Van Halen is currently going through its honeymoon phase with the band's latest lead singer, Gary Cherone.

What else could explain all the touchy-feely playfulness that marked last night's energetic, two-hour show by the veteran rockers which drew an excitable and excited crowd of 10,000 to the Molson Amphitheatre.

Things were particularly close between the athletic, theatrical and high-spirited Cherone and buffed guitar hero Eddie Van Halen, whether they were mussing each other's hair or falling at each other's feet.

The group -- who received some flak for choosing the short-haired Cherone last year to replace long-haired wonder Sammy Hagar, who had earlier taken over for original flamboyant frontman David Lee Roth -- certainly don't have much to worry about judging from the overwhelming enthusiasm of last night's audience.

And frankly, Eddie Van Halen, whose lightning-fast guitar moves had the crowd chanting his first name a couple of times during the evening, could probably perform with Nana Mouskouri and that would meet with a roar of approval.

(Not that there's anything wrong with Nana Mouskouri.)

Cherone, who lost his voice mid-concert a few weeks back, also scored points by making good on his promise to perform Van Halen material from both the Hagar and Roth eras.

With a register somewhere between those two high-pitched belters, Cherone more than did justice to such songs as When It's Love, Why Can't This Be Love and Right Now (Hagar) and I'm The One, Jamie's Crying and Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love (Roth).

Thankfully, material from the group's latest album, the inferior Van Halen III, was kept to a minimum.

As for his stage presence, Cherone -- formerly of Boston band Extreme -- has both Hagar and Roth beat in the floor gymnastics department between his constant deep-knee bends, leg stretches, high kicks and tumbling.

He certainly outperformed neckbrace-wearing drummer Alex Van Halen -- who still turned in an impressive10-minute drum solo -- and bassist Michael Anthony, who at one point was playing an instrument in the shape of a Jack Daniels bottle.

In addition to choosing a great new singer, Van Halen has also wisely invested in a first-class lighting system.

During the show, it floated above them like a manta ray, although its eight moving legs at times suggested a spider.

JAM! Rating: 4 out of 5