POP MUSIC REVIEW : Van Halen’s Altered State in San Diego

In a radio interview just before Van Halen’s concert on Friday at the San Diego Sports Arena, singer-guitarist Sammy Hagar made two promises: that, once on stage, he wouldn’t allude to the strife in Los Angeles and that the show would be a memorable one. As it happened, Hagar held his tongue only until the conclusion of the second song--the headbanger, “Judgement Day.”

“We’re glad to be here in San Diego--where it’s safe!” Hagar shouted to a deafening ovation.

The juggernaut comprising Hagar, guitarist Eddie Van Halen, drummer Alex Van Halen and bassist Michael Anthony, however, more than made good on the latter vow. With the hyperactive Hagar leading the way, Van Halen barnstormed through 130 minutes of high-octane rock ‘n’ roll that hopscotched backward through the band’s 15-year oeuvre .

Whether drawing on the adrenal tension of the week’s events or simply accelerating toward the conclusion of a tour that began last August, Van Halen played with a ferocity that kept 13,000 vocal, fist-pumping fans on their feet. From the opening chord crunch of “Poundcake,” the first track on last year’s “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge” album, to the encore (“Jump,” natch) more than two hours later, it was apparent that this concert was plugged into a power source reserved for special occasions.

As a result, Friday’s concert was a showcase of the qualities that have made Van Halen perennial favorites in the metal/hard-rock derby and one of the best rock ‘n’ roll bands in the world: guitar hero Eddie Van Halen’s virtuosic solos and his knack for putting a kaleidoscopic spin on standard rock riffs; the pulverizing yet fluid rhythms of Alex and Anthony; and Hagar’s paint-peeling squeals and earthy, animated shamanism.

The roll call of Van Halen’s strengths conspired to forge intense renditions of “Runaround,” “Right Now” and “Top of the World” (from “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge”), as well as “Finish What Ya Started” and “When It’s Love” from 1988’s “OU812.”

Even though lengthy solos by each musician slowed and extended the show, its otherwise manic pace enabled Van Halen to mix a generous helping of older material into a set list dominated by their recent albums.

Judging both from the musicians’ enthusiasm and from the crowd response, retrospective highlights included a sing-along romp through Hagar’s 1984 anthem, “I Can’t Drive 55,” a bare-knuckles pummeling of “There’s Only One Way to Rock,” and a loosey-goosey reading of the Kinks’ “You Really Got Me,” Van Halen’s debut 1978 single.

Before the evening ended, Hagar made several more allusions to the trouble in L.A., and each time he was more passionate in his insistence that the only thing that mattered was what was happening under the arena roof at that moment. Notwithstanding the arguable irresponsibility of Hagar’s remarks, the band effectively created an alternate reality with its spectacular display of rock ‘n’ roll bravado.

The opening act, Australia’s Baby Animals, played a brand of power-rock several notches above the norm, and singer Suze DeMarchi’s serrated yowl and commanding presence gave notice that she could become the next rock woman to watch.

A spokesman for promoter Avalon Attractions said an announcement will be made today about rescheduling the two postponed weekend shows in Los Angeles.