What do you get when you cross 11,000 screaming fans and four guys jumping around and having fun onstage? One hell of a concert.

Van Halen flew into Des Moines Saturday morning, around 2 a.m., and exploded onto the Hilton stage 18 hours later, giving their “loyal fans” something to remember.

With a big-screen TV as their backdrop, Van Halen came running out and burst into “Right Now,” from For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. “Right Now we’re kicking ass in Ames,” Sammy Hagar shouted as the band started in on “Big Fat Money” from their current CD, Balance.

Throughout the song the TV backdrop showed money being made and ended with Sammy’s face on a VH5150 ten bill. Which to the average person means nothing, but to fans it symbolizes Hagar’s 10 years with the band. A little longer than that other guy, uhhh, I think his name was Diamond Dave.

“We’re back. There’s 20-minutes of non-stop Rock and Roll,” Hagar said after a rockin’ set that included “Why Can’t This Be Love” and “Standin’ On Top of the World.” Although Hagar tried to take a time-out before hand, the crowd wouldn’t let him. “Fuck it, I’ll talk to ya’ later.”

Hagar, Michael Anthony, Eddie and Alex Van Halen were having the time of their lives, sharing time on the microphone, kicking and laughing at each other. Evidence was in the seven or eight different shirts Hagar put on during the show, all thrown up on stage from the crowd.

Sammy had some stories to tell and none were more entertaining than the one he shared during his solo. It was about two cars drag-racing through the streets of Des Moines Saturday morning and Sammy telling his limo driver to punch it.

“I don’t normally do this but…one foot on the brake and one on the gas.” As Hagar broke into a quick rendition of his hit single “I Can’t Drive 55.” After the song Sammy added, “That was great, you made my night.”

Perhaps the coolest part of the night, for band and crowd alike, was when the band started playing “Amesterdam,” a song off Balance.

“MTV ain’t going to play this shit for you, but we will. Light ’em up,” Hagar announced as the big screen TV showed a home video of the boys “playing” around in the Red Light District of Amesterdam.

Every member of the band had a solo, but Alex’s drum solo was without question, amazing. Not that Eddie’s wasn’t great, it was, but that’s expected. With Alex wearing a neck brace, one would’ve thought he’d take it easy. But Alex wouldn’t have any of it as he displayed his prowess on the skins. Amazing.

“Now this is what I call a rock and roll concert,” Hagar said as the band left the stage for good.

Brother Cane opened the show with some good old rock and roll tunes. Sounding more 70s than 90s, Brother Cane dedicated their final song, “Hung on a Rope,” from their CD, Seeds, to Susan Smith as Damon Johnson added, “You stupid fucking bitch,” to the final verse. Now that’s what I call a tribute.

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MICHAEL FAAS/ The Daily

Eddie Van Halen not only shreds his pants but his guitar too.