NOTE: to those who're reading the comments here instead of RTFA [because you're like I am...], you should RTFA. I first heard this story about 3 months ago and

NOTE: to those who're reading the comments here instead of RTFA [because you're like I am...], you should RTFA. I first heard this story about 3 months ago and was blown away [because everyone knew that Van Halen were prima donas, right?!]. That Van Halen plays IROC-Z rock doesn't mean they aren't big time business people. There are certainly outliers, but big time business people are big time business people without regard to the business and that's a lesson most of us need. EDIT: I attended an alternative educational conference where the theme was "Taking Yourself Seriously". Naturally, I sat thinking "I write computer programs! I'm a serious man!". Learning about Van Halen's idiotic-but-wait-oh-my-god-that's-super-insightful contract drives home the point that I might not be taking myself seriously enough... There's always room to improve. EDIT: to those who're pointing out that this is a re-hash, this is an important re-hash. Yes, it was discussed two years ago, but it bears repeating. Even an atheist, such as myself, appreciates hearing the 10 Commandments reasonably frequently.