Publisher's Synopsis
Van Halen is an American hard rock group formed in Pasadena, California, US during 1972. Credited with "restoring hard rock to the forefront of the music scene", Van Halen is known for its energetic live shows and for the playing of its acclaimed lead guitarist, Eddie Van Halen. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 12th, 2007. From 1974 - 1985, Van Halen comprised Eddie Van Halen, his brother, drummer Alex Van Halen, vocalist David Lee Roth and bassist Michael Anthony. Upon its release, the group's eponymous debut album made No. 19 on the Billboard pop music charts. By the early '80s, Van Halen was one of the most successful rock acts of the time, their L.P. 1984 being a big hit, with its lead single, "Jump", becoming the band's only U.S. chart-topping single to date. Van Halen replaced Roth with former Montrose lead vocalist Sammy Hagar during 1985, with whom the group issued 4 U.S. #1 albums over 11 years; 5150 in 1986, OU812 during 1988, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge in 1991 then Balance during 1995. Hagar left the band the following year, shortly before the release of their first greatest hits collection, Best Of - Volume I.
