House of Pain

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins "House of Pain" by Van Halen from the legendary Zero demo sessions! This track, recorded in 1976 with Kiss bassist Gene Simmons at the helm, is a raw, high-octane gem that captures the band’s early hunger. Unlike the version that later appeared on 1984, the Zero demo of "House of Pain" is faster, grittier, and features different lyrics, including a unique car horn sound effect that Simmons later repurposed for "Runnin’ With the Devil." Simmons, who discovered Van Halen on the Sunset Strip, was so blown away by their energy that he flew them to New York’s Electric Lady Studios to record 15 tracks, including this one. He’s called the 1976 version “better than anything” on their later records, praising its jaw-dropping intensity, though the band never wanted these demos officially released out of respect for their early vision.

Another wild tidbit comes from the Zero sessions themselves—Eddie Van Halen wasn’t thrilled with the recordings because he couldn’t use his own gear, forcing him to overdub multiple guitar tracks, sometimes up to three at once. This gave "House of Pain" a distinct, layered sound, with solos stacked over each other, showcasing Eddie’s already mind-bending talent. Fans on platforms like Reddit rave about the demo’s outro riff, comparing its raw power to something Pantera might jam live. The Zero version, bootlegged for years, remains a holy grail for hardcore fans, with some calling it the leanest, meanest snapshot of Van Halen’s pre-fame Pasadena party days.

Van Halen’s origin story is as electrifying as their music. Brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen, born in the Netherlands, moved to Pasadena, California, in the 1960s with their jazz musician father. Classically trained, they ditched their piano and violin for rock, with Eddie initially on drums and Alex on guitar before they swapped roles. By 1972, they formed a band called Genesis (later Mammoth), playing backyard parties and high school gigs. Enter David Lee Roth, a charismatic frontman from Indiana, and Chicago-born bassist Michael Anthony, who joined in 1974, cementing the classic lineup. Renamed Van Halen, they tore up L.A.’s Sunset Strip, dominating clubs like the Whisky a Go Go. Gene Simmons caught their act in 1976, financing the Zero demos, but it was Warner Bros.’ Mo Ostin and Ted Templeman who signed them in 1977 after a Starwood show, launching their debut album in 1978—a hard rock masterpiece that sold over 10 million copies.

Stay connected with Van Halen’s legacy through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where fans can find news, merch, and tributes to their iconic career. For deeper dives, check out fan hubs like the Van Halen News Desk for updates and rare content, or join the Unofficial Van Halen Bootleg Artwork House of PAIN Facebook group, with nearly 2,000 members sharing rare recordings and art. The r/vanhalen subreddit, with 25,000 subscribers, is another spot where Zoo Freaks can geek out over demos like Zero and debate the band’s greatest riffs.