The Johnny Beane Podcast

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we discuss the surprising news that David Lee Roth has been added to Alex Van Halen's TEDxFargo appearance this Thursday!

David Lee Roth will join Alex Van Halen and acclaimed artist Robert Vargas on stage at TEDxFargo on Thursday, July 30, in Fargo, North Dakota.

Roth's involvement wasn't revealed until today through social media posts from Robert Vargas and TEDxFargo, making this a major surprise for Van Halen fans around the world.

While this won't be a concert or musical performance, the three are expected to take part in a live conversation as part of this year's TEDxFargo theme, "CHARGE." Alex has kept a low public profile in recent years following the release of his memoir Brothers, making this appearance even more significant.

Robert Vargas, the Los Angeles artist behind the famous Eddie Van Halen mural at Guitar Center Hollywood and his striking Alex Van Halen portrait, has become a close friend of Alex and will also be part of the discussion.

Robert Vargas, the Los Angeles-based contemporary artist joining Alex and Roth on stage, is internationally recognized for his massive freehand murals and striking mixed-media portraits. Raised in Boyle Heights, California, Vargas studied at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts before continuing his education at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. His artwork can be found on prominent buildings throughout downtown Los Angeles as well as in cities across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Among Van Halen fans, he's best known for creating the iconic Eddie Van Halen mural at Guitar Center Hollywood and his impressive portrait of Alex Van Halen.

Perhaps the biggest story is that this marks the first public event featuring David Lee Roth and Alex Van Halen together on the same stage since Van Halen's final performance at the Hollywood Bowl in October 2015. What stories, memories, and surprises might they share?

We'll break down everything we know, what fans can expect, and why this could be one of the most talked-about Van Halen events of the year.

#RobertVargas #VanHalen #DavidLeeRoth #AlexVanHalen #TEDxFargo

Fender Japan has done it again! The brand's new Limited Active Modern Series introduces some impressive innovations that many players have been asking for—and it raises one big question: Why aren't these features available on more U.S.-made Fenders?

The new lineup includes two Stratocasters (SSS and HSS), a Telecaster, and a Modern Jazz Bass, all loaded with modern upgrades while staying true to classic Fender DNA.

One of the biggest additions is the new Turbo Tone Boost. Activated with a push/push volume knob, it simulates the sound of a hotter single-coil pickup by electronically increasing the perceived winding effect—giving players a thicker, more powerful tone without changing pickups.

Fender Japan also introduces a redesigned five-bolt neck heel, providing easier access to the upper frets while improving stability. The Stratocasters and Telecasters feature elegant body binding, a rare sight on production Fender Strats that gives these guitars a premium custom-shop vibe.

Another standout feature is the new SILENCOIL system. Designed to eliminate hum while preserving the authentic tone and attack of traditional single-coils, it works independently from the pickups themselves—meaning players can swap pickups later and still keep the noiseless technology.

Built with alder bodies, maple necks, premium fingerboards, and high-quality Japanese craftsmanship, the Active Modern Series blends vintage tone with modern performance. The guitars are available in finishes including Two-Color Sunburst, Feather Gray, Black, Sapphire Blue Transparent, and Vintage Natural.

Unfortunately, there's one catch: the entire Active Modern Series is exclusive to Japan.

Could these innovations eventually make their way to Fender's U.S. lineup? Many players are hoping so.

What do you think? Would you buy one of these Fender Japan Active Modern guitars if they were available in the United States?

#FenderJapan #FenderStratocaster #FenderTelecaster #ElectricGuitar

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, David Lee Roth has just shared three brand-new video clips promoting his upcoming appearance at Sturgis—but there's something unusual about them.

One video is in English, while the other two appear to be in Spanish and Portuguese (possibly Brazilian Portuguese). The non-English versions sound remarkably like Dave, but are they actually his voice? The pitch seems noticeably higher than in the English clip, leading many to wonder if AI voice technology was used. There's also what appears to be a green screen visible behind him, adding even more intrigue.

Are these authentic multilingual messages from Diamond Dave—or AI-enhanced versions created for international audiences? Let's watch the videos together, break them down, and discuss what might really be going on.

#DavidLeeRoth #VanHalen #Sturgis #johnnybeaneTV

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we're breaking down the surprising news that David Lee Roth's 2026 tour appears to have been canceled. Then, in an unexpected twist, Sammy Hagar publicly responded, wishing Dave nothing but the best and even extending an invitation for him to join the band in Las Vegas!

What does this mean for Van Halen fans? Could this lead to something bigger, or is it simply a show of respect between two rock legends? Let's dive into the latest news, reactions, and what it could mean moving forward.

Join the conversation LIVE on Johnny Beane TV!

#DavidLeeRoth #SammyHagar #VanHalen #JohnnyBeaneTV

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we're joined by the legendary Zeke Clark—Eddie Van Halen's longtime guitar tech—for an exclusive look inside his incredible collection, now being offered through Backstage Auctions.

Hear the stories behind some of the most amazing pieces of Van Halen history ever to reach the public, including hand-built Kramer guitars originally intended as studio backup guitars for Eddie Van Halen, Marshall amplifiers and cabinets from Eddie's rig, rare Van Halen guitar picks, backstage passes, laminates, crew shirts, and an incredible collection of one-of-a-kind memorabilia collected during Zeke's years with the band.

We'll also dive into Zeke's time working with Prince, showcasing an incredible selection of authentic Prince memorabilia straight from the source, complete with the stories behind these historic pieces.

If you're a fan of Van Halen, Prince, rock history, or music collectibles, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Be sure to drop your questions in the comments, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support Johnny Beane TV!

#VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #Prince #zekeclark