Eddie Van Halen (trap case) Van Halen, Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ, 1979

“I was excited to find out that Van Halen were playing Convention Hall in Asbury Park, New Jersey – 15 minutes away from where I lived. At this point I was getting photos in every issue of Circus, and I asked the magazine if they wanted me to shoot the show on assignment. They gave me the green light. They told me I would need to make arrangements and set up the pass. I was still in my teens and a little shy, but man, I was shooting for one of the biggest rock magazines in the States. After a few calls I was able to get a photo pass to shoot Van Halen. I went to the venue early on August 11, 1979, and walked right in to sound check. After sound check was done I followed them up the stairs to their dressing room. When security asked who I was I told them I was the band’s photographer - they let me right up. I introduced myself to Michael and showed him the Steven Tyler centerfold I did the previous year. I asked to take a few pics and he was happy to do so. Then I asked Eddie and he just smiled - I took that as a yes. It was my first of many shoots with him.” — Mark “WEISSGUY” Weiss