SPRING TIME IN PARIS

I forgot to mention in the last post that the October 10, 2007 Cleveland, Ohio show was David Lee Roth's 53rd birthday. On Friday when I listened to that concert, he was celebrating his 54th birthday. This is what was written about DLR:

This Friday (Oct. 10th) marks the 54th birthday of rock'n roll’s number-two best front man of all time: (Diamond) David Lee Roth. I say number two, because it’s widely understood that Mick Jagger has held the top spot since basically the beginning of rock as we know it.

David Lee Roth’s signature vocals and screams, amazing stage acrobatics and zany off-stage antics have definitely secured his place in rock’s number-two slot, at least in my opinion.

And there’s not a Roger Daltrey or Robert Plant who can hold a candle to his bonfire of charisma.

That’s because Roth is/was the consummate California heavy metal rock'n roller. With his flowing blond locks, spandex stage wear, a bright smile and smart-ass quick wit, there has never been (and probably never will be)another example of “entertainment” quite like him.

Rolling Stone called him “the most obnoxious singer in human history, an achievement notable in the face of long tradition and heavy competition.” Ouch. In fact, most journalists at the time took everything Roth stood for with a grain of salt, largely due to his unapologetic pursuit of placing good times on the same level as good performance. And for him, it worked.

For the complete story, go to the Van Halen News Desk:
http://www.vhnd.com/2008/10/11/diamond-david-lee-roth-turns-54/


A cold drizzle prevented me from taking the truck out because I would have been soaked in a few minutes while standing outside. I instead dropped the CD into the home stereo, plugged in the headphones and rocked out on the darkened back deck of the house. This arrangement worked just as good as a trip out onto the prairie.

The show I had chosen took place on May 10, 1978 at the Le Theater Mogador in Paris, France. WOW! What a concert! Sound quality of the bootleg recording was Excellent! The band was hot, playing to an appreciative crowd. This is Van Halen at their finest! "Voodoo Queen" and "Summertime Blues" were added to their normal VH 1 album set list. Very few of their early shows can get better than this one!

Download the concert here:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=AI2359FN

By the time the music stopped close to midnight and I entered the house, everyone was going to sleep. I played the second half of the Van Halen DVD "JUMP LIVE!" on the upstairs TV. Clips of various shows during the Van Hagar era, mostly from their Live Without a Net performance in New "Halen". It came to an end, the flask was empty and I immediately dropped into bed for the night.

Face the damp wind
Cold droplets against the skin
Every one a kiss

Foggy nights drizzle
Cold front crosses the mountains
Coming winters breath

Earphones on his head
Distant echos still resonate
Loud, between his ears

Thirty years ago
Band gets the crowd to party
As they do today

Spring time in Paris
Dave and Eddie rock the crowd
Their music kicks ass

Wait for his solo
The undisputed master
Captivates the crowd

Oh! He's so gifted
Sounds like no other can make
Enter his cathedral