
Presenting Disgraceland - Van Halen: Bootleggers, U.S. Marshals, and Protecting Innovation at Any Cost
Explicit content warning
05/23/24 • 43 min
On the backs of one of rock ‘n roll’s greatest innovators and one of its greatest ringmasters, Van Halen made some of the greatest music of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Guitarist Eddie Van Halen chased the perfect sound while lead singer David Lee Roth chased the next party. They were also ruthless when it came to protecting the unique thing they had created. Nothing was allowed to stand in their way. Not bullies, bootleggers, cynical guitar manufacturers, record producers – even the members of Van Halen themselves.
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On the backs of one of rock ‘n roll’s greatest innovators and one of its greatest ringmasters, Van Halen made some of the greatest music of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Guitarist Eddie Van Halen chased the perfect sound while lead singer David Lee Roth chased the next party. They were also ruthless when it came to protecting the unique thing they had created. Nothing was allowed to stand in their way. Not bullies, bootleggers, cynical guitar manufacturers, record producers – even the members of Van Halen themselves.
To see the full list of contributors, see the show notes at www.disgracelandpod.com.
To listen to Disgraceland ad free and get access to a monthly exclusive episode, weekly bonus content and more, become a Disgraceland All Access member at disgracelandpod.com/membership.
Sign up for our newsletter and get the inside dirt on events, merch and other awesomeness - GET THE NEWSLETTER
Follow Jake and DISGRACELAND:
X (formerly Twitter)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Previous Episode

ENCORE - Valerie Bertinelli & Eddie Van Halen
America’s girl next door meets the leader of America’s wildest rock band. As Valerie Bertinelli struggles with her career as an actress, Eddie Van Halen and his band skyrocket to success, and he faces his own challenges by leaning into his drinking. Valerie moves to help him, but when the lifestyles they lead and the demands of work cause a rift, she finds she has her own demons to face.
Sources:
Enough Already: Learning to Love the Way I Am Today, by Valerie Bertinelli
Losing It: And Gaining My Life Back, One Pound at a Time, by Valerie Bertinelli
2001 Entertainment Tonight interview
Valerie Bertinelli Talks Tragic Death of Brother at 17 Months Old (People Magazine)
For behind the scenes info and news on this episode, follow:
Instagram:@DoubleElvis @Aboutagirlpod @Nikkilynette
Twitter: @DoubleElvisFm @Nikkilynette
Pinterest: @doubleelvisfm
Facebook: Double Elvis Productions
About A Girl is a scripted narrative anthology series about women whose stories have long been eclipsed by the legends of their famous partners. Bowie, Elvis, 2Pac, Prince, Miles, Biggie. Each of these icons created some of the most celebrated and enduring music of the modern age. But there's more to their stories than you know. About A Girl brings focus to the many women without whom the landscape of popular music might be very different. For more shows like About A Girl, check out www.doubleelvis.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Next Episode

ENCORE - Carolyn Dennis & Bob Dylan
The gospel-fed daughter of one of Ray Charles’s Raelettes had no idea who this Bob Dylan character was when she was called to audition for his band. Within a few years, she would be his wife and mother to his daughter—both of them hidden from the public, as Dylan converted to Christianity and tried to find his identity as a man and as an artist.
Sources:
A Look Back At Bob Dylan's First Album
Carolyn Dennis: The Secret Wife of Bob Dylan
Carol Dennis: Who Is Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan Sings "Changing of the Guards" On His Alimony Tour
A Simple Twist of Faith: Reconsidering Bob Dylan's Christian Period
Bob Dylan With Carolyn Dennis—Farm Aid Rehearsals
Down The Highway: The Life of Bob Dylan by Howard Sounes
The Lonesome Death of Richard Manuel
For behind the scenes info and news on this episode, follow:
Instagram:@DoubleElvis @Aboutagirlpod @Nikkilynette
Twitter: @DoubleElvisFm @Nikkilynette
Pinterest: @doubleelvisfm
Facebook: Double Elvis Productions
About A Girl is a scripted narrative anthology series about women whose stories have long been eclipsed by the legends of their famous partners. Bowie, Elvis, 2Pac, Prince, Miles, Biggie. Each of these icons created some of the most celebrated and enduring music of the modern age. But there's more to their stories than you know. About A Girl brings focus to the many women without whom the landscape of popular music might be very different. For more shows like About A Girl, check out www.doubleelvis.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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