TWO men generally regarded as Australian national treasures, Jimmy Barnes and Molly Meldrum, figure prominently in a new Van Halen documentary.
The Van Halen Fan Made 1984 Documentary is something of a YouTube sensation and concluded this week with its fifth and final instalment, examining the break-up of the original line-up.
You can watch the full episode below.
It is well known that Cold Chisel frontman Barnes was sounded out about replacing David Lee Roth in ‘America’s Favourite Band’ in 1985.
In the documentary, it is stated that Barnes was originally on a list of singers Eddie Van Halen wanted for different tracks on what was to be an all-star 5150, along with Patti Smyth, Eric Martin and Steve Perry.
EVH wanted someone like Bon Scott, it is reported, and settled on Barnes for the main gig. “Barnes turned it down,” the narrator says,
Countdown host Meldrum is also prominent – but not referred to by name.
Meldrum was reporting on the new line-up including Sammy Hagar and can be seen interviewing all four members of Van Halen at a party. Everyone seems intoxicated at the event on September 13, 1985.
Eddie can be seen apparently forcing Meldrum to kiss Hagar.
“No, no, we don’t do that in America,” Hagar says in an interview many Australian fans will have seen more than once.
“You can’t kiss another man in America. People will think you’re people like Dave … people like Boy George.”
Molly then puts his arm around Hagar.
