As rock ’n’ rollers dreamed of a day when Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth would stand together again, they probably never paused to consider who else might be onstage. Ah, but never underestimate Eddie Van Halen’s ability to screw up a good thing. (Van Hagar, anyone? Gary Cherone, perhaps?) And now, just when the road appeared clear for the classic VH lineup—you know, the actual foursome from the “Jump” video—to reunite at last, Eddie brings his freaking 16-year-old son into the band and gives longtime bassist Michael Anthony the boot.
Will we hear a difference? Maybe, maybe not, but that barely matters. What matters is that the reunion everybody always wanted isn’t the one they got. Isn’t nepotism beautiful?
With Ky-Mani Marley. December 28 & 30, 8 p.m., $68.25-$182.75. MGM Grand Garden Arena, 891-7777.