The Time Van Halen Completely Upstaged Black Sabbath As An Opening Act

March 20, 2025

It was a chilly night in 1978 when the legendary rock band Black Sabbath was set to take the stage at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. The air buzzed with excitement as fans eagerly awaited their heavy riffs and dark lyrics. However, this particular evening had an extra layer of anticipation, as the opening act was a relatively unknown band called Van Halen. They had only just released their first album, but whispers of their explosive energy and raw talent had begun to spread through the music scene. Little did anyone know, this night would change everything.

As the lights dimmed, Van Halen burst onto the stage with a confidence that surprised everyone. Eddie Van Halen, with his iconic red-and-white striped guitar, immediately grabbed the crowd’s attention. His fingers danced across the strings, creating a sound so electrifying that fans couldn’t take their eyes off him. David Lee Roth, the flamboyant frontman, cheered the audience on, his stunning stage presence infectious. They played songs like “Runnin’ with the Devil” and “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” and with every note, they seemed to pull the crowd deeper into their world. It was an exhilarating performance filled with high energy, humor, and a sense of pure joy that left the audience buzzing.

Meanwhile, Black Sabbath waited backstage, knowing they were about to perform after such a dynamic act. It wasn’t just any show for them either; they were the kings of heavy metal, and they had a reputation to protect. Yet, as Van Halen continued their set, the cheers and roars from the audience grew louder, drowning out the usual expectations of what an opening act should do. Van Halen was not just warming up the crowd; they were stealing the show. The tension backstage was palpable, as even the mighty Black Sabbath had to admit they were witnessing something special.

When Black Sabbath finally took the stage, it was clear the atmosphere had shifted. They began their set with the powerful “Iron Man,” but the crowd still buzzed with the energy from Van Halen’s performance. The roar of the audience wasn’t quite the same. It was as if they were still riding the high of the opening act, and while Black Sabbath played with all their might, they couldn’t quite reach the heights that Van Halen had just set. It was a difficult moment, one that would leave a mark on both bands for years to come.

In the end, that night in Pasadena became a pivotal moment in music history. Van Halen’s triumph as an opening act propelled them into stardom. The energy and passion they displayed resonated with fans and led to a series of sold-out shows and record deals. It wasn’t just luck; it was years of hard work, practice, and the dream of making it big. They had taken the chance to shine, and they did so brilliantly. Meanwhile, Black Sabbath, though slightly overshadowed, continued to be a legendary force in rock music, proving that there is always room for many stars in the sky.

That night taught a valuable lesson: sometimes, the underdog can rise to greatness when they least expect it. Van Halen’s bold performance inspired countless young musicians who watched from the crowd, showing them that passion and resilience could lead to extraordinary outcomes. As the years rolled on, both bands would continue to leave their mark on the music industry, but that evening in Pasadena would always be remembered as the night Van Halen blazed a path to glory, proving that sometimes, the thrill of music can turn the world upside down.