(antiMusic) The Van Halen camp sent over this update: "We are here to listen to one of the greatest bands in history. It is my honor to introduce you to VAN HALEN!" These words came courtesy of golf legend Tiger Woods as he announced the band at Tiger Jam XI, a fundraising event April 19 at Mandalay Bay Events Center that helped raise more than $1.5 million for the Tiger Woods Foundation.Seconds later, the trademark hard rock eruption that's VAN HALEN was in full swing. And for two hours, Eddie, Dave, Alex and Wolfgang kept the event's energy and vigor at maximum velocity.
Woods, a longtime VAN HALEN fan, selected the supergroup to headline the show. Although his recent knee surgery kept him from dancing the night away, Woods caught the performance alongside a star-studded audience.
Before the set, celebrity guests gathered for a special dinner and reception with its stage decked out in Eddie Van Halen's striped Frankenstein design. This year's Tiger Jam logo had another nod to VAN HALEN with the a "T" and "J" styled to look like the band's classic insignia.
VIPs included sports greats Scott Hamilton and Julius "Dr. J" Erving, "Dancing With The Stars" performers Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas, NBA superstars Dwyane Wade and Alonzo Mourning of the Miami Heat, and celebrity auctioneer Vivica Paulin Ferrell.
Live and silent auctions had amazing items up for grabs including a 2008 Buick Enclave, autographed by Woods. Eddie Van Halen picked up the pen, too, and autographed an EVH Brand Frankenstein replica guitar donated by Fender.
VAN HALEN reached into their pockets and aided the fundraising drive with cash donations. Both David Lee Roth and the Van Halens - Eddie, Alex and Wolfgang - each contributed $100,000 in support of the Tiger Woods Foundation and its programs.
"Playing Tiger Jam XI has certainly been one of the highlights of the tour so far," VAN HALEN said in a joint statement. "It was an honor to be involved and a pleasure to rock for a cause."
