Van Halen’s new album, “A Different Kind Of Truth,” has debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.
The rockers were expected to battle for top spot with UK singing sensation Adele, and that’s exactly how things played out.
>
Van Halen’s album sold 187,000 copies in its debut week, while Adele enjoyed a massive sales bump due to her increased profile around Sunday’s Grammy Awards, where she swept her 6 categories, including Album Of The Year for “21.”
Adele sold 242,000 copies during Grammy week, virtually doubling the 122,000 she sold a week earlier.
It’s safe to assume that Van Halen would have enjoyed a #1 debut had it been a regular, non-Grammy week.
Adele now sits on top of the Billboard 200 for her 20th non-consecutive week, tying the mark set by the late Whitney Houston soundtrack for "The Bodyguard" in 1993.
Van Halen may yet hit #1 as the band increases its profile with the launch of its 2012 tour this Saturday in Louisville, Kentucky.
Van Halen – Tattoo
See also:
PHOTOS: Van Halen share pictures of rehearsal show
Van Halen: University student suspended after writing Hot For Teacher essay