The death of Eddie Van Halen on 6 October 2020 will forever be a date etched into the collective memories of not only rock fans, but music fans in general. Much like the deaths of significant music icons before him (think Hendrix, Prince, Freddy Mercury, Michael Jackson), Van Halen’s death will further cement his legacy and, with the benefit of hindsight, collectively allow us to listen and appreciate, in awe – like it was the first time hearing it, the genius of his work.
In a bitter sweet twist of fate, the Frankies World Famous House Band (from Sydney rock institution, Frankies Pizza) had been, for months, rehearsing a Van Halen show to showcase in early December, as part of the venues week long 8th birthday celebrations. As fate would have it, the world lost Eddie Van Halen and this show took on so much greater meaning, purpose and feel. To put it in simple terms, the show was a resounding success, with queues of punters lining Hunter Street for hours to get a glimpse of the show.
Featuring Joel McDonald (one of Australia’s most sought after guitarists), Jordan McDonald (The Art, Mi-Sex), Bobby Poulton (Wolfmother) and guest vocalists: Spencer Jones, Simon Hill and Frank Lakoudis, the band tore threw a set of Van Halen album cuts and hits which left the crowd begging for more. The show was pure intensity and energy with the band, and in particular, Joel McDonald, delivering a world class performance that would have made Eddie Van Halen proud.
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