Expert: Andrea Murphy Date: 9/26/2001 Subject: Videos of early years
Question I can't seem to get hold of anything of van halen playing live on vid before 5150. My mate bought a really dodgey one years ago of 1984 tour but = it was such bad quality and cost a mint. I saw a clip of them playing 'Here about it later' on Tv a year or so ago on an 80's rock prog on chanel 4. What is that and where can I get a copy of it without getting ripped off?!
Answer Hi again Jason,
There are very few good tapes of pre-5150 era stuff. Most are late generation and/or taken using questionable gear. The stuff you are talking about is the famous Oakland, CA footage that was pro-shot. It is nice stuff, but only bits and pieces have ever surfaced. Just an idea on how desired the full show is...someone on e-bay claimed to have this full show about a year ago...and bids exceeded $250 prior to the auction being shut down.
What I can do for you...I have a copy of that vid and all the released footage from that show (a few more vids...Unchained, Jamie's Cryin', a few others). On the same tape is also all the 1984 and previous vids in pristine condition. It is dubbed off of some master so it is great quality. Send me your address, give me some good feedback on all experts, and it is yours. No charge. One condition...don't go running to ebay selling it.
If you are into stuff like this...join up with www.vhtrading.com. You can get more ideas on what audio and video is good...and if you can make copies of the tape I send...you will be well on your way as a trader. One rule...don't buy stuff...and don't sell stuff. You can get it all free at this site and make some friends along the way.
