This week, I'm joined by author Greg Renoff as we discuss the response to his new book about the early days of Van Halen.

Show notes:

• Recorded via Skype

• Buy Greg's book Van Halen Rising at Amazon or get a signed copy from the Van Halen Store

• We last spoke in March before the book came out

• Great response from readers

• Selling well on Amazon, was reviewed in Rolling Stone

• DLR's role in the band's early days surprised some

• Roth defied the odds to become a star

• Gene Simmons was an early supporter of the band

• Roth had different musical interests than the VH brothers

• Greg: Not sure what next writing project will be

• Meeting readers at book signings is fun

• Launch party in Pasadena featured VH's original bassist Mark Stone

• Visited neighborhood where VH played backyard parties

• The revolutionary sound of "Eruption"

• VH's disappointing live album

• Debate over what's in the archives

• The future of the band is murky

• Little released output from Eddie over the last 15 years

• Dave's role in the band is much different now

• DLR could be reuniting with his Eat 'Em and Smile-era band for some shows

Completely Conspicuous is available through the iTunes podcast directory. Subscribe and write a review!

The opening and closing theme of Completely Conspicuous is "Theme to Big F'in Pants" by Jay Breitling. Find out more about Senor Breitling at his fine music blog Clicky Clicky. Voiceover work is courtesy of James Gralian.