HELLYEAH's Vinnie Paul (ex-PANTERA) contributed to the hardcover photo book, VAN HALEN: A Visual History 1978-1984, by Neil Zlozower and the Van Halen News Desk has posted an exclusive comment from the drummer and his love for the band:

“Van Halen was and still is my favorite band of all time. Me and my brother (Dimebag Darrell) always modelled ourselves after them. They were without a doubt our biggest influence. We had so much in common with them it’s unbelievable."

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From 1978 to 1984, legendary rock photographer Neil Zlozower was the "fifth member of Van Halen," touring, partying with, and capturing images of the band during the David Lee Roth-era, a time when the band was at the height of its powers. His photos capture the all-out, spandexed, high-kicking, high energy, blazing glory and backstage antics of the band as they became legends, and helped solidify their image as the ultimate rock and roll party band.

The 232 page treasure is jam packed with hundreds of classic and never before published photos.

This visual history collects live, session, candid and backstage photos from Zlozower's behind-the-scenes perspective, along with testimony from the rock pantheon paying homage to the band, including members of LED ZEPPELIN, GUNS N' ROSES, ALICE COOPER, DEF LEPPARD, KISS, JOE SATRIANI, STEVE VAI, ALICE COOPER, MÖTLEY CRÜE, along with band insiders such as original manager Marshall Berle, producer Ted Templeman, Pete Angelus, Eddie Anderson, Dean Kramer, and many more. And the Forward has been penned by non-other than David Lee Roth.

As part of Van Halen's entourage,"Zloz", toured America with Van Halen, becoming their primary photographer. He was their friend who had the intimate access to the band that no one else had. Whether on the stage of a football stadium, pool-side at a Holiday Inn or at Dave's dad's house, Neil and his camera were there and in everyone's face. He is also one of rock's most notorious and prolific photographers. His work has appeared in countless magazines and album covers. When you consider that Neil's prints sell for several hundred dollars each, it's pretty amazing that you can now own approximately 260 pictures from his prized collection.