This is a self-published book written by a fan who has never interviewed the subject about whom he's writing. You can applaud the author's zeal and passion for wanting to write a book about his hero, but there is little in this book to recommend it to anyone interested in finding out anything new about Van Halen.

Virtually all of the research here is taken verbatim from online interviews and lifted from previously written stories in books, magazines and newspapers. Calling his book "a definitive biography" is extremely shortsighted, and Dodds deserves to be called to task for that.

There are nine mini-pieces here labeled as Appendices, which are little more than personal observations and memories put in print. They are variously titled "My Unabridged 2004 Tour Story," "My 1984 Concert Story," and "A Little Bit About My Brother." They really don't belong here--a blog would have been more appropriate--but this is not my book and not my decision.

Dodds obviously loves Van Halen and is enamored with them, so in awe of them that he wanted to write a book about his heroes. That's all well and good, but don't call the result "definitive" and try and pass it off as a new and original look at a band that's been scrutinized to hell and back.