Van Halen in Vancouver

The more I think about it, the more ingenious I think it us.

Just like Eric Cartman in the episode of South Park entitled Cartmanland, you deprive people of what they really want for a long time and then finally give it to them, with successful results.

After pissing me off on more than one occasion with seemingly one false start after another, I finally got to see the original lineup of Van Halen, or 75 percent of the original lineup, live at the Garage.

Even after standing in line and getting tickets I was a little worried.

Would the band still be together for the scheduled Vancouver date?

Does a 50-something old David Lee Roth still have vocal chords in good condition?

Why would Eddie replace bassist Mike Anthony with his son Wolfgang?

With hindsight 20/20 my worries were unfounded.

Diamond Dave can still hit the high notes and Wolfgang showed that his inclusion in the reunion wasn't an act of nepotism providing both solid bass and backing vocals.

On a stage with an "S" shaped catwalk, Eddie's guitars, Roth's showmanship and a setlist comprised of old favorites pleased all who attended with the audience sing-alongs during Runnin' with the Devil and Jamie's Cryin' most memorable and it was nice to see some Field of Dreams moments between Eddie and Wolfgang.

It took a while, but Van Halen finally gave fans what they wanted.

Maybe Dave and Eddie should call Led Zeppelin.