Van Halen is jumping into Rock Band for the first time, as Panama is added as a song for Rock Band 4.
Younger gamers will know Van Halen as their uncle’s favorite band, if at all, so here’s a brief primer. Van Halen is a glam rock and heavy metal band originally formed in 1972. They peaked in the 1980s as one of the most successful rock bands of the time, thanks in large part to the talent and popularity of their then lead singer, David Lee Roth.
David departed the band around 1986 after failing to come to agreement with lead guitarist Eddie Van Halen. David would be replaced with Sammy Hagar, who took the band in a new musical direction and a string of no. 1 Billboard music albums.
Throughout the band’s lifetime, Van Halen was just as known for their public and dirty breakups as their music. As of today, David Lee Roth has returned as lead vocalist, so this is the most likely reason his song was announced first.
Of course, this won’t be the only song from the band that will be added to the playlists. I would be surprised if Jump and Hot for Teacher don’t make the cut. On the other hand, Sammy Hagar certainly had his hits too, and because of the stark differences between the two, his songs almost seem like they came from a different band.
Are you more of a Hagar or Roth fan? What Van Halen songs would you like to see in Rock Band 4? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Rock Band 4 hits the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on Oct. 6.
