i've pretty much figured out where i am with it. 

[Mikezilla]

METALLICA RULES!!! 

[yotsuya]

METALLICA RULES!!! 

It's not 1991 anymore, bro.   

[Mikezilla]

METALLICA RULES!!! 

It's not 1991 anymore, bro.   

Damn I wish it was... Things were so much better back then... 

[Ginsu Victim]

METALLICA RULED!!! 

Fixed that for you.

[Mikezilla]

METALLICA RULED!!! 

Fixed that for you.

  that was a good one. I laughed. 

[yotsuya]

METALLICA RULED!!! 

I actually saw Metallica in concert back in 1990, and the next week I saw The Cure at the same venue. Both put on great shows.

[Mikezilla]

My cousin and I were at the San Diego taping of live ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- binge and purge for the Metallica box set. It was my first concert, I was 11 years old, lost the ticket stub though. 

[TopJimmyCooks]

. . . . lost the ticket stub though. 

 . . . Then it didn't happen!   

METALLICA RULED!!! 

Fixed that for you.

Just say what I always say-Death to all but Metal. 

Except I typically refer to it in proper terms of respect:  "The Metal"

so, Death to all but The Metal.

[Dervacumen]

So back on topic, I listened to their single "Tattoo" and watched the video.  If you know anything about Van Halen and hear this with your eyes closed, it's unmistakeably 'Halen.  And very good.  The video sucks 'cause it's a bunch of old geezers and an out-of-place young pup, but the song is good.  Not good enough for me to buy a ticket (swore off old bands in concert four years ago much like others here) but I'll definitely get the CD (as opposed to finding digital copies on my own).
 

[wp34]

So back on topic, I listened to their single "Tattoo" and watched the video.  If you know anything about Van Halen and hear this with your eyes closed, it's unmistakeably 'Halen.  And very good.  The video sucks 'cause it's a bunch of old geezers and an out-of-place young pup, but the song is good.  Not good enough for me to buy a ticket (swore off old bands in concert four years ago much like others here) but I'll definitely get the CD (as opposed to finding digital copies on my own).
 

Lol - I listened to the sample online but didn't want to see the video for the reasons you mentioned. I will be buying the CD as well.

[CCM]

an out-of-place young pup,

+100000

Not the same without Michael Anthony!  But the song is pretty good.

[J_K_M_A_N]

Got my tickets today for the Minnesota (St Paul Xcel Energy Center) show!

J_K_M_A_N

[TopJimmyCooks]

Got tix today for Kool & the Gang (with VH closing) for Greensboro NC.  Charlotte NC is a venue I like better, but their show was on Wednesday night. 

As far as the first single Tattoo, I'm not a big fan, but the other new song Shes a Woman is much more to my liking. 

[J_K_M_A_N]

Tattoo is growing on me. It gets in my head. She's the woman sounds like it will be a good song also.

The show in St Paul is on a Saturday night.  Kick ass.

J_K_M_A_N

[TopJimmyCooks]

You can hear "woman" here if you want to check it out.

http://www.vhnd.com/2012/01/07/video-van-halens-new-song-shes-the-woman-at-cafe-wha/

also on the front page of vhnd right now they've got clips of other songs, mr. frosty and also blood and fire, which i've heard before.  I'm raising my album anticipation status from "vaguely concerned" to "cautiously optimistic". 

[JMB]

Who has tickets to the "postponed" shows?

[J_K_M_A_N]

I am going tomorrow night. Hopefully they show up. We will see.

J_K_M_A_N

[TopJimmyCooks]

I went to the Greensboro show and enjoyed it.  I was happy with the value for my money, but I'll admit I'm certainly biased as a fan.  The average age was probably 37 and all the old farts had a good time.  One benefit of this modern era was I got a nice boot of the show, a few nice phone vids and the greensboro observer's pro photos DL'd to help jog the ol' memory from time to time. 

I don't think they're oversaturated - they just added dates recently.  G'boro was probably 75% of capacity, better for me than asses and elbows everywhere.   

I saw the notice of the postponements and I'm curious about the reason.  Frankly I'm glad I'm not affected.  At Greensboro, Dave was certainly rougher towards the end but he never lost his voice or anything.  These dudes are fairly old, who knows?  Hope everyone's all right. 

 

[Bootay]

According to Rolling Stone they are fighting and cannot seem to get along. Tickets in Detroit cost $300. Seriously? I wouldn't pay that much to see ANY show. $50 is my absolute cutoff on concert tickets. Anything higher and I will pass. I have better things to spend my money on.

[TopJimmyCooks]

Bummer.  I agree $75 or so is my limit.