This week, I’m joined by Eric Senich of the Van Halen News Desk and host of Booked On Rock, along with Patreon Mixtaper Cactus Pete — and together we’re building a (ahem) mammoth-sized playlist in honor of the mighty Van Halen.

We’re not cherry-picking eras or playing favorites here. This one spans all singers, all lineups, all phases — from the Sunset Strip swagger to the arena-sized reinvention, and everything in between.

Will there be a careful — and completely unavoidable — balance between the David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar years?  How much love does Van Halen III get, and how many Gary Cherone-era tracks actually make the cut? And yes… we even get into the Mitch Malloy “what if?” chapter.

No spoilers — but I can promise that every one of those questions gets discussed… in some facet. Because when you’re tackling a band this big, the conversation is just as important as the songs!Whether you’re Team Roth, Team Hagar, or firmly in the “there’s room for all of it” camp, this episode is built to celebrate everything that made Van Halen one of the most dynamic rock bands of all time.

🎙️ Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform—and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review to help more music fans find the show! Then, scroll down to hear all of the songs discussed in this episode! 👇

Eruption (from Van Halen 1)

You Really Got Me (from Van Halen 1)

Poundcake (from For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge)

Me Wise Magic (from Best Of Vol. 1)

Crossing Over (from the Japanese Ed. of Balance)

Mean Street (from Fair Warning)

Little Guitars (from Diver Down)

Dreams (from 5150)

Drop Dead Legs (from 1984)

Runaround (from For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge)

Romeo Delight (from Women & Children First)

Finish What Ya Started (from OU812)

Panama (from 1984)

…And The Cradle Will Rock (from Women & Children First)

Good Enough (from 5150)

Beautiful Girls (from Van Halen 2)

Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love (from Van Halen 1)

In a Simple Rhyme (from Women & Children First)

Right Now (from For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge)

The Seventh Seal (from Balance)

As Is (from A Different Kind Of Truth)

Unchained (from Fair Warning)

Dance The Night Away (from Van Halen 2)

Feels So Good (from OU812)