Put Out The Lights

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as we spin "Put Out The Lights" by Van Halen from their bootleg Zero album! This track, recorded in 1976 as part of the Gene Simmons-produced demos, is a raw, high-energy rocker that showcases the band’s early swagger. Fun fact: the riff from "Put Out The Lights" was later reworked into "Beats Workin’" on Van Halen’s 2012 album A Different Kind of Truth. According to a review on 2loud2oldmusic.com, the demo version lacks the polished punch of later Van Halen tracks, but David Lee Roth’s vocals and Eddie Van Halen’s guitar still scream potential. The Zero sessions, cut at Village Recorders in Santa Monica and Electric Lady Studios in New York, capture the band’s gritty Pasadena party vibe before they hit the big time.

Another tidbit for you Zoo Freaks: the Zero demos, including "Put Out The Lights," were never officially released due to contractual issues, making them a holy grail for hardcore fans. A post on Rate Your Music calls the bootleg “essential for true VH fans,” praising its raw energy. Gene Simmons, who financed the sessions, couldn’t secure a record deal for the band and even suggested they change their name to Daddy Longlegs—yep, that’s a true story! The demos, mixed by Dave Wittman, show a band on the cusp of greatness, with Eddie’s sonic six-string sting already turning heads, even if Simmons didn’t quite capture the full “wow” factor of his guitar wizardry.

Now, let’s rewind to how Van Halen got started. Formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972, the band began as Genesis, later renaming to Mammoth, and finally Van Halen by 1974. Brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen, born in the Netherlands, moved to California in the 1960s with their jazz musician father. Originally, Eddie played drums and Alex played guitar, but they swapped instruments, setting the stage for their iconic sound. They recruited charismatic frontman David Lee Roth and bassist Michael Anthony, and the quartet started gigging at backyard parties and high-school dances. Their relentless club performances at venues like Gazzarri’s and the Whisky a Go Go built a cult following. By 1976, Gene Simmons of KISS spotted them at a Sunset Strip club and produced the Zero demos, though it was Warner Bros. who signed them in 1977. Their 1978 self-titled debut, featuring hits like “Runnin’ With the Devil,” sold over 10 million copies and changed rock forever.

Zoo Crew listeners, you can keep up with Van Halen’s legacy online. Check out their official website at van-halen.com for news, merch, and tour info. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, like Alex Van Halen’s recent NPR interview or the announcement of “Jump” hitting one billion streams. For fan communities, head to Van Halen News Desk for the latest scoops and deep dives. Join the Van Halen Fans Facebook group to connect with fellow freaks sharing bootlegs, concert stories, and tributes to Eddie’s genius. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks!