Van Halen (/væn ˈheɪlɛn/ van HAY-len) was an American rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1973. Credited with "restoring hard rock to the forefront of the music scene",[2] Van Halen was known for its energetic live shows[3] and for the virtuosity of its lead guitarist, Eddie Van Halen.[4][5] The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

Context: Where and when did Van Halen start as a band?

Answer: formed in Pasadena, California, in 1973