I saw Van Halen tour every album from Women and Children First through 1984. All we’re great live shows. Diver Down was the weakest because Alex was a little too blasted. It was still pretty darn good. Fair Warning tour was the best. I think that album is the band’s strongest effort in the studio as well. By the time Hagar joined up, I was kind of over it. They were going more pop while I was going more hard core. I like Sammy a lot, but i’d rather listen to Montrose, HSAS or Chickenfoot.

I have no interest in seeing a warmed over version of this band some thirty years later (nor a VH pin). Their time has come and passed, and that’s ok. Plus, the way they f’ed over Michael Anthony still grates.

I will give EVH props for putting his Van Halen II Strat in Dimebag Darrell’s grave. That was a touching gesture from someone who is almost universally painted as an enormous d-bag.