Diver Down

Released on 04/14/82, Diver Down (Warner Bros. 3677, US/K 57003, UK [31:14]) spent 65 weeks on the charts, peaking at #3 on U.S. charts (entering on 05/08/82) and at # 36 on U.K. charts (entering on 05/01/82). 4 million copies have been sold in the U.S. The album was remastered and rereleased on 09/19/00.

This was the band's least favorite album. Of the 12 songs, five are cover tunes. Though the album sold well and led to a large tour, the band seemingly felt that none of the songs on it were worthy of an appearance on Best of Volume 1.

The album was recorded in 12 days at Amigo Studios (now known as Warner Brothers Recording Studios) at a cost of approximately $46,000. It was the first Van Halen album to sell 1 million copies before the tour. The album also helps the band set a record for most consecutive platinum-selling albums at Warner Brothers Records.

The cover art, which is the international symbol to alert boats of a diver below the surface of the water, was chosen because the band had a message: though it may not be noticeable on the surface, there's something going on underneath. The live photo on the back of the album was taken when Van Halen opened for The Rolling Stones on 10/24/81 at the Tangerine Bowl in Orlando, FL.

The number of cover tunes on this album was arguably the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back, cementing Eddie's desire to build his own studio.

Tracks:

• Where Have All the Good Times Gone?
• Hang 'Em High
• Cathedral
• Secrets
• Intruder
• (Oh) Pretty Woman
• Dancing in the Streets
• Little Guitars (Intro)
• Little Guitars
• Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)
• The Full Bug
• Happy Trails 

Diver Down Singles/Promos:

Serial #: ?
Label: WB
Tracks: (Oh) Pretty Woman (mono), (Oh) Pretty Woman
Country: USA
Release Date: 1982
Format: 7" vinyl

Serial #: ?
Label: WEA
Tracks: (Oh) Pretty Woman (mono), (Oh) Pretty Woman
Country: ITL
Release Date: 1982
Format: 7" vinyl

Serial #: W 17909
Label: WEA
Tracks: A: Pretty Woman (without "Oh"), B: Happy Trails
Country: ITL
Release Date: 1982
Format: 7" vinyl

Serial #: WBS50003 (ZCA 1509S)
Label: WB
Tracks: A: (Oh) Pretty Woman, B: Happy Trails
Highest Chart Position: 12 (USA, 04/17/82)
Country: USA
Release Date: 02/06/82
Format: 7" vinyl

Serial #: P-1618
Label: WEA
Tracks: A: (Oh) Pretty Woman, B: Happy Trails
Country: JAP
Release Date: 1982
Format: 7" vinyl

Serial #: GWB 0433
Label: WB
Tracks: A: (Oh) Pretty Woman, B: Dancing in the Street
Country: USA
Release Date: 1982
Format: 7" vinyl

Serial #: ?
Label: WB
Tracks: A: Dancing in the Street, B: The Full Bug
Highest Chart Position: 38 (USA)
Country: USA
Release Date: 05/22/82
Format: 7" vinyl

Serial #: 7-29986
Label: WB
Tracks: Dancing in the Street (mono), Dancing in the Street
Country: USA
Release Date: 1982
Format: 7" vinyl

Serial #: 7-29929
Label: WB
Tracks: Secrets (mono remix), Secrets (remix)
Country: USA
Release Date: 1982
Format: 7" vinyl

Serial #: PRO-A-1006
Label: WB
Tracks: A: (Oh) Pretty Woman, B: Happy Trails
Country: USA
Release Date: 1982
Format: 12" vinyl

Serial #: WB 17 954
Label: WB
Tracks: A: Dancing in the Streets, B: Where Have All the Good Times Gone?
Highest Chart Position: 
Country: USA, FRA, HOL, GER
Release Date: 1982
Format: 7" vinyl

Serial #: 92 99297
Label: WB
Tracks: A: Secrets, B: Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)
Country: USA
Release Date: 1982
Format: 7"

Serial #: K 17957
Label: WEA
Tracks: A: Dancing in the Streets, B: Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)
Country: UK
Release Date: 1982
Format: 7" vinyl

Serial #: None
Label: WEA
Tracks: Dancing in the Street (plus five non-Van Halen tracks "Muziek Expres Super - 6 - Single")
Country: HOL
Release Date: June 1982
Format: 7" vinyl

Diver Down was also the name of a Van Halen tribute band.