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", Van Halen was known for its energetic live shows and for the virtuosity of its lead guitarist, Eddie Van Halen. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.