Van Halen is one of the most iconic American rock bands of all time. Formed in Pasadena, California in 1972, the group’s primary line-up consisted of Eddie Van Halen on guitar, Alex Van Halen on drums, David Lee Roth providing lead vocals, and Michael Anthony providing bass duties and significant harmonies.

Their first six albums, recorded and released between 1977–1984, are considered to be classics and pioneering efforts in the field of hard rock. Eddie Van Halen’s groundbreaking guitar sound and techniques completely changed the landscape of music and radio culture in the 1980s. His and brother Alex’s virtuosity, along with David Lee Roth’s charisma and bassist Michael Anthony’s foundational contributions garnered the band early comparisons to their predecessors—Led Zeppelin—a group who had a profound influence on them. Though, even more so than Jimmy Page, Eddie cites Eric Clapton as having the biggest impact on his playing.

In 1977, after recording a demo with Gene Simmons (who wanted the band to change their name to “Daddy Longlegs”) they were introduced to KISS‘ management, who told Simmons they wouldn’t sign them because:

They had no chance of making it…

Eventually, they impressed Ted Templeman of Warner Bros. enough to attract a record deal. Their eponymous debut reached No. 19 on the Billboard Pop Chart with two successful singles: “Runnin' with the Devil” and their cover of The Kink’s “You Really Got Me.”

The success of this album, their sophomore release and subsequent follow-up efforts sparked a glam-rock/hair metal movement that catapulted them to notoriety. Just as the band reached its zenith (after the release and supporting tour for 1984), Roth parted ways, citing creative differences. The timing was uncanny, with the announcement falling on April 1, 1985, leaving many fans in disbelief (thinking it was an April Fool’s Joke).

Roth was soon replaced by Sammy Hagar. Hagar’s tenure, which originally lasted from 1985–1996, provided Van Halen with its only #1 album in the United States: 5150, released in 1986.

Following a brief spell with Van Halen III and singer Gary Cherone in 1998, as well as a disastrous reunion tour with Hagar in 2004, the band reunited with DLR. As of 2015, the group consists of Roth, Eddie, Alex, and Eddie’s son (Wolfgang Van Halen) on bass—although, rumors surrounding a reunion with the original four members began circulating in 2019.

They remain influential to this day. As of 2017, they were ranked at #9 on the list of the Top Ten Best-Selling Rock Bands of All Time in America.

On October 6, 2020, member Eddie Van Halen died at the age of 65 due from complications from cancer.