Ever wondered what Van Halen would have sounded like with no Sam or Dave?
Well, wonder no more. Writer and filmmaker Andrew Bennett is selling rare recordings from the band’s rehearsals at Eddie Van Halen’s 5150 studio. The tracks were cut from November 2006 to January 2007 and feature Ed and his brother, Alex, joined by Ed’s son, Wolfgang. The tracks date from the period after longtime bass guitarist Michael Anthony had been dismissed, but before David Lee Roth rejoined the band for their 2007 reunion tour.
Titled The 5150 Sessions, the album is being offered on vinyl through the site vhsessions.com for $50.
“From the collection of writer and filmmaker Andrew Bennett during his time documenting Van Halen as Wolf joined the band in 2006 and into 2007 leading up to the reunion tour,” the description reads. “These recordings are from rehearsals at 5150 from November 2006 to January 2007, recorded straight to the 5150 soundboard.
“Eddie, Alex, and Wolfgang Van Halen were rehearsing full set lists twice a week, and since this was prior to the return of Dave these recordings are performed with no singer.
“Finally, no Sam versus Dave debates.”
The 10-track LP features the songs “Unchained,” “Atomic Punk,” “Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love,” “I’m the One,” “Runnin’ With the Devil,” “Panama,” “Romeo Delight,” “Hot for Teacher,” “On Fire,” and “Somebody Get Me a Doctor.” Samples of each song can be heard at the site.
The recordings are an excellent way to hear Ed’s electric guitar virtuosity in all its glory. After Bennett posted about the release on his Facebook account, fans quickly signaled they’re delighted by what they’re hearing.
“It’s for real. I got mine a few weeks ago and it’s really cool to hear the boys just playing together. Nice ‘fly on the wall’ sort of thing. Except this fly would be blown off the wall! 😂,” one fan wrote.
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