IoMP 169: Van Halen - Are They Rock or Metal?

It’s the grand finale of Van Halen Week on the Influencers of Metal Podcast, and there’s only one question left to answer: Is Van Halen ROCK or METAL?Few bands have left a bigger mark on hard rock — or had a greater influence on the guitarists who helped shape heavy metal. Eddie Van Halen revolutionized the instrument, David Lee Roth became one of rock’s ultimate frontmen, and songs like “Hot for Teacher,” “Panama,” “Runnin’ with the Devil” and “Eruption” helped define an era.But does that influence actually make Van Halen a metal band?Collin and Tom dig into the band’s late-’70s beginnings, their connection to the rise of glam and hair metal, Eddie Van Halen’s massive impact on generations of metal guitarists, and the surprisingly heavy moments hiding throughout their catalogue. At the same time, there’s no denying the catchy hooks, arena-sized choruses and unmistakable hard-rock swagger at the heart of Van Halen’s sound.So after an entire week celebrating one of the most influential bands in rock history, where does Van Halen belong? The Halls of Rock? Or the Caverns of Metal?Listen now to hear the verdict — and find out which legendary band is heading into the Rock or Metal courtroom next!Check out more from Collin!https://indi1015.ca/shows/thrashers-paradise/https://www.youtube.com/@thrashersparadise4132https://www.instagram.com/thrashers_paradise/https://www.facebook.com/Thrashers.Paradise.666/Check out more from Tom!https://themetalrobot.com/https://www.youtube.com/@MetalRobotReviewshttps://www.facebook.com/theMetalRobothttps://x.com/theMetalRobothttps://www.instagram.com/the.metalrobot/MUSIC:Van Halen “Hot for Teacher”Van Halen “Runnin’ with the Devil”Van Halen “Eruption”-----------------------------DISCLAIMER: Copyright Exceptions under the Copyright Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-42), allowance is made for "fair dealing" for the purposes of criticism or review.