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Van Halen ‘On Fire’ in Greensboro, 1981

August 25, 2020 —by VHND Leave a Comment

Press play on the video below, and then sit down. Or, you might want to stand up and go crazy.

On this day in 1981, The Mighty Van Halen performed at the Greensboro Coliseum. There’s an audio recording of this amazing concert. It’s one of the better-sounding audience recordings of the Fair Warning tour. 

But hold on a sec, we want to set this up first. This concert was unique. Right at the beginning of the opening song, “On Fire,” the band had some sort of technical difficulty and was forced to stall and improvise until they were able to restart the song. The resulting spontaneous jam is pretty cool to hear!

Two videos are embedded below. The first is the audio of “On Fire” with the improv jam, set to various audience-shot footage from the old days. The guy who made the video did a good job of pairing the footage to the Greensboro audio.

The second video is simply the full concert. It’s audio-only.

The Van Halen bootleg enthusiast who created the “On Fire” video sets it up perfectly on his youtube channel, so we’ll let him describe what this video is:

“Van Halen was well into their Fair Warning Tour on August 25, 1981 playing in Greensboro, NC for about 23,000 fans. Thanks to one intrepid fan we have an audio record of this night. That recording is considered one of the better-sounding boots of the 1981 tour.

“First, this audience recording stands as one of the cleaner, low distortion, boots from this tour. About a year ago I discovered the recording on a bootleg site. I heard some of the 1981 shows, and was aware of the limited Fair Warning tour video footage. When I first heard the Greensboro audience recording I was blown away! What was so unique about this show, great audio aside, was the intro to “On Fire” during the opening of the show. This seemed to be the only time that they jammed on the song, especially as an opener. The likely scenario seems to be that Mike may have been having problems with his rig, and Ed and Al were forced to improvise. If you listen carefully, I don’t hear Mikey (clearly) during most of the jam. I could be wrong though.

“I dug this recording so much that I wanted to create a video to go along with it. I guess you could call it a bootleg showcase. I took the elements from about 6 sources available on YouTube and edited them to the audio from that unique 1981 show.

“Though the first part of the video had no possible video to use, since this is a one-off jam, I tried to match existing footage as much as possible. But, since there is plenty of live footage of “On Fire,” I was able to sync (close to) frame-accurate footage to the existing audio from  2:00  to the end of the song.

“I hope this clip reminds us that there is still some amazing, undiscovered, footage out there. Maybe someday someone will truly “Rape The Vaults” and reveal some long lost hidden gems…

“So this is my Greensboro “On Fire” Video Mashup. Hope you enjoy!”

“On Fire” improvisation:

Listen to the full Greensboro concert below. It’s AMAZING:

1. On Fire 2. Sinner’s Swing 3. Drum solo 4. Hear About it Later 5. So This is Love? 6. Jamie’s Crying 7. Bass solo 8. Running with the Devil 9. Dance the Night Away 10. Sunday Afternoon in the Park 11. Romeo Delight 12. Everybody Wants Some 13. Sounds of Summer 14. Ice Cream Man 15. Mean Street 16. Guitar solo 17. Feel Your Love Tonight 18. You Really Got Me 19. Unchained 20. Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love

Lastly, the three photos in this article are from this night *August 25th, 1981), by Jim Talbott.

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When Van Halen Took a Victory Lap Opening for the Rolling Stones

Van Halen were already kings of the hard-rock heap by the time they embarked on their  Fair Warning tour  in mid-1981, and they concluded the mostly sold-out trek with a two-night victory lap opening for the Rolling Stones .

The spectacular double-header was booked for Oct. 24, 1981 at Orlando Stadium. The 60,000-plus-capacity venue sold out within hours, prompting a second show to be added for the following day (which sold out in roughly the same amount of time). The event was dubbed  Rock Super Bowl XII , the latest in a string of supersized rock concerts at Orlando Stadium dating back to 1977, which included heavy hitters such as Fleetwood Mac , Bob Seger , Eagles , Aerosmith , Heart and dozens more.

Orlando Stadium opened its doors at 9AM, and the Henry Paul Band kicked off the daytime show at 11AM. Fans quickly flooded the venue to watch two generations of rock 'n' roll royalty conquer the same stage. The Stones were riding high on the success of their chart-topping   Tattoo You , which spawned the monster hit "Start Me Up" and was heralded by critics as a return to form. Meanwhile,  Fair Warning  had become Van Halen's third consecutive Top 10 LP and was on its way to platinum status, and its ensuing tour saw the Pasadena quartet packing arenas across North America.

The Stones had assumed elder statesmen status by 1981, but a 38-year-old Mick Jagger still possessed the same animal magnetism of his youth and could go toe-to-toe with the lascivious, lion-maned David Lee Roth , who was a decade his junior. "The crowds were young, real young in Florida," Jagger told the New York Times . "The front rows in Orlando were filled with these 12- or 13-year-old girls, some of whom were making the most unseemly suggestions."

According to setlist.fm , Van Halen stuffed their truncated, hourlong set to the brim with high-octane hits like "Ain't Talkin' Bout Love," "Everybody Wants Some!!" and "You Really Got Me," along with new Fair Warning cuts like "Sinner's Swing!" and "Hear About It Later." (Curiously, they cut "Unchained," which was released as a single in Europe and Japan and became one of their most-played songs ever.)

Rock File contributing editor Mac Cancribbe attended the Oct. 25 show and recalled Roth ribbing the reporters in attendance. "Do you know what the first thing the newspaper critic with the Elvis Costello haircut is going to write about this show in tomorrow’s paper? How fucked up Van Halen was!" he reportedly told the crowd. "And you know what the second thing they are going to write is? How fucked up the audience was!"

After a round of rapturous applause, Roth then shouted, "Well, this one's for the press!" and mooned the press box as the band launched into "So This Is Love?"

This was a much more seasoned, confident band than the one that previously opened for the Stones in July 1978 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. Van Halen's eponymous debut album had been certified gold less than two months earlier, and the band had been starstruck at the mere sight of the Stones. "I couldn't believe it when Mick Jagger walked onstage when we were soundchecking at the Superdome. My jaw hit the floor," bassist Michael Anthony recalled in the book  Van Halen Rising . Their excitement may have deflated slightly when Jagger took a look at the bombshell-like rig housing Eddie Van Halen 's guitar effects and tut-tutted, "Well, we won't be needing it onstage."

Three years and millions of album sales later, Van Halen were arguably as big a concert draw as the Stones (if not bigger), and they proved their mettle onstage at Orlando Stadium. The shows were smashing successes, as evidenced by a black and white photo snapped by Richard Aaron on Oct. 24 that shows the band basking in the adulation of 60,000 fans. Van Halen later used the picture for the back cover of their  Diver Down  LP, released in April 1982.

Offstage, the Orlando Stadium shows were a little messier for certain members of Van Halen's team. During one of the shows, Anthony had trouble with his favorite bass, and his tech, Kevin "Dugie" Dugan, rushed backstage to get a set of strings from a storage box. In his hurry, Dugan shouted at concert promoter Bill Graham to get out of his way and unknowingly knocked Jagger to the ground.

Years later, Jagger got back at Dugan when they crossed paths at Los Angeles International Airport, ordering his crewmen to stuff the bass tech in the back of his limo. After exchanging pleasantries, Jagger issued a threat. "All of the sudden, his facial expression changed, and he lunged at me, grabbed me by my shirt … pulls me towards him and says, 'If you ever knock me on my ass again, I'll have you killed!'" Dugan recalled. He was scared stiff until Jagger started cracking up and the handful of crew outside the limo all yelled, "We got you!"

There was at least one person who was unimpressed with Van Halen's performance at the Orlando Stadium shows: Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards . When asked in 2020 if he had any recollection of those shows, Richards told the  Los Angeles Times , "I don't remember a thing about Van Halen in those days. I appreciated the work later on and everything, but I’m not a virtuoso soloist. ... The rock players, they’re good and they've all got their little thing going. But it’s never been my bag."

Van Halen Albums Ranked

More from ultimate classic rock.

Lore and Legacy: Things You Might Not Know About Van Halen’s ‘OU812’ Album

‘OU812’ is an iconic installment in Van Halen’s catalog — and one with a truly wild history!

Photo By John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images

On May 24, 1988, Van Halen released their eighth studio album, OU812 . Thirty-five years on, OU812 remains an iconic installment in the band’s back catalog — and one with a truly wild history.

The album immediately hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Chart, following the massive success of 1986’s 5150 . It was the second of four consecutive albums to reach that spot for Van Halen and also spawned four top-40 singles. Selling 4 million copies,  OU812 not only cemented the band’s already legendary status but also secured Sammy Hagar’s position as lead singer following David Lee Roth’s departure three years earlier.

Ozzy’s Boneyard (Ch. 38) spotlights 35 years of OU812 June 16–19 with songs & insight every hour!

How do you pronounce the title?

There’s been some confusion over the years on how to pronounce the album’s name.

The answer is more simple than you might think! OU812 should be pronounced phonetically, like, “Oh You Ate One Too.” There’s a rumor that this was a jab at David Lee Roth’s first solo album, Eat ‘Em and Smile. That album was also believed to be aimed at his former Van Halen bandmates. This is just hearsay, though, and Sammy Hagar claims that he saw the serial number “OU812” on a delivery truck and thought it was a funny name.

It’s also worth noting that the working name for the album was Bone. Apparently, Alex Van Halen hated the name. As such, it was changed, and OU812 was born.

A tribute to Jan van Halen

The December prior to the start of recording OU812, Eddie and Alex’s father Jan passed away at the age of 66.

The inner lining of the album features the words “This one’s for you, Pa” — a touching tribute. Jan had appeared on a previous Van Halen album,  Diver Down, playing the clarinet on “Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now).” That technically made Jan the third of four Van Halens to perform in the band, with Eddie’s son, Wolfgang , joining in 2006.

Sammy Hagar’s insecurity over “Mine All Mine”

Loaded with Van Halen’s signature synth, “Mine All Mine” is far broodier and more introspective than one might expect.

Lyrics like “Staring at the sun, searchin’ for the light / Almost ended up blind” allude to struggling to find one’s place and losing sight of what’s important. As it turns out, these words embody Sammy Hagar’s own insecurities about the song. Reflecting on the album with music critic Martin Popoff, Sammy said, “It was the first time in my life I ever beat myself up, hurt myself, punished myself, practically threw things through windows, trying to write the lyrics.”

In the end, Sammy had nothing to worry about, as the song is a masterstroke and a fantastic way to kick off the album.

Eddie Van Halen’s “Source of Infection”

The ripping “Source of Infection” is one of the heavier songs on OU812.

This incredible and chaotic track actually started as a joke between Sammy and Alex Van Halen. Despite the humor, the inspiration for the song was incredibly serious. It was written about Eddie’s hospitalization after contracting Dengue Fever while vacationing in Australia with his then-wife, Valerie Bertinelli . The frantic, feverous lyrics reflect the symptoms Eddie would’ve endured at the time, adding a great deal of context to the song’s unique sound!

The legacy of “Cabo Wabo”

During the recording of OU812, Sammy Hagar took some time to travel to his home in Cabo San Lucas to work on more songs.

The trip inspired the lyrics for “Cabo Wabo,” although the melody is taken from “Make It Last” — a song he’d written for his previous band, Montrose. The song’s legacy lives on as it also serves as the name of Hagar’s nightclub in the city.

Hagar’s time in Cabo also inspired “Sucker in a 3 Piece.” He was drawn to write the song after seeing a beautiful young woman with a much older man. He questioned how she could be in love with him and assumed it had to do with wealth. Hence, the song was born.

References to other bands

Featuring the members of Van Halen half cast in shadow, the cover art for OU812 immediately evokes the Beatles’ legendary album With the Beatles.

The cover was clearly intended as an homage from one fab four to another. The style also references King Crimson’s Red . However, it’s not the only tribute to other musicians to be found. “Feels So Good” is one of the poppier tracks on the album, which Hagar admits was designed to be similar in style to Genesis. Interestingly, Genesis was an early name for Van Halen in the ’70s, before discovering that it was already in use by the British band.

The origin of “AFU (Naturally Wired)”

Whether it’s the Beastie Boys’ “No Sleep ‘Til Brooklyn” or Motörhead’s “(We Are) The Road Crew,” many bands record songs about being on the road.

“AFU (Naturally Wired)” represents Van Halen’s take on the theme. It’s a complete classic, and when Sammy first heard it, he considered it the perfect opener for the OU812 tour. The song was inspired by a particular show filled with what Alex called “mishaps.” These included the stage catching fire and the crowd being over-capacity.

It’s a surprising revelation. The band was renowned for its strict contract riders, including the famed bowl of M&Ms with all the brown ones removed. This was used to test whether their technical and safety requirements had been observed. In the case of the concert that inspired “AFU,” these requirements clearly hadn’t been met. At least we got a great track out of it!

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Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

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Are You a Pop Culture-Obsessed Weirdo? Try Night Flight Plus.

If you’ve got six bucks and want to be adventurous, try this streaming service for some wild fringe programming.

By Jason Bailey

For this month’s spotlight on lesser-known but worthwhile streaming services , we turn our attention to a name that will mean much to a certain type of Gen-Xer: Night Flight Plus. For those too young to remember (or too old to care), “Night Flight” was a late-night mainstay on the USA cable network from its debut in 1981 through its conclusion in 1988, airing for four to six hours over weekend nights. It was primarily a home for music videos, especially in its early years when the still-nascent MTV had not yet cornered that market . “Night Flight” aired a wider variety of acts, and originated many of the eventual staples of MTV’s programming — video countdowns, artist profiles and the like.

But the show was never just a video magazine, and when MTV became a brand unto itself, “Night Flight” proudly proclaimed itself to be “more than just music television.” In fact, it was more like a digital variety show, intermingling music video packages with an assortment of alternative programming: cult and camp movies, aired in their entirety; short films by up-and-coming experimental filmmakers; offbeat cartoons, both new and vintage; segments spotlighting hot new stand-up comedians and sketch artists; and oddball throwback TV episodes. Every episode of “Night Flight” is a wild, unpredictable ride, where the only criteria for inclusion is coolness.

Night Flight Plus airs a curated selection of those original episodes , and if that were all it offered, it would still be well worth the $5.99 per month. But Night Flight Plus has extended the anything-goes spirit and mission of the original show, offering up not only those episodes but also the wild, fringe programming that filled its margins; those shows and films are now available at the push of your button, rather than a network’s.

So you can choose from a wide array of music documentaries and concert performances , soft-core romps and retro horror favorites , exploitation pictures and forgotten television . There are sidebars of films from the fringe auteurs like Dario Argento , Lucio Fulci , Andy Milligan and Penelope Spheeris . And several boutique home media labels, including Arrow Video , Blue Underground , Grindhouse Releasing , Something Weird and Vinegar Syndrome , have made their most popular titles available for subscribers.

Again, this is all six bucks a month , which makes Night Flight Plus the best overall value among the subscription streamers — at least, for a certain kind of pop-culture obsessed weirdo. (You know who you are). Here are a few recommendations:

Night Flight: Full Episode (7/14/84) : If you’re an ’80s survivor looking for a full-scale nostalgia overdose, then go directly to the selection of “ ‘As Aired’ Episodes With Commercials ,” which are, as promised, full and original two- and three-hour shows that even include vintage commercial spots (and their distinctive, earworm jingles). All are delightful, but this one is my favorite, and a quintessential example of the show’s everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach. It features a robust assortment of delightfully of-their-moment music videos, including “Magic” by the Cars, “Breakin’ … There’s No Stopping Us” by Ollie & Jerry and “Lucky Star” by Madonna (“one of today’s hottest rising stars”); an episode of the show-within-the-show “ Radio 1990 ,” spotlighting David Lee Roth and Van Halen; a featurette on that summer’s goofy jungle adventure film “Sheena”; and an installment of the 1950s sci-fi adventure series “Tom Corbett, Space Cadet.” Throw in those ads, which include both of Michael Jackson ’s ’84 Pepsi spots, and it’s like stepping into a time machine.

TV Party: “The Sublimely Intolerable Show” : If your tastes veer into even more eclectic realms, Night Flight Plus features a handful of vintage public access TV shows — chief among them “ Glenn O’Brien’s TV Party ,” a deliciously low-fi, shot-on-tape snapshot of the downtown New York art and punk scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The show was hosted by the writer and scene chronicler O’Brien and the Blondie co-founder Chris Stein, and was directed by the “No Wave” filmmaker Amos Poe . The hip-hop godfather Fab 5 Freddy was a frequent guest and occasional cameraman, and other guests included Jean-Michel Basquiat, David Byrne and Deborah Harry. You can watch the excellent 2005 documentary on the show — or you can leap right in with this typical episode, in which the energetic music and hip-as-hell cocktail party vibe aren’t even disrupted by the relentless technical difficulties.

“ Identikit ” : Severin Films is among the distributors with collections on the service, and the highlight may well be this 1974 Elizabeth Taylor vehicle (originally released in the United States as “The Driver’s Seat”). The director and co-writer is Giuseppe Patroni Griffi, and much of the film’s fascination comes from the incongruity of one of America’s biggest stars appearing in such an aggressively alienating example of a ’70s Italian psychological drama. There’s a feverish intensity to the entire enterprise, including the jagged narrative construction, the deranged supporting players, the inexplicable Andy Warhol cameo and (especially) Taylor’s performance, which starts at a 10 and only goes up.

“ Funeral Parade of Roses ” : Toshio Matsumoto’s 1969 Japanese drama, part of the “Cult Favorites” collection , is both wildly ahead of its time and unapologetically old-fashioned, deftly intermingling L.G.B.T.Q. representation and Douglas Sirk-style melodrama. It concerns transgender women (and the men who love them), via both episodic vignettes and direct-to-camera interviews. Matsumoto uses Godardian editing and on-screen text, stark visuals, self-referential touches and frank sexuality to tell their stories. Veering from broadly comic to deeply disturbing to quietly poignant, the drama is as resonant now as ever.

“ Heavy Metal Parking Lot ” : As with the original show, Night Flight Plus loves to boost short films , and this 1986 favorite is a lovely intersection of their primary interests (music, cult flicks and ’80s nostalgia). The directors John Heyn and Jeff Krulik went to a Judas Priest concert in suburban Maryland to interview fans tailgating in the parking lot, and in just under 17 minutes, they manage to capture both the goofiness of the hair metal scene and the genuine sense of belonging it gave to the outsiders on the stage and in the crowd.

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• 1974-1977 – Club Days
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• 1981 – Fair Warning
• 1982 – Diver Down
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1981 – Greensboro, NC @ Greensboro Coliseum

Van Halen live on 8/25/1981 in Greensboro, NC. MUST LISTEN , excellent audio bootleg and is the #1 best quality from the Fair Warning tour. This is Van Halen at the peak of powers on the Fair Warning Tour. Plus you get the extended show intro/jam of “On Fire” and Dave’s Sounds of Summertime rap before “Ice Cream Man.”

Audio Bootleg Quality: A+

• Sinner’s Swing
• Hear About It Later
• So This Is Love?
• Jamie’s Cryin’
• Runnin’ With The Devil
• Dance The Night Away
• Sunday Afternoon In The Park
• Romeo Delight
• Everybody Wants Some!!
• Sound of Summertime
• Ice Cream Man
• Mean Street
• Guitar Solo
• Feel Your Love Tonight
• You Really Got Me
• Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love

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Fair Warning

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Similar Posts

1984 – david lee roth interview – discussing crazy from the heat, 8/25/1984 – monsters of rock sweden @ rasunda stadium, 8/18/1984 – monsters of rock england @ castle donington.

Um, wow. This is incredible!! Thanks for sharing; I’ve been wanting to hear a good recording of a 1981 show for quite some time, and this delivers.

Cool. This show is the best quality from 1981.

Any chance of getting a download link? For some reason plays really crap for me…..

This is the best quality VH live show I have ever heard. Early Xmas gift for me!

Yes one of THE BEST VH bootlegs. And lucky it’s 1981 Tour too!

Love this concert.

Love it.! Anyone have the whole show in Flac format?

Is this the show where Dave threatened to beat someone’s ass for throwing a liqueur bottle at him????? I WAS THERE!!!!!!!!!

Bad ass! I love stories like that. I was at the El Paso show, also presented here. I remember that show with such detail because I was in Awe! It was my first concert ever and well; the rest is history.

That opening jam is so sick!

I was at this concert. My brother was the one that pulled David Lee Roth off stage. We are also the one that took the inside album cover of the Fair Warren album and drawer it on a king size sheet. We got back stage passes from Van Halen they liked it so much. I still have my concert ticket I never used still intact. Kim Prince Carter here look me up on Facebook… (People that draw the sheet was: Lisa Luper,Tommy Luper and Kim Prince Carter)

I was there with 2 of my best buds. My most vivid memory was seeing DLR at the holiday inn after the show surrounded by over 50 females…. What a great show

Love this show!! I wish I had been old enough to enjoy the early VH shows live in concert. I was only 9 years old when the 84 jump tour started, so…

I think my favorite 3 albums by VH are fair warning, 1984, and a toss up between VH II and balance.

Posts From 1981

5/18/1981 – rochester, ny (photos), 6/19/1981 – los angeles, ca @ la sports arena, 10/25/1981 – orlando, fl @ tangerine bowl (photos), 8/5/1981 – montreal, québec canada (photos), 1981 – french tv (studio 3), 6/20/1981 – inglewood, ca @ the forum.

Best Bootlegs

10/6/1979 – San Diego, CA @ San Diego Sports Arena

5/21/1984 – san diego, ca @ san diego sports arena #2, 9/22/1978 – fresno, ca @ selland arena, 1984 – san diego, ca @ san diego sports arena, 5/13/1984 – inglewood, ca @ the forum, 2/1/1984 – charlotte, nc @ charlotte coliseum, 10/2/1979 – tuscon, az @ tucson convention center.

Tour Archive

1978 – Tour Dates

1979 tour dates – world vacation tour, 1980 tour dates – world invasion tour, 1981 tour dates – fair warning tour, 1982 tour dates – hide your sheep tour, 1984 tour dates.

This site is not affiliated with Van Halen, their management or record label. The only goal of this site is to share, celebrate and chronicle Van Halen's history from 1973-1985.  The resources and documents presented here are strictly for archival purposes only. This site does not condone the sale of unauthorized recordings. Photo credit has been given when known.  If there's a photo you want credited or removed, please let me know: [email protected]

The Mighty Van Halen

Tour Details

Moscow metro tour: architectural styles of the subway.

Duration: 2 hours

Categories: Culture & History, Sightseeing

This metro tour of Russia’s capital and most populous city, Moscow, is your chance to get a unique insight into the beautiful and impressive architecture of the city's underground stations. Admire their marble walls and high ceilings representing Stalin's desire for glory after World War 2, and see first-hand how the interiors change with the rise of new political eras. Your guide will lead you through the complex network, which is one of the most heavily used rapid transit systems worldwide, with over two billion travelers in 2011.

Opened in 1935, Moscow’s underground system, now 190 miles (305 km) long with 185 stations, is today one the largest and most heavily used rapid transit systems in the world. On this Moscow metro tour, discover the impressive architecture of Moscow’s underground stations and learn how they reflect the Soviet era.

Getting around by metro, your local guide will take you through parts of Moscow’s infamous history. Stop at stations built during the time of the USSR (Soviet Union) that are praised as one of the most extravagant architectural projects from Stalin’s time. After World War 2, he was keen on establishing Stalinist architecture to represent his rising regime and a recognized empire. Learn how when his successor started the de-Stalinization of the former Soviet Union in 1953, the extravagancy of the architecture was toned down.

Discover how the unique character of each station reflected several different eras. While stations like Kievskaya and Slavyansky Bulvar have pompous halls and high stucco ceilings brimming with extravagant decorations, those built later, like Volzhskaya, are lightly adorned with sparse furnishings. Architect Alexey Dushkin and painter Alexander Deyneka were just two of the many artists who made these magnificent landmarks possible.

Revel in Moscow's glory days, as well as the years of scarcity, on this fascinating Moscow metro experience. Conclude your tour at one of the central stations in Moscow. If you're lucky, you may even find the secret entrance to the unconfirmed Metro-2, a parallel underground system used by the government -- a mystery which has neither been denied nor confirmed today.

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Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

For those who like to travel in comfort

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon

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• July 22, 1981 Setlist

Van Halen Setlist at Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA, USA

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• On Fire Play Video
• Sinner's Swing! Play Video
• Drum Solo Play Video
• Hear About It Later Play Video
• So This Is Love? Play Video
• Jamie's Cryin' Play Video
• Bass Solo Play Video
• Runnin' With the Devil Play Video
• Dance the Night Away Play Video
• Sunday Afternoon in the Park Play Video
• Romeo Delight Play Video
• Everybody Wants Some!! Play Video
• Ice Cream Man ( John Brim  cover) Play Video
• Mean Street Play Video
• Guitar Solo Play Video
• Feel Your Love Tonight Play Video
• You Really Got Me ( The Kinks  cover) Play Video
• Unchained Play Video
• Ain't Talkin' 'bout Love Play Video

Edits and Comments

10 activities (last edit by ExecutiveChimp , 7 Feb 2023, 02:08 Etc/UTC )

Songs on Albums

• Hear About It Later
• Mean Street
• Sinner's Swing!
• So This Is Love?
• Sunday Afternoon in the Park
• Ain't Talkin' 'bout Love
• Feel Your Love Tonight
• Jamie's Cryin'
• Runnin' With the Devil
• Guitar Solo
• Everybody Wants Some!!
• Romeo Delight
• Ice Cream Man by John Brim
• You Really Got Me by The Kinks
• Dance the Night Away

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Van Halen Gig Timeline

• Jul 20 1981 Spectrum Philadelphia, PA, USA Start time: 8:00 PM 8:00 PM
• Jul 21 1981 Spectrum Philadelphia, PA, USA Start time: 8:00 PM 8:00 PM
• Jul 22 1981 Spectrum This Setlist Philadelphia, PA, USA Start time: 8:00 PM 8:00 PM
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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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