A band to evoke memories.

Every Wanna-Be Guitar God can tell you the song(s) that make them jump up, no matter what age, and start jamming, running their fingers up and down the imaginary neck of their pretend black or red Strat, head slung forward, legs wide apart with the knees bent, believing that for this moment...they are the legendary Eddie Van Halen; their wife/girlfriend/mistress is as hot as Valerie Bertinelli....wait...we're dreaming here, so she IS Valerie Bertinelli and you are worshipped for your guitar prowess. You close your eyes and imagine you're on stage in front of thousands, Diamond Dave is prancing around the stage in his buttless chaps, howling, screaming and waving his blond hair...your brother Alex is beating the skins, sweat flying off, shirtless, tossing out drumsticks to the outstretched hands of fans lucky enough to catch them. And last but not least...Michael Anthony, supremely confident, strumming the bass, which is so powerful, your heart changes beat to match it.

I don't know about you, but for me, Van Halen represents the possibilities that opened up for me in the 80's. Moving out of the house, freedom to make my own decisions, attending the concerts. I remember every time "Dance the night away" came on the radio, I had it cranked up and was either dancing, singing at the top of my lungs, or both. I collected Van Halen concert posters and stills. My brother made me a wooden replica of the VH insignia that I still have somewhere.

Then the split came, and everyone wondered what would happen to the band and why Diamond Dave couldn't't keep his big mouth shut. Dave came out with a couple of albums...and they were good (how could they not be with the legendary Steve Vai smoking the strings), but it wasn't Van Halen. Diamond Dave soon became Diamonique Dave (to some...Cubic Zirconium Dave) and got caught getting stoned in the park and kissing his paramedic career goodbye.

When the rumors started to circulate about Sammy Hagar, people thought the new bad would be named Van Hagar. Everyone loved the Red Rocker and thought this was a marriage that could work. But we still held our breath until the new album came out. Many people wanted to forget Gary Cherone, but I liked him. I admired his vocal abilities, but he wasn't a good fit for the band.

I was not an Air-Guitar Wanna-Be...I was a Front-Woman Wanna-Be. I dreamed of fronting Van Halen and singing my heart out. I dreamed of being so successful that people would forget Van Halen ever had a man fronting the band. I could hit all of Dave's notes (I can still hit them...and he can't). I dreamed of strutting around the stage in front of thousands. Madonna was NEVER my thing (although I do like a few of her songs), Rock was. I had subscriptions to Rolling Stone and Circus Magazine (The only guitar God I wanted to copy was Dave Meniketti of Y&T, in the song "Forever"). I still sing, but I'm a little more realistic.

It looks like I get to relive my younger years...Van Halen (minus Anthony...plus Wolfie Van Halen) is touring and will be in town November 27th. I'm so looking forward to seeing them, and I hope the magic has never left. A message to Diamond Dave...Thanks for keeping your mouth shut and stick with the new formula....it's working for you Buddy!