Don’t Go See Van Halen

…unless you already have tickets.

Here’s why:

$150 is too much for a ticket for a band that just reunited to tour “one more time.” Yes, I know The Police did it, and we wrote that up favorably, because they turned out to put out a quality show. But Van Halen just won’t be able to.

They replaced band members, survived drug addictions, and had decent solo careers, but, honestly, they can’t play “Hot For Teacher” the same way they played it on the record. It’s impossible! Call me a naysayer, but paying $150 for one ticket — the going rate for the tickets that are left legally (and the bottom rate for those illegally, too) — is too much money for a show that might only get your a performance that leaves you wanting the sound of your CDs. “Diamond Dave” is too old to “Jump” into splits, leaving behind the visual aspect, no matter giant video screens what they put behind the 50 year old rockers.

We’ve read reviews that the show is often good — but ask yourself — is it worth $150 + another $150 ticket for a friend, plus $20 to park, you’re already to $320 to get in the AAC. Now add t-shirts — “Take off that t-shirt, Lynda, you’ll break up the band” — and beer, and you’re getting up to $400 for one night with the 3 Van Halens and a Roth…AT LEAST.

If you don’t already have your tickets…don’t spend the money. Don’t give in to the overpriced ticket gougers. Leave the bottom seats open and show the concert promoters we’re done paying for used rockers at premium prices.

Besides, I always like Hagar better.

Just kidding.