The Drill Down
The Most Talented Rock Bands in History, Ranked
23. Van Halen
Back in the early 1980s, the use of keyboards and synthesizers in hard rock and heavy metal was a big no-no. There were, of course, a few rock artists who managed to gain a fan base for their innovative sound, but generally speaking, keys and synths were associated with pop and new wave music. But one band started by two brothers was bold enough to shift this perception and pave the way for hard rock in the music industry.
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A heavy metal band from Pasadena, California, Van Halen is distinguished for their high-energy live performances and their acclaimed leading guitarist (Eddie Van Halen)’s ingenious electric-guitar playing. Together with vocalist David Lee Roth, the band gave us some serious headbangers – and not to mention – a different outlook on M&Ms, following reports that they request a bowl of the candies backstage for every performance… but with the brown ones removed.
