Van Halen is one of the defining bands of the late 70s and 80s. Known for their unique sound, it felt like they were already ushering in the new decade before it started. Other bands followed their lead, yet Van Halen at their best has always stayed on top. Of course, the band had their own influences. "You Really Got Me" is a great cover of The Kinks, and "Ice Cream Man" is a lively John Brim cover.

Frontman David Lee Roth would leave in the mid-80s (to be replaced by Sammy Hagar ), but the original makeup of the band will always be considered the strongest: drummer Alex Van Halen , guitarist Eddie Van Halen , Roth, and bassist Michael Anthony . The band was best known for Eddie's virtuosic and innovative playing style—which included the technique of tapping the fretboard

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