Unreleased hours of footage from cancelled Van Halen Chronicles documentary now available
Over five hours of previously unseen Van Halen footage from the band’s early days, showcasing live performances, behind-the-scenes moments, and outtakes, have been unveiled to the public. These videos, shared on YouTube by a user called James Vega, are part of his personal collection from the “cancelled Van Halen Chronicles documentary”. While details about the documentary remain vague, the footage captures significant events in Van Halen’s history, such as two 1978 shows in New York where they opened for Black Sabbath during their Never Say Die tour.
A particular clip from 1978 shows a relaxed David Lee Roth preparing for their Madison Square Garden performance at the Drake Hotel, humorously acknowledging the tension and anticipation in the air before taking the stage. In total, there are 16 clips including backstage scenes, outtakes from music videos like Hot for Teacher and Jump, and a comical silent clip of the band’s visit to a McDonald’s in Tokyo. One of the highlights is footage from the band’s iconic performance at the 1984 Monsters of Rock festival, featuring the late Eddie Van Halen showcasing his skills on his Kramer guitar while being observed by Slade guitarist Dave Hill.
The release of this new footage has generated excitement among fans, who appreciate the rare and personal glimpse into Van Halen’s early days. One fan expressed disbelief at the sudden availability of fresh 1978 tour footage, highlighting the eagerness of long-standing followers for new content, especially from the band’s formative years. Another fan noted the resemblance of Eddie’s live guitar sound to the album recordings, emphasizing the high quality of his performance.
This unexpected release of unseen Van Halen footage has reignited interest in the band amongst fans, offering a nostalgic journey back to their early days through intimate backstage moments and electrifying live performances. The videos provide a unique perspective on the band’s evolution and the talent of its members, particularly the awe-inspiring guitar skills of the late Eddie Van Halen. The newfound availability of this footage serves as a valuable addition to the band’s legacy, rekindling enthusiasm for their music and immortalizing their impact on the rock music scene.