Van Halen
Woodlands Pavilion
Houston, TX
May 13, 1998

Set List

Photographs by Jon Dunphy - © 1998

Review by Steve Holstein - sb_holstein@msn.com

Van Halen opened their Mini-US tour last night in Houston, TX. They came on just 10 minutes after Kenny Wayne Sheperd left the stage. After some of the negative comments I've heard about Van Halen III, or the MTV concert, all I can say is WOW! Huge. I sat row 5 Eddie's side in front of 3 4x12 Peavey cabs.

They opened with "Unchained" it seemed like Ed got that early days sound, I could of sworn he was playin' through the old Marshall, but the cabs clearly said Peavey. Gary was full of energy and sang the older VH tunes nicely. They nailed "Romeo's Delight" and "Somebody Get Me a Doctor" like they recorded them yesterday. During "Fire in the Hole" Ed was playing the new Wolfgang Special (white) but broke a string and quickly changed back to the black Wolfgang.

Al had a solo in which he played along with some pre-recorded music, it was easy to get into the rhythm with him. They came out for an encore with Ed sitting at a grand piano with 5150 stenciled on the side playing "How Many Say I", first time for Ed live on stage. These guys are true musicians and they love to play.

If you have any doubts about the new Van Halen, got to the concert and you'll become a true believer.

The 21st time to see the boys was no less than expected. The 1st show "1980 Invasion" I was 12 and made a rule that I have lived by since - I don't miss a VH show within 250 miles from where I live. This rule is the only rule I have not broken in the past 18 years.

The opening show for the North American Tour at Cynthia Woods was spectacular. I took a friend who had never seen professionals at work. He has even made the comment that "VH really doesn't do that much for me, they are ok." Well, from UNCHAINED through JUMP he just sat there in amazement, constantly leaning over and screaming "This is F---IN INCREDIBLE" These statements continued every 5 minutes for the 1hr & 30 min ride home.

If you read this review, and you are a true VH Fan, GO TO THE SHOW. Mel Torme could sing lead and VH would still KICK ASS. (Nothing takin from Gary, he kicked).

Maybe one day I'll be able to shake a legends hand and tell him thanks for all the great times and music he has shared. What a God given talent.

It was the BEST show I have ever seen. When they opened with UNCHAINED I knew we were in for a night of Kick A** music, and I was not let down. Two songs that I have not heard in a long, long time that they absolutely rocked were MEAN STREETS and ROMEO DELIGHT. If you have the honor to see them then I suggest you get your tickets and quit thinking about it. I have never told people that they need to see a show before, but after last night, I have told everyone I knew who did not go that they missed the best show that will come around.

I also have told people in the Dallas area that they need to go if they have yet to get their tickets. Do not miss these guys if they come to your town, you'll regret it!!!!

I attended the Houston show with a friend. Both of us are long-time fans and had high hopes (forgive the pun) and equally high standards. Van Halen did not disappoint!

The vibe of the show was great from the beginning. The atmosphere of an outdoor concert is always fun and Van Halen is synonymous with summertime. As far as I'm concerned, it is summer here in the south.

There was much anticipation for this, the first show of the US tour, which made for a huge release when the band hit the stage with "Unchained". The crowd noise virtually drowned out the intro from my vantage point.

The mix of songs was very well received with my high points being "Mean Street" and "Humans Being". The band seemed very energetic and interested in proving themselves. Which, in my opinion, they most emphatically did!

For all the nay saying that I've heard around, the Woodlands Pavillion seemed full to capacity and I saw NO ONE sitting at any point in the show. When all was said and done the crowd was still there, still standing, chanting Edward's name and cheering wildly.

The Van Halen we saw was a new band with a new energy and hunger. This is the real thing!

Just got back from Van Halen in Houston!! This was their first show in the US. It pretty much kicked ass. Eddie ruled. Mike jammed. Big Al pounded away (with neck brace). Gary Cherone sang great -- however, I want to know when he's coming out of the closet ?? -- not the most masculine/lady-killer/normal VH front man.

I scored a $70 front row ticket and snuck my fiance' down with me. Got a few high fives, some picks and a beer from Mike Anthony !!!

Same set as Perth except no Dance the Night Away or Feel Your Love Tonight.

Great surprise for the encore, however. Rolled out Eddie and his piano to sing How Many Say I before closing with Panama and Jump.

Disappointed in no Dirty Water Dog or Ballot or the Bullet. Eddie was plugged in all night long -- what happened to the wireless???

This was my first time going to a Van Halen concert and and it won't be the last. I consider myself an avid music fan and I have always loved Van Halen, but there is nothing like seeing them live. The new singer Gary Cherone really impressed me. I knew that he had a good voice but I was really blown away with his stage presence and the chemistry he had with the rest of the band.

I was listening to a local rock radio station the morning after the show and I heard one of their concert reviewers say "I have never seen a better incarnation of Van Halen then the one I saw last night". I'm not sure I agree with him just yet but given time Gary Cherone may just take the top spot as the greatest lead singer in Van Halen history. He got off to an amazing start in Houston!

WOW, what a show! First of all, no one missed Sammy's verbal diarrhea! The show was great, my 11-year-old son had a blast at his first concert. Hats off to Gary, he is fantastic on stage, without the theatrics and stage hogging of the past, thus giving Eddie more than ample room to shine.

These guys have a powerful sense of maturity about them and really put on a good show. The fans were on their feet the entire concert and Gary kept us participating the whole time. The set list is great mix of the past and present, with Gary giving his own style to some of the great oldies.

It was well worth $45.00 and a 90 minute drive. Keep on rocking VH.

Well Van Halen opened their North American tour here in Texas. Overall I thought it was a good show. I didn't know what to expect with Gary Cherone but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It also wasn't as good either. Gary is no Sammy. Not even close. But then again I guess that was the idea.

Musically it was awesome. The band was tight. The highlights included the old Van Halen. Michael did a great job on his lead vocal attempt. Hmm, maybe should have considered him for the lead vocals. Both drum solo and guitar solos were shorter than usual. I missed Mike's solo though.

I just can't get used to Gary Cherone. The show was good as previously mentioned as long as I wasn't looking at Gary. He is not the showman Sammy or Dave are. His "dancing" is a bit extravagant. I categorize his stage prescence as a bad imitation of Freddie Mercury of Queen with the bowing and hand gestures. At least he didn't grab his ass like he did on the "10 Spot" televised concert. On a scale of 1-10 I would give it a 6. 10 for the music, 4 for Gary's antics.

Somebody said "FAIR WARNING".......

Gary Cherone KICKS ASS!!!! No I am not an Extreme fan but this guy knows how to rock. Who the hell needs the red rocker or that lounge singer in Vegas. He has the right moves and attitude with the crowd. The way that he interacts with them through his movements is incredible. He is a combination of Jim Morrison and Michael Jackson up on that stage. The way he rolls around, spins and dances is of their like. His vocals are also awesome. His range and ability to carry his notes are some of the best I have heard in a long time from a rock-n-roll or heavy metal singer.

Ed was unbelievable as always. I just would like to know what happened to his axe on "Fire in the Hole." It was great to here him play the old stuff like "Mean Street", "Romeo Delight" and "Somebody Get Me A Doctor." I thought it was cool to hear Mike singing some of the songs.

Mike and Alex were there usual fantastic selves as well. Alex's drum solo still rocks and I thought it was great to see the old "Jack Daniels" bass out and about. I was just waiting for a wire to pull Mike up and fly him through the air like in the "Panama" video.

The stage set was just a normal set. But who the F#@k cares. These guys jam without all of the special effects that other bands are so elated to have.

I think the only draw back to the show was Ed's mishap with his equipment malfunction and the fact that "How Many Say I" was included in the set list as an encore. The crowd does not understand that song. However, I rather enjoyed hearing it. Its lyrics are kinda cool in a way.

In all this show gets a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Not the all out best that I have seen them (4 previous times) but definitely up near the top. I cannot wait to see the next tour and how Cherone tops his act.

Here's how it went down at the Woodlands Pavilion last night...

First, Kenny Wayne Shepherd rocked the house, then...

This was simply the best Van Halen show I've seen - and I've seen both Dave and Sammy. Gary is the MAN!!! Anyone who saw the Sydney show on MTV has been misled. This show put the MTV show, as good as it was, to SHAME! I would LOVE to have a video of last night's show. Gary sounded powerful and smooth, Eddie played his ass off, Mike and Alex were laying it down as solid as it gets, and all of them were enjoying every minute of it.

This was my best friend's first time to see Gary and he said after the first song, "I don't like him". Well, let me tell you...my friend left the Woodlands a Gary Cherone fan. It finally clicked with him (just like it will for many others) that Gary is a PERFORMER. It is very apparent that he doesn't give a shit about trying to act macho...he just gets out there and has a great time. Being a guitarist and a HUGE Eddie fan, I never thought I would go to a Van Halen concert and spend most of my time watching the singer. Gary was just all over the stage and you never knew what he'd do next!

High points of the show: "Unchained", "Without You", "One I Want", "Mean Street"... oh, what the hell...the whole damn show was great! Mike singing "Somebody Get Me A Doctor" and Mike and Eddie pitching in on "Why Can't This Be Love" were great twists. Once again, Gary's antics and attitude had me smiling all night. Eddie just blew me away.

Low points: Eddie breaking a string during "Fire In The Hole". He had to switch guitars and the band covered for him perfectly. Not really a low point, just an interruption to the flow. There was also a close-up of Gary on the video screen where he stuck his tongue out. Just before he pulled away, he let a huge wad of spit drip out of his mouth. Oh well, I'm being too picky. Eddie seemed a little nervous singing "How Many Say I" for the first time in concert, but they pulled it off great.

My head is still reeling...

- Randy "IDFA" Krumrey

First off as a long time Van Halen fan, I was NOT disappointed in what I saw. The guys were great! EVH is still one of the best and the big screen set up gave everyone a chance to see him play. The set list was about as good as you could hope for with one exception. If Eddie's friends are truthful they will tell him that his piano playing is marginal and his vocals, well let me just suggest he stick to what he does the best...wailing away on the guitar!

Van Halen has been my favorite band ever since I first heard Eruption back in 1980 when I was six years old. I've seen every tour since 1984 at least twice. I've been to over twenty VH concerts including their free show at the Westend in in Dallas a few years ago.

May 13, in Houston is definitely in the top three of my alltime VH concerts. I haven't seen Eddie play with that much enthusiasm since 5150. He sounded great. The set list is definitely the best they have ever played. Gary is probably the best replacement they could have ever gotten. I wasn't sure what to expect even though I really liked the Live from the 10 spot MTV show. In Houston I was blown away. Much better than I ever thought.

The crowd was up and cheering, waving the whole show. Its been a long time since that has happened. We went nuts everytime they started a new song. They played what the audience wanted. They played great. Mikey on 'Somebody get me a Doctor' was totally awesome. Everyone with any doubts about Gary must go see this Concert. I'm off to Dallas tonight to see them again, and already have chills.

Van Halen opened in Houston last night. It was a relief to see that Van Halen is still the rockingest live group I've ever heard. Gary is doing fine with the vocals, and the power trio is as tight as they ever were. They were enjoying themselves so much and the crowd was too. Van Halen is still the best!!

1. Unchained - the best opening song to any concert I've ever seen!!!!!

2. Without You - say what you will about this not being DLR or Sammy, this songs still rocks.

After that, it was a blur. 1:45 doesn't do this band justice. Last song: Ain't Talkin' Bout Love ... the song Gary was always meant to sing!

Encore: How Many Say I ... cool vibe live!

Would've liked to have seen: Dance the Night Away, You Really Got Me, Ice Cream Man ... Gary could've owned the crowd on this one.

What a privilege to be the FIRST to see Van Halen 3 in North America!!!

Gary was awesome. He adds so much to the performance. And seeing Mean Street performed live was a religious experience. I had to remove my cap during Eddie's main solo ... just outta respect! Eddie is still Eddie, and that's a good thing. I still worship the ground he walks on, the strings he taps on, and base my life on his teachings.

Being a big Extreme fan, I was pulling for Gary to do well. His performance and voice really did come across well. For most folks, you can put anyone in front & they'll go just to see Eddie ... hell, count me among em. But Gary adds something to this lineup that hasn't been there before.

May 13th, 1998 - The Woodlands, TX. Who said guitar solos are out of fashion? Van Halen showed once again who's boss. The band blazed through classic as well as new Van Halen material. From the opening number, "Unchained", until the encore, they proved once again that they are as entertaining as ever.

New lead singer Gary Cherone exhibited just as much stage presence as his predecessors, David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar and kept the crowd's attention. The foursome opened-up the treasure chest and let out some of the good old stuff like "Somebody Get Me a Doctor" and "Romeo Delight". Gary Cherone had no problem covering the classic songs and neither did Micheal Anthony! Micheal Anthony? Yes, he took lead on "Somebody Get Me a Doctor" and convinced the crowd that this band wouldn't be the same without him.

If there were any negatives to the concert, it would only be that the band didn't play long enough. As the tour progresses, look for their latest effort, III, to creep back up the charts.

The Woodlands Pavilion a wonderful place for VH to open their US tour, from the second row, stage right I witnessed Mike very interested in the Kenny Wayne Shepherd band. I though was not very impressed.

About 7:45 here Eddie's signature elephant sound off in the distance and the lights go dim. They seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. My opinion Gary Cherone is no Sammy Hagar but it is refreshing seeing someone really busting it onstage. The set list was virtually the same all be it, it seemed like a very short show with them walking off stage about 10:20. Rarely do shows at the Woodlands end before their required 11:00 curfew.

Romeo Delight and Dreams definitely highlights. On a side note, the band apparently hired some strippers for their viewing pleasure and placed them front row center. The information comes from an employee at the Woodlands. I'll give the show a 7.5 out of 10.

Well, I went to the concert with an open mind. The majority of the reviews I've read on the tour so far have all been positive and I really want to accept Gary Cherone. But, that didn't happen. There was a lot of energy on stage, and Gary can perform (he's all over the stage) he even has a good voice, he just didn't fit in with the other band members, appearing in a black silk shirt, with short died blonde hair, Gary would fit better into a modern punk band like Green Day. His stage performance was more like Michael Jackson than Sammy Hagar or David Lee Roth. I give him credit for trying to stay original, I just think he sticks out like a sore thumb in this band.

The other band members were incredible, I was afraid that Eddie's age would slow him down a bit, or that he couldn't play the old stuff like he use to. I should have never doubted him. He didn't just impress me, he amazed me. I've seen him on video, but never realized how much he improvizes live, no song came out note for note off the records, not even close... but in every case he improved them, adding more tricks and never taking anything away. His tone was killer. Kenny Wayne opened and I he was getting a good tone though his vintage Fender/Marshalls amps, when Eddie started playing one of the first things I noted was the killer tone his Peavy 5150 heads were producing, I also noticed him playing some of the keyboard parts on guitar (like the keyboard solo in Jump, and a couple of parts of Right Now that have always been MIDIed before). Regardless of the frontman, Eddie, Alex and Mike made the show worth seeing.

Here is the set list and my opinions on each song.

• Excellent, Eddie sounded amazing played, Gary did this one well, sounded like himself, but managed to sound a lot like David at times as well.

• Sounds better live, I didn't like the album version, live this song kicks. Gary's vocals on this one sounded more powerful and clearer live.

• Never cared for this song, but it sounds better live, Gary's vocals were exactly the same.

• Intro and everything, amazing! Gary did this one well too.

• I wasn't missing Sammy until they kicked into this. Gary should not do this song live. This was the worst song of the set.

• Sounded just like the album cut, just better. I don't want to slander Mike Post, but these new songs are sounding much better live, what happened in the mix?

• Wow, Gary sang this one almost perfect, and he let Michael Anthony and Eddie sing solo parts... This was my favorite song of the set.

• Music perfect, vocals.... very different.

• Excellent as always, a little short.

• Once again music perfect, vocals... disappointing, Michael Anthony was helping Gary do some of the lead vocals on the chorus.

• I love this song, when Sammy left I was afraid they would avoid playing it live, it came out very well. Gary did a good job with the vocals here too.

• Wow, Michael Anthony can sing really well. Gary and Eddie sang background.

• I don't like this song, if it didn't remind me so much of Stairway to Heaven I might like it more. Same as the other songs off III, sounded good live, just didn't care for the vocals/lyrics too much.

• Pretty standard, a few new tricks.. one of the highlights of the show for sure... He's added quite a bit to 316. I was blown away.

• Didn't care for the way Gary sang this one, it was played in a higher key also, so it sounded a bit strange (you really notice this on the guitar solo, which Eddie amazingly transposes without missing a note).

• Not bad, reminded me of the Sammy Hagar rendition, Gary's voice seemed to get a bit higher near the end of the concert.

• From all the setlist I've seen posted I take it this was the first time they've done this one live. Eddie played on a grand piano, he kept reaching inside plucking the strings :) I don't care for how he sings the song, but it was cool watching him play piano live.

• Once again, sounded more like the Sammy Hagar rendition of the song than David's, but still like all the other classic tunes Gary put his own touch on it, which in most cases I didn't care for.

• A classic regardless of who sings it, sounded great! Gary let the audience sing large parts of it, this one should be a sing along anyway.

Just one word to say - AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gary kicked ass on all the toons and I was very impressed on how he handled the audience. Alex was as his usual kick ass self. Edward was just it. NO ONE CAN TOUCH HIM. I was a little upset that Mike did not get his usual solo. With the exception of a little audio problems I give the concert 9.5. I have been to every show since 1984 and all I have to say, is every time I see VH I feel like I am 15 again (I am 30). KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GUYS.

The Best Van Halen Concert I've ever seen live. Opened with Unchained, Great.. "nothin stays the same" Gary was excellent, I will never miss another VH show again. Only one disapointment, Ed has played that same guitar solo for years, dont get me wrong, it's awesome but come on this guy can do so much on the guitar, I just want to be blown away again I guess. Am i asking too much?

Unbelievable! Van Halen once again showed the world that they haven't lost anything when they lost Sammy Hagar..this show was especially important as their opening date in the states. Gary Cherone showed all the pizzaz and personality of both David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar (with the contract of course).

VH opened the show with "Unchained" cranked at past full volume. The chairs in the Woodlands Pavillion didn't get used for 98% of the show.. Eddie and company had the 12,000 on their feet longer than I personally have ever seen.

The screaming got louder during Ed's gorgeous piano performance, and the band topped off the evening with an encore of "Panama" and "Jump". Equally empressive were the drum and guitar solos for the evening...Eddie spiced up his usual solo by throwing in strains from "316" as well as the almost-complete "Eruption".

Alex Van Halen spun heads with a 10 minute-plus drum solo, cracking the warm Houston night with his supersonic drum rythyms.

Overall, the show was incredible, and I overheard fans leaving the Pavillion saying that they would have paid double to see the same show...can't blame them... so would I.

I was lucky enough, in addition to attending the kickoff US concert, but also the recording of Rockline the Monday prior to the concert.

I've seen VH concerts with Dave (the first tour in Houston), with Sammy and now Gary. I guess I should preface this by saying that I was (and still) a fan of Extreme, so I was really excited that Gary was chosen.

At the Rockline taping, the guys were really cool. We had photos and got to say hello. Can't wait to have them developed. I did notice that Gary was real quite. I got the feeling that he felt out of place?!?

Kenny Wayne did a roaring rendition of Voodoo Chile and Deja-voodoo... I was hoping for and jam with Eddie, but it didn't happen. (If you get a chance check the boy out.)

What a breath of fresh air to open with Unchained! Eddie was jumping all over the place, no hip problems in sight. A much more energetic Eddie that the last show in Houston (with Sammy). The old tunes really sounded great. The thing that really impressed me was that the guitar style Eddie literally invented, just gets better with age. How he pulls that stuff from wood metal and electricity is truly a work of art.

The new soungs sounded much better live (particularly Year to the day). Gary really belts it out. I'd never seen Extreme in concert so I didn't know what to expect of Gary on stage. Lets just say that grabbing his crotch from behind wasn't the most "Van Halen" of moves. Frankly it was distracting.

Michael and Alex kept hammering away. I've always enjoyed them in concert because it doesn't look like "work" (which it is...). They always seem like they are really haveing a good time. And the music shows it.

For me, this show was better than any of the Sammy concerts, but not as good as the Dave shows. I suppose the comparisons are inevitable, and distracting.

Bottom line: The show is better than the CD. Go to the Show.