All Hail Van Halen

MaureenVana, NBC5 Street Team

Christmas came early this year for Van Halen fans craving a gift they have been waiting 23 years for. An almost complete reunion of the band is in town for two shows that have sold out both the Allstate Arena (last night) and the United Center (Thursday). David Lee Roth, Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, and Wolfgang Van Halen answered to the call of 16,000 screaming fans last night who came from near and far to have their wish granted.

The group played for almost 2 hours concentrating on material created with David Lee Roth as vocalist. Eddie Van Halen and Roth seemed to truly be enjoying themselves and created a positive atmosphere with smiles and a few pats on the back. It seemed that differences were set on the back burner for the night and playing some good tunes for some great fans was given the spotlight.

See Photos From Van Halen at the Allstate Arena

It may not have been a perfect performance when considering every detail, but what mattered made it great. Eddie did what he did best and ripped out killer solos that left every guitarist and guitar hero wannabe in awe. David sang out “Runnin’ With the Devil” and all the songs that fans waited in the line of cars backed up to I90 for. Alex blasted out beats and Wolfgang held his own on bass while also adding some backing vocals.

The performance gave the fans what they asked for and the fans answered with a thunderous applause of thanks. Whether it was for nostalgia, or love, or both 16,000 fans looked beyond the past, beyond any minor flaws, and just had a good rock and roll time. If the momentum carries over from last night then, Van Halen fans are in for a treat at the United Center for an even bigger and better bash.

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