
Today would have been Eddie Van Halen’s birthday, and I couldn’t let the day pass without putting together a little tribute. Van Halen played a big part in my life during my high school years, and their music still holds a special place in my soul. To celebrate, I’ve included a Spotify playlist of my favourite VH tracks at the end of this post—feel free to give it a spin and join me in reminiscing.
Like many of you, my introduction to Van Halen was a spark that ignited a musical obsession. My go-to VH album during my teenage years was Diver Down. I had it on repeat for what felt like an eternity, often pairing it with the iconic 1984. Both albums were the soundtrack to countless moments—backyard hangouts, late-night walks, and daydreaming about what life might hold beyond high school.
Once I’d worn those two records thin, I naturally dove into their back catalogue. That journey led me to Van Halen, their first album, which quickly became another favourite. It’s raw, it’s unfiltered, and it’s everything that makes Van Halen…Van Halen.
By the time 5150 came out in 1986, my senior year of high school, I was peaking with VH. The album was like a bridge between eras—not just for the band with Sammy Hagar stepping in, but for me personally. I was about to graduate, and my musical tastes were starting to shift. That was the year I started branching out, exploring different sounds, but Van Halen always lingered in the background like an old friend.
Then came OU812 in 1988, which brought me back into the fold. I was in the barracks by then, and this album was my soundtrack to that chapter of life. I blasted it loud and often—so loud, in fact, that I got called out by my barracks neighbours more than a few times. I didn’t care. Tracks like “When It’s Love” and “Finish What Ya Started” just demanded to be cranked up.
The last VH album I bought was For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. I’ll be honest—by that point, my connection with the band was starting to fade. Only two songs stuck with me from that record: “Right Now” and “Top of the World.” They’re great tracks, but the magic I felt in the earlier days was waning.
Still, Van Halen will always hold a piece of my heart. Their music represents a significant part of my personal journey, capturing the highs and lows and the restlessness and dreams of my younger self. The earlier albums gave me that pure rock energy, raw and unapologetic. The later ones, especially in the synth-heavy ’80s, had a dreamy, atmospheric quality that I came to love.
So here’s my small tribute to Eddie and the band that gave me so many unforgettable moments. Click the playlist below and take a walk through Van Halen’s history with me. From the soaring guitar riffs of “Eruption” to the infectious hooks of “Jump” and beyond, it’s a reminder of why Eddie Van Halen remains a legend.
🎸 Playlist: My Favorite Van Halen Tracks
What’s your favourite Van Halen track or memory? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear how their music played a part in your life too.
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