Earliest Van Halen Recording Released With New Book

A rare piece of Van Halen history is finally getting an official release. A previously unreleased 1974 demo recording titled “Glitter” will be packaged as a 7-inch vinyl picture disc alongside a new, limited-edition book authored by drummer Alex Van Halen.

Published by Genesis Publications, the book is titled simply Van Halen and stands as the earliest recording from the band to ever receive an official release. The track was captured in 1974 with the group’s original bassist, Mark Stone, who preceded Michael Anthony in the lineup.

Inside the Limited-Edition Book Package

While the Deluxe boxed set edition of 350 copies has sold out, a run of 1,150 Collector copies remains available priced at $525 (£345). Each copy is personally signed by Alex Van Halen and housed in a black clamshell box featuring silver foiling and the band’s classic silver debossed logo. The volume itself spans 312 pages, drawing from the drummer’s private archives for the first time to trace the band’s journey from their childhood in Holland and backyard parties in Pasadena to the Sunset Strip and their 1978 debut.

Genesis Publications noted that the picture disc features artwork based on the band’s 1984 tour design. The B-side contains a specially selected spoken-word recording drawn from new interviews conducted with Alex Van Halen for the project. The book also features an original manuscript by the drummer, archival texts from Eddie Van Halen, and contributions from friends and fellow musicians.

Bonus Memorabilia and Origins of the Recording

Along with the book and vinyl, the Collector package includes several bonus souvenirs: a Van Halen Productions keychain, three replica stage-used guitar picks belonging to Eddie Van Halen, and six 6″ × 4″ art postcards.

Though “Glitter” has never seen an official release until now, the demo has circulated for years via bootlegs, including the unofficial compilation Back In Circulation. It also surfaced in 1998 on the Dave TV section of David Lee Roth’s website alongside another session track, “Gentlemen Of Leisure.” The original recordings were tracked at the Pasadena home of David Lee Roth’s father, Dr. Nathan Roth, before being distributed to Los Angeles club bookers to secure early live gigs.