April 29, 1981. Van Halen released their forth full-length album, Fair Warning. Here’s four fast facts you may or may not know about the record.
4 Fast Facts: Van Halen's 'Fair Warning' Turns 40
adam12
April 29th, 2021
April 29, 1981. Van Halen released their forth full-length album, Fair Warning. Here’s four fast facts you may or may not know about the record.
The first thing about 'Fair Warning' that hits you is the cover art: the front and back covers feature photographs of 'The Maze' by William Kurelek. The painting depicts the artist's youth, and it's pretty dark.
Lead single "So Is This Love?" is a bit unconventional, even by Van Halen standards: Alex lays down a swing beat that would sound more at home on a jazz record than a Van Halen record
The album's second single was almost titled "Hit the Ground Running." It also features producer Ted Templeman's lone vocal contribution; he's the guy who says "C'mon, Dave, gimme a break!"
Depending on which version of the "Unchained" 7" you bought back in '81, you either got "So Is This Love" or "Push Comes To Shove" as the B-side.