Van Halen Philadelphia Night Two Concert Review
Quote of the night:
Rex Wettner: Alex Van Halen has to be one of the five ugliest guys in the World.
Vic Wettner: The other four guys are at this show in the audience.
That pretty much summed up the eclectic crowd. There were hot, 20-somethings, standing alongside grizzled veterans who haven't changed their look since Dave left Van Halen in 1985. Many seeing Van Halen for the first time, others having seen them in their many incarnations. (Van Hagar, Van Cherone). But this review isn't about the crowd because that will vary from location to location. But they sang all the songs loud enough to interfere with Dave's ability to hear the band at points.
The band wasn't as loud as they were night one, to me. I talked with several people who didn't see night one and said it was the loudest show they have been to. My guess is that I was so deaf from night one, night two sounded quieter. My ears are still ringing. I do not actually recommend ear plugs for most shows, but this will put your hearing back a few years.
The show was very similar to night one. The setlist was the same and the solos were damn near identical. The only thing toned down a bit was Dave's stage antics. His voice was still great, Eddie was still rocking, and Alex is still ugly.
Wolfgang is starting to spread his wings live. He is becoming more and more comfortable on stage. I can see an improvement even in one show so I can only assume he will get better as the tour wears on. Wolfie's bass playing is ok. He can play the songs. That is all he needs to do, provide a solid bass line so Eddie and Dave can solo over it.
The tour kicks ass. The band is on fire. And they actually appear to enjoy playing the songs again. I never thought I would see David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen having fun with each other on stage. I can't attest for the backstage drama, but on-stage, the band seems to be together and happy.
Scott Ian put it best when he said the "Kings of Arena Rock are back". They are and you do not want to miss this show. Click here for a review of night one.
Pictures from the camera I smuggled into the show with my ass are below. Click the thumbnail for a larger view. The final row of pics is what happens after "Jump."
Pictures from the camera I smuggled into the show with my ass are below. Click the thumbnail for a larger view. The final row of pics is what happens after "Jump."
Thank you SO MUCH for the pics and the tip about the end! There is no way I could of fit a camera up MY ass...(wonder how come your's fit?? just kidding..) I'm gonna see VH in Cleveland in 3 DAYS! ' Been listening to my "concert-psyche-up" playlist on my computer with videos of old concerts...It's gonna be weird w/o all that long hair flying all over! Don't know if I can handle the pit anymore but dammit, I'm gonna try. Check for my concert review at my blog in about a week. Thanks again! Robin from Toledo
I saw them in Greensboro and the show was amazing. Gunna catch em again in CVille. Did you have "in the ring" seats? Cuz it looks like you were very close to the stage. Did u have the flash off when taking pics with the buttcrack cam? Would hate to get punted if i used a flash on a smuggled camera.
Thank you to shearing this information for us. Pictures are the best you can. :)