artist.artist

Van Halen

American hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1974 by Dutch-American brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen. Initially formed as a trio called "Genesis," then "Mammoth," in 1972 (Eddie on guitar and lead vocals, Alex on drums, Mark Stone on bass), and renamed "Van Halen" by David Lee Roth (ex-Red Ball Jets), who joined the band in 1973 after Mammoth had rented a PA system from him. Michael Anthony (ex-Snake) replaced Stone on bass. First demo recordings were done in 1976 by Gene Simmons of Kiss. Signed to Warner Bros. in 1977 by Ted Templeman, and released its debut album in 1978. From 1974 until 1985, the band consisted of the Van Halens (guitar and drums, respectively); vocalist David Lee Roth; and bassist/vocalist Michael Anthony. In 1985, Roth left the band to embark on a solo career and was replaced by former Montrose lead vocalist Sammy Hagar. With Hagar, the group released four albums over the course of 11 years. Former Extreme frontman Gary Cherone replaced Hagar in 1996, before parting ways in 1999. Van Halen then went on hiatus until reuniting with Hagar in 2003 for a worldwide tour in 2004. Hagar again left Van Halen in 2005. In 2006, Roth returned, but Anthony was replaced on bass guitar by Eddie's son, Wolfgang Van Halen. In 2012, the band released its final studio album. It was also Van Halen's first album with Roth in 28 years and the only one to feature Wolfgang. The band's last concert tour was 2015. In 2019, further reunion plans were discussed, but the band ended upon the death of Eddie Van Halen on October 6, 2020. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.