Hear About It Later

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins "Hear About It Later" from Van Halen's 1981 album Fair Warning! This track is a gem with a killer intro that showcases Eddie Van Halen's melodic genius, considered one of his most beautiful openings, second only to "Women in Love" from Van Halen II. Unlike Eddie's usual lightning-fast solos, the song kicks off with a resonant, effects-laden guitar part, possibly using a flanger, creating a unique vibe. The song's midsection is a standout, dropping the guitar for a cowbell-drums-bass groove before Eddie rips into a fiery solo that blends speed and emotion. David Lee Roth's vocals shift from a near-spoken-word style to a howling chorus, reflecting the song's theme of dodging complaints and chasing freedom. Fun fact: the live video for "Hear About It Later" was filmed at the Oakland Coliseum in June 1981 over three nights, capturing Van Halen at their raw, energetic peak.

Digging deeper, "Hear About It Later" reflects the tension brewing in Van Halen during the Fair Warning sessions. Eddie was frustrated with producer Ted Templeman and David Lee Roth, who leaned toward pop-friendly sounds, while Eddie pushed for darker, more complex tracks. He often sneaked into the studio at 4 AM with engineer Donn Landee to re-record solos, including parts of this song, to match his vision. Despite its moody edge, the track has a catchy core, though it never got the spotlight it deserved as a single. It was a B-side to "So This Is Love?" in North America and even an A-side in the Netherlands, Eddie and Alex's homeland. Fans love its atmospheric vibe, and it made a comeback in 2012 during the A Different Kind of Truth tour, proving its enduring appeal.

Now, let’s rewind to how Van Halen got rolling. Brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen, born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, moved to Pasadena, California, in the 1960s with their family. Their father, a jazz musician, sparked their love for music early on. Originally, Eddie played drums and Alex played guitar, but they swapped instruments as teens. By 1972, they formed a band called Genesis, later renamed Mammoth, playing local gigs. In 1974, charismatic singer David Lee Roth and bassist Michael Anthony joined, and the band became Van Halen. Their big break came with their 1978 debut album, which hit No. 19 on the Billboard 200 and sold over 10 million copies, thanks to Eddie’s groundbreaking guitar work and Roth’s larger-than-life stage presence. From there, Van Halen became hard rock legends, known for their wild live shows and innovative sound.

Stay connected with Van Halen through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest news and throwback vibes. Zoo Freaks can also dive into fan communities like the Van Halen Links forum, a hub for diehards since 1999, or check out the Van Halen News Desk for deep dives into band history. On Facebook, groups like Van Halen Fans keep the spirit alive with discussions and rare photos. So, keep rocking with the Zoo Crew, and let "Hear About It Later" take you on a wild ride!