The Johnny Beane Podcast

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we're joined by Ben Perea for an incredible conversation about his journey behind the lens—and to showcase never-before-seen Van Halen photographs that fans won't want to miss!

Ben shares how hearing Led Zeppelin's "Ramble On" at just 10 years old sparked a lifelong passion for rock music. From attending legendary concerts in the 1970s to photographing Van Halen, AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Heart, Boston, and many more, Ben's story is as fascinating as the images he's captured.

At just 17 years old, Ben borrowed a Pentax camera and photographed Van Halen in 1980. Two years later, he camped out five days for AC/DC's For Those About to Rock tour in Denver, earning local media attention before documenting another unforgettable show. As a self-taught photographer, Ben mastered the challenge of photographing fast-moving performers and, unlike official press photographers who were limited to only a few songs, he was able to capture entire performances from the audience.

The highlight of this episode is Ben's incredible collection of rare, never-before-seen Van Halen photos, offering fans a fresh look at the band during one of the most exciting eras in rock history. These stunning images have remained unseen by the public for decades, making this a must-watch for every Van Halen fan.

Using his trusted Nikon FM2 and Nikkor lenses, Ben preserved priceless moments in rock history that deserve to be shared and celebrated.

🎸 If you're a Van Halen fan, you do not want to miss this episode!

Be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and RING THE BELL so you never miss an episode of Johnny Beane TV!

#VanHalen #JohnnyBeaneTV #RockPhotography #EddieVanHalen

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, I'm recapping an incredible night with Fan Halen—one of the absolute best Van Halen tribute bands on the scene today!

If you're a fan of the classic David Lee Roth-era Van Halen sound and energy, these guys absolutely deliver. From the musicianship to the stage presence, they capture the spirit of the early Van Halen years and put on a fantastic show.

A huge thank you to Derek for the invitation! I had an amazing time, and I highly recommend catching Fan Halen whenever they're playing in a city near you. If you love classic Van Halen, this is a show you won't want to miss!

Be sure to like, subscribe, and let me know in the comments if you've ever seen Fan Halen live—or which Van Halen tribute band is your favorite!

#VanHalen #DavidLeeRoth #EddieVanHalen #FanHalen

Today we're paying tribute to one of the most influential figures in electric guitar history.

Wayne Charvel, the legendary luthier, innovator, and founder of the Charvel guitar brand, has passed away at the age of 85. His impact on modern guitar design, custom builds, and rock music is impossible to overstate.

From helping Eddie Van Halen create the iconic Frankenstein guitar to pioneering what would become known as the Superstrat, Wayne Charvel forever changed the way guitarists looked at performance instruments.

In this episode we'll discuss:
🎸 Wayne Charvel's incredible life and legacy.
🎸 How Charvel's Guitar Repair in Azusa, California became ground zero for the custom guitar revolution.
🎸 His relationship with Eddie Van Halen and the famous story behind the original Frankenstein guitar.
🎸 The original Bumblebee guitar Wayne built at Eddie's request.
🎸 How Charvel helped inspire the birth of the Superstrat.
🎸 Why Charvel guitars became the instrument of choice for the biggest shred guitarists of the 1980s.
🎸 The sale of Charvel to Grover Jackson and how the brand continued to grow.
🎸 Fender's acquisition of Charvel and the brand's modern resurgence.
🎸 Wayne Charvel's lasting influence on today's guitar builders and players.

Wayne Charvel opened Charvel's Guitar Repair in 1974, offering custom modifications and replacement parts at a time when major manufacturers like Fender and Gibson didn't provide custom shop services. His shop quickly became a destination for professional musicians looking to hot-rod their instruments.

One of those musicians was Eddie Van Halen.

Wayne famously recalled Eddie stopping by the shop looking for an extra body and neck. Charvel supplied him with spare parts, which Eddie transformed into what would become one of the most recognizable guitars in rock history—the legendary Frankenstein. Wayne also built the original Bumblebee guitar at Eddie's request.

His craftsmanship also attracted guitar legends including:

Steve Vai
Jake E. Lee
Warren DeMartini
George Lynch
Jeff Beck
Allan Holdsworth

Even after selling the company to Grover Jackson in 1978, Wayne's philosophy of building fast, reliable, player-focused instruments continued to define the Charvel brand and helped launch the Superstrat movement that shaped an entire generation of guitarists.

In 2002, Charvel became part of the Fender family, introducing a new generation of players to the legendary name while honoring the innovations Wayne started decades earlier.

Wayne Charvel leaves behind not only a legendary guitar brand, but an enduring legacy that continues to inspire builders, musicians, collectors, and fans around the world.

Join us live as we celebrate the life, career, and lasting impact of a true guitar pioneer whose influence will be felt for generations to come.

Rest in peace, Wayne Charvel.

#WayneCharvel #EddieVanHalen #Charvel #TalkingGuitars

🤘 Van Halen Conquers The Texxas Jam 1986! | 72,000 Fans, 5150 Era & Sammy Hagar’s Triumph

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we go back 40 years ago today to one of the most legendary performances of the Sammy Hagar era of Van Halen — the 1986 Texxas Jam at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas! 🤘

On July 19, 1986, Van Halen headlined the 9th annual Texxas Jam in front of a massive crowd of approximately 72,000 rock fans. The lineup featured an incredible collection of hard rock legends including Dio, Loverboy, Krokus, Keel, and Bachman-Turner Overdrive.

This show came during Van Halen’s groundbreaking 5150 Tour, their first major tour with new frontman Sammy Hagar after the departure of David Lee Roth. The band was riding high on the success of the 5150 album, which became their first #1 album on the Billboard 200.

The Texxas Jam performance became an important moment in Van Halen history — proving that the band’s new lineup with Eddie Van Halen, Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony, and Alex Van Halen had the power, chemistry, and energy to dominate the biggest stages in rock.

We also talk about a great story from VHND contributing writer Kevin Dodds, who was actually there for this historic concert. His article shares his memories of being a young Van Halen fan experiencing the excitement, chaos, and unforgettable atmosphere of the 1986 Texxas Jam.

The band’s set included classics like “Panama,” “Ain’t Talkin’ ’Bout Love,” “Why Can’t This Be Love,” “Dreams,” “Best Of Both Worlds,” “5150,” and more as Van Halen delivered a powerhouse performance for one of the biggest crowds of their career.

🔥 A legendary day in Van Halen history!

What do you remember about the 1986 Texxas Jam? Were you there? Let us know in the comments!

#VanHalen #SammyHagar #EddieVanHalen #5150Tour

Is Alex Van Halen About to Release the Ultimate Unheard Eddie Van Halen Album? by Johnny Beane