Van Halen postpones more shows

The medical tests continue on guitarist Eddie Van Halen, so his band has postponed another 17 shows on their reunion tour.

According to Pollstar.com, the cities affected are: Charlottesville, Va., East Rutherford, N.J., New York, N.Y., Duluth, Ga., Pittsburgh, Providence, R.I., Uncasville, Conn., Atlantic City, N.J., St. Louis, Columbus, Ohio, Rosemont, Ill., Grand Rapids, Mich., Milwaukee, Manchester, N.H., Hershey, Penn., Raleigh, N.C., and Baltimore.

Van Halen's official website has offered up no further clues on Eddie's condition, saying only that he is "under doctors' care" and will "continue medical tests to define a course of treatment. The tour will resume on April 19th."

The 15 ultimate front men of the 80s

They rule the stage with absolute authority. And back in the '80s, they probably ruled the posters hanging in your bedroom and dorm rooms. Without them, the band would be playing the Holiday Inn lounge in Kankakee, Illinois.

We asked our readers for their picks for the best front-men of the 80s, and we received an avalanche of replies. Today, we unveil the final ranking.

Remember, solo acts weren't eligible, so no whining about Rick Springfield, Prince, Huey Lewis or Madonna not being on the list. Females, of course, are eligible, but it just sounds weird to say "front-women." As usual, fire away with your feedback.

Here are the final picks, along with reader comments on why they belong on the list.

THE 15 BEST FRONT-MEN OF THE '80s:

15. DAVID GAHAN (Depeche Mode): "Without him, Depeche Mode are just three guys playing keyboards. Who the hell wants to see that?"

14. ROBIN ZANDER (Cheap Trick): "Forever associated with the words, 'I want you ... to want ... me!' "

13. BONO (U2): "White flag in hand, he's hard to top."

12. ANNIE LENNOX (Eurythmics): "She can really command a stage."

11. MORRIS DAY (The Time): "The only reason to watch 'Purple Rain' -- and this year's Grammy Awards."

10. CHRISSIE HYNDE (The Pretenders): "Chrissie IS the band, regardless of whatever weird lineup they sported."

9. DAVID BYRNE (Talking Heads): "He was Mr. 80's and was everywhere. Speaking In Tongues, Stop Making Sense, Little Creatures is a great run. Not to mention all the pioneering and great videos for MTV."

8. JELLO BIAFRA (Dead Kennedys): "I think Jello gets the nod just because of the whole FrankenChrist controversy."

7. DANNY ELFMAN (Oingo Boingo): "An amazing manic energy when I saw Oingo Boingo in the 80s. It was a thing to see."

6. STEVE PERRY (Journey): "I've seen a LOT of concerts, mostly AOR, and Steve Perry was the best. He sounded just as good or better on stage than he did on the studio cuts."

5. STEVEN TYLER (Aerosmith): "I saw Aerosmith in 1988 -- with Guns 'n Roses as opening act - and no I will not nominate Axl Rose -- Steven tore up the stage."

4. BRIAN JOHNSON (AC/DC): "I'd bet money that he could have wiped the floor with any other guy you name, and then out-drink him."

3. DAVID LEE ROTH (Van Halen): "I was listening to Van Halen this morning on my commute, in effect casting my vote for Diamond Dave all the way...the hair, the clothes, the moves, the attitude."

2. MICHAEL HUTCHENCE (INXS): "I saw them on the Kick tour, and he held the audience riveted."

1. FREDDIE MERCURY (Queen): "The ultimate showman. I still get chills when I see 'Radio Ga-Ga' performed at Live Aid." (See it)

Honorable mention: Terri Nunn (Berlin); Debbie Harry (Blondie); Martin Fry (ABC); Colin Hay (Men at Work); Robert Smith (The Cure); Morrissey (The Smiths); Jim Kerr (Simple Minds); Bryan Ferry (Roxy Music); Paul Stanley (Kiss); Rob Halford (Judas Priest); Henry Rollins (Black Flag); Peter Wolf (J. Geils Band); Phil Collins (Genesis); David Coverdale (Whitesnake); Belinda Carlisle (Go-Go's).

Is the Van Halen reunion self-destructing?

Admit it: You're surprised they've stayed together on this tour as long as they have. Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth are about a healthy a combination as Viagra and nitroglycerin.

So when Eddie and the boys declared their troubled past was all water under the bridge last year and outlined their plans for a Van Halen reunion tour, the safe money was that the rekindled romance wouldn't last 'til opening night. It turned out to be a sucker bet and the band is on the second leg of this U.S. tour, including a stop last month here in Tampa Bay.

But get ready to say "uh-oh."

Billboard.com reports that the Van Halen tour could be in jeopardy -- but defused reports that it's downright canceled. Four shows in March have been rescheduled for April after Eddie suddenly had to undergo "a battery of comprehensive medical tests to determine a defined diagnosis and recommended medical procedures," reports Billboard, quoting management.

No further details were available, but Eddie has a well-documented history of fighting cancer and substance abuse.

Meanwhile, the former Mrs. Van Halen -- Valerie Bertinelli -- is adding another layer of drama. On her own tour to promote her autobiography "Losing It," Bertinelli has scheduled an appearance in Cincinnati for this Wednesday, the same day the band is set to play there, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

No word on whether Eddie, Valerie and son/bassist Wolfgang will get together for family reunion that day.

Van Halen: The folks are overjoyed

Where has Van Halen been all my adult life? Growing up in Florida, I don't remember the original lineup coming through Tampa Bay in the early 80s. They've always been on my "must-see" list -- but obviously the boys are playing hard-to-get.

So like the other 16,000-plus fanatics at the St. Pete Times Forum last night, it was time to finally put an end to a long drought. Read Times pop music critic Sean Daly's full review here.

Here's what I took away from the experience.

THE THREADS: Eddie Van Halen started the show shirtless ... launching an abbreviated guitar solo before the band joined him with "You Really Got Me." David Lee Roth alternated between ringleader jackets, and Wolfgang Van Halen chose to layer himself grunge-style. Drummer Alex might have been wearing a dress for all I could tell.

THE TUNES: The band followed the same set list that we published yesterday -- the same lineup for the whole tour. Whatever works, guys.

THE SMELLS: First whiff of that familiar "concert smoke" ... 8:33 p.m. -- two verses into VH's opening song. This was a crowd that clearly wasn't adhering to the Florida Indoor Clean Air Act -- or any other similar statute.

HERE'S JUNIOR'S GRADE: Wolfie can play bass on this level - no question about it. The stage presence will come with time. It's almost like he's "That Fan" -- the one who suddenly finds himself invited on stage. You want to cheer for him. And why not? (Weird thing -- if you stare at him long enough and squint your eyes, you can see Valerie Bertinelli.)

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: "Unchained" seemed a little sloppy. It didn't have that gut-wrenching grinding guitar opening. And Dave fell behind a couple times. "Hot for the Teacher" seemed a little rushed and loose. It's just not the same without the sexy video.

BIGGEST SURPRISE: "Everybody Wants Some" re-energized the band at the set's halfway mark. And "I'll Wait" -- a tune that never really that stood out for me before -- took on an anthem-like quality. I half-expected Bono to walk out, waving a white flag.

A DRUM SOLO ... REALLY?: Does any band born after 1979 still do a drum show during a concert? Still, it gave Dave time to find a new jacket ... and to rub some Ben-Gay on those achy groin muscles.

GETTING PHYSICAL: There probably aren't two better-sculpted 50-something rockers than Diamond Dave and Eddie VH. They look as good today as I looked ... well forget that. I'd sell what's left of my liver to get the phone number of their personal trainer.

ON THE OTHER HAND: Alex bears a striking resemblance these days to Bill Murray in "Kingpin." I kept expecting him to spring to his feet and hold up a crystal bowling ball with a rose inside.

MOMENTUM KILLER: An hour and 40 minutes into the show, Dave suddenly picks up an acoustic guitar, strums lightly and proceeds to tell the longest, rambling story in the history of modern rock and roll. Presumably, the other three band members needed a nap. Eventually, it evolved into "Ice Cream Man" -- so everyone was forgiven.

ONE LAST SONG: I never thought of "Jump" as a good song to end a show with. I'm so wrong. It remains an enduring symbol of the 80s, a tune that wraps up everything into one tight, unforgettable memory. You want to high-five strangers, dump what's left of your beer on your head, fall to your knees and then run out and buy three more concert shirts. How many songs have that kind of power?

FINAL GRADE: Let's face it. If you were here Monday night, it's because you love Van Halen and didn't want to miss out on what could be a one-time-only reunion. They could have come out wearing diapers, playing plastic flutes and we'd have gone bonkers anyhow. It was exactly the concert we all willed it to be.

[AP file photo]

Countdown to Van Halen

The nearly original lineup of Van Halen hits Tampa tonight for a show at the St. Pete Times Forum. According to Stuck in the 80s co-host Sean Daly, the show should be sold out by the time Diamond Dave and the boys hit the stage.

I'll be there, singing along with all the old-school tunes. After all, the band is only playing hits from 1978 through 1985. Does it get any better than that? Here's the expected set list:

• You Really Got Me
• I'm the One
• Runnin' With the Devil
• Romeo Delight
• Somebody Get Me A Doctor
• Beautiful Girls
• Dance the Night Away
• Atomic Punk
• Everybody Wants Some
• So This Is Love?
• Mean Street
• (Oh) Pretty Woman
• Alex Van Halen drum solo
• Unchained
• I'll Wait
• And the Cradle Will Rock
• Hot for Teacher
• Little Dreamer
• Little Guitars
• Jamie's Cryin'
• Ice Cream Man
• Panama
• Eddie Van Halen guitar solo medley
• Ain't Talkin''Bout Love
• Encores: 1984 (intro) and Jump

[AP photo]

Top 5 Van Halen videos

The nearly original lineup of Van Halen hits Tampa's St. Pete Times Forum on Monday, Feb. 18. Have your tickets already? (It's not sold out, strangely enough.)

If you're still sitting on the fence about whether to catch them live, maybe you need a little refresher course in the power of Diamond Dave and the VH boys.

Van Halen isn't a threat to win a video pioneer award during the annual MTV awards, but they had some memorable feats.

TOP 5 VIDEOS FROM VAN HALEN:

5. JUMP: Love the leopard-print jacket, Eddie. Between that and your beloved keyboard, you look like a lounge act. I'm just bitter because this video inspired me to take keyboard lessons (back then, we called them "organ lessons.") Too bad I only learned to play the theme to "Oklahoma!" (Watch it)

4. RUNNING WITH THE DEVIL: Just a straight-forward, lip-synced "stage" performance. But Dave's got his hips swaying wider than three Elvises, and it's always cheesy fun to watch Michael Anthony pick the bass line with his teeth. (Watch it)

3. PANAMA: The band in all its "1984" glory. Eddie with the sleeveless "dice" shirt, Michael with his Jack Daniels bass. Dave's goof-ball stage persona is really starting to show. "Yeah, we're running a little bit hot tonight..." (Watch it)

2. HOT FOR THE TEACHER: Early MTV at its finest. Kid versions of each band member and teachers throwing off clothing - classic. Basically a porn video for those of us in our formative years. "Sweet, sweet Waldo." I'd like to think Waldo grew up to be an 80s blogger. (Watch it)

1. RIGHT NOW: The only Van Hagar video on the list, but it's the best one. Right now, someone is agreeing with every word I'm writing. Right now, someone is deleting the "Stuck in the 80s" bookmark from their web browser. (Watch it)

'Thriller' turns 25

When you're growing up in the 80s, there are some things you feel you can imagine happening in the future. Flying cars. Colonies on Mars. The Cubs in the World Series. Concert tickets costing hundreds of dollars. (Sadly, only the last one is true.)

But yet it feels entirely surreal to think that TODAY marks the 25th anniversary of the release of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album. Wasn't it just yesterday I was trying to moonwalk in my Converse high-tops? (Yeah, I know NOW that you need a smooth sole.)

The album's stats are eye-popping. More than 100-million in worldwide sales. Seven top-10 singles. Eight Grammy awards. And it all happened while M.J. was still on his first nose-job. Staggering!

To celebrate, download our Thriller podcast -- one of the Stuck in the 80s episodes that we still consider to be our best work. In it, you'll hear the Vincent Price's previously unreleased second stanza of the "Thriller" poem, Quincy Jones' amazing story about getting Eddie Van Halen to play on "Beat It" ... and Sean Daly's first reference to my "hairy knuckle pursuits" of young ladies.

Click here to listen. Or click here to get all our podcasts for free via iTunes.

Van Halen & Son coming to town

Van Halen has finally announced a Tampa date in their reunion tour. They're set to play the St. Pete Times Forum on Feb. 18, according to Pollstar.com. A Monday night. Oh man. Why did it have to be a Monday night?

It also means that in the first half of 2008, fans of 80s music here in Tampa Bay will have to decide between a slew of high profile acts: Besides VH, Bruce Springsteen visits on April 21, Bon Jovi on April 27 and The Cure on June 11. And that's just the Forum. Dennis DeYoung and Night Ranger are hitting Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall on Jan. 19. And Queensryche plans the Tampa Theatre on Feb. 12.

So where does Van Halen fall into that mix? To be honest, I want to read more reviews first. If David Lee Roth is just going to prance around the stage, singing along Vegas style while being backed up by the Van Halen family, I'm not sure I'm interested.

I would have KILLED to have seen Van Halen back in the glorious drunken days of yore. With DLR humping the microphone stand, Michael Anthony playing that Jack Daniels bass guitar and Eddie squinting out at the crowd with bloodshot eyes. Long before Wolfgang Van Halen was a glimmer in the eye of Valerie Bertinelli. Today though?

So you tell me, dear 80s nation: Of those acts, which are must-see's and which are catch-me-next-timers?

'Have you seen Wolfie's grades?'

What happens when you reunite one of the world's favorite rock bands -- but replace a key member with the son of another member? Do I really have to answer that question?

Bring on the Internet buzz! Here's some of the very mixed fan feedback on Wolfie Van Halen's job subbing in for the popular Michael Anthony:

• "VH should have gotten an established bassist for a replacement rather than Wolfgang."
• Wolfgang did a great job maybe by the end of the tour he will be sliding across the stage like his dad.
• "[He] needs to follow his mother's example and go on Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig. This kid needs to lay off the cheeseburgers a bit."
• "The Hagar fans need to give it a rest with all the hatred already.  Sammy's out, Mike's out, Deal with it."
• "I will say the only downfall to the show I wish Wolfie would have played a solo. I'd love to hear the kid rip some chords."
• "Have you seen Wolfie's grades lately?"

Check out tons of fan reviews at VanHalen.com, an unofficial website that is collecting comments from those who've seen the shows in person.

[PR NewsWire photo]

Here come the Van Halen reviews...

It's one thing to pretend to be all friendly again. Another thing to announce a tour. But what fans really want to know is: Is the reunited Van Halen any good on tour, which began last week in Charlotte?

So far the reviews are positive. The Charlotte Observer didn't really stick its neck out too far on its review, but posted a few tasty nuggets:

• "Any animosity wasn't apparent on stage as [David Lee] Roth and Eddie Van Halen saddled up next to each other, smiling..."
• "The younger Van Halen [Wolfgang] proved to be a showy player and spot-on backing vocalist, although he didn't yet prowl the stage like a seasoned vet."
• Roth's voice "was in peak form Thursday. He easily met and held notes that younger singers like Jon Bon Jovi just can't reach anymore."

A more candid review on the Web echoed some of the Observer's point but took a shot at Wolfie: "Roth was actually in top form. I was surprised his voice was on par. Eddie was a bit calm but played great. Alex was incredible. Wolfie... I just can't take this kid. ... There was one point where Wolfie went out on Dave's ego ramp and that's just pushing the boundaries, even for a bassist."