mdk7691: This live album is going to be what it’s going to be. If Dave’s vocals had been rerecorded, there would’ve been criticism about it being “dishonest” and the universal “they” would’ve crucified him.Dave has never been the greatest live vocalist nor has he ever tried to be. I have to give him and the band credit for being authentic to the actual performance itself and for not trying to “hide” anything. Is it VH circa ’78-’84? Of course not but anyone who expects it to be is delusional. It is what it is.
If they’re done touring, i guess it doesn’t matter. But if they do tour again, the backlash might be a good wake-up call for Dave to get his vocals together. It’s nice that they released it, though, and they probably realize in today’s music world it’s only going to sell a few thousand copies. I’ll put the over/under at 60,000.
So really, just the long-term die hard fans are going to get it and they already know what to expect..
I’ve been reading the comments at various sites (VHND, Ultimate Classic Rock, VHML, to name a few), and the overwhelming consensus is that Dave’s vocals suck ass.
Vince G.: I’ve been reading the comments at various sites (VHND, Ultimate Classic Rock, VHML, to name a few), and the overwhelming consensus is that Dave’s vocals suck ass.
Well since they kept it “Live”, and no re-recording vocals, that’s no surprise at all.
Since they didn’t fix the vocals…. I am not sure I even want to pay for it.
I love Dave…. always have… but that last tour his voice was toast, and I can’t believe they are releasing this unfixed.
Maybe, the band wants Dave to quit, or retire. People will universally make fun of Dave’s vocals…. I don’t see how this will end well.
The poor folks play for keeps down here…They’re the living dead. Nobody rules these streets at night like Van Halen!!
Australian release dates for just the live cds is April 4 and is $29.99, The deluxe version with VH1 & 1984 will be released April 17 and will be $69.99.
Point taken, voodoo and wjamflan. I’m a vocalist myself and, yes, I’m the first to admit it’s an understatement to say Dave’s live vocals aren’t what they used to be. The “Dave was drunk” ala Dean Martin schtick was tolerable when we were all teenagers and concert ticket prices were below $20 but now, not so much. Paul Stanley makes a great point here about “audience forgiveness”:
The fact of the matter is that until people stop buying concert tickets, which is what really matters now, Dave will be part of VH. I wouldn’t bet on them ever releasing any “old live stuff”, on video or otherwise. There’s no logical reason for them to do so. It would be completely counterproductive to Wolf even being in the band now and he’s truly the only reason VH, as we presently know it, even exists. Lastly, screw what any DJ anywhere thinks… period. All of them only wish they could’ve ever had a career as amazing as that of Van Halen.
Dutchie: Australian release dates for just the live cds is April 4 and is $29.99, The deluxe version with VH1 & 1984 will be released April 17 and will be $69.99.
Vince G.: I’ve been reading the comments at various sites (VHND, Ultimate Classic Rock, VHML, to name a few), and the overwhelming consensus is that Dave’s vocals suck ass.
They’re not awesome, but they’re the best of the tour. Dave sounded good in 07/08 when he wasn’t dogged by some sort of sickness the whole tour. Eddie won’t release that because he was the weak link in 07/08… Ed has no problem releasing something where Dave is the weak link. I can’t help but feel this is Ed’s way of ending this version of the band. Once this thing is released it’s going to be destroyed by the general public. I’m the biggest Dave fan, but stick a fork in ‘em, they’re done.
Resident dickhead. I will hurt your delicate feelings.
VAiN: They’re not awesome, but they’re the best of the tour. Dave sounded good in 07/08 when he wasn’t dogged by some sort of sickness the whole tour. Eddie won’t release that because he was the weak link in 07/08… Ed has no problem releasing something where Dave is the weak link. I can’t help but feel this is Ed’s way of ending this version of the band. Once this thing is released it’s going to be destroyed by the general public. I’m the biggest Dave fan, but stick a fork in ‘em, they’re done.
I thought the same thing and wondered if this was why his site went completely black. Then again, they said Dave was involved with the artwork, so he was privy to this release and involved in it. I honestly think this was truly all about remastering the original 6 albums and their way to do that while still offerring something new and at the same time meeting whatever contractual obligations they had, they decided to throw in the live show as the “bonus” to the remasters.
I know several people have told me they personally know there is a tour in the works, but it really seems odd to me. Then again, this is Van Halen. I need to get back to believing it when I see/hear it.
Unfortunately this is the only official live album with Dave on vocals. To the average consumer, it is the only live performance from CVH sanctioned by the band. Not the best representation of what they are and have been. In my opinion, I think a live show from the ’80 or ’81 tours would be a much better package to show the Mighty Van Halen. Oh well, it is what it is. Just my opinion, and you know what they say about those and assholes!
