For a guy whose worked with the likes of Roger Waters, The Black Crowes, John Mellencamp, R.E.M. and Motley Crue, Hogarth is used to working on projects with music’s biggest names, but this one has to feel differently.
Due later this year, the first VH disc with David Lee Roth since 1984 has the highest expectations of any rock album released in…well, years. But Hogarth says the band is in prime fighting shape to deliver the goods.
“The whole Van Halen record has been recorded and we’re all excited,” Hogarth tells Ultimate-Guitar.com. “We have just started mixing the record. I’m really stoked about it, as it is the original band, Eddie and Alex with Wolf playing bass, and David Lee Roth singing, it’s the killing side of Van Halen at the top of their game again with Diamond Dave, and the band on fire.”
The only other person who’s recently spoken publicly after hearing the new music is Alter Bridge guitarist Mark Tremonti, who was on hand for a private, live performance of the album – from front to back - at 5150 studios.
“I didn’t hear any vocals – David was not there,” Tremonti told 94.3 KILO in Colorado. “It was just the three of them and the music sounded like very authentic, old school Van Halen. It was a just a crazy experience to sit there and watch. Eddie was four feet from me, and Wolfie was on the other side. The guys were very excited to be doing what they’re doing.”
Van Halen are confirmed to headline Soundwave Revolution, an annual music festival held in major cities around Australia; the fall dates start September 24 in Brisbane.
No release date, or title, has been confirmed for the new album.
Van Halen Van Halen – On Fire
Selland Arena - Fresno, CA – March 25, 1979
See also:
Van Halen, Bruce Springsteen named Top American Rock Bands of All Time by Gibson
Van Halen: New music update
Michael Anthony: Chickenfoot vs. Van Halen
Alter Bridge guitarist hears new Van Halen album
Eddie Van Halen interviewed by Smithsonian magazine
Van Halen mixing new album, says Slash
Eddie Van Halen photo book due in October
PHOTO: Eddie Van Halen with Mike McCready of Pearl Jam
Van Halen: first 2011 concerts announced
David Lee Roth fan reunited with lost camera 12 years later
Van Halen mixing new album?
