Van Halen Rising: How a Southern California Backyard Party Band Saved Heavy Metal

Greg Renoff

Mar 2016 · Tantor Media Inc · Narrated by Sean Runnette

About this audiobook

After years of gigging everywhere from suburban backyards to dive bars, Van Halen-led by frontman extraordinaire David Lee Roth and guitar virtuoso Edward Van Halen-had the songs, the swagger, and the talent to turn the rock world on its ear. The quartet's classic 1978 debut, Van Halen, sold more than a million copies within months of release and rocketed the band to the stratosphere of rock success. On tour, Van Halen's high-energy show wowed audiences and prompted headlining acts like Black Sabbath to concede that they'd been blown off the stage. By the year's end, Van Halen had established themselves as superstars and reinvigorated heavy metal in the process. Based on more than 230 original interviews-including with former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony and power players like Pete Angelus, Marshall Berle, Donn Landee, Ted Templeman, and Neil Zlozower-Van Halen Rising is the first book to tell the untold story of how these rock legends made the unlikely journey from Pasadena, California, to the worldwide stage.

Ratings and reviews

Felt like I was at one of those backyard parties. I still remember dropping the needle on that first album as an 11 year old in my room.

About the author

Greg Renoff earned his PhD in American history from Brandeis University and is the author of The Big Tent: The Traveling Circus in Georgia, 1820-1930. He lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with his wife and two daughters.

Sean Runnette, a multiple AudioFile Earphones Award winner, has also produced several Audie Award-winning audiobooks. His film and television appearances include Two If by Sea, Copland, Sex and the City, Law & Order, Third Watch, and lots and lots of commercials.