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So will this shut up the Wolfgang Van Halen haters?

#101
Listening to the various videos they sound fine to me, once you filter out the difficulty of using handheld recorders in a small space like that. Lots of energy, like VH of old, and Wolfgang looks like he's up to speed to gig with VH. As long as Diamond Dave and Eddie don't have another blowout this'll be cool. I was all ready to dis on this band but hearing them play that stuff gets me kind of excited now. Must have been really cool for the folks who got to see that show in what looks like a bar, too.

As for the thing with Mike, I haven't paid any attention to VH in years so I don't know the story, and it's all internal business of somebody else's band. Seems to me from reading through this thread that Mike's playing with another rock legend now who likes and respects him, VH remains a family band, DLR's back where he belonged all along, and the band sounds okay for being 30 years farther along now, so why complain. Everybody wins at least a little here.
 
#106
#107
I'm not understanding what you guys are hearing. The MA video in around the 3rd or 4th post clearly shows he's a much better and more polished player. This Wolfie kid is very rough around the edges and cannot seem to hold a smooth consistent polished meter down.
 
#108
smcgov said:
I'm not understanding what you guys are hearing. The MA video in around the 3rd or 4th post clearly shows he's a much better and more polished player. This Wolfie kid is very rough around the edges and cannot seem to hold a smooth consistent polished meter down.
Click to expand...

Yup, I'm hearing the same thing... based on these clips, MA is technically a more polished, professional player. But Wolfie's rougher style and tone is refreshing and adds an edgy energy to an older, predictable lineup.
 
#111
smcgov said:
I'm not understanding what you guys are hearing. The MA video in around the 3rd or 4th post clearly shows he's a much better and more polished player. This Wolfie kid is very rough around the edges and cannot seem to hold a smooth consistent polished meter down.
Click to expand...

I couldn't agree more. Wolfie must have spent the money daddy gave him for lessons on Big Mac's. He is simply awful.
 
#112
No he's not. His meter is good, actually, and he plays very well. I was all ready to hate him after the last tour, and the kid has gotten himself straightened out pretty well. Mikey's certainly more seasoned and comfortable onstage, but Wolfie's much better than all of us Mikey lovers would like to admit.
 
#113
I thought he sounded pretty darned good considering it all.

In time I don't see how he could not become a monster bass player. Music runs in the family and besides, could you imagine how good you'd get playing with a drummer like his uncle Al? Who wouldn't want to jam with that guy? Personally, I'd be scared to death. But I bet it'd be fun and that you'd learn a bunch!
 
#118
That song is a heck of a lot better than "Tattoo", I have to admit.

My issue with VH isn't Wolf's playing? It really doesn't have anything to do with Wolfgang really. It has to do with people claiming that the classic VH is back, when it isn't.

If MA died, or wasn't physically able to play, would I still be the same way? No. Was I this harsh on VH when Sammy joined the band? Yes. Was I this harsh on VH when Gary Cherone was in the band? Yes.

3/4 does not equal 4/4.

Mostly though, when I hear people ragging on WVH, it's not really about his playing. It's about how they don't sound the same - and I don't know how they can change that without him learning how to sing those harmonies that MA nailed.
 

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