Of course I don’t know, but it seems to me like we have Diamond Dave to thank for the success of this new CD and tour. It feels like after the last tour he simply took over (in a good way) and gave the band the direction and leadership it had been missing for more than a decade. By all accounts Dave a) picked the label, b) set up the Cafe Wha? gig, c) hosted/narrated the promo vids and possible documentary, d) created the CD artwork, e) has written a TON of lyrics (I don’t remember any CVH being this wordy?!), f) laid low and let the band do their thing under the radar as Eddie seems to prefer, g) stayed true to himself with his vocal delivery on the songs we’ve heard so far – he sounds like classic Diamond Dave, not crazy solo DLR and h) probably more. And on the flip side, I think Eddie and Al really needed someone to step up and take charge, and they actually let it happen!? Looking back this might be Dave’s crowning achievement – making Van Halen a real, relevant, rocking band again.

Love him or hate hate him or anything in between, I don’t think we can deny he’s been THE positive driving force for getting this show on the road.

I just hope his vocals hold up on tour…

A solid Eddie, with a solid Dave, give us a solid VAN HALEN.

Everything new I heard since January 10th 2012, it’s very good. I like it !

Dave and Eddie, together, brought Van Halen to a new life !

Don’t forget Wolf. Without him, I don’t think there would be new music or a functional VH.

PT5150:
Don’t forget Wolf. Without him, I don’t think there would be new music or a functional VH.

I don’t know how much truth there is to that now. Unless it has been said in interviews by Ed, Al or Dave, I don’t think a 16 year old kid had the impact we originally believed. But at this point, who cares. It’s 1985 again and the follow up to 1984 is due out in less than 2 weeks.

Bring it on.

If you read Val’s book, things were really looking bad for Ed and I think Wolf was a big part of him getting sober. All good though. They are working well together and are producing great music.

I sure hope we get some interviews about the album’s creative process soon.

sickman: I don’t know how much truth there is to that now. Unless it has been said in interviews by Ed, Al or Dave, I don’t think a 16 year old kid had the impact we originally believed. But at this point, who cares. It’s 1985 again and the follow up to 1984 is due out in less than 2 weeks.

Bring it on.

Wouldn’t it be great if it REALLY was 1985 again

I agree though, I think Dave has been a major influence in what’s happened with the new album & everything’s looking really positive for this year.

PT you’re right…of course a solid Wolfie and a solid Alex…make a solid VAN HALEN …