Formed in Pasadena, California in 1974 and credited with ‘restoring hard rock to the forefront of the music scene’, Van Halen was known for its energetic live shows and for the virtuosic talent of prodigy lead-guitarist, Eddie Van Halen. From 1974 until 1985, Van Halen consisted of Eddie Van Halen; Eddie’s brother, drummer Alex Van Halen; energetic vocalist David Lee Roth; and bassist/vocalist Michael Anthony. Upon its release in 1978, the band’s self-titled debut album reached No. 19 on the Billboard pop music charts and would sell over 10 million copies in the U.S. Halen’s 1978 World Tour was the group’s first international jaunt, and covered mainly North America with 124 shows in the United States and two in Canada. They also played 39 gigs in Europe, and 9 in Japan. While they largely supported groups like Journey and Black Sabbath in the United States, in Japan they headlined, such was the band’s status by this early juncture in that territory. Van Halen arrived in Japan on 17th June ’78 and stayed until 27th. Playing four nights in Tokyo to start – 2 each at the Cultural Hall and the Nakano Sun Plaza – their final show in the capital on 22nd June, is generally considered the finest show they played in Japan that year. Indeed, many fans still regard it as Van Halen’s best ever Japanese concert. Recorded for live radio broadcast, the entire event is now available on this new CD.