Episode #167 | 03.26.24
Van Halen: Bootleggers, U.S. Marshals, and Protecting Innovation at Any Cost
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In this episode
On the backs of one of rock ‘n roll’s greatest innovators and one of its greatest ringmasters, Van Halen made some of the greatest music of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Guitarist Eddie Van Halen chased the perfect sound while lead singer David Lee Roth chased the next party. They were also ruthless when it came to protecting the unique thing they had created. Nothing was allowed to stand in their way. Not bullies, bootleggers, cynical guitar manufacturers, record producers – even the members of Van Halen themselves.
Sources
Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen, by Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill
Interview with Eddie Van Halen: Is Rock ‘n’ Roll All About Reinvention? (Zócalo Public Square)
Eddie Van Halen – “The Frankenstrat” Interview (Guitar World)
When David Lee Roth Was Arrested on 1980 Van Halen Tour: Excerpt (Ultimate Classic Rock)
Eddie Van Halen: The Joy and Pain of Rock’s Last Guitar Superhero (Rolling Stone)
Van Halen: how the wheels came off and the bad feeling that fuelled 1984 (Louder)
SAMMY HAGAR--ON CRUISE CONTROL (LA Times)
Credits
Hosted by Jake Brennan.
Written by Zeth Lundy.
Copy edited by James Sullivan.
Scored and mixed by Matt Tahaney.
Additional music and score elements by Ryan Spraker.
DISGRACELAND theme song, “Crenshaw Space Boogie,” written and produced by Jake Brennan. Performed by Jake Brennan, Bryce Kanzer, Jay Cannava, and Evan Kenney. Mixed and engineered by Adam Taylor.
*illustrations by Avi Spivak @avispivak