The 35th anniversary of Van Halen’s second album, “Van Halen II”, is featured on the latest episode of North American rock radio series In The Studio.
Brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen and original VH bassist Michael Anthony join host Redbeard to talk about the the group’s creative process and growing personality issues inside the band as they created a blueprint for 1980s hard rock.
The follow-up to Van Halen’s groundbreaking 1978 debut was recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders in Hollywood less than a week after the end of the band’s first world tour.
The album’s lead single, “Dance The Night Away”, delivered Van Halen their first Top 20 US hit, reaching No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. Inspired by Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way", it was the only track written completely in the studio. David Lee Roth originally wanted to name it "Dance, Lolita, Dance", but Eddie came up with the final title.
Supported by radio airplay and constant touring, the album was certified gold (500,000 copies) in the US just 10 days after its release, and platinum (1 million) a month later.
The project eventually reached No. 6 on the US Billboard 200 album chart and went on to sell more than 5 million copies in the States alone.
Listen to the 35th anniversary of “Van Halen II” on In The Studio here.
See also:
VIDEO: David Lee Roth sings Happy with Naturally 7 in Tokyo
David Lee Roth hints at secret Van Halen project in new episode of The Roth Show
Van Halen tops the hennemusic Hot 10 for 2nd week
VIDEO: Van Halen rock On Fire on opening night of 1979 tour
Search Van Halen at hennemusic
