It’s “Van Halen Day” on Rock History Book – Check out the New Album Today – CLICK TO LISTEN
February 6, 2012 – It’s safe to say that Rock History Book Radio has tons of Van Halen fans listening everyday and it was a no-brainer to pronounce, today, “Van Halen Day!” All day hosts John Beaudin and Shannon Edwards will feature two tracks, every hour, from the new Van Halen album, “A Different Kind of Truth.”

In Fact, John and Shannon will do it all over again tomorrow for our second of two Van Halen Days. “On Tuesday we will play the new album throughout the day but will also feature more classic Van Halen,” says Rock History Book Radio host and Program Director John Beaudin. “Also expect to hear the whole new album in it’s entirety at 12-Noon (eastern),” adds Beaudin.

The new disc, as it turns out, is a rehash of some old demos polished off to 2012 standards and is the first full album with, original lead singer, David Lee Roth in 28 years. “Ok, this will not be the album of the year,” says Beaudin, “But it’s certainly a huge Rock-Event and we want to be there for the fans and, of course, the band.

Beaudin will feature a review of the disc later today on Rock History Book.

Eddie Van Halen Donates Guitars for a Good Cause
January 12, 2011 - Eddie Van Halen has dug deep into his personal collection of guitars and has donated 75 of them to a non –profit organization that supports kids with musical education in schools. The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, as per Van Halen’s instructions, will bring these guitars to public school programs in the Los Angeles area where there is a shortage of instruments for the number of students participating.

"Music is the universal language. It has the ability to transcend and convey every human emotion that exists without saying a word. Music kept me off the streets and out of trouble and gave me something that was mine that no one could take away from me. Music education and families are dealing with the economic times, and I wanted to help them. If I can help a kid discover a liking, or even a passion for music in their life, then that's a wonderful thing. Music has provided a good life for me and hopefully it can help make life better for others with this donation," Said Van Halen.

Thousands of instruments, new and used, have been donated through the Mr. Holland Opus Foundation over the years. Its aid in many schools has helped music programs thrive and enriched students with their musical talents.

The new Van Halen album featuring original lead singer David Lee Roth is set for release in early February. - By Shannon Edwards.

Slash Says Van Halen Mixing New Album
May 24, 2011 – We just got an update on the new Van Halen album from, of all people, Slash! According to the guitarist the new VH CD is in the mixing stage, which is good news considering the project is set for release this year.

This is what Slash told Tom Russell of U.K.’s Rock Radio, “I’m a huge Van Halen fan, They’re finishing [up their new album right now], actually. I don’t wanna speak on their behalf, but one of the guys that works for us works for Van Halen in the studio and he told me that they’re in the mixing stages.”

Sammy Hagar Had Chance to Join Motley Crue, Aerosmith and Velvet Revolver
May 2, 2011 – Sammy Hager is either one of the best Rock singers of all time or is generic enough to fill in anywhere. While promoting his new autobiography, “Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock,” he claimed this to be asked to join Motley Crue, Aerosmith and Velvet Revolver.

He Told Gibson.com: "I was asked at one time to be in Motley Crue," Hagar said. "I was asked at one time to be in Pantera by their mangers. I was asked to be in Velvet Revolver when Scott Weiland quit and went back to the Stone Temple Pilots. I was waiting to be asked to be in Led Zeppelin to say 'no,' since they were the greatest band on earth and no could replace Robert Plant. I was asked to be in Aerosmith and I said 'no.' certain bands and certain front man singers are more difficult to replace than others. Steven Tyler and that band have stayed together for forty years and you don't to walk into something like that. They had one moment years ago, when they replaced Joe Perry, but it's still always been Steven at the front of Aerosmith. You don't replace that."

So why did Hagar replace David Lee Roth in Van Halen but refused to do the same with Steven Tyler in Aerosmith?  "When I came into Van Halen, it was easy because Dave wasn't a great singer, but he was a good front man,” says Hagar. “In those times, I was selling out the same arenas they were, so it was like the combination of two forces and it worked—but it's a rare thing. We were all lucky that the fans accepted it and it got bigger. I would avoid bands that are going to break up pretty soon." MORE

Van Halen Already Mixing New Tunes
March 31, 2011 – Now that was fast! Rumors out of the Van Halen camp have the band already mixing their new album. If the information is correct it would probably mean the band would easily have a release date in the fall. Also if things are already in the mixing process it could mean that everything with Diamond David Lee Roth went smoothly in the studio. Roth, the original vocalist for the band, officially rejoined in 2007 for a 40-date tour.

Van Halen fan site vhnd.com says a “trusted source” claims the process is “going great and the band is starting to mix the new tracks.”

Michael Anthony Excited About New Van Halen Album
February 11, 2011 – Michael Anthony is a lot of things but bitter is not one of them. The former Van Halen bassist says he's looking forward to hearing the new Van Halen album.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what they'll do," says Anthony who hasn't played with the band since 2005. He also says that he has "no hard feelings" towards Eddie Van Halen.

His former band just announced their involvement with producer John Shanks to record the first album with David Lee Roth in 25 years.

Van Halen In the Studio with Producer John Shanks
January 25, 2011 – The new Van Halen album is on. The band is in the studio with producer John Shanks to record their first full album with original lead singer David Lee Roth since 1984, released the same year.

Shanks was on his Twitter account on Thursday saying, “Here we go kids…..vh,..going back to cali..good bye london.hello la.time to rock.i still believe!! in the power and thunder.big bass drum and big guitars.just me?”

Last year rumors went wild on the band recording new material with Russ Hogarth but many in the inner circle has shot that down.

The Van Halen line-up includes Eddie, Wolfgang and Alex Van Halen and Roth. - by John Beaudin

Eddie Van Halen Suing Nike Over Frankenstein Design
June 17, 2009 – When Eddie Van Halen is not talkin’ trash at his former bassist Michael Anthony he takes long walks on the beach and plans litigation parties with his lawyers. Eddie’s new target? Nike shoes and this time he may have a point. The legendary guitarist filed a lawsuit against Nike in Los Angeles Friday, alleging the sports-wear company used his trademarked striped design from his “Frankenstein” guitar on their new line of "Dunk Lows" tennis shoes.

To make matters worse the new Nike shoes feature the same red, white and black streaks on the midsole.

Here’s where things get tricky for Nike. In 2001 Van Halen got the copyright for the design that’s been featured on Eddie’s guitar for years. The lawyers are saying Nike used the design without "consent, approval or license."

The rocker now wants punitive damages and all profits from the sales of the Nike "Dunk Lows" shoes. He also asked for a permanent injunction halting production of the Nike shoes.

Michael Anthony Calls Eddie Van Halen “A Bitter Man”
June 10, 2009 – When Eddie Van Halen told Rolling Stone magazine that Michael Anthony was “not fired, he quit.” You knew it was not the last of this cat-fight. Anthony just fought back while talking to Classic Rock Revisited.

“I am so far past that… I wish that he would be too. Unfortunately, he is a bitter guy. At my age, at this point in my life, I don't want to be bitter. I want to hang around positive people, and I could not find three more positive guys than the guys I am playing with now. Why keep rehashing the past? They were asking Eddie questions that had nothing to do with that. They said, "Have you heard Chickenfoot?" And he goes, "Yeah, but by the way, Michael Anthony wasn't fired; he quit." It had nothing to do with anything. I never quit the band. At one point, I was forced to make a decision to sit on my hands, at home, and do nothing for a number of years, or go out and play some shows on a tour with Sammy and Dave [Lee Roth]. What would you do? I felt that I was doing those guys a service by going out and flying the Van Halen flag and letting people know that Van Halen is still here. My last name is not "Van Halen." People tend to forget you. I didn't want people to go, "That is that guy that used to play in Van Halen. What's his name again?" The fans wanted to hear that music.” Read lots more from this cat-fight.

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