40 Years Ago: Van Halen Fan Risks Life to Party With His Heroes
In 1984, the two-year-old MTV network still had a lot to prove about its rock credentials, and bosses were serious about proving it all. At the same time, Van Halen had nothing left to prove – but it didn’t stop the parties connecting to offer one of the most outlandish prizes ever to the band’s fans. Announcing the “Lost Weekend” contest (one of a series of such promos), the broadcaster listed the tempting treasure: two nights partying with Van Halen amid their 1984 tour, including all the larger-than-life antics that would come with it, plus a stack of merchandise and $1,000 in cash. “You’ll...