A funny thing happened at the KFC Yum! Center, I went to a rock concert and wound up with a psychological adjustment.
Van Halen, with David Lee Roth on vocals, kicked off their world-wide tour here in Louisville. I have been stoked about this since the news broke and I recovered from the “their kicking off their WORLD-WIDE TOUR in LOUISVILLE” shock. This was something that was supposed to NEVER happen, Dave and Eddie hated each other too much. So, This was BIG in the world of most 35-50 years olds.
The show was a blast. Dave’s voice was sketchy at times, his leg kicks less flamboyant. He is 57. But, Diamond Dave’s personality was still there. “You think this is my first time in Louisville, OH NO…I’ve got quite a history with Louisville…”, Dave also remarked several times “somebody bring me a shot”. I’m assuming he meant bourbon. The band sounded tight, in a good way.
Alex Van Halen was rock solid behind the drum kit and his exciting drum solo had a wonderful, if slightly odd island flavor. Wolfgang, Eddie’s son, was on bass and proved he belonged. He provided a thumping bottom line that gave his dad a safety net to perform his high wire guitar act. I tweeted it during the show and will state it again. Eddie Van Halen is a GOLDEN GOD on Guitar. His hips may have been replaced, but his fingers are still magical over a fret board. His guitar solo, alone on the stage shrouded in a eerie fog was easily the highlight of the night.
However, the entire effect of the concert was cathartic. I talked to several people after the show. Yes they mentioned Dave’s vocal miscues, but to a person they exclaimed what a great time it was. How satisfying the event was. Which is where my psychological adjustment comes into play.
