Earliest reported video of Van Halen from back in 1978 surfaces online

Earliest reported video of Van Halen from back in 1978 surfaces online

The Van Halen News Desk has posted a YouTube video of Van Halen consisting of singer David Lee Roth, guitarist Eddie Van Halen, bassist Michael Anthony and drummer Alex Van Halen getting interviewed by Australia’s Countdown television show.

The Van Halen News Desk reported as follows: “This is the earliest Van Halen video that has ever surfaced, and it’s a absolute gem. Enjoy!”

During the interview, the foursome was asked how did they finally get a recording contract and breakthrough into the big times. Roth responded (as transcribed by Sleaze Roxx): “We got discovered. The president of Warner Bros. came down and saw us playing in a bar one night. We were playing for free. And he came with our producer Ted Templeman who err. Who else has he produced?” Alex Van Halen chimed in, “Oh, a variety of artists you know.” Eddie Van Halen added, “Doobie Brothers. Little Feat.” Roth continued, “And they said ‘We want to sign you.'”

The group was then asked whether it was hard to breakthrough for a group that just formed to which Eddie Van Halen stated, “Not if you’re good!” which brought laughs all around. Roth added, “You got to have faith in yourself you know. It’s hard…” Eddie Van Halen piped in, “You got to keep at it. A lot of people get together you know and they change members every other week. They go you know, ‘Oh! Who are they this time?’ You know? You got to stick together and keep working.”

Countdown‘s interview with Van Halen in 1978:

VH Coundown 78 mp4 2

Best quality version of the extended 1978 Countdown Van Halen interview. Thank you KISSMAD.