For fans eager to witness the electrifying stage presence and iconic Van Halen Dance moves of the David Lee Roth era, the Van Halen “Dance The Night Away” DVD promises a glimpse into their legendary US Festival performance. Released as a bootleg, this DVD offers a rare, albeit imperfect, window into a pivotal moment in rock history when Van Halen was at the cusp of superstardom, just before the release of their monumental album 1984. While not an official release, and hampered by video quality issues, “Dance The Night Away” still manages to capture the raw energy and undeniable van halen dance spirit that made them global icons.
Discovering the Bootleg Treasure
In an era where physical media is increasingly scarce, stumbling upon a music DVD in a large retail store feels like unearthing a hidden gem. That’s precisely how this journey with the “Dance The Night Away” DVD began. Amidst the dwindling CD racks, a Van Halen concert DVD emerged, hinting at a performance from 1983 based on the tracklist. Intrigue quickly turned to curiosity. Could this be an official release? The lack of typical promotional fanfare and concert details suggested otherwise. Yet, purchased from a mainstream retailer, it seemed unlikely to be a blatant bootleg. Perhaps an unauthorized release? Upon closer inspection, the DVD case offered no clues regarding the concert’s location or year, adding to the mystery. Only after purchase and a bit of online sleuthing was the truth revealed: this was indeed a bootleg capturing Van Halen‘s headlining set at the infamous US Festival on May 29, 1983. For a Van Halen enthusiast, this discovery felt like striking gold, a chance to witness a legendary performance known for its massive scale and star-studded lineup.
The US Festival Spectacle
The 1983 US Festival was more than just a concert; it was a cultural phenomenon. Picture this: a sprawling Californian landscape, a crowd estimated at 375,000 strong, and a lineup of rock titans in the making. Before Van Halen took the stage to deliver their signature van halen dance anthems, the audience was treated to scorching sets from Mötley Crüe, Quiet Riot, Judas Priest, and Scorpions. This festival was a watershed moment for heavy metal and hard rock, solidifying the genre’s mainstream appeal. Van Halen‘s headlining performance was the climax of this day, a testament to their growing dominance in the rock world. The “Dance The Night Away” DVD aims to transport viewers back to this monumental event, offering a front-row seat to Van Halen’s electrifying performance, even if through a somewhat hazy lens.
Video Quality: A Blurry Picture
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the video quality of “Dance The Night Away” is far from pristine. Upon pressing play, it becomes evident that this is a bootleg of its era. The footage is blurry, with glaring lights often washing out the picture. Focus seems to be an occasional afterthought for the camera operators, resulting in a viewing experience that can be, at times, visually taxing. Rainbow stripes, reminiscent of old television static, even flicker across the screen during “Ice Cream Man,” adding to the vintage, and not entirely in a good way, feel. Compared to official releases or even better-quality bootlegs of other US Festival performances, such as Quiet Riot‘s and Judas Priest‘s segments, “Dance The Night Away” falls short visually. Even a bootleg Mötley Crüe US Festival performance is reportedly clearer. For viewers accustomed to modern high-definition concert footage, the visual shortcomings of this DVD will be immediately apparent. However, it’s crucial to remember the context: this is a bootleg, likely sourced from a less-than-ideal recording of a massive event from decades ago.
Van Halen’s Electrifying Performance
Despite the visual limitations, “Dance The Night Away” undeniably captures the essence of Van Halen‘s live brilliance. This DVD is a time capsule, transporting viewers to a period where Van Halen was not just a band, but a cultural force. David Lee Roth, though vocally a tad rough around the edges at times, is in full frontman mode. His stage banter, scissor kicks, and overall charisma are on full display, showcasing the blueprint for countless rock frontmen who followed, perhaps even inspiring the likes of Steel Panther’s Michael Starr. Roth effortlessly commands the colossal crowd, engaging with an intimacy that belies the hundreds of thousands in attendance. Eddie Van Halen, a young guitar god in his prime, is a whirlwind of energy, dashing across the stage while unleashing the legendary guitar riffs and solos that defined a generation. The signature Van Halen vocal harmonies are also present and sound remarkably strong, adding depth and richness to their already powerful sound. The raw energy and palpable chemistry between the band members shine through, making it clear why Van Halen was, and remains, a live act to be reckoned with. Even through the grainy footage, the sheer dynamism of their performance, especially the iconic van halen dance moves and stage presence, is captivating.
Setlist Highlights: A Trip Down Memory Lane
The song selection on “Dance The Night Away” is a masterclass in crafting a setlist that caters to both die-hard fans and casual listeners. It’s a journey through Van Halen‘s discography up to that point, drawing from their first five studio albums. From the opening salvo of “Romeo Delight” and “Unchained” to anthems like “Runnin’ With The Devil,” “Jamie’s Cryin’,” and “Dance The Night Away,” the setlist is packed with hits. Deep cuts like “Full Bug” and “Secrets” from Diver Down are a welcome reminder of that album’s underrated gems. While some may miss “Where Have All The Good Times Gone,” the inclusion of tracks like “Dancing In The Street” and “Somebody Get Me A Doctor” keeps the energy levels soaring. The drum and bass solos, while perhaps a product of their time, offer a glimpse into the band’s individual virtuosity. The inclusion of “Happy Trails” at the end, before a reprise of “You Really Got Me,” is a charming touch, showcasing the band’s playful side. The setlist is a testament to Van Halen‘s incredible catalog of songs and their ability to deliver them live with unmatched intensity, making you want to get up and perform your own van halen dance.
Imperfect but Essential for Fans
Despite its undeniable flaws in video quality and bootleg origins, the “Dance The Night Away” DVD holds significant value, particularly for Van Halen aficionados. It’s a historical document, capturing the original lineup at a peak moment in their career, delivering a powerhouse performance at the legendary US Festival. While a proper, officially released and remastered version with bonus content would be a dream, “Dance The Night Away” fills a crucial void: a live visual recording from the Roth-era Van Halen in their prime. For those who can overlook the visual imperfections and appreciate the historical significance, this DVD offers a worthwhile glimpse into Van Halen‘s electrifying live presence and the van halen dance phenomenon that captivated the world.
DVD Track List:
- Romeo Delight
- Unchained
- Drum Solo
- Full Bug
- Runnin’ With The Devil
- Jamie’s Cryin
- So This Is Love
- Little Guitars
- Bass Solo
- Dancing In The Street
- Somebody Get Me A Doctor
- Dance The Night Away
- Cathedral / Secrets
- Everybody Wants Some
- Ice Cream Man
- Intruder / Pretty Woman
- Guitar Solo
- Ain’t Talkin’ About Love
- Bottoms Up
- You Really Got Me
- Happy Trails
- You Really Got Me (reprise)
Band Members:
- David Lee Roth – lead vocals / harmonica
- Eddie Van Halen – lead guitar / background vocals
- Michael Anthony – bass / background vocals
- Alex Van Halen – drums
Production: Unknown
Band Websites:
Reviewed by Olivier for Sleaze Roxx, January 2016
