VAN HALEN – CLEVELAND 1982 SOUNDBOARD (2 CD)

　This work is the first part of a two-part series. It is a superb stereo soundboard recording of the “August 21, 1982 Richfield Performance.” If you have read this article, you may be familiar with the rush of the first soundboard appearance, but this week’s two works are a bit different from the previous works. This work in particular is a strange work called the “nightmare live album.” What is so nightmarish about it? To explain this, let’s first (as usual) approach the show’s position from an overview of the activities.

●1982
{“DIVER DOWN” released on April 14th}
・July 14th – August 21st: North America #1 (26 shows) ←★Here★
・September 1st – 25th: North America #2 (17 shows) ←※PHOENIX 1982
・October 7th – December 11th: North America #3 (38 shows) ←TORONTO 1982, etc.
●1983
・January 16th – February 12th: South America (15 shows)
・May 29th: US festival appearance

●Details of “North America #1”
・July 14th-23rd (7 shows)
*July 24th “BILOXI 1982 SOUNDBOARD”
・July 27th + 29th (2 shows)
*July 30th “LOUISVILLE 1982 SOUNDBOARD”
*July 31st “FORT WAYNE 1982 SOUNDBOARD”
*August 3rd “ROCKFORD 1982 SOUNDBOARD”
・August 4th: Des Moines performance
*August 6th “ST. LOUIS 1982 SOUNDBOARD”
・August 7th + 8th (2 shows)
*August 10th “ST. PAUL 1982 SOUNDBOARD”
・August 11th: Madison performance
*August 13th “DETROIT 1982 1ST NIGHT SOUNDBOARD”
・August 14th-19th (5 shows)
*August 21st: Richfield performance ←★This work★

[The final day of the nightmare leg where both Dave and Eddie were in a terrible state]
… and so on. This work is the eighth and final live album of “North America #1”. Like all previous works, this work is a superbly powerful leaked sound board. In terms of quality, it is a dignified sister work that does not give in to any of the previous works.

　So what exactly is the “nightmare”? It’s the live performance itself. And it’s not just one or two mistakes, but mistakes lead to more mistakes, and the performance itself falls apart, resulting in a catastrophe.

　First of all, David Lee Roth is in terrible shape. His previous album, “DETROIT 1982 1ST NIGHT (Zodiac 787),” showed signs of a cold, but on this album, it’s even worse. He’s not coughing, perhaps because he’s taking cough medicine, but his voice is struggling, and his vocals seem to be speaking lyrics without following the melody. Of course, his singing style is like an extension of his usual talk, but this album is different; it lacks energy and energy.

　And perhaps Dave’s poor condition has spread to Eddie, who is lacking in detail. There are some interesting scenes, such as the “Panama” phrase popping out in the jam of “Somebody Get Me A Doctor / I’m So Glad,” but overall there are two of them. There are many scenes where they make mistakes in parts or make mistakes in the beginning.

[A horrific production where even the staff were worn out and the show was interrupted]
　However, this may not have been Eddie’s fault. The sound staff were also messing around that day. For example, early on, there was a crackling noise on the bass drum, and each instrument suddenly started to distort. For example, there was a strange sound fluctuation in “Unchained,” and the next song, “Unchained,” had frequent microphone feedback. Furthermore, the guitar cut out in “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” and the performance itself became unsustainable on “Secrets” (Dave tried to cover it up with various excuses, but it was all a mess). These noises and distortions were not scratches on the master or a pressing error. It was clearly a disruption to the on-site sound system.

　Why did it become such a big blunder? There were probably a number of factors involved, one of which may have been the timing of the final day of “North America #1.” After more than a month of almost no break, the band and sound staff were probably exhausted.

　I’m not sure if I’m recommending this or not, but of course it’s a highly recommended work. I would like you to get to know their true talent through their other works first, but when you listen to it, the sloppy nature of it is unusual and even heartwarming. It’s a mysterious work that can be enjoyed without any hesitation, precisely because such a huge soundboard has been unearthed.

　Even with its intense and unparalleled soundboard collection, this latest work is a must-listen with its unique individuality. Please enjoy it to your heart’s content with the permanent preservation press 2CD!

Disc:1 (52:29)
1. Intro
2. Romeo Delight
3. Unchained
4. Drum Solo
5. The Full Bug
6. Runnin’ With The Devil
7. Little Guitars
8. Where Have All The Good Times Gone!
9. Bass Solo
10. Hang ‘Em High
11. Cathedral
12. Secrets
13. Everybody Wants Some!!
14. Dance The Night Away

Disc:2 (42:03)
1. Somebody Get Me A Doctor / I’m So Glad
2. Intruder
3. Pretty Woman
4. Guitar Solo
5. D.O.A.
6. Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love
7. Bottoms Up!
8. You Really Got Me
9. Happy Trails
10. You Really Got Me (Reprise)

David Lee Roth – Lead Vocals
Eddie Van Halen – Guitars, Vocals
Michael Anthony – Bass, Vocals
Alex Van Halen – Drums