I was really looking forward to this show. David Lee Roth is back, Eddie Van Halen looks to be in great shape, good venue for a show and the right group of friends to make a memorable evening. Too bad Van Halen mailed in the show. As we left the Key Arena and walked down the hill to our cars, the conversation from the entire group was in general negative. Some general comments:
- The energy level from the band was low. Diamond Dave did a lot of walking around the main stage, Eddie didn’t seem excited about being there until really late in the show when he grabbed a smoke and then did a few kicks.
- The band looked great. Both Diamond Dave and Eddie are in great shape. Dave wore a series of signature jackets with asian inspired stitching while Eddie was shirt free for the entire show with signature baggy pants and tennis shoes. Wolfgang looked like a 16 year old kid playing bass in his high school band and Alex looked old.
- The band didn’t use the stage well. The stage set-up was kind of a cool double sycle design that reached out into the audience and went up behind the band. Thee band didn’t use the cool walk-out part of the stage much and when did, wasn’t enthusiastic. The raised part of the stage didn’t get used much - Dave went up once as did Wolfgang. Waste of a good idea.
- David Lee Roth didn’t sound that great. While you could tell the old sound was there, Dave’s voice kept going down an octave, he rushed the lyrics, missed a bunch and changed the timing of others.
- David Lee Roth seemed creepy. Between the weak attempts at turn around karate kicks, incessant cheesy smiling, pandering to Eddie and weak attempt at being sexy (he’s just not that into it) - the vibe from him was less lusty and vivacious than weird, cheesy and creepy.
- The song selection was great. They played all the hits and some filler. Set list for Seattle below.
- Encore was virtually non-existent. No dramatic build-up, song was easily guessed (Jump!), no special effects other than lame confetti.

Overall, a disappointing show based on my anticipation. But, I’m glad I went to say that I had seen them. Grace C+.

Van Halen Set List - Seattle, WA 98107 December 3, 2007 Key Arena

Intro
You Really Got Me
I’m the One (Show Your Love)
Running with the Devil
Geraldine (extended with Magic Bus medley)
Somebody Get Me a Doctor
Beautiful Girls
Dance the Night Away
Atomic Punk
Everybody Wants Some
So This is Love
Eddie Solo
???? Missed this one
Pretty Woman
Drum Solo (nice!)
Unchained
I’ll Wait
Cradle to Rock
Hot for Teacher
Little Dreamer
Dance, Dance, Dance (Seniorita)
Jaimie’s Cryin’
Ice Cream Man (Dave on accoustic)
Panama
Eddie Solo including Eruption
Ain’t Talking ’bout Love
Jump! (encore)