More Van Halen Information

Eddie and Alex Van Halen were raised in Pasadena, the children of Dutch immigrants who came to California in 1967. The brothers grew up taking classical piano lessons, but switched to guitar (Eddie) and drums (Alex) as teenagers. In 1974 while gigging around town with their band Mammoth they hooked up with vocalist David Lee Roth and bassist Michael Anthony. Within a few years, they had become one of the more popular groups in Los Angeles. Fans packed L.A. rock clubs to check out Roth's over-the-top showmanship and Eddie's unconventional guitar riffs.

Their debut album, 'Van Halen,' was released in 1978 after Kiss bassist Gene Simmons noticed them at a local club and financed a recording session for the band. The debut album included the hit singles "Runnin' With the Devil" and a cover of the Kinks' "You Really Got Me." Eddie Van Halen took electric guitar technique to new heights, in turn making himself a legend with his patented two-handed tapping and pull-off effects. At the same time Roth proved to be a refreshing alternative in an industry full of self-important rock stars. Within six months of its release, 'Van Halen' was certified platinum.