Van Halen – Fresno 1978-79 films

single-8: the Oklahoma show, like others I recorded, were done using a JVC Super ANRS Cassette recorder with a pair of E-V condenser Pro Mics.(PL-76′s).the van halen shows were done with sony recorders, 1978 was recorded with AKG dynamic mics, and 1979 was the first show that newer AKG condensers were used.In 1981 I bought the Sony TCD-5M and that was used until 1991 when I started using a sony DAT recorder, then I switched to a Denon DAT as the Sonys were unreliable.Then I started using an Aiwa MiniDisc from 2002 until 2007 when I switched to Zoom SD card machines…I have fresno shows from November 1976 up to November 2011….that’s 35 years…

Thanks for the technical history of your recording equipment.

Sneaking in extra cassettes was probably a lot easier than 8mm film.

Did VH play Fresno in 1981 & did you record them ?

Also, did you ever go to shows outside of the Fresno area ?

single-8: When you say “Shows” are you just talking about VH?..I was partners with someone ,who I have read about on this forum as well as other places(VHND) and we gave each other most of our recordings,he only got one film(s) on a very shitty VHS Tape..and he was selling things and taking credit for everythingI did as well as 2 other fresno people he was involved with.(Up until He FRIED Himself).so If it got recorded between 1977 and 1994 he probably had it and surely would have been selling or trading so If something isnt out there it probably doesnt exist..but he didnt get everything so there are things of mine exclusive to me..especially AFTER 1994.. S8S

Was this DJ ?

That was kind of bogus what he did – claiming the original VH video was his & saying it was destroyed in a fire.

I was just wondering if you went to ANY concerts outside of Fresno, like in the San Francisco/Oakland area.

Welcome to VHTrading! Really diggin some of that footage you’ve shared on youtube and thanks for joining us here! keep the stories coming!

single-8 ~ at what point did you stop shooting film and change over to video?

That’s what I thought – you said previously that you only shot film up until 1980. But I was wondering because while there were video cameras available by 1980, there really weren’t any consumer video cameras available until the mid-80s. So did you start shooting video in 1980, or did you only record audio for a while?

redozzman: Just curious, I saw on your Youtube Channel you have a Ozzy concert ticket from Jan 82′ did you capture that show?

that is my ticket stub and I was there,flying solo OTM..nobody I knew wanted to go to that show,but I knew this guy who said he would give me a ticket if I would give him a ride to the show(he didnt have a car).that was an unusual night for sure,everybody sat around until about 8:30 when they finally announced there would be no opening act..I dont remember their name ,but the drummer got lost ,his name was “Simon Wright” I believe..I bet Sharon Arden was PISSED…OZZY stretched the set to make up for the BS..the arena was less than half full,lots of seats,amazing it didnt cancel…later in the 90′s OZZY cancelled a show for the second time and it caused a massive riot at sellend arena..I showed up after it was over and thought”there sure are a lotta parking spaces!”..the fresno city council passed an ordinance BANNING OZZY from playing selland arena again(Maybe all of fresno) thats what happens when you have a CHRISTIAN Mayor!
S8S

guitard: I remember seeing those back in the early ’80s, but they were so damn big.How in the world did you ever sneak that thing in?

I used the Wheelchair pushed thru the Handicapped door,wearing some of my military uniform I looked legit.,they really respect a man in uniform,especially nowdays..Ive had people offering to buy me drinks saluting me…while Im sitting there recording the show..microphones hidden in my hat..it helps that I look like I went thru one helluva firefight..
it was like running a con game …sometimes I had to put on a act..fake a seizure,hang the water bag in plain view..even worked at Day on the Green in Oakland…kills the metal detectors too!!!

How many shows did you record using your JVC Stand-Alone VHS Portable VCR

and who were the bands ? What was the sound like ?