Which band scored a hit with the song "Running with the Devil"?

Van Halen scored a hit with “Runnin’ with the Devil,” the opening track on the band’s self-titled debut album. The song introduced listeners to the group’s hard-rock sound and David Lee Roth’s flamboyant vocals.

The album “Van Halen” was released in 1978 and became one of the most influential debut records in rock. “Runnin’ with the Devil” begins with a distinctive orchestral-style fanfare created from modified car horns before the band enters with its heavy guitar riff. Eddie Van Halen’s guitar work, Alex Van Halen’s drumming, and Michael Anthony’s bass and backing vocals complete the classic lineup heard on the recording.

The song is often written as “Running with the Devil” in casual references, but its official title uses the contraction “Runnin’.” It was released as a single in 1978 and became one of Van Halen’s best-known concert and radio tracks.

The song is sometimes confused with “Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love,” another prominent track from the same debut album. Both helped establish Van Halen’s reputation, but “Runnin’ with the Devil” is the famous opening statement.