In this somewhat extended episode, Tommy and Tor welcome acclaimed guitarist, composer, producer, and life long Van Halen fan and friend, Dweezil Zappa, for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the surface. From growing up with and befriending some of the greatest musicians in rock history to forging his own path as one of today's most respected guitarists, Dweezil shares stories, perspectives, and insights only he can tell. Together, Tommy, Tor, and Dweezil spend the episode expl...
Jul 24
1 hr 10 min
From hard rock staples to Motown classics and everything in between, Van Halen had an incredible ability to take someone else’s song and make it unmistakably their own. Some became radio staples, others remain hidden gems, but every officially released cover tells a unique story about the band’s influences and creativity. In Episode 011 of The Mighty VH Podcast, Tommy London and Tor dive into every officially released Van Halen cover song, discussing the history behind each recording, what m...
Jul 18
53 min
Mark Goodman has been a pioneer in music broadcasting for more than four decades. From his beginnings in radio in the late 1970s to becoming one of MTV's original VJs, and later helping pioneer internet radio and satellite radio, Mark has remained one of the most respected voices in rock music. Today, he continues to connect music fans with the stories behind the songs as the host of SiriusXM's 80s on 8 and Classic Rewind, and as co-host of the podcast Sound Up with Alan Light. This week, Tom...
Jul 10
37 min
Released in the summer of 1988, OU812 proved that Van Halen’s successful reinvention with Sammy Hagar was no fluke. Debuting at No. 1, the album showcased a band that was growing both musically and lyrically, blending arena rock anthems with more melodic songwriting and impressive musicianship. In this episode, Tommy London and Tor take a deep dive into Van Halen’s eighth studio album, examining every track, the stories behind the recording sessions, the standout performances, and where OU81...
Jul 3
59 min
Greg Renoff has become one of the most respected voices in Van Halen history. As the author of Van Halen Rising and Ted Templeman: A Platinum Producer's Life in Music, he has uncovered stories and firsthand accounts that have helped reshape what fans know about the band's remarkable journey. In Episode 008 of The Mighty VH Podcast, Tommy London and Tor sit down with Greg for a wide-ranging conversation that spans nearly the entire Van Halen story. From the legendary Gene Simmons demos and the...
Jun 26
1 hr 4 min
Michael Anthony’s fingerprints are all over the Van Halen sound, even if his contributions have not always received the recognition they deserve. When people talk about Van Halen, the conversation usually begins with Eddie Van Halen’s groundbreaking guitar work, David Lee Roth’s charisma, Sammy Hagar’s powerhouse vocals, or Alex Van Halen’s incredible drumming. Yet throughout it all, Michael Anthony was the steady force that helped hold the band together. From his signature high harmonies th...
Jun 19
36 min
Richie Kotzen, acclaimed guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer known for his solo career, Mr. Big, Poison, and The Winery Dogs, joins Tommy London and Tor for a fascinating conversation about the deeper musical roots of Van Halen. Richie reflects on meeting Eddie Van Halen for the first time and shares stories about his friendship with Eddie’s longtime guitar technician, Zeke Clark. Together, they explore what made Eddie such a singular creative force, not only as a revolutionary guita...
Jun 12
51 min
When fans talk about the sound of Van Halen, the conversation usually starts with Eddie, David, Alex, and Michael. But behind the board was a man whose fingerprints were on every classic Van Halen record: Don Landee. In Episode 005 of The Mighty VH Podcast, Tommy and Tor explore the career of the engineer and producer who helped capture one of rock’s most recognizable sounds. From Van Halen I through OU812, Landee helped shape the band’s biggest recordings, from Eddie’s guitar tone to the en...
Jun 5
34 min
What happens when the two most anticipated albums in Van Halen history arrive just months apart? In Episode 004 of The Mighty Van Halen Podcast, hosts Tommy London and Tor dive headfirst into the ultimate 1986 showdown: David Lee Roth’s Eat ’Em and Smile versus Van Halen’s 5150. Following one of rock’s most dramatic breakups, both camps had something to prove and neither disappointed. From the musicians and producers involved to the songs, tours, sales, videos, and cultural impact, Tommy and ...
May 29
1 hr 4 min
If you’re like us, you can’t hear the words, “Memorial Day Weekend” without thinking of Van Halen playing the US Festival in 1983. Between the epic tour they had just come off of, the music they were in the middle of creating for their next album (1984) and their massive pay day, amongst many other things, the band had their hands full when they hit the stage on that faithful day. Would they rise to the occasion and make rock history or … forget “the f**king words!” The answ...
May 22
35 min
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