So ever since missing them in 2007 we've been waiting to see the DLR-fronted Van Halen, and Saturday night's show did not disappoint:

Openers Kool & the Gang were amazing; great songs coupled with phenomenal musicianship. Also, they set the tone for the evening - one of celebration and good times, as it were. I would love to see this band headline one of the State Fair stages and do a longer set. If the pairing seems odd, read this.

The best way to describe Van Halen might be as an amazing power trio who hired a court jester; David Lee Roth is quite possibly the funniest and weirdest thing I've ever seen on stage. He seems to be making stuff up as he goes half the time (which is probably how he did the vocal tracks on the records, actually) and is fabulous turned up to eleven. He reminds me a little of this interview I've got with Little Richard, actually - I bet that was an influence. I have to remember to check YouTube to see if there's footage from the show - he put new lyrics into the verses of Hot For Teacher that were INSANELY funny.

Band was pretty hot, too! I was wondering how they'd sound without Michael Anthony's backing vocals, but Eddie and Wolfie sounded great together. Eddie (smartly) let his kid play guitars with the classic EVH graphics, while his guitar had a plain black finish. Alex's drum solo was never boring, which is about the best thing you can ever say about a drum solo. Eddie's solo, of course, is like you're seeing one of the greatest moments in rock history, right there in front of you.

Here's the set list; can't ask for a better night of rock and roll!

In the history of rock, I'm not sure if there's ever been a band that was so mediocre on record and so amazing live; Chickenfoot is like the most awesome bar band you've ever seen.

I actually like their records. But they're not amazing or anything; they sound more-or-less like old Sammy Hagar records. I think part of why they come across so good live is the same reason KISS does - their songs are full of these Big Dumb Rock hooks that sound awesome when turned up to 11. I kind of missed Chad Smith last night (he's been busy with his other band), but touring drummer Kenny Aronoff did a fine job. Mostly, there's this bizarre chemistry between Chad and Sammy that's really cool - like, on paper that seems weird to have a Chili Pepper and David Lee Roth's replacement in the same group, but once they're on stage you can totally tell they're kindred spirits.

A big draw for me (obvy) is seeing original guitar hero Joe Satriani. I first got into this dude in like 7th grade - if memory serves, this kid I was in orchestra with introduced me to Surfing With the Alien via his Walkman. What's cool about Chickenfoot is getting to hear him in an actual band, rather than just an hour-and-a-half long guitar solo. He does the most Hendrix-esque stuff he's ever done with Chickenfoot. His playing on the CDs is really kind of restrained, but live he goes full-on Guitar God.

And next Saturday I get to see the rest of Van Halen! :-D

*potential book title??