Spanish Fly / D.O.A.

The Zoo Crew is spinning the wild acoustic and electric combo of Spanish Fly and D.O.A. from Van Halen's 1979 album Van Halen II, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to this iconic transition. Spanish Fly, a flamenco-style acoustic guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen, was born from a casual moment when producer Ted Templeman caught Eddie playing around on a nylon-string Ovation guitar at a New Year's Eve party in 1978. Surprised by Eddie’s skill on acoustic, Templeman urged him to craft an instrumental for the album. Eddie later recalled in Guitar World, “Ted walked in and said, ‘You can play acoustic?’ I looked at him like, What’s the difference? It’s got six strings!” The result was a jaw-dropping, intricate piece that became a staple of Eddie’s live solo spots, showcasing his versatility beyond the electric shred of Eruption. Spanish Fly flows directly into D.O.A., a gritty, dissonant rocker with a punchy intro, highlighting the band’s ability to shift from delicate artistry to raw energy. Interestingly, the album’s liner notes thank the Sheraton Inn in Madison, Wisconsin, where the band, during their first tour, trashed the seventh floor with fire extinguisher fights and tossed TVs out windows, later blaming their tourmates, Journey.

The black-and-yellow guitar featured on the back of Van Halen II, nicknamed “Bumblebee,” holds a poignant story. While Eddie clarified in a 1979 Guitar Player interview that it wasn’t used in the album’s recording—completed just in time for the photo shoot—it became legendary. Eddie later gifted it to Pantera’s Dimebag Darrell, who adored it. After Darrell’s tragic death in 2004, Eddie placed the Bumblebee in his Kiss Kasket for burial, a heartfelt tribute. The guitar was built by Charvel and delivered to Eddie in October 1978, even appearing during the band’s European tour that year, though its use in the studio remains unconfirmed. These tracks and stories capture Van Halen’s fearless creativity and chaotic spirit, making them perfect for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic airwaves.

Van Halen’s journey began in Pasadena, California, in the early 1970s, rooted in the musical talents of Dutch-born brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen. Their father, a jazz musician, exposed them to music early, and after immigrating to the U.S. in the 1960s, the brothers dove into rock. Initially, Eddie played drums and Alex guitar, but they soon swapped instruments. By 1972, they formed a band called Genesis, later renamed Mammoth, playing backyard parties and high school gigs. In 1974, charismatic singer David Lee Roth and bassist Michael Anthony joined, and Roth suggested the name Van Halen, seeing it as a bold, lasting brand like Santana. The band hustled through L.A. clubs like Gazzarri’s and the Whisky a Go Go, building a loyal following with relentless self-promotion, including flyering at local schools. A demo financed by Gene Simmons of Kiss led to their 1978 debut album, which skyrocketed with hits like Runnin’ with the Devil and Eruption, cementing their place in rock history.

Stay connected with Van Halen through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest news and throwbacks. Fans can dive deeper at the Van Halen News Desk, a go-to fan site packed with updates, trivia, and history. For merch and collectibles, check out the Van Halen Store. Zoo Freaks looking to join the community can also connect with fellow fans in the Van Halen Fans Facebook group or explore the r/vanhalen subreddit, where diehards share stories and celebrate the band’s legacy.