Eddie Van Halen Was A Chevy Fan
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News of Eddie Van Halen’s passing this week hit hard, with fans from around the world responding with an outpouring of remembrances and tributes to the legendary guitarist. Van Halen created an iconic sound and secured his legacy as a rock god through his incredible guitar playing, but he also had a passion for custom cars, especially those with a Chevy badge, as evidenced by a selection of the late artist’s bespoke rides that sold at various Barrett-Jackson auctions over the years.
Back in 2009, two Van Halen custom Chevys hit the block at the Barrett-Jackson event in Scottsdale. Both came from the 1956 model year, and included a maroon Chevrolet 210 Pro-Street. Built by Jim Van Gordon, the 210 was equipped with a 454 Big Block V8 pumping out around 600 horsepower, all of which was sent rearwards to a nine-inch Ford rear end with a Detroit Locker differential, 4.30 gears, and Mark Williams axles. Power hit the pavement through Weld wheels wrapped in 33 by 19.5 Mickey Thompson rubber. Final selling price is listed at $101,200.
Following the Chevy 210 at the Scottsdale event was this blue and white 1956 Chevy Nomad Station Wagon, which takes more of a “cruiser” approach compared to Van Halen’s speed-demon 210, running a 265 Power Pack V8 with 210 horsepower. The recipient of a frame-off restoration, this Nomad retains its factory air conditioning, while the brakes were upgraded to discs to make it more streetable. It also comes with power steering, and looks gorgeous as well. Final selling price came in at $93,500.
A year later, once again at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale event, another Van Halen custom hit the auction block. This time it was a 1993 Chevy 1500 half-ton shortbed, a.k.a. “Boyd’s Hauler.” Designed by Chip Foose in 1993 and built by Hot Rods By Boyds, this Chevy pickup was stuffed with the 5.7L V8 LT1 engine, which connected to a 700R4 automatic transmission. The truck was also modified with an independent rear suspension setup from the Chevy Corvette, while the exterior was tastefully redesigned with a selection of custom touches and one-off billet wheels. Final selling price was set at $42,900.
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Missing Eddie the moment he passed,glad he got to play with an awesome front man(Sammy Hagar) instead of that no talent loser Roth.The older stuff sounds good due to the musicians,not Roth.The documentary wasn’t kind to Roth,citing that the band thought he was tone deaf and only took him on because daddy bought them sound equipment.Eddie had some great rides,I like the Nomad best.
Yeah Eddie was great, couldn’t read music but could play it just by ear. There’s a story about him learning to play piano (I think) after a couple years his instructor asked him to turn the page as he played, and he couldn’t, dumbfounded the instructor that he was playing that long just by sound. Created a new way to write music (because the current system couldn’t show what he was doing with a guitar). One of the greatest.
Did you hear the one about Roth?The cops once raided his home,they couldn’t find one ounce of talent.
Stop making comments about members of the past and present. Let’s remember the great music they blessed us with. They were simpler times wonderful concerts music that created the soundtrack of our lives. Prayers to his family and friends
Are you serious Josh VH were so much better with David Lee Roth than Sammy. But I’ll be more respectful than you and say they both were talented. Roth was just more talented. A band has many pieces and Roth theatrics were game changing
Wayne,VH never even made a profit with Roth.They spent as much money as they made.When Sammy Hagar arrived he brought his solo band manager with him and they became the number one rock band in the world, something they never were with no talent Dave.Every album that VH made with Sammy was a smashing success and they wrote their own songs.All Dave ever wanted to do as a VH member was to do covers.He wasn’t a musician and he didn’t know how to write songs.So most of VH’s success with Dave was due to them performing someone else’s songs.Sammy wrote his songs solo and with VH.Dave isn’t even in the same league as Sammy Hagar.
RIP Eddie,miss you brother.
Josh is conveniently leaving out a few facts. VH didn’t make it to number one with Roth, however every album since the first ended up higher on ether charts that the previous. Also the ONLY reason 1984 didn’t end up number one on the charts and stayed at number two, was Jackson’s Thriller (one of the biggest selling albums in history) was at number one. Keep in mind Eddie help rearrange and played guest guitar on that album. As far as money making, that wasn’t Dave’s fault. When the band got signed they got screwed (as many bands do at the start). By the end of the year, the album sold over a million copies, yet their contract was so bad they OWED the record co over a million dollars. Again not Dave’s or the band’s fault and not because of Roth’s vocals, entirely the way the business screwed over new signings.
Anyone that goes so hard hating one vocalist and having such a love fest with the other….. Would have to say their NOT a Van Halen FAN! Have no idea the brilliance of the band and how they meshed with both singers. Josh is a Sammy fan and looks at VH as the backing group.
Both versions were terrific. Two of the best frontman in the business.
Eddie was incredible, driven and passionate. One of the Greatest players ever. Leaned a Lot from his playing, most of all, “there are no rules” , experiment and play what ya want.
RIP Eddie, you are missed
Eddie was one of the greatest of his time I grew up with his music as a teenage kid and so many memories when I here his music.it takes me back to the good days having fun and being with good friends. Eddie influenced me to want to play music and listen. Now today my son plays instruments guitar and a little drums makes me proud the feel and love of rock lives on just like eddie. Rest in peace
Stop making excuses for no talent Dave.I love Van Halen’s music,just not with Dave.That guy is a total jerk,Sammy is a great guy and probably the nicest and coolest dude you can ever meet in the business.Watch the documentary and you will see.Alex Van Halen beat Dave’s arse several times.
Seriously if you like Dave’s voice you probably love nails on a chalk board.Just horrible.
Roth has been named one of the Greatest Rock Vocalists if all time ,been on many top 50 male rock vocalists lists. Sold millions of albums and yet you think he’s terrible?
No don’t buy it for one second. There’s a number of vocalist out there that may not be my style or taste but cussing them up and disrespecting them the way you are…..
There’s more to it. Something personal, either he shut you down or insulted you somehow. Picked on you in school, stole your GF, had is way with GF, Spouse, Mother, or somebody
This is beyond dislike ,you’re fixated. As stated before, can’t be a fan of VH and have that much hate for the singer. No way you could be a fan and not listen to the first pile of albums. Which by the amount of disdain you have for Dave, no way you could possibly listen to that stuff.
Something is amiss. Unless you are just a troll
Either way. Have a bit of respect, this isn’t about Sammy or Dave or any other VH member other than Eddie. The Man just passed away. Show a bit if dignity and respect.
Nothing but respect for Eddie,none for Dave.Never met the guy so your understanding of why I don’t like the guy is way off,he just sucks.Voted a top vocalist?He must have paid for the votes.
Having read this I thought it was extremely informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this informative article together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!