Van Halen causes "Eruption"

Hard rock 'n roll gets a whole new image with four guys from California.

February 10, 1978

The world of hard rock n roll is hit by an earthquake when four kids from Pasadena, CA release their first album on this date. Van Halen, by the band of the same name, was recorded in just three weeks but its effects are still being felt today.

Bassist Michael Anthony summed up the process. "We didn't have a ton of material, so we basica…