Today marks 40 years since the release of Van Halen's self-titled album - the album that skyrocketed their popularity and went on to sell in excess of 10million albums. 

It includes many of their signature songs, including "Runnin' with the Devil", The Kinks cover "You Really Got Me", "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love", "Jamie's Cryin'", and the cover version of John Brim's "Ice Cream Man".

And, of course, the guitar solo "Eruption", which has been cited by critics and musicians as one of the greatest guitar solos of all time. 

Check out this immense live version...

The cover photos for Van Halen were taken at the Whisky a Go Go, a Los Angeles club at which Van Halen often performed during the mid-1970s. The guitar pictured on the cover of the album is Eddie Van Halen's famous Frankenstrat Guitar (before he added the red paint), a Fender Stratocaster replica which is now housed in the Smithsonian Institution.

Fans of Van Halen should follow our 'I Like: Van Halen' playlist on Spotify, and our advice is to TURN IT UP LOUD!