In this exciting conversation, Brian Kehew shares some remarkable insights into the band's history and takes us on a sonic journey through time.
The Eruption Room and Unreleased Audio Brian begins by introducing us to the "Eruption Room," a place where magic was created. He unveils rare audio of the band's iconic "Eruption" track from their first album. This recording offers a unique perspective, capturing the raw sound of the room and the drum mics. Brian emphasizes that the guitar solo you hear is unaltered, debunking the myth of post-production magic. It's all about the pure, unadulterated sound of Eddie Van Halen's guitar.
The audio also reveals a hidden moment in the track where the guitar sound momentarily vanishes. This, Brian explains, isn't the result of editing or multiple takes; it's simply a brief pause in the performance. It's a testament to the band's commitment to capturing a genuine and unpolished performance.
A Glimpse of Studio History Brian then treats us to a historical gem, a photograph taken in Studio One. This snapshot showcases the band in action and provides a rare look at their early gear, including the iconic Ibanez Destroyer guitar, used for some of the tracks on their first album.
Brian's extensive research and access to invoices shed light on the exact details of Van Halen's studio sessions, including which rooms they used and what songs were recorded where. These meticulous records help piece together the band's journey and reveal intriguing facts about their equipment choices.
Van Halen's Guitar Sound and Experimentation One fascinating aspect Brian delves into is Van Halen's pursuit of unique guitar tones. He discusses how the band experimented with their equipment, taking inspiration from unconventional sources. The discussion touches upon Eddie's use of JBL speakers and the trick of miking the guitar cone in different ways to achieve distinct tones.
Rare Gems and Unheard Chatter The interview wouldn't be complete without showcasing rare, unreleased moments from Van Halen's studio sessions. Brian plays a snippet of David Lee Roth playfully mimicking the eccentric punk rock band Zolar X. It's an amusing glimpse into the band's playful side and their interactions with the diverse music scene in Los Angeles.
So, if you're a Van Halen fan or just a lover of music history, this interview is a must-listen, offering a deeper understanding of the band's creative process and the legendary sound they crafted.
I love this one . It details much of the history of the band BEFORE they got signed. So lots of interesting facts and stories.
This is a fantastic book starting from the beginning of the band's signed career with warner bros. Written by their manager ( Noel Monk) at the time. It's a must-read for the die-hard VH fan!
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