As a kid in the 70's I loved rock. When my siblings were jamming to the Bee Gees I was listening to Pink Floyd, Boston, the Stones, Queen, Foreigner, and yes, Van Halen on 96 Rock, Atlanta's only album-rock format radio station. If anything, the first time I heard "Jump" I was taken somewhat aback by the prominent keyboards. However, watching Eddie's nimble fingers fly over that Oberheim OB-Xa in the video quickly won me over. It's hard to argue with a master craftsman expanding his toolkit.
Who, exactly, had such a problem with that cover? Everybody I knew had a copy of 1984. Everybody was jamming to "Panama" and "Hot for Teacher." Hell, even the Valley girls were into Van Halen back when Diver Down was their new and exciting record. Were we not all headbanging to Def Leppard, Quiet Riot, and Crüe in '83? I think the success of 1984 opened the door for a new wave of pop-metal bands such as Ratt and Autograph, but metal was already well established in the top 40 and on MTV.
Mike: You need to have your own newsletter here on Substack! You put into words exactly the feeling of the time—those keyboards, being won over by Ed’s mastery, Diver Down, and yes, ‘83, year of the Def Crüe Riot. Thanks for reading this, and for that amazing take on that incredible era in music. 🙏
Aw, thank you! As a youth I had ambitions of being a music journalist, but it's a hard field to crack. (I did wind up writing for the sports forum on AOL, back when AOL was a thing.)
Thank you so much! That photo just floored me… Of all the pics they had to choose from, that one is just so perfect. The poignancy! 😿 I really enjoyed drawing that. 🙏
As a kid in the 70's I loved rock. When my siblings were jamming to the Bee Gees I was listening to Pink Floyd, Boston, the Stones, Queen, Foreigner, and yes, Van Halen on 96 Rock, Atlanta's only album-rock format radio station. If anything, the first time I heard "Jump" I was taken somewhat aback by the prominent keyboards. However, watching Eddie's nimble fingers fly over that Oberheim OB-Xa in the video quickly won me over. It's hard to argue with a master craftsman expanding his toolkit.
Who, exactly, had such a problem with that cover? Everybody I knew had a copy of 1984. Everybody was jamming to "Panama" and "Hot for Teacher." Hell, even the Valley girls were into Van Halen back when Diver Down was their new and exciting record. Were we not all headbanging to Def Leppard, Quiet Riot, and Crüe in '83? I think the success of 1984 opened the door for a new wave of pop-metal bands such as Ratt and Autograph, but metal was already well established in the top 40 and on MTV.
Mike: You need to have your own newsletter here on Substack! You put into words exactly the feeling of the time—those keyboards, being won over by Ed’s mastery, Diver Down, and yes, ‘83, year of the Def Crüe Riot. Thanks for reading this, and for that amazing take on that incredible era in music. 🙏
Aw, thank you! As a youth I had ambitions of being a music journalist, but it's a hard field to crack. (I did wind up writing for the sports forum on AOL, back when AOL was a thing.)
1. I didn't know about this book! I will totally cry too
2. I was not happy with the Star Hits VH cover but I did not send any vitriol their way
3. I prefer Van Halen over Van Hagar but I do love the Red Rocker too
4. I love the drawing of the SH cover!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! David's pout is perfection
1. Right? I’m so getting my Kleenex ready…
2. Thank you for proving my point!
3. Oh, for sure. Sammy was a great choice to replace DLR, but I think of them as being like two separate groups.
4. Thank you!!!!!!!!! 😻 David’s eyebrow-raise and pout are just too easy!
I forgot to mention what a beautiful job you did with the photo of the VH brothers as well. Edward's expression is so sweet and open.
Thank you so much! That photo just floored me… Of all the pics they had to choose from, that one is just so perfect. The poignancy! 😿 I really enjoyed drawing that. 🙏