On Aug. 28, rock music critic Greg Kot wrote an enjoyable article lauding the emergence of the rock group Van Halen`s ”powerful new musical identity.” Naturally, after attending the concert, I eagerly awaited this review. However, instead of finding a music review, I found Mr. Kot attacking that which he had previously applauded. Why has Mr. Kot changed his tune?
In his article, Kot credits lead singer Sammy Hagar with the group`s new image. Yet in his review, Kot lambasts Hagar for the group`s descent into being ”just another rock band.” It is a shame that Kot finds Hagar`s inability to project sexism and rudeness as less entertaining.
In this era of lip-synched concerts and MTV-inspired extravaganzas, Mr. Kot, as a music critic, should appreciate Van Halen`s refreshing ability to take the ”show” out of the concert and do what they do better than any other live band-play good music.
