Van Halen
Van Halen Live 1976: Performances of Eruption and House of Pain at Starwood
In June 1976, as Van Halen performed at The Starwood in West Hollywood, they were on the brink of greatness, just months before the release of their self-titled debut album. This album, which would drop in February 1978, was a game changer, catapulting the group's unmistakable sound into the rock mainstream with hits like "Runnin' with the Devil" and "Eruption." Interestingly, this specific live recording captures a raw, energetic performance that highlights the band's chemistry and Eddie Van Halen's groundbreaking guitar work, which was still somewhat under the radar at this point. It's fascinating to think how this early gig set the stage for their legendary trajectory, showcasing snippets of what would soon become iconic, a moment where the future of rock was bubbling just under the surface.