Dave & Dave Unchained Van Halen podcast

EPISODE #130 - Guitarist Caleb Rapoport of Van Halen tribute band Nerd Halen recently performed as a special guest at Sammy Hagar’s Best of All Worlds Residency in Las Vegas. He speaks to the Daves about his experience with the Red Rocker and company then the conversation goes into deep Van Halen nerdom. A fresh batch of VH News and a full mailbag complete this October episode.
Download the podcast for free on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Google podcasts, Amazon Music, Podvine or iTunes. Connect with the Daves on Twitter: @ddunchained, Facebook: Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen podcast, Instagram: ddunchainedpodcast or via email: ddunchainedpodcast@gmail.com

EPISODE #129 - Guitarist Steve Vai is a multifaceted musician who spreads his talent in many different directions. The 66 year-old guitar hero speaks to Loud Dave about his new tour with the members of King Crimson in BEAT, his upcoming collaboration record with his pal Joe Satriani, “The Sea of Emotion,” an update on his solo career as well as a look back at the David Lee Roth classic, “Eat’em & Smile” for its 40th anniversary. A full barrel brimming with VH News and a stocked mailbag section completes this September episode.
Download the podcast for free on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Google podcasts, Amazon Music, Podvine or iTunes. Connect with the Daves on Twitter: @ddunchained, Facebook: Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen podcast, Instagram: ddunchainedpodcast or via email: ddunchainedpodcast@gmail.com

EPISODE #128 - Singer/songwriter Russ Irwin of Dix Hills, Long Island has played with the likes of Aerosmith, Sting, Stone Temple Pilots, Curt Smith (Tears For Fears), Bryan Adams and many others. But back in early 1998, he got a call from Eddie Van Halen about the possibility of joining the band. Irwin discusses this situation in detail along with the many artists he’s played beside. However, he also has a strong solo career going. His new album, “King of a Thousand Fools” is out now - go stream it!
A solid Van Halen News segment and a colorful mailbag discussion completes this August episode.
Download the podcast for free on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Google podcasts, Amazon Music, Podvine or iTunes. Connect with the Daves on Twitter: @ddunchained, Facebook: Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen podcast, Instagram: ddunchainedpodcast or via email: ddunchainedpodcast@gmail.com

EPISODE #127 - Bassist extraordinaire Billy Sheehan, formerly of the David Lee Roth band, joins the Daves for an in-depth discussion about Diamond Dave’s 1986 debut solo album, “Eat’em & Smile,” in celebration of its 40th anniversary. The conversation goes track-by-track as well as discussing the formation of the band, how the movie, “Crazy From The Heat” fell apart, their competition with Van Halen as well as a secret “Eat’em & Smile” project Sheehan has brewing.
A stacked Van Halen News segment and fun mailbag session roundout this July episode.
Download the podcast for free on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Google podcasts, Amazon Music, Podvine or iTunes. Connect with the Daves on Twitter: @ddunchained, Facebook: Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen podcast, Instagram: ddunchainedpodcast or via email: ddunchainedpodcast@gmail.com

EPISODE #126 - The original asskicker David Lee Roth is back on the road this summer with his “Don’t Love Me, Rent Me Tour.” Loud Dave saw the show in NY, Quiet Dave went in CT and Buddy Blanchard, lead singer of Romeo Delight, caught DLR’s shows in PA and NJ. The trio got together to discuss the tour in detail during a special live forum. A packed Van Halen News segment and busy mailbag session completes this June episode.
Download the podcast for free on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Google podcasts, Amazon Music, Podvine or iTunes. Connect with the Daves on Twitter: @ddunchained, Facebook: Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen podcast, Instagram: ddunchainedpodcast or via email: ddunchainedpodcast@gmail.com

EPISODE #125 - One of the most important people in making Van Halen a successful band was engineer/producer Donn Landee. He served as an engineer on the first six VH albums with David Lee Roth and as an engineer/producer on “5150” and “OU812” during the Sammy Hagar years. Landee was also responsible for building Eddie Van Halen’s home studio, 5150. The impact he had on Van Halen was immeasurable. Additionally, he worked alongside producer Ted Templeman on other famous acts like the Doobie Brothers, Little Feat, Nicolette Larson and many others. In tribute, the Daves do a deep dive interview with author Greg Renoff who had conducted several interviews with Landee for his books ("Van Halen Rising" and "Ted Templeman: A Platinum Producer’s Life in Music") and an extensive story for Tape Op magazine. A fun Van Halen News segment and colorful mailbag session completes this May episode.
Download the podcast for free on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Google podcasts, Amazon Music, Podvine or iTunes. Connect with the Daves on Twitter: @ddunchained, Facebook: Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen podcast, Instagram: ddunchainedpodcast or via email: ddunchainedpodcast@gmail.com

EPISODE #124 - Well, it’s been a decade of Dave & Dave Unchained reporting on everything Van Halen and despite the band being defunct, the spirit of the mighty VH roars on.
The Daves’ journey began in April 2016 and has continued monthly ever since. For this episode, the dynamic duo interviews the creator of the Music Media Archives YouTube site that put up 53 Van Halen 1982-83 live shows in 2025-26. Additionally, Loud Dave talks to artist Robert Vargas who recently conducted a portrait sit down with drummer Alex Van Halen. An overstuffed Van Halen News segment includes a review of the new “5150” box set plus a solid mailbag session completes this 10th anniversary special.
Download the podcast for free on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Google podcasts, Amazon Music, Podvine or iTunes. Connect with the Daves on Twitter: @ddunchained, Facebook: Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen podcast, Instagram: ddunchainedpodcast or via email: ddunchainedpodcast@gmail.com

EPISODE #123 - One of Van Halen’s biggest albums featuring one of their best covers arrived in 1986 with the release of the band’s seventh studio effort, “5150.” The Daves celebrate the 40th anniversary of the record by conducting an in-depth interview with photographer Aaron Rapoport, who shot the front and back cover. A solid VH News segment and a full mailbag complete this March episode.
Download the podcast for free on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Google podcasts, Amazon Music, Podvine or iTunes. Connect with the Daves on Twitter: @ddunchained, Facebook: Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen podcast, Instagram: ddunchainedpodcast or via email: ddunchainedpodcast@gmail.com

EPISODE #122 - After the one-two punch of Van Halen I & II, the mighty VH were faced with a small window to deliver their third record, “Women & Children First” in 1980. The Daves do a full breakdown of this sleeper classic at the tail end of its 35th anniversary. A hefty VH News segment and a full mailbag complete this February episode.
Download the podcast for free on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Google podcasts, Amazon Music, Podvine or iTunes. Connect with the Daves on Twitter: @ddunchained, Facebook: Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen podcast, Instagram: ddunchainedpodcast or via email: ddunchainedpodcast@gmail.com

EPISODE #121 - Before “Van Halen 3” was released, Loud Dave did an interview with the King - Edward Van Halen in December of 1997. At the time, the band was in the process of pulling “That’s Why I Love You” off the album and adding “Josephina.” EVH was hyped on the record, but he still dug into a lot of the past. This is a very intensely detailed interview that gets into some real old school nitty gritty minutia aimed at the hardcore VH fans.
Download the podcast for free on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Google podcasts, Amazon Music, Podvine or iTunes. Connect with the Daves on Twitter: @ddunchained, Facebook: Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen podcast, Instagram: ddunchainedpodcast or via email: ddunchainedpodcast@gmail.com

EPISODE #120 - Back in 1982, a movie was released that defined the Van Halen generation - “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” Easily, the best character in the film was Mike Damone played by actor Robert Romanus. The Daves try to buy some VH tickets from him during a special interview. Meanwhile, guitarist Mark Tremonti from Creed and Alter Bridge talks about opening for Van Halen, being friends with Wolfie and recording at 5150. A fresh VH News segment and a Santa mailbag completes this year-end episode.
Download the podcast for free on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Google podcasts, Amazon Music, Podvine or iTunes. Connect with the Daves on Twitter: @ddunchained, Facebook: Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen podcast, Instagram: ddunchainedpodcast or via email: ddunchainedpodcast@gmail.com

EPISODE #119 - From 1988 to 1991, Matt Bissonette played bass in David Lee Roth’s solo band. His tenure included the Skyscraper World Tour as well as the recording of the “A Little Ain’t Enough” album. In this interview, Bissonette discusses his experience in full detail as well as playing with Joe Satriani, Elton John, ELO. his brother Gregg Bissonette and making his new jazz album, “Common Road.” The Daves also serve up a stacked VH News segment that includes a review of Mammoth’s new album, “The End.” Plus, a new mailbag segment completes this November episode. Download the podcast for free on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Google podcasts, Amazon Music, Podvine or iTunes. Connect with the Daves on Twitter: @ddunchained, Facebook: Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen podcast, Instagram: ddunchainedpodcast or via email: ddunchainedpodcast@gmail.com

EPISODE #118 - Nothing is better than blowing up stuff and that was Pyro John Watkins’ speciality when he toured with Van Halen from 1986 through 1993. Watkins shares stories from the past about VH along with his years with KISS, Bon Jovi, the Jacksons, Rick James and even Bobby Brown.
The Daves also served up a stacked VH News segment that includes an extensive report on Sammy Hagar’s Birthday Bash at Cabo Wabo Cantina in Mexico as well as a review of the Red Rocker’s current live album. Plus, a new mailbag segment completes this Rocktober episode.
Download the podcast for free on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Google podcasts, Amazon Music, Podvine or iTunes. Connect with the Daves on Twitter: @ddunchained, Facebook: Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen podcast, Instagram: ddunchainedpodcast or via email: ddunchainedpodcast@gmail.com

EPISODE #117 - Loud Dave digs deep into his archives and pulls out a never before heard one-on-one interview with Diamond David Lee Roth, which he recorded in 1994 inside the Warner Brothers New York offices. At the time, Roth was promoting his new record, “Your Filthy Little Mouth” and spoke about all kinds of subjects including his review of Van Hagar performing his VH era songs.
A bonus new interview is added with former Roth guitarist John 5, who is currently supporting his upcoming album, “Ghost.”
The Daves deliver a packed VH News discussion as well as a spirited new mailbag segment to complete this stacked September episode.
Download the podcast for free on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Google podcasts, Amazon Music, Podvine or iTunes. Connect with the Daves on Twitter: @ddunchained, Facebook: Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen podcast, Instagram: ddunchainedpodcast or via email: ddunchainedpodcast@gmail.com

EPISODE #116 - Heard you missed him well he’s back! Diamond David Lee Roth has hit the road with his solo band playing a solidly packed all classic Van Halen set list. Loud Dave has a spirited discussion with special guest Darren Paltrowitz (author of “DLR Book: How David Lee Roth Changed the World,” co-host of The DLR Cast) about Roth’s August 10th concert at The Paramount in Huntington, NY, which they both attended. The Daves breakdown the new “Balance” (Expanded Edition) box set plus more VH News and a new mailbag segment complete this August episode.
Download the podcast for free on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Google podcasts, Amazon Music, Podvine or iTunes. Connect with the Daves on Twitter: @ddunchained, Facebook: Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen podcast, Instagram: ddunchainedpodcast or via email: ddunchainedpodcast@gmail.com

EPISODE #115 - Back in 1995, Loud Dave did a one-on-one interview with VH drummer Alex Van Halen. He thought the tape was lost and even forgot that he had it. However, the interview has been recovered and remastered (to the best of his ability). Alex talks about all different subjects including an extensive analysis of David Lee Roth. Some fresh VH News and a new mailbag segment complete this July 2025 episode.
Download the podcast for free on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Google podcasts, Amazon Music, Podvine or iTunes. Connect with the Daves on Twitter: @ddunchained, Facebook: Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen podcast, Instagram: ddunchainedpodcast or via email: ddunchainedpodcast@gmail.com

EPISODE #114 - The Demon from KISS, bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons opens up about his life and career, which includes discovering Van Halen. Los Lobos keyboardist/saxophone player Steve Berlin tells the tale of Top Jimmy & The Rhythm Pigs, the real life band he was in that inspired the VH song from “1984.” Healthy scoops of VH News and a new mailbag segment complete this June episode.
Download the podcast for free on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Google podcasts, Amazon Music, Podvine or iTunes. Connect with the Daves on Twitter: @ddunchained, Facebook: Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen podcast, Instagram: ddunchainedpodcast or via email: ddunchainedpodcast@gmail.com

EPISODE #113 - David Lee Roth has returned to the stage and has even announced a 21-date summer tour of the U.S. Loud Dave went to the M3 Festival in Maryland as did Darren Paltrowitz from the DLR Cast. Together with their partners Quiet Dave and Steve Roth, both who watched Diamond Dave’s performance via YouTube, all four guys hash it out during an in-depth over 80-minute discussion. A ton of VH News and a tight 10 letter mailbag segment complete this May episode.
Download the podcast for free on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Google podcasts, Amazon Music, Podvine or iTunes. Connect with the Daves on Twitter: @ddunchained, Facebook: Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen podcast, Instagram: ddunchainedpodcast or via email: ddunchainedpodcast@gmail.com

EPISODE #112 - “Hot for Teacher” is universally known as one of MTV’s most popular and creative videos. Model/actress Lori Tucker, who portrayed detention teacher Wanda, talks all about her experience working with the band. An extended VH News is included where the Daves breakdown the new Sammy Hagar single, “Encore. Thank You. Goodnight.” as well as the new David Lee Roth box set, “The Warner Recordings 1985-1994” plus a new mailbag segment in their 9th anniversary episode.
Download the podcast for free on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Google podcasts, Amazon Music, Podvine or iTunes. Connect with the Daves on Twitter: @ddunchained, Facebook: Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen podcast, Instagram: ddunchainedpodcast or via email: ddunchainedpodcast@gmail.com

EPISODE #111 - Manna from heaven descended upon Van Halen fans when James Vega unleashed the fury in the form of vintage VH videos ranging from 1978-1984. The Daves breakdown the entire lot including an exclusive email interview with Mr. Vega who answers all their burning questions in a special edition of VH News. Rock journalist extraordinaire Steve Rosen, author of “Tonechaser - Understanding Edward: My 26 Journey with Edward Van Halen,” comes back to discuss his new audio project “Van Halen Voices.” Plus, a stacked mailbag segment completes this March 2025 episode.
Download the podcast for free on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Google podcasts, Amazon Music, Podvine or iTunes. Connect with the Daves on Twitter: @ddunchained, Facebook: Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen podcast, Instagram: ddunchainedpodcast or via email: ddunchainedpodcast@gmail.com