She’s the Woman

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as we spin "She’s the Woman" by Van Halen from their 2012 album A Different Kind of Truth! This track is a time machine to the band’s raw, early days, originating as a demo from 1976, back when they were cutting their teeth in Pasadena’s club scene. According to Wikipedia, it was part of the demo produced by Gene Simmons that scored Van Halen their deal with Warner Bros. Records. Fast forward to 2009, Wolfgang Van Halen, Eddie’s son and the band’s bassist, dusted off the tapes at 5150 Studios, sparking the revival of this classic. Wolfgang, in an interview with Van Halen News Desk, revealed he pushed hard for “She’s the Woman” to be the lead single over “Tattoo,” believing it captured the band’s vintage, high-energy vibe with its roots in a demo called “Voodoo Queen.” The song’s original bridge even became the breakdown in 1981’s “Mean Street,” showing how Van Halen recycled their early riffs into later hits.

The track’s journey didn’t stop there. David Lee Roth rewrote the verse lyrics but kept the iconic title and chorus, as noted on Wikipedia. Wolfgang crafted a new breakdown with wild chord changes, prompting Eddie to meticulously plan a fresh solo—his first since “Runnin’ with the Devil.” The music video, a collage of live clips from their sweaty Cafe Wha? gig and arena tour, was criticized by MetalSucks for its lackluster editing, but the song’s raw power shines through. Released as a single on February 28, 2012, it hit No. 31 on the Billboard Rock Songs chart, and a promo 7-inch vinyl came with a quirky B-side interview about the band’s infamous “no brown M&M’s” rider, as mentioned on Wikipedia. Super producer John Shanks, who worked on the album, shared on the Van Halen Stories Podcast how the sessions were a blend of morning jams with Eddie and late-night creativity, capturing the band’s relentless drive.

Van Halen started in Pasadena, California, in 1973, as brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen, born in the Netherlands, teamed up with David Lee Roth and Michael Anthony. According to Wikipedia, they honed their craft playing backyard parties and dive bars, blending hard rock with Eddie’s virtuosic guitar work. By 1974, they were a staple in the local scene, and their 1978 debut album, Van Halen, exploded onto the charts, hitting No. 19 on the Billboard 200 and earning Diamond certification with over 10 million U.S. sales. Eddie’s innovative tapping technique and Roth’s flamboyant stage presence made them icons, as noted on Artforum. The band’s relentless touring and string of multi-platinum albums like Van Halen II and 1984 cemented their legacy, selling over 80 million records worldwide.

Connect with Van Halen on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest news and merch. Fans can dive deeper at the Van Halen News Desk, a go-to fan site for exclusive stories and updates. Join the Van Halen Fan Club on Facebook to swap stories with fellow Zoo Freaks, or check out the Van Halen Forever group for more die-hard devotion. Keep rocking, and let’s keep the Van Halen spirit alive!