Scientists from the future have contacted Scene, verifying that David Lee Roth-era Van Halen was, in fact, the greatest band in rock history (Diver Down notwithstanding). Nothing against Led Zeppelin, mind you, but Eddie played smoother than Jimmy Page, and Dave — young Dave — was cooler than Robert Plant. Relive the magic through Atomic Punks: A Tribute to Early Van Halen. There — we made it to the end without bashing Van Hagar.

This article appears in May 25-31, 2005.