Just returned from the Van Halen concert in Des Moines. It was a full house, and Van Halen did not disappoint. Incredible to see the gang on stage again, and Wolfgang held his own with some of the greatest rockers of all time. Hard to believe it all started about 30 years ago. I’ll post more tomorrow, including a few crappy photos. Get ready New Orleans…the boys are headed South tonight.

Okay, back again to put a few finishing touches on the recap. For those of you who didn’t make it to the concert, but are now wondering if you should have, the answer is yes. I have to admit that it’s been a long time since I’ve been to a concert, and things have changed with technology. Aside from the gigantic screen behind the stage, most interesting to me was that although no cameras, audio, or video equipment were allowed - more than half the crowd took pictures and recorded video with their camera phones. It was almost as if everyone had traded in their Bic lighters for flip-phones.

Anyway, back to the reason we all paid $50-$125 - to see Van Halen. Eddie looked a lot better than he’s looked in several years. Just serch Google images for something like “eddie van halen 2006″, or try this one ( http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=eddie+van+halen+drugs&gbv=2 )and you’ll see some scary shots. I really thought Eddie would be dead in 5 years when I saw those photos. And it wasn’t just Eddie that took a few steps away from the grave, try a few queries for pictures of David Lee Roth from the couple of years…he looked like a merlin. And after Alex did his 10 minute drum solo, he stood up and bowed to his raving fans. I have to admit, he scared me a bit. I have no idea what the boys from the band did from the time they played in Omaha on February 4th until this show two days later, but Alex looked like he was ready for some rest. My only thought on Wolfgang was that he looked extremely warm, in his black tee shirt and black hooded, zippered sweatshirt. It was hot in Wells Fargo Arena, but Wolfgang didn’t seem to mind.

Aside from all that, I think Des Moines and Iowa got to see a show they won’t soon forget. I know David’s seemingly permanent smile will haunt me for a few years! (decided not to post my camera phone pix here, but keep your eyes peeled as 4000-5000 other people should have a few good ones)

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