By James R. Chesna
Contributing writer

Van Halen purists say it's not the real Van Halen. Van Halen pessimists say it's just another money grab. Van Halen fans thought it might never happen. After all, the last time it did happen, Mike Tyson was making his professional boxing debut.

Appropriate then, that when the long-awaited Van Halen reunion tour with original flamboyant frontman David Lee Roth arrived in Detroit at Joe Louis Arena on Saturday night, any bad blood between band members, fans or naysayers quickly evaporated when Roth strutted up center stage and declared: "Ladies and gentlemen, rise and smell the conquest!"

Yes, boys and girls, the (almost) original Van Halen is back, and the band is celebrating its vintage era as if it's throwing a big backyard frat party in arenas across the nation.

The band's current lineup is minus original bassist Michael Anthony, who's been replaced by guitarist Eddie Van Halen's 16-year-old son, Wolfgang, but it's missing none of the fiery intensity that first propelled the group to stardom in the late '70s and early' 80s with party-hearty anthems like "Hot for Teacher," "Beautiful Girls," "Everybody Wants Some" and "Unchained."

Van Halen hit the stage to the familiar stuttering power chords of its famous cover of the Kinks' "You Really Got Me" and proceeded to delight a packed house with nearly two hours of classic VH, including raucous platinum platters like "Runnin' with the Devil," "Panama," "Jamie's Cryin'" and "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love," as well as more obscure, sassy gems like "I'm the One," "Atomic Punk," "Romeo Delight" and especially "Little Guitars."

The band's energy and spirit were impressive. Eddie and Dave were playful, smiling and, quite frankly, looking ripped for two guys in their 50s.

Roth was clearly pleased to be the center of attention again, soaking up fan adulation like lifeblood, but he balanced his big top game show host shtick (complete with a wide array of embroidered jacket and top hat costume changes) with a voice that was in fine form and more acrobatic cheerleader kicks than you'd expect possible at his age.

Van Halen himself managed several leaps into the air as older brother and drummer Alex Van Halen flailed octopus-like behind his kit.

And while young Wolfie wasn't prowling the stage quite like a seasoned veteran, his bass playing was nothing short of impressive, and he even managed to ably fill in the high notes on backing vocals once provided by Anthony.

Only sluggish "I'll Wait" and "Little Dreamer" slowed the pace of the otherwise high-energy hit parade, and the obligatory drum and guitar solo segments were a little too, well, obligatory this time. But by the time the band showered the crowd with confetti during the only encore, 1984's "Jump," the hiccups had been forgotten.

Show opener Ky-Mani Marley set an overall high standard for the night, too, melding traditional reggae bob-and-weave hooks with smart pop sensibilities in a too-short set that left many wanting to hear more.

But what mattered most of all was that fans finally got their wish. In a break during "Hot for Teacher" when Roth roared, "Hey, I heard ya missed us - we're back!" the crowd erupted in the affirmative.

Pessimists and purists may still argue whether it's the "real" Van Halen, but for fans, none of that mattered. Their patience finally paid off.

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