"It's like a divorce. It's over and done with. But anyone who thinks he's ever going to come back is ridiculous." 
 -- <a href="/topics/Eddie_Van_Halen">Eddie Van Halen</a>, <a href="/topics/Rolling_Stone">Rolling Stone</a>, April 6, 1995 
 Music breakups are never pretty, and when David Lee <a href="/topics/David_Lee_Roth">Roth</a> left Van Halen in 1985, it got ugly. Barbs were traded, egos were bruised, and fans were left clinging to the ridiculous hope that one day Roth and guitarist <a href="http://www.newsday.com/topics/Eddie_Van_Halen">Eddie Van Halen</a> would kiss and make up. 
 Then in 2007, the two guys apparently were able to hug it out, and Roth rejoined the band for a successful 76-date tour. Though it wasn't exactly the same -- Eddie's then-15-year-old son, Wolfgang, had replaced original bassist Michael Anthony -- critics and fans were ecstatic. After the tour ended in 2008, Roth and company left a glimmer of hope that a new album would arrive in the future. 
 Four years later, the band has a new tour and a new album -- "A Different Kind of Truth," Van Halen's first in 14 years and the first with Roth since 1984. 
 Here's what to expect when the tour arrives for a two-day stint this week at Madison Square Garden. 
 KOOL &amp; THE GANG IS THE OPENING ACT. What the wha? What better way to kick off the '80s revival party than with the band responsible for some of the decade's best party anthems, like "Celebration" and "Ladies Night"? It was Roth who lobbied to have the R&amp;B act open for Van Halen after seeing the band perform at the 2011 Glastonbury Festival, co-founder Robert "Kool" Bell told <a href="/topics/Billboard">Billboard</a>.com. 
 "I was kind of surprised, because Van Halen is more on the rock side and we do what we do," Bell said. "I said, 'That's an interesting combination . . .' It really caught us by surprise. But the more people I mention it to, the more interesting they're saying it is." 
 NO VAN HAGAR TUNES Not surprisingly, the setlist doesn't including any songs from the albums fronted by <a href="/topics/Sammy_Hagar">Sammy Hagar</a>, who replaced Roth after he split. That's OK, though, because <a href="/topics/Sammy_Hagar">Hagar</a> still has some bragging rights -- the four albums with his vocals -- "5150," "OU812," "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" and "Balance" -- all went to No. 1 on the <a href="http://www.newsday.com/topics/Billboard">Billboard</a> 200, a pinnacle never reached by any albums featuring Roth (or Gary Cherone, <a href="http://www.newsday.com/topics/Sammy_Hagar">Hagar</a>'s replacement when he left in 1996). Both "1984" and "A Different Kind of Truth" reached No. 2 and each was denied the top spot by an unstoppable album -- <a href="/topics/Michael_Jackson">Michael Jackson</a>'s "Thriller" (which featured Eddie's ear-shattering solo on the hit, "Beat It") and <a href="/topics/Adele_%28musician%29">Adele</a>'s "21." 
 BROWN M&amp;M'S OK, we can't guarantee you'll see brown M&amp;M's, but an often-repeated, seemingly apocryphal story, one that became a symbol of rock-star excess, was the band's backstage ban of brown M&amp;M's. It turns out, the ban was really about safety. In a recent video, Roth revealed that back in the '70s, it was necessary to insert the clause about the treats to force less-than-thorough promoters to read through the lengthy contract, which included logistics for Van Halen's massive stage. Those who failed to comply faced forfeiting all concert proceeds. 
 WHO A reunited Van Halen, plus Kool &amp; the Gang 
 WHEN Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7:30 
 WHERE Madison Square Garden 
 INFO Tickets, $79.50-$171.80, ticketmaster.com 
 &nbsp; 
<h3> What the critics said</h3> 
 &nbsp; 
 <a href="/topics/Eddie_Van_Halen">Eddie Van Halen</a>, the guitar-shredding heart of the band's sound, was in peak form. His right hand was like a jackhammer all night as he showed utter command of his instrument, with no apparent ill effects from a 2009 surgery on his left hand. This was crucial, because while the band's best material stands alone as seriously good, voraciously hard rock, Eddie's guitar is Van Halen. 
 -- Jeffrey Lee Puckett, The Courier-Journal (Louisville, Ky.) 
 Roth isn't so much a frontman or a lead singer as he is a master of ceremonies; he's a rock star, a game show host and a circus ringleader all in one. Working his own dance floor in the center of the stage, he kicked, shimmied, salsa-danced, did karate and performed any other kinds of moves he could think of, all the while wearing the world's biggest grin across his face. 
 -- Adam Graham, <a href="/topics/Detroit_News">Detroit News</a> 
 Roth may be Van Halen's amiable clown prince, but [Eddie] Van Halen is the iconic quartet's star attraction even 34 years after its debut album. When he's on form -- as he was during the second show of Van Halen's new tour, rescuing what is clearly still a work in progress -- Van Halen is better than any pyrotechnic special effect, playing with nimble precision and mixing lightning-fast solos with tasteful ambience. 
 -- Gary Graff, <a href="/topics/Billboard">Billboard</a>.com 
 &nbsp; 
<h3> Set list, opening night in Louisville</h3> 
 &nbsp; 
 1. You Really Got Me 
 2. Runnin' With the Devil 
 3. She's the Woman 
 4. Romeo Delight 
 5. Tattoo 
 6. Everybody Wants Some!! 
 7. Somebody Get Me a Doctor 
 8. <a href="/topics/China">China</a> Town 
 9. Mean Street 
 10. Oh, Pretty Woman 
 11. Drum solo 
 12. Unchained 
 13. The Trouble With Never 
 14. Dance the Night Away 
 15. I'll Wait 
 16. Hot for Teacher 
 17. Women in Love 
 18. Outta Love Again 
 19. Beautiful <a href="/topics/Girls_%28musician%29">Girls</a> 
 20. Ice Cream Man 
 21. Panama 
 22. Guitar solo 
 23. Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love 
 24. Jump

"It's like a divorce. It's over and done with. But anyone who thinks he's ever going to come back is ridiculous." -- Eddie Van Halen, Rolling Stone, April 6, 1995 Music breakups are never pretty, and when David Lee Roth left Van Halen in 1985, it got ugly. Barbs were traded, egos were bruised, and fans were left clinging to the ridiculous hope that one day Roth and guitarist Eddie Van Halen would kiss and make up. Then in 2007, the two guys apparently were able to hug it out, and Roth rejoined the band for a successful 76-date tour. Though it wasn't exactly the same -- Eddie's then-15-year-old son, Wolfgang, had replaced original bassist Michael Anthony -- critics and fans were ecstatic. After the tour ended in 2008, Roth and company left a glimmer of hope that a new album would arrive in the future. Four years later, the band has a new tour and a new album -- "A Different Kind of Truth," Van Halen's first in 14 years and the first with Roth since 1984. Here's what to expect when the tour arrives for a two-day stint this week at Madison Square Garden. KOOL & THE GANG IS THE OPENING ACT. What the wha? What better way to kick off the '80s revival party than with the band responsible for some of the decade's best party anthems, like "Celebration" and "Ladies Night"? It was Roth who lobbied to have the R&B act open for Van Halen after seeing the band perform at the 2011 Glastonbury Festival, co-founder Robert "Kool" Bell told Billboard.com. "I was kind of surprised, because Van Halen is more on the rock side and we do what we do," Bell said. "I said, 'That's an interesting combination . . .' It really caught us by surprise. But the more people I mention it to, the more interesting they're saying it is." NO VAN HAGAR TUNES Not surprisingly, the setlist doesn't including any songs from the albums fronted by Sammy Hagar, who replaced Roth after he split. That's OK, though, because Hagar still has some bragging rights -- the four albums with his vocals -- "5150," "OU812," "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" and "Balance" -- all went to No. 1 on the Billboard 200, a pinnacle never reached by any albums featuring Roth (or Gary Cherone, Hagar's replacement when he left in 1996). Both "1984" and "A Different Kind of Truth" reached No. 2 and each was denied the top spot by an unstoppable album -- Michael Jackson's "Thriller" (which featured Eddie's ear-shattering solo on the hit, "Beat It") and Adele's "21." BROWN M&M'S OK, we can't guarantee you'll see brown M&M's, but an often-repeated, seemingly apocryphal story, one that became a symbol of rock-star excess, was the band's backstage ban of brown M&M's. It turns out, the ban was really about safety. In a recent video, Roth revealed that back in the '70s, it was necessary to insert the clause about the treats to force less-than-thorough promoters to read through the lengthy contract, which included logistics for Van Halen's massive stage. Those who failed to comply faced forfeiting all concert proceeds. WHO A reunited Van Halen, plus Kool & the Gang WHEN Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7:30 WHERE Madison Square Garden INFO Tickets, $79.50-$171.80, ticketmaster.com What the critics said Eddie Van Halen, the guitar-shredding heart of the band's sound, was in peak form. His right hand was like a jackhammer all night as he showed utter command of his instrument, with no apparent ill effects from a 2009 surgery on his left hand. This was crucial, because while the band's best material stands alone as seriously good, voraciously hard rock, Eddie's guitar is Van Halen. -- Jeffrey Lee Puckett, The Courier-Journal (Louisville, Ky.) Roth isn't so much a frontman or a lead singer as he is a master of ceremonies; he's a rock star, a game show host and a circus ringleader all in one. Working his own dance floor in the center of the stage, he kicked, shimmied, salsa-danced, did karate and performed any other kinds of moves he could think of, all the while wearing the world's biggest grin across his face. -- Adam Graham, Detroit News Roth may be Van Halen's amiable clown prince, but [Eddie] Van Halen is the iconic quartet's star attraction even 34 years after its debut album. When he's on form -- as he was during the second show of Van Halen's new tour, rescuing what is clearly still a work in progress -- Van Halen is better than any pyrotechnic special effect, playing with nimble precision and mixing lightning-fast solos with tasteful ambience. -- Gary Graff, Billboard.com Set list, opening night in Louisville 1. You Really Got Me 2. Runnin' With the Devil 3. She's the Woman 4. Romeo Delight 5. Tattoo 6. Everybody Wants Some!! 7. Somebody Get Me a Doctor 8. China Town 9. Mean Street 10. Oh, Pretty Woman 11. Drum solo 12. Unchained 13. The Trouble With Never 14. Dance the Night Away 15. I'll Wait 16. Hot for Teacher 17. Women in Love 18. Outta Love Again 19. Beautiful Girls 20. Ice Cream Man 21. Panama 22. Guitar solo 23. Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love 24. Jump

Entertainment

Music

ETENT27.WEB

Reunited Van Halen ready to jump again

Newsday

xliCOVvanhalen

Entertainment trending

Take our quizzes

50 best LI movies

AI's effect on entertainment

Jones Beach summer 2026 concerts

Most Popular

Entertainment Rail Module

The country superstar performed at Nassau Coliseum and helped get books to Wyandanch kids.

Remembering Dolly Parton's impact on LI

The drama dealing with Sylvester Stallone's early career will be shown Oct. 2.

'I Play Rocky' to kick off Hamptons film festival

Dolly Parton, iconic songwriter, singer and actor, has died at 80

Billy Joel's 1971 interview plus films on Kenny Loggins and Ann Wilson set for Sept. 25-27.

The docs are in for LI Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame fest

And who could forget two other legendary announcers, Johnny Olson and Don Pardo?

This is Johnny Gilbert, the voice of 'Jeopardy!'

Meet Sheryl Lee, Ray Wise and Michael Horse from David Lynch's cult series on Sept. 20.

The Suffolk to host stars from 'Twin Peaks'

Sign up for Newsday's Entertainment newsletter

Entertainment newsletter widget

More Entertainment

Entertainment Article Bottom Module

Dolly Parton, who died on Tuesday at the age of 80, filmed a segment of her television show with the Yankees.

Yankees said 'Hello Dolly' to iconic singer at the Stadium in 1987

One night will feature the songs of Led Zeppelin, in addition to original Zebra music.

November to remember: Zebra plays 2 nights in Patchogue, releases new album

"1971: Billy Joel's Lost Interview" will be screened a the LI Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame

AI-generated Billy Joel from 1971 to be featured in new documentary to screen on LI

Here's how these Long Island content creators use TikTok to build their careers.

Meet the Long Islanders making it big on TikTok

NEWSDAY TV SHORTS

Vertical videos

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits the Jamesport Farm Brewery, which has been recently purchased by the owners of Waterdrinker Farms.

Out East: Jamesport Farm Brewery

The multi-billion project to improve the flow of energy to and from Long Island is facing pushback from some groups who say the health of Hempstead Harbor is at stake. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

Underwater cable project to Long Island raises environmental concerns

On Thursday an "accidental electrical fire" damaged several areas of the historic Milleridge Inn's main property.

'Accidental electrical fire' damages Milleridge Inn

Cleaning crews were hard at work after a tornado ripped through the Sun and Surf Beach Club in Atlantic Beach Thursday evening. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'It was just a whistling sound that came right through'

Jones Beach Theatre concertgoers were hit by a massive storm Thursday night, causing the show to be delayed. Some attendees thought the concert should have been canceled. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

Wild weather raises concert safety concerns at Jones Beach 

Newsday travel reporter Carissa Kellman learns about renting and driving a skiff boat at Ted's Fishing Station in Point Lookout.

Cruise Long Island's shoreline on your own private boat

Since girls flag football became an official sport in New York high schools in the spring of 2023, participation in the sport has increased nearly 70%, NewsdayTV's Jared Valluzzi reports.

Flag football taking over spring sports

Bonsai tree-making classes, trivia nights, mocktails and private events are among the ways local venues are trying to draw customers. Newsday business reporter Tory Parrish has more.

As Americans drink less, Long Island bars and breweries get creative 

Ken Buffa stopped by La Cucina Paisanos in Farmingville to try their "pull apart soul-bowls," which are bread bowls stuffed with pasta.

Trendy Bites: Get stuffed with these Italian 'soul-bowls'

Long-forgotten unpaid traffic infractions in other states are causing a delay in New York State license renewals. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

Outstanding out-of-state tickets holding back NYS license renewals 

Sitewide Video Playlist

During a tour of the public hospital's campus, CEO Thomas Stokes said upgrades to aging infrastructure would cost "hundreds of millions of dollars." But there aren't yet plans to replace it. Newsday Associate Editor Joye Brown reports.

'It would cost hundreds of millions of dollars'

Nassau is one of two counties in the state that have refused to come into line with the law. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'Likely that the issue will wind up in court'

This morning, Long Islanders were able to see the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Here was the view from Bethpage.

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket seen over Bethpage

At least three of the guns had the serial number filed off, and at least one was a manufactured ghost gun, officials said. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

'Nobody has this amount of guns in their home if they're not selling'

Mandates could include requiring new systems when old septic tanks fail or when houses are sold. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'There's no harm in reaching out to the county'

The "flip-flop" comes days after Newsday revealed the findings and raises questions about enforcement of fair housing laws. Newsday investigative reporter Josh Solomon has the story.

'I have never seen anything this egregious'

Hockey fans flocked to The Rinx in Hauppauge to see Sound Beach native and Stanley Cup champion Brandon Bussi of the Carolina Hurricanes. NewsdayTV's Jamie Stuart reports.

Bussi brings Cup to LI for 'unforgettable experience'

An overturned tanker truck spilled fuel on Rockaway Turnpike in Meadowmere on Wednesday.

Busy roadway closed after tanker overturns

Long Island is home to 13 of the top 50 high schools in the state, according to a new U.S. News & World Report ranking. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

High schools that made the list, and one that dropped

Community and faith leaders gathered with Suffolk County officials to decry the vandalism as police continue their investigation. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed has more.

'Religious hate is not going to be accepted'

A 911 call reporting the burglary at the popular restaurant was received early Monday morning, according to police.

Police release photos of burglary suspect

App Nativo Ad Unit Slot

Music - megaslot

Long Island concerts from Jones Beach to the UBS Arena, plus Long Island bands playing the local music scene.

Reunited Van Halen ready to jump again

What the critics said

Set list, opening night in Louisville

Most Popular

Top Stories

Stay logged in.