Jump! Van Halen is on tour

Wow, I cannot believe that the Van Halen brothers have actually managed to stop the shit talking long enough to hold a national tour together. I was too sure that Diamond Dave was blowing smoke up our asses when he first mentioned a reunion tour. But then there was the news conference - sans Mike Anthony- and I became really agitated.

Just to give you a little history on me and my familia, my dad was a spandex wearing, aqua net rocker back in the 80's. Ok, he still is a rocker at heart, but my poor daddy has mellowed a bit in his older years. Now it's all about cover songs and blues tracks which aren't as exciting, yet still great, just different. Anyway, the band he played in is called Miraj. He is the bassist. They were named even before the Las Vegas Casino- Mirage. They played Hollywood in the time of drugs and debauchery (wait a minute, has there ever been any other?) and in the mid 80's became the house band at the old Gazzarri's which is now the Key Club. I hear they had a great following and didn't have to try hard to blow the house down.

Unfortunately, you need more than just good looks and a full house to make it in this business. While Miraj was busy partying, bands like Van Halen were busy promoting- What a novel idea! - and look where they are today. Hard feelings aside, Miraj did hang with VH for a while. Tony, dad's guitar player even played in a band with Mike Anthony for a while before this scene. They had kept in contact, primarily with Mike and so when this "reunion" tour was scheduled we all had to have mixed feelings about it.

I told myself that after years of hearing stories about Mike and VH I was not having this tour. I was mad to see Dave there acting like he never missed a beat. Ironically enough, my husband and I have always considered ourselves David Lee Roth Van Haleners, Hagar being a bit too, um, soft maybe? Aside from that, this whole thing threw me for a loop. Wolfgang on bass. Yes, the kid does have great genes. No, he is only 15, can pure talent outweigh years of experience? And why the hell isn't Mike involved? He seems like a good enough guy! Oh, my head was spinning. I didn't know what to think. I had to let it absorb.

So here I am, weeks later, concerts sold out. I am getting used to the idea and even a bit intrigued. I hear that Wolfie is a pretty good showman. I guess it runs in the family. I read an article about Mike Anthony and it gave the impression that he is ok with the deal. That made me feel better- until I went on ebay to price tickets. Oh my goodness, you mean my dad could have been pulling in those numbers? Thanks Dad!!!! I could have been living large!!


Ps. Everything happens for a reason. I am so glad I had my dad around and I didn't have to try and buy one later. If you want to check out Miraj 2007 here is their myspace page http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=240026647