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Anyone who knows me knows one thing: I am a huge Van Halen fanatic. I have VH T-shirts, I own the Van Halen model amplifier and guitar, I've bought every version of their albums multiple times in multiple formats. I listen to them on a daily basis.

I've seen them live before, but as of March 15, I will be seeing them FRONT ROW, live, in Montral at the Bell Center, because I spent MUCHO bucks I really don't have to buy an ultimate VIP package. This includes:

One reserved ticket in the front row
Backstage tour
Pre-show party
Parking
Early entrance into the venue
Van Halen Ultimate VIP commemorative laminate
Exclusive Van Halen gift bag
Commemorative VIP ticket
On-site VIP Host

Oh yeah, I totally BLEW my savings bond on this, and I don't regret one bloody cent. I am so stoked. It's not often a person gets to do something that's literally on their bucket list (I don't care if you think what's on my bucket list is lame lol).

I think I'm pretty much alone here in my worship of the mighty Van Halen, but I just had to share. I have rarely been so excited about something as I am this event.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WfQ-hV3WtA

Good for you treating yourself! Have a blast man! Tell us all about it.

Oh don't worry I'll be telling EVERYONE about it.

Yes John, I have been noting your happiness and I've very happy for you. I won't ask the number of bucks you've spent, but I certainly know the joy of finally getting to a concernt you've been waiting for!

I hope it's everything you're hoping for and more!!!

I think it's prety awesome.

I love Van Halen, especially the original line-up.

If you get to meet them at all while backstage or wherever, you must report back here your impressions of the band now.

Also, let us know how the concert goes, how Dave sounds, etc.

That's awesome John - there's literally excitement coming out of every word of your post, and that's infectuous! Congrats, and have a ball. I saw them back in the Sammy days - I think it may have been '91 or '92, not sure, and it was a great show. But I'm pretty jealous of you getting to see Dave perform, and with all those extras...that's pretty sweet!!

A great concert can be such a "religious" experience! Mine was back in September of '92, when I saw U2 live in Toronto at the CNE, as part of their Zoo TV tour. WOW - I get chills just thinking about it now, and I don't think that I'll ever experience another concert more amazing than that. I hope this one turns out to be one for your record books too!!

I gotta say, folks, it's like 10 Christmases rolled into one. I play guitar (poorly) because of Van Halen. I write music (poorly) because of Van Halen. I have the T-Shirts. I have seen them before (I also saw them with Sam in 93 at the Air Canada Center but was NEVER this close).

Every time I think about how I am going to be backstage and then FRONT ROW I think "Wow, I have wanted to see these guys front row since I was in grade TEN!"

It's really amazing and honestly, it's something I actually get to scratch off my "bucket list". How often does someone get to do that?

I was talking to someone who went backstage on the 93 tour and apparently the band was there fixing everyone drinks. Don't worry, if that happens again I'll be taking pics and reporting on the whole thing!

I'm so stoked it's ridiculous. I haven't been here much lately because I've been online making plans and booking tickets and hotel and planning the trip. It's gonna be an amazing few days!

Well, guys, the concert was Thursday. It blew me away. Worth every penny. I was front row center. Couldn't get any closer to Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth without getting arrested. I wish I could do it again tonight.

Whoever filmed this was right behind me. This was my view all night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krxFV1_WA4Y

I've seen your posts on Facebook and I'm thrilled on your behalf John! Making memories is awesome!

Sweet! How much hearing did you lose? did you get backstage?

Yeah, the ultimate VIP package took you on a backstage tour. Got to watch sound check and see Eddie's gear. My ears were ringing for about two days afterward.

Been so inspired by all this Van Halen stuff, I am giving some serious thought to saving up for one of these EVH Wolfgang guitars.... *salivates*

Dear Lord, man, if you buy that you better record something with it so I can hear how it sounds. Interesting that you pick that one. No locking whammy?

This is the one I'd get.



This is the one I have now, the Peavey version:

I actually overlooked that.

I was fixated on the darker fretboard and inlays.

Hyptnotized by the shinies.

I didn't even know about the Peaveys. I like that blue. Pretty.