Criticizing Van Halen for the times it were too corny or over-the-top almost feels disingenuous. After all, the band’s legend was founded on their blend of dizzying virtuosity with pervy jokester asides.

Journey co-founder Neal Schon knew, from the first, that Eddie Van Halen was a special guitar talent. He’d also worked with Sammy Hagar on a project away from Journey — and that’s how Schon played a role in the second Van Halen era.

Sammy Hagar and Chickenfoot will each find the spotlight again in the coming days. The band will see a deluxe re-release of its initial recording, while lead singer will be recognized with Sammy Hagar Day in Roseville, California.

A new report confirms that guitar hero Ronnie Montrose, who had been battling cancer for years, took his own life.

The remaining members of Montrose will lead an all-star cast of rock musicians gathering on April 27 to honor the band’s late leader Ronnie Montrose.

Sammy Hagar has announced the dates for his 2012 Birthday Bash, commemorating the Chickenfoot lead singer’s 65th. Festivities will again take place at the Cabo Wabo club in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, this time on Oct. 7, 9, 11 and 13.

Ronnie Montrose died Saturday after a five-year battle with prostate cancer. He was 64.

Van Halen is missing more than Michael Anthony’s signature tenor, Sammy Hagar says. They’re missing a very good bass player.

When superstar drummer Kenny Aronoff — on tour now with Chickenfoot — starts recalling his sideman projects, they spill out with no rhyme or reason. He’s, almost literally, played them all.

Seems Howard Stern is as jacked up about the new Van Halen reunion project as any of the band’s staunchest fans. To whit: He’ll be airing a sprawling five-hour segment on his SiriusXM radio show called “The Whole Truth: The Howard Stern/ Van Halen Special.”