I am crushed. This makes my video from yesterday even more poignant. It’s a video about Stairway to Heaven and EVH th-cam.com/video/1cOosnkWj2g/w-d-xo.html
He’s one of the few that inspired me to learn. Funny enough, the song that got me was mean street, specifically the intro. I heard that and was like I’ve gotta learn to do that.
People that play guitar understand the impact Eddie made on guitar playing. This was the guy every single freaking guitarist tried to copy in the 80s (and still are). Also the songwriting as well man! The songs are amazing, catchy fun and amazing solos techincal, melodic and great sound! The riffs! A legend has passed and it’s a sad day. RIP ❤️ Eddie showed the world a new level of playing the guitar.
The reason why I started taking guitar seriously. I had been playing for about 6 years before but he shock my world and it began. Oh and I still suck! 😆 Oh and my guitar teacher hated Van Halen!
I think it also hurts because Eddie seemed to always be smiling while he's playing. He looks out into the audience, and is saying to them, "Pretty cool, huh!". And on a human level, Eddie and Alex seem to work so well together as steadfast loyal brothers through thick and thin.
RIP Eddie. I remember these times when I was young. Your music saved my behind. Your smile and hopefulness came across the radio and tv. I remember Vietnam. We volunteered at VA hospital. Your music took the pain away. You’re Angel in the sky. Fly High! You are with your Maker. Your legacy lives in our hearts. It was the innocence of our youth. Your smile will always be a symbol of hope. Hope to make this world a better place. Sending your love❤️and prayers 🙏
An old band mate of mine called to give me the bad news about Eddie. I was blown away. Eddie was the kind of player who when you hear his guitar, you know that it is him. Many players have tried to copy his style, but no one will ever really play guitar the way he did again.
One of my favorite Eddie stories was from Ted Nugent..."Eddie was throwing a party in the early 80's at his place, all I can think about is his rig, and how he gets his brown sound. I ask him "hey Ed, you mind if I try out your guitar rig ?" "Sure man, go ahead" replied Ed... "You know what I sounded like while playing through his gear?....I sounded like Ted Nugent playing through a Marshall stack" His tone and style will never be matched....NO ONE will ever be like Ed. He was truly a legend and my childhood/adulthood hero
@Barney Fife Fair Warning an AWESOME record...I STILL get goosebumps during Mean Street when Dave says "Lord, strike that poor boy dowwwnn...then Ed pick dives and fires into his solo...man..I LOVE it
I was born in 1955 and lived 5 miles away from the Van Halen Brothers. I saw them play, as well as had many private conversations with Eddie throughout the 70s. Being a fellow musician (drummer at the time), we both talked about music and enjoyed many of the same bands. Eddie was always a really nice guy and a pleasure to be with. The first time I saw them play (as Mammoth) was 1970 at a local gymnasium. I was very impressed with Alex's drum solo in particular, and inspired me to immediately start practicing A LOT. For 10 years I would either see them play at back yard parties, school dances, or Gazzarri's on the Sunset strip, or occasionally hanging out at a party or the movie theater. (I believe it was Jaws) Our band (Tales; a progressive rock band) did play one concert with Van Halen who actually played before us! (Hard to believe, I know, but I do have poster to prove it) Last time a saw Eddie was after their first album went gold. Had about a two hour conversation where he told me and two other friends all about their touring (flying on the Concord jet, meeting Mick Jagger in London, etc) For a long time I've imagined what it would be like to see him again and talk about the old times when we were just kids. AND what an impact he has had on music. My condolences to Alex (they were always very close) and his family, friends, and fans around the world. Now I'm going to go have a good cry. God bless Eddie!
Wow! That is amazing, I cannot imagine how cool it was seeing all of that play out in real time. That’s Rock history right in front of you. Thanks for sharing .
@@michaelrichardson8343 Indeed! At that same Gymnasium I also saw David Lee Roth singing with a band called Red Ball Jet before joining Mammoth and changing their name.
I spent a whole year on the road with Edward, in 1986. It was an unforgettable experience. I heard every soundcheck on the 5150 tour, and most of the shows. Mind-blowing. He also jammed with me a few times.....what a trip.....R I P a real legend
Complicated question. He was a very sweet, friendly dude. Always smiling (and smoking). There were some difficult times for him, as he and Valerie had just lost a child (miscarriage), but he generally always kept a great outlook. I was playing drums in B.T.O., the opening act on that tour, and he always made time to chat and connect. A pretty awesome experience for me, a young dude just getting my first sense of 'the big show' every night......
In the year 1984, my buddy put Van Halen-“Van Halen” on a turntable, dropped the needle on “You Really Got Me/Eruption”, and all the pubescent hairs on my body stood up, and my 30+yrs relationship with the guitar was “unchained” in perpetuity. Thanks Eddie! Your “brown sound”, that you created with golden hands changed my life. Godspeed EVH!
I watched him play "eruption" live at the Hollywood Sportatorium in the early eighties (82/83) he was no more than 10 feet away from me, I was off the left corner of the stage, first row of the upper seats, at that wall that was just about a foot shorter than the stage, but you could have stepped off the wall and right onto the stage floor. He was standing on a speaker/amp/ whatever. There was nobody in between us, he looked right at me it seemed while he played, just amazing to see. I will never forget it.
I can say the same thing but on 11/1/2007. I was 13 and in awe from his talent and how humble he was about his music. I was listening to Van Halen or about 3 or so years and I will never forget seeing my hero right in front of me. I will never forget what he's given to me. Rest in paradise Eddie.
I haven't cried this hard in a long time. Eddie was the reason I picked up the guitar and the reason I still play every day. The first time I heard the car horns and crushing power chords of Running With the Devil I knew I would be a fan for life. I am absolutely crushed.
I bought Van Halen’s first album when I was 15. That night I came home at night around 10:30pm and my 70 year old grandmother was in the family room where the best stereo in the house was. I told her I was going to play a new rock n roll record kind of loud. She did not offer much commentary, but to my amazement, she listened to side one with me all the way through. I guess neither of us had heard anything like that before. Such a transformative guitar figure was Eddie.
Eddie is the reason I switched from using a tennis racket as an air-guitar, and actually bought a real one. He's also why I never touched a red one, and felt offended when people butchered his (admittedly) insanely difficult solos. I now need to begin to describe what he was totally like to experience live, but even with TH-cam, it's gonna be a challenge. Explain magic to someone who hasn't seen it, ya know? Thanks for all of it, Eddie. Love you, bro. RIP 😖🎸🤘💔🕯️💯😢
I learned that Eddie, upon arriving at Dimebag’s funeral, had in his hand the guitar from Van Halen II. Vinnie thought a replica would be given. Eddie said, “An original deserves an original.” That put me into tears.
Four humans changed the guitar: Django, Les, Jimi, and EVH. There is no higher order than to fundamentally change conventional wisdom about what an instrument can do.
@@bilinasmini3480 Good call on Django. He doesn't get the cred he deserves. IMO he was the original guitar shredder and often gets overlooked because he played in the 30's and 40's. EVH was probably the last to have that much of an impact on the world of guitar. Shame all of these legends are gone now.
And know they're jamming together! Good thing he put it in his kiss coffin they'll ll have to share that guitar bud I'm sure it won't be a problem since they were both kind hearted souls and respect each other! ❤️👍🇺🇸
He is the definition of “Legend.” My first time: I was in 10th grade, sitting with my buddies, in the back of a bus heading to Colorado on a youth group ski trip. There were these annoying younger kids who had “stolen” the very back seat from us, during a rest stop. So we sat right in front of them. They were playing there music on a cassette player, while we were playing ours (I think it was the first Fleetwood Mac album, to be precise). We’d already mixed words over the seats and now a bit of a volume war had begun between us, then it happened. They started playing the VH1 Album. First time we’d ever heard the band. My buddies and I literally turned off our player, turned around and simultaneously said, who is that? We were in awe and quickly made friends with those kids, over that amazing album. I bet we listened to it, it in it’s entirety, at least 20 times on that trip. As soon as we got home, I ran to the music store in College Square Mall and bought a copy on 12” vinyl. Still have it. Total greatness.
People who "weren't there", who didn't experience Eddie and Van Halen's scorched Earth offensive back then don't understand not only the magnitude of who he was and what he did, but what a loss this is. There are "stars" and there are "musicians". Eddie was a master musician the like of which really hasn't been seen since him, and likely won't be seen again. We were blessed to have been fortunate enough to share in the pure joyous genius of his AND Alex's talent. We all lost a part of our lives and a lifelong "friend".
I wasn't there. In fact I discovered Van Halen way later. And this is a loss I can't even put into words. Like a teenage friend died. Discovering Eddie and van Halen was like a revelation. I started playing guitar because his play was something I never heard before. I'm still shocked.
@A.D. Yes. You can still be shocked even if you see it coming. Was like this with Lemmy and it will be like this when someday others die. And senior citizen. Sure. But 65 is pretty young nonetheless.
Lots of my guitar hero’s have died - but when I heard about Eddie from all the pushes on my phone, I started crying and I don’t even fully understand why. My mom was a huge VH fan. I remember my mom much younger wearing a VH T-shirt, and being a kid and my mom cranking VH1 and VH2 on vinyl. I knew as a little boy that those tones and that playing was special. I’ve since loved guitar my entire life, and while I’ll never be able to play like Eddie, I appreciate how simple he made it all look! Even a day since the news, watching this video made me tear up. There will never be another like EVH! I’ll be cranking my moms old albums and appreciating those same songs that remind me of my childhood! completely!
As a 16 year old guitarist who first heard Van Halen 1 in a friends basement in 1978, his death today marks the passing of the most influential guitar player in history. There were guitarists I liked more, but Eddie was a force of musical nature, like Mozart. You can’t know what it was like in 1978 unless you were there. The world was already full of hot shot guitar players as guitar solos were still popular and necessary in songs, if you can believe it. We were surrounded by solos. Out of an already elite atmosphere comes someone who reinvented the guitar, by borrowing, stealing and adding his own personality. This was no Berkeley grad snob with an ‘education’, but a natural innovator who could not even read music. We heard ‘eruption’ and could not even understand what we were hearing. Was it a guitar, a keyboard, voodoo magic? And this was right in the middle of disco! All the hot shots who came after: Steve Vai, satriani, malmsteen, would not have existed without VH. They added speed and technique but none could match the sheer personality and songwriting chops of Eddie. I stress songwriting, and the ability to make a song memorable by the masses, not just guitar players. How many people (non guitarists) do you know that can tell you the title of one song from any of these other guitar players? VH not only wrote the most iconic hard rock riffs in history, his sense of melody and feel and tone were unmatched, and still are to this day. He is a once in a generation comet we will likely not see again. Van Halen, the band, through sheer force of talent, drive, their outsized personalities, influenced every rock band in the 80’s, creating a copycat machine of terrible bands and players who tried to be VH, or David Lee Roth, and failed. This stink of hair bands and ever accelerating , million notes a minute guitar players could only be erased by the arrival of Nirvana and grunge in 1992. Suddenly, guitar solos were passé, and I was glad to see the clone wankers go the way of the dinosaur. Today, most under 30’s don’t even know who Van Halen is or was. His music, his instrument, the guitar, and guitar solos, no longer fits in with what is cool. Real musicians with actual talent, the abilty to perform live, put on a show without backing tracks or silicone inflated buttocks, no longer matter in the “music” world. It’s now George Orwell’s 1984, with covid banning live music everywhere. You can read the book, but I’m going to listen to the last album by the original Van Halen.
"Out of an already elite atmosphere comes someone who reinvented the guitar, by borrowing, stealing and adding his own personality. This was no Berkeley grad snob with an ‘education’, but a natural innovator who could not even read music. We heard ‘eruption’ and could not even understand what we were hearing. Was it a guitar, a keyboard, voodoo magic?" This is all I needed to read tonight. Nothing more needs to be said.
I don't know where you got your information but just to let you know EvH could read music, took harmony classes and didn't just 'wing it' so to speak. He was a player that had his own musical ideas but knew the rules and rudiments of western music and I'd say that helped him a lot in getting the ideas in his mind out in a far more economical and efficient way than if he was just a self-taught player. Total innovator, I agree but he knew the rules that he was breaking or bending (no pun intended).
Skinny Karlos It’s easier for guitar players to learn chords and riffs by ear than other instruments such as the piano, so Van Halen’s ability to play without reading music isn’t uncommon. Van Halen talked about this in an interview with Guitar World magazine way back in 1985. He was asked if the piano classes he took growing up transferred to playing the guitar. “Oh, definitely, but in a very subliminal way. Because I never learned how to read, really; I used to fool the teacher,” he admitted. “I did it all by ear.”
Eddie Van Halen is the reason I staryed playing music. I am ironically not a guitar player, but a bass player that started on piano and keyboard. I was in sixth grade when 1984 came out and a friend of mine had the tape in school one day. I asked if i could borrow it, took it home that night and copied it (like we all did back in the day - pre-digital piracy). I llayed that tape so much trying to learn Jump, 1984, and I'll wait that it was shot in about 3 months. As a keyboard player, a bass player, and a musician, Eddie was the first real inspiration for me (not afraid to say I was a Van Halen fanboy). After Van Halen I discovered Rush, the second driving influence for me musically (and another loss to bear earlier this year). R.I.P. Eddie. Thank you for all the years of influence and inspiration, and all of the musical gifts and treasures!
I was born in 1994. The first musician who i remembered by name as a child was Eddie Van Halen. I remember hearing the sound of his playing over the car stereo and asking what that sound was. I distinctly remember my mother telling me "That's Eddie Van Halen! He's the best guitar player ever". Eddie was literally the spark I needed to start playing music. R.I.P. Eddie Van Halen. You will be missed, and always loved.
My husband passed away at 44 years old in 2012...he was from La Canada and his two only favorites he knew by heart: Van Halen EDDIE 🎸 and RUSH Neil Peart 🥁I wonder what Heaven looks like when your loves bust through the veil~Love Comes Walkin’ In❤️
Eddie is kind of on the same level as Jimi. Probably the 2 greatest guitar players who wver lived. That’s how big and impactful he was. He will be missed.
He was exceptional at translating his sound from studio to stage. The Brown Sound. A lot of players get great takes in the studio but something gets lost on stage. I swear you can we smoke when he's tremelo picking. Crazy fast. He had it all. The look, the playing, the sound, the vibe, the smile, the money, the hot wife, the inventions, the fast cars, the heavy drinking, the drugs, the smoking. Just a true Rock Star. Great musician. All by ear. RIP Eddie.
I am 65....I feel honoured to have been on this planet when the guitar came good as an instrument with the likes of jimi hendrix and eddie van halen, their inventiveness and execution elevated the electric guitar to new heights. My record and guitar collection would not be what it is without giants like these forging new ground in technique and sonic achievement. Thank you and respect.
RIP - Eddie Van Halen - Few artists truly define a genre in their own time. You can have any opinion you want on his eponymously named band Van Halen, but after Eddie recorded "Eruption" the guitar world was put on notice that the cost of playing poker just went up. When I heard Eruption for the first time I knew, and everybody knew, that something important just happened. The first album I ever bought was Van Halen's debut. There's a point in your life when your music choices are your own, and no longer the choices of your parents. I grew up with John Denver albums and the Carpenters and Neal Diamond in the house. (Its incredible I made it out alive) When my brain started rejecting the sounds offered, my earliest memories all surround Van Halen. Eddie was my generations Hendrix and he was always, "moving with style and ease." You rarely ever saw Eddie without a smile or a laugh. He didn't take himself too seriously and he was thus accessible. He was one of us, playing cool tunes with his brother Alex on drums and later with his son Wolfe on bass, rocking out at Jeff Spicoli's parties. Eddie was the King of the Garage Guitar Heros, and the King is dead. Long Live The King.
You never met me. You never shook my hand. You created from the heart, OH! How you played for the band. I never met you. I never shook your hand. Opening my eyes to possibilities, My style, and flow, at your command. You changed the face of music Your melodies make us hum Unknowingly creating all of us The guitarists we've become. You will be loved by millions. For a long, long, time to come. But today I feel like I've lost, Something special in my strum. Be at Peace EVH.
I am right there with you bro. I was a kid when Van Halen came out, I was learning to play the Guitar, I was floored when their first AP come out... All the time I put in learning every note, and lick. He was a legend I am brokenhearted and deeply saddened . All my prayers are going to his family friends and love ones. .....". Rock on Eddie.
Never met Eddie, saw him once live, but the impact that he and his brother, Alex left on me a as musician will never die. Eddie was the most innovative musician i have ever had the privilege to listen to and grow up with as a kid. He was the epitome and the pinnacle of musicianship. A huge loss to the rock n’ roll world and may he rest in peace wherever he is continuing to inspire those beings he is around today. May God bless the entire Van Halen family and may Wolf mourn knowing that the entire world of musicians lost a great and inspiring human being.
As a teen, I spent hours and hours in my room trying to learn Eddie Van Halen solos such as Eruption and Spanish Fly, as thousands of other guitarists did. What a great guitarist and influence. R.I.P. Eddie ( as if 2020 couldn't get any worse ).
1979. This mechanic that I worked with and I drove to get some hamburgers at lunch. He had Van Halen in the 8 track tape deck blasting over 4 Craig Power Play speakers. First time I'd ever heard music like that and I was just starting out on guitar. I'll never forget it. I always wanted a Peavey 5150 head but couldn't afford it at the time. All the music greats are leaving us never to be replaced.
In June of 1978 my Bass Player, roommate and best friend Bart, copped two tickets to the first Texas Jam for $13.00 each. We had been auditioning drummers and singers for our new band and decided to take a break. Besides, Rush, Heart and Ted Nugent were going to be there just to name a few. July 1st turned out to be the hottest day of the year that year in Dallas @104 degrees and 120 on the field where our tickets put us. The show was scheduled from 11a.m. until Midnight. We arrived at 10:30 and grabbed two beers each and headed for the stage. We were no more than twenty yards from the massive stage that spanned the width of the end zone. The sound system's speakers were 20 foot high walls on either side at the back of the stage. The first band was Blackstone, a Texas band that had won the local Battle of the Texas Bands contest and so the right to open the first ever Texas Jam. The Cotton Bowl held 80,000 people but that morning it was probably around half that. Eventually 100,000 would show up as the day went on. Blackstone finished their set and we all whooped and hollered for our local heroes. Next band up had just released their first album self titled, "Van Halen". "Runnin' With the Devil" was all over the radio and Bart and I had run out and picked up the album. Expecting one or two "good" songs was normal for a debut album but we were blown away by songs like "Jamie's Cryin'", "Ice Cream Man", Ain't Talkin' Bout Love", "Feel Your Love Tonight" and "Eruption". As to that last song I was sure he had done several tracks to make that work so I didn't expect to hear it live. They opened with "Runnin' With the Devil" which surprised me because it was their biggest commercial hit and a song like that was usually reserved for an encore. For the next hour they put the pedal to the Rock Metal and never looked back. My next surprise was how BIG the guitarist sounded. His sound coming off that stage filled that half empty stadium like it was my apartment bathroom. He was smiling (What?) and jumping around the entire set yet he never missed a note. I had seen some great guitarists (Robin Trower, Lonesome Dave, Wishbone Ash, etc. but just like there's no cryin' in baseball there's no smilin' in Rock!! But that grin stayed plastered to his face for the full hour like he knew he was taking the ride of his life and he was going to enjoy every minute of it. And when Eddie Van Halen played "Eruption"------I knew I was witnessing Rock history. Here was a once in a generation guitarist. The rest of that day and night I saw Iconic bands like Rush, Heart, Ted Nugent, Foghat and Aerosmith play big shows to 100,000 people all screaming for rock. But when I left what I took away as the highpoint and a memory I'll have if I live to be 100 was that genius showing us all that a single guitar could sound like a symphony of the gods - and making it look easy. It was an honor to be a witness to this singular man and his talent and the world is poorer and my heart heavy tonight with his passing.
What a great story. I was only 12 in 1978 when I got "Van Halen" as a Christmas gift that year. Thank you for your incredible peek into Edward's climb to the top. RIP Edward.
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
I did bodyguarding for his brother Alex Van Halen during Van Haley’s Western Canada Tour in ‘84. The whole band were good guys, a lot of fun, especially DLR, and Eddie was a really shy and decent guy and I got to spend some time with him as well. He used to chain smoke back then, and I recall his wife Valerie Bertinelli kept nagging him to quit smoking, but he always seemed kind of nervous and I think he smoked to calm his nerves. He was a different person on stage than off, offstage he was quiet, shy guy. Everyone was indulging in the excesses of being Rock Stars back then, but I do remember never seeing him without a cigarette. When I heard he had throat Cancer I wasn’t surprised, but I heard he still never quit despite being diagnosed with throat Cancer. I got Cancer myself and I changed my lifestyle entirely, but I guess everyone reacts differently. He was a legend, a great man, and he’s gone way too soon. His music will live on as will his legacy to the art of guitar playing. RIP Eddie, you will be missed, but never forgotten. It was an honor to meet you and get to spend a small amount of time with one of my idols.
This is a giant loss for music and humanity. I was beside myself when I heard the news it destroyed me right up there with the loss of the Professor. Vanhalen was a huge part of my life and i saw them many times and always had a great time and was just blown away every time. Please forgive my grammar. Long live Vanhalen.
My heart goes out to Wolfgang. He must be shaken through and through. My deepest sympathies to the entire family. Such a deep and precious loss. Rick, I enjoyed your Stairway to heaven video THOROUGHLY. Thank you for that. Van Halen was a semi local band here. Only a little bit older than I was and from but 20 miles from here, if that. I was always proud that they and Valerie were from my neck of the woods. I’m so sad and like you; stunned. Thank you. 💔
Eddie was one of those talents that happens once in a lifetime. Most of the focus on his playing is regarding his virtuosity as a soloist, but this is only a piece of the puzzle. The song writing, obviously, but his rhythm guitar playing is just unparalleled. He took what icons like Page and Richards did and took it to a whole new level. How difficult is it to compose a part that supports the song, creates a hook and yet does not get in the way of the vocal. He was essentially playing keyboard parts on the guitar. He was also able to replicate all that LIVE!! It was just incredible. Chuck Berry changed the guitar. Then Clapton, then Hendrix/Page/Richards, Duane Allman...and then nothing really until Eddie Van Halen. He was just as influential as all of those innovators that came before him. Personally speaking, I can only express my feelings about him as gratitude and awe. Rest in peace Eddie. Your legacy is secure.
Eddie Van Halen, the greatest rock guitarist ever, died today. For his unmatched chops, originality, inventions for the guitar and amp, he was the best. His influence on lead guitarists for years to come was like an atomic bomb going off when Van Halen I came out in 1978. RIP.
@@Sysiphusjwk "greatest of all time" There is no such thing.... Eddie did change the face of guitar forever though, and for that alone he deserves all the respect in the world.
You guys both are commerating his legacy, there's no need to argue. Eddie could be the greatest guitarist in some ppls eyes and not for another, to each their own opinion guys.
EVH was an era to himself. Like Hendricks death, it is the end of an era. RIP Eddie, you have been a inspiration to all who play or try to play guitar. Thank you !
I was in my 20's , chillin' in my friend's basement, going back and forth with the weed and the wine, when Running With The Devil came blasting out of the radio like a two ton truck. It was another life changing moment, back in the days when music could truly do that. R.I.P. Eddie. You may be gone physically but your spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone.
Wow, this is crazy! 2020 is going to go down as one of those years to remember, or forget, depending on your perspective. Eddie Van Halen's death hits me personally, as I am sure it does a lot of you as well. Eddie IS THE REASON I have been playing guitar for over 40 years (I am 52 now). I am literally holding back the tears as I type this message. I had the great pleasure of meeting Eddie on several occasions, and regardless of what you may have heard about him in the tabloids over the years, Eddie was always a very nice guy in person. Eddie is the greatest guitar innovator ever, and you can always tell 3 notes into a song that it is Van Halen. I have been a huge Van Halen fan since the late 70's, and continue to be a fan to this day. Van Halen got me through many great, and not so great, times during my high school years in the 80's. Dave or Sammy as the lead singer does not matter to me, both versions of Van Halen were great in their own respect. I am definitely going to get out the guitar, crank up the Marshall to 11, and play a medley of Van Halen songs in Eddie's honor tonight. I know Eddie has been battling oral and throat cancer for a long time now, and 65 years old is just just way too young for a person to die. I am sure Eddie had ton of songs and licks in him that we will never have the pleasure of hearing now. For all of those Van Halen fans out there, young and old, keep Eddie in your memory, and if you play guitar, play a few chords in Eddie's honor. I am sure he will hear all of us, and listen closely with that big smile on his face. Peace out everyone!
I personally knew Eddie, having grown up in Pasadena. I first met him at Warner Bros with Ted Templeton, and then the whole band later. He will be missed greatly.
I was never a huge Van Halen fan. Still when it comes to someone getting hurt or,in this case-dying,it hurts me really bad. He was an amazing,innovative guitarist and changed a lot of people's lives. That's what matters. Rest well legend and I hope you find peace in heaven.
What a brilliant player. He’ll be missed most by his family and friends, but also by the tens of millions of people who loved his music all around the world. RIP✊
Very sad, cancer sucks (also lost my dad to cancer a few years ago). My first intro to Eddie was via MJ's Beat It and the Van Halen references on Back To Future and Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (2 of my faves as a kid!). It wasn't until I was a bit older when I started getting interested in rock and guitar that I discovered the amazingness of EVH as a player! I had planned to see Van Halen live on my 30th in 2011 (in Australia... I live in NZ), but the concert was cancelled before I got to check flights, so never had the chance to see them live 😓 RIP Eddie
Today is a reality check for all of us in the EVH generation. This life is a temporary state of consciousness and when someone like this changes frequencies we are reminded of the fact that we are all on borrowed time. The soundtrack of my life is filled with great music. RIP EVH.
I hope we can make January 26 "Edward Van Halen Day" in celebration of this remarkable man who not only influenced millions of guitar players over five decades of his career but who was also a holder of three patents related to the guitar. Additionally, The US, The Netherlands and Indonesia are all very proud of Edward and Alex's major contribution to music. RIP Edward you did very well!
@@michaelvanbuskirk8845 Pantera, Rage Against the Machine, Lamb of God, Slayer, Dethklok, Rob Scallon, and many others. I don't know if I could swing a cat in my music library without hitting someone who would cite him as a major influence. Looking at notable hard rock musicians react to his passing on Twitter, I'd say it'd be harder to find someone who *wasn't* influenced by him.
I was 9 years old, when a neighbor friend invited me and few others over to his house to listen to new group/record, just called "Van Halen." His dad had a really good system by 1978 standards. My friend blasted it so loud that the neighbors 3 streets away could hear it! I could not believe what I was hearing! Who could play guitar like this? Its like nothing we have ever heard before! That was the magic, that was the genius of Mr. Edward Van Halen! Your presence is already missed and your influence has already been placed on 100,000 guitarist currently, and countless others in the future. Edward Van Halen, the definition of Guitar God!
Rick, at around 7:42, you ask, "I don't know what comparison this is?" I would reply, that it is on the same level as Michael Jackson, John Lennon and Elvis Presley.
Moments like that have a funny way of staying with us, as we grow older. When I first Eruption, it sounded so big and dynamic - like I was in a big, marble floored Cathedral. When I was a kid I loved the sound of raunchy rock guitar, but Eddie's sound was both futuristic and warm. He sounded like a true musician. Made me want a guitar.
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It feels like we‘ve lost another "brother/family member" . First of all my sincere condolences to family friends and to everyone mourning the passing of Eddie. There aren’t many players/humans throughout history who have left a remarkable footprint during their lifetime and on the respective craft. Eddie truly was such a centennial exception/gifted and hardworking devoted player, innovator maestro. My first encounter was not the shockingly and brutally fine first album but WACF. Luckily my US cousin took me under his wing during a life altering visit back in 1980 to NJ. Riding in his bud‘s Mustang and blasting everybody wants some left me speechless when I delved deeper into the back catalogue later that week and raided my cuz‘ 8-track collection. For this back then 14 year old aspiring guitar player it was first and foremost the feel and his exceptional tone before appreciating the obvious tapping etc. Rest easy Maestro -you were one of a kind special. After losing Neil in January this truly is as much of a blow having to say goodbye to a true king...
Thanks for this Rick. All us players old and young have lost a piece of our souls. I was born in '63. VH1 came out in '78 when I was 15 and changed my life and yours. Grateful, sad, and spent emotionally.
I never really wanted to play like him but completely admired the guy. Not surprising that he became good friends with Les Paul. They were both huge innovators. He made it look so easy and joyous. I'm also shocked. I'm 64, so he was just one year older. Take care of your health people. Eat lots of raw vegetables and keep your gut clear. I believe that's the key. RIP EVH.
I don't know, lost my sister to lung cancer last year and she was only 54. Lost my other sister to heart related stuff two years ago and she was also 54. I am 51, was a huge fangirly of EVH, had his poster on my wall as a teen. I do think when your numbers up, it's up.
The first time I listened to Van Halen was about a year ago, around the time I first picked up the guitar. I had heard a lot about Eddie, so I went onto Spotify and put Van Halen on shuffle. The first song I heard was Panama, and I was blown away. When my mom called me downstairs yesterday after I had finished my school work to give me the news, I had a bad feeling about it. I was watching your video on him and stairway when she called me down.
Back in 1979, I left school & after my first day of working in a park for a local council, I went to my very first rock gig, it was the Van Halen 1st UK tour...around 3000 in the crowd at the Birmingham Odeon ( now sadly just a cinema) Eddie blew us away with his playing style...no one had see anything like it.! The rest of the band, although talented, were just rhere for supporting the man!...RIP Eddie 🙏
People keep talking about EVH guitar playing but to me he was foremost a great songwriter. These songs are a part of our lives not only because of his guitar licks but mostly because they were small gems.
@@berachtdorian6191 If you think of it, Eddie's influence is even greater than his guitar skills and compositions. Look at stages around the world and spot 5150 symbol on guitar amps. Or Wolfgang guitars. And Floating tremolos. D-tunas. Not only did he revolutionize guitar techniques but he also contributed and set a new standard for guitar building, amp construction and recording techniques. His contribution to popular music cannot be overestimated.
Our local radio station had an excellent tribute this morning to Eddie Van Halen. D.J. said " HE WASN'T JUST A MUSICIAN. HE WAS MUSIC ! " Today I'm still tearing up 😢😢 ! A Devastating Loss !!!! I get sad then I see Eddie's Smile and Impish Grin ! 🎸🎸🎸🎸 ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Im mad because i barely found out about 70's/80's rock/heavy metal last year & i'm 28 years old . Prior to 2019 all i listened to was stupid ass hip-hop because thats all i knew & grew up around . April of 2019 i found out about Motley Crue first , from a movie on netflix . Then from that i went a researched more 80's bands . Finally finding out about Van Halen . Funny story , Beat It by Michael Jackson is my fav song of all time & i never knew it was Eddie playing the solo . So in a way i had been listening to Eddie all my life without knowing it . The guitar is what makes me love that song outta any other MJ song & ima huge MJ fan . Some of us new fans are devastated because were finding such beautiful music but the people behind those songs are dying now due to them being born in the 40's , 50's .. LONG LIVE EDDIE VAN HALEN & 70's/80's ROCK N ROLL !!!
Rick, a couple of hours ago I was just watching your video about "how would Stairway to Heaven sound with EVH" Rick, let me tell you for the whole length of your video I couldn't stop smiling; it was the best time I could enjoy really. Now Im just covered in tears moaning the loss of my childhood/lifetime hero ! I just want to say thank you; thank you very much for taking time always to talk about Eddie, to talk about VH, for making these beautiful videos/content you always share with us. All the love and respect all the way from Mexico Rick. Rest In Peace Eddie, we all your fans will love you and your music and soul will never cease to play within our hearts.
R.I.P. EVH- One of the greatest of all time. One of the main reasons why I started to play guitar. Genius, inventer, inovater, writer, arranger, composer, guitarist who redefined rock guitar for the rest of the 20th and 21st century. A true giant. He will be missed and celebrated forever. I was just playing my EVH crop circles guitar last night with the Wolfie next to it. 2020 has been rough enough but first Niel Piert now EVH. I also have had health issues and they improved however both my parents passed on this year. This just sucks however this too shall pass. Let's celebrate a legend.
As a 61 year old guitarist of 50 years, this is mortally painful. Ed was a GIGANTIC influence on myself and millions of guitarists the world over. His contribution to music in general let alone the guitar, can't be overstated. He sent us all scrambling to the woodshed. The only thing that compares to this for me is the deaths of Hendrix and Holdsworth….they're all in good company. There's one HELLUVA BAND IN HEAVEN.
On this very sad day and as my musical fandom heart breaks.... it is nice to listen and watch to your heartfelt video. I never met the man but I find my 50 year old self weeping uncontrollably since I heard the news of his passing. To me Edward was the greatest musician, Innovator, song writer and composer I've ever heard. His music touch me like no other and it was and is and always will be a very important and necessary part of my life. Thank you Eddie for being an inspiration to me and millions of others. Rest in peace ELVH
that shy sneaky smile.....that devastating technique.....that kid who spent so many hours in his bedroom honing his chops......the guy who put keyboards in a song others tried to talk him out of releasing and it went number one....that guy who appreciated allan holdsworth and others but still always sounded like just himself....can not be forgotten....rock on brother
I’m devastated as a drummer growing up in Ireland the VH sound was huge and Eddies sound and performances were almost like movies to me. His riffs and solos stood out on their own. His the guitarist in the “dream”band . Today I was going to do a drum cover of jump or beat it. Couldn’t bring myself to do it. Decided I wasn’t going to listen to Eddie but find someone who would talk about eddies I knew it would be you . I’m sorry for your loss thank you for this Rick. Thinking of you There is no compassion for this Eddie Van Halen was eddie Van Halen Unique epically talented A supernova on guitar and stage . Never to be equaled but revered
Same here jam sessions in honor of Van Halen. It is a brutal day. It isn't getting the just press it should get. Eddie is possibly the greatest guitarist to ever live. It is a Beatle level loss to me. His guitar licks were amazing. "Live Without a Net" watch that live performance! WOW!
Count me in too. Hopefully Alex and the whole Van Halen family are alright. Got to do a cover . Today too man. It's almost like hearing the death of Malcom Young and Tom Petty. This just hit me hard .
THE KING WILL LIVE ON FOREVER ❤EDWARD VAN HALEN❤ Love to Wolf , Alex, Dave , Mike, Sam , Janie , Valerie and all his family , friends and fans around the world . Thanks Rick for posting this Much love
God this is painful. May his soul rest in peace. He gave so much to us through his music and gift of music composition. Thank you so much Eddie for sharing your gift of guitar and music with those of us who understand the language of music. You touched my soul. Peace be with you.
Thanks Rick. I keep posting this. I feel so fortunate that we were there when he flourished. For me, that was ‘80-‘84 (but really til forever). I didn’t get to first see him until ‘86 for the 5150 tour. But here is my two Eddie memories crystallized in my memory. On the 5150 show in Chicago, we sat in the nose bleeds. I also was needing glasses but didn’t have them yet. So everything was hard to see. During his solo, I saw a pair of binoculars being passed around and they got to me right when he was playing “Cathedral.” I finally after 8 years of imagining and listening and slowing down vinyl, I got to see my hero, a superhero, Superman, live in person. The image is burned into my brain- the red and white striped 5150 Kramer, his white tank top, and ocean blue balloon pants. Completely changed my life forever. The second memory is on the Balance tour in ‘95. Again in the nose bleeds, lol, at one point in between songs I screamed at the top of my lungs, “Ehhhhhhhhhhh-ddie” and he actually turned around and looked up to see where that came from. There’s almost not a day that goes by where I don’t think about him or his playing, or his sound and also listen to at least some Van Halen. Certainly not an occasion where I pick up my guitar and something of his comes out and completely unintentional. It’s there in my blood, in my guitar DNA, it always will be. For that I feel so fortunate.
Absolutely. Celebrate the immense gift of his life and the legacy he leaves.,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,, Hot for Teacher,,,,,,,,,,,,Jamies Crying......Spanish Fly.......Unchained.......Big Bad Bill.......Ice Cream Man,,,, ..................make a playlist,,,,,,,annoy the neighbours! : )
I saw Van Halen in 79. I think VHII had just been released. At one point in the show, the house lights came down. A few seconds go by as the lighters light up (there was other lighting up going on too), and then in pitch black Eruption begins. House lights come up, and Eddie is sliding on his knees through sawdust, all while playing one of the most technically brilliant solos ever. Rockin effin Roll!!
I also saw VH but although the playing was amazing Dave's voice wasn't up to snuff as I remember. Maybe end of tour line and voice is gone not sure but I saw them a few times and Dave voice never sounded as good as the album IMO. Still amazing to watch and his voice was good enough, just not wow stuff I guess. Maybe I got unlucky and he was wasted or burnt out.
@@kimmackenzie5002 DLR was never the greatest vocalist but he was a great frontman and the best voice for that band. I was always a casual VH fan but I would see them for Eddie in a heartbeat. Sadly I never did.
Eddie took rock guitar to another level and his approach to the guitar redefined rock guitar. i was in high school when the first VH record came out and remember the sensation it caused. Every song was being played on the radio 24/7 in the NY metro area. Suddenly every guitar player had to learn finger/fretboard tapping. I mean how much was Randy Rhodes influenced by EVH? Eddie would've been a monster player on any instrument...happily he picked the guitar. RIP Eddie, and thanks for the memories.
I live in Los Angeles, and less than 5 miles from Eddie's house and studio. FM rock radio has been playing VH music non-stop, including all the deep cuts they never play. The on air talent are also airing calls from friends and fans with VH stories. Anyone who grew up here, and was into the rock club scene during the 70's has VH stories. I have distinct memories of the first time I heard VH on the radio, as well as specific songs. I can also say that it was a VH song that inspired me to put down my bass, and finally learn 6 string guitar after watching a VH cover tune here on YT. For many years I followed any and all latest VH and Eddie news. When his guitar and amp line came out, I visited Guitar Center to see them in person, and especially play the guitars. While I do have many of the VH CD's (and cassette tapes), the only vinyl album I own is a near mint copy of VH 2, which I treasure because it includes the song that re-awakened my ears to rock music after years of practically shunning it during the late 70's - Dance The Night Away. The sheer joy his playing suggested in that song nearly brought me to tears hearing it for the first time. EVH is one of the reasons I feel blessed to have been born at this time, enabling me to experience his entire career from beginning to end.
I never got to meet Eddie , but I saw VH in concert 11 different times over the years. Back in the days of General admission tickets, we would show up early and get front row. At the end of the Fair warning tour Eddie reached over and handed me a guitar pick. I have it in our safe deposit box along with all my concert ticket stubs. Rest In Peace Edward Van Halen, you were one of a kind!
I was working from home, a friend sent me a FB message. "Did you hear about Eddie Van Halen?" No. I hadn't heard. Within 30 minutes, I had called Sweetwater and ordered a Wolfgang Special in Deep Purple Metallic. I have no idea how I'm going to pay for it yet, but today was the kick in the pants for me to just bite the bullet and get my dream guitar from one of my biggest influences. Rest in power Ed.
Sad day for Guitarists around the world, i'm crushed. He's done sooooo much for the guitar world, musically speaking but not only : sonic research, luthiery, developement, amps, effects... Thanks Eddy. RIP genius.And f..k 2020 !
Eddie is never dead, he lives on through every Rock guitarist around the world. We'll miss you Eddie, heaven's about to have one of the greatest concerts ever. 🤘🏻
I mean I didn't know him personally but my heart feels like I did!! 42 years is long friendship and knowing how he changed my life when VH-1 hit the air!!! It's a sad time! But appreciate what this man did for us! All those hours and practicing was for us to here! Rock in peace brother! And thank you Rick for all the hard work you do for all of us! You ROCK!!!!❤️👍🇺🇸
I was 12 years old and heard Runnin With the Devil, my best friend gave me the Van Halen Van Halen tape. Yes Tape. I was like what is this sound, from the opening guitar you knew it was amazing. Thank you Eddie for all your incredible music. RIP you will never be forgotten.
here's the thing: you are not guaranteed to be introduced to any amazing artists in your life, so you have to be grateful for each one for as long as we have them. Fortunately, there is audio and video of a lot of his performances, so he will not be forgotten by future generations, but we were the one luck enough to share the planet with him for a few revolutions! a baby born tomorrow will never have it! we were truly blessed! :)
Just imagine what music would have been without him. I can't even begin to imagine. How many bands do you think would never have existed without the influence and inspiration of his playing? How many people in this world picked up a guitar and took a journey whether professional or personal because of him? Thank you Eddie.
I saw Van Halen and Eddie for the first time in 1983 at the Hollywood Florida Sportatorium... Unbelievable concert.... Eddie's guitar solos were amazing.... Eruption Wow.... I ended going to 4 Van Halen concerts... I saw the 1984 tour ... A tour with Sammy Haggar as lead singer.... Than their reunion tour with David Lee Roth again.... My favorite concerts ever.... R.I.P. Eddie . God Bless
I was the first of my friends to like Van Halen, much to their disdain. They just didn't get it, but I did. My first record was Fair Warning - and when I heard that guitar intro to Mean Streets - I knew he was in a category of his own. You could always understand what most guys were were playing - Page, Hendrix, Trower - even if you couldn't play it yourself, but this was completely incomprehensible. Ed had a musical gift combined with a daring attitude about innovation that is difficult to understand now that we all share his many contributions to electric guitar.
A true Revolutionary! His Musical DNA runs through everyone who has ever played guitar. His influence cannot be measured and will echo through the ages as long there is electric guitar. Although Eddie had been Ill it still is shocking. The closest guy I remember that floored and shocked me was when I heard Randy Rhodes was killed. I thought my friend was messing with me and at that time it was much more difficult to confirm the news. He now becomes immortal in everyone who he has touched with his musical presence and belongs to the ages.
When Rick said "I had NEVER heard the guitar sound like that" I can't remember the last time I've thought that to myself from someone playing the guitar... maybe Tom Morello? Eddie's guitar playing just changed how people looked at the instrument and what it was capable of, and it just doesn't seem like we're going to be getting that out of the guitar anymore. I really hope I'm wrong, it just seems like so much of the potential of the guitar has been discovered, and EVH was one of the last true pioneers of discovering new sounds from it. RIP dude.
For me there have been several "what's that??" moments... EVH, Allan Holdsworth, Vai, Satriani and Gambale. The first two are now gone, and it saddens me a lot to reckon I don't see many new musicians as relevant or game changing as those we're losing....
I hadn't found your channel yet on this day.. but I remember it perfectly.. happened to be my sister's birthday and I saw it on FB and, I'm not gonna lie, I totally teared up... immense loss. He was the most important of the OG innovators for me as a heavy metal lead guitarist.. he gave birth to the niche sound and/or genre that all of playing existed in... heartbreaking.
I am crushed. This makes my video from yesterday even more poignant. It’s a video about Stairway to Heaven and EVH th-cam.com/video/1cOosnkWj2g/w-d-xo.html
The only band I never got to see. They didn't play this side of the pond much
He was an icon and he will be missed. This is the first I'm hearing of it. I'm sure they could use guitar lessons in heaven 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘 Rest In Peace EVH.
He’s one of the few that inspired me to learn. Funny enough, the song that got me was mean street, specifically the intro. I heard that and was like I’ve gotta learn to do that.
So strange. I watched this video this morning loving the different takes on Stairway and then heard the news tonight about EVH. RIP Eddie.
When i saw your video yesterday... I KNEW IT THEN. Somehow i knew it. Maybe it was the stairway to heaven solo. It is devastation.
It's 2024 and still missing Eddie Van Halen! He was the best of the best!❤🎸🎶🎵❤️😇
People that play guitar understand the impact Eddie made on guitar playing. This was the guy every single freaking guitarist tried to copy in the 80s (and still are). Also the songwriting as well man! The songs are amazing, catchy fun and amazing solos techincal, melodic and great sound! The riffs! A legend has passed and it’s a sad day. RIP ❤️ Eddie showed the world a new level of playing the guitar.
Yep... I’ve been playing guitar for thirty years. Ed is my number 1 guitarist
I’m a drummer and Eddie will always be my favorite musician. He’s the reason I started playing. True hero!
The reason why I started taking guitar seriously. I had been playing for about 6 years before but he shock my world and it began.
Oh and I still suck! 😆
Oh and my guitar teacher hated Van Halen!
I think it also hurts because Eddie seemed to always be smiling while he's playing. He looks out into the audience, and is saying to them, "Pretty cool, huh!". And on a human level, Eddie and Alex seem to work so well together as steadfast loyal brothers through thick and thin.
like dime and vinny
RIP Eddie. I remember these times when I was young. Your music saved my behind. Your smile and hopefulness came across the radio and tv. I remember Vietnam. We volunteered at VA hospital. Your music took the pain away. You’re Angel in the sky. Fly High! You are with your Maker. Your legacy lives in our hearts. It was the innocence of our youth. Your smile will always be a symbol of hope. Hope to make this world a better place. Sending your love❤️and prayers 🙏
@@Ensource I kinda lost it when Eddie put his old guitar with in the coffin Dimebag. He had a big heart from what I've heard.
An old band mate of mine called to give me the bad news about Eddie. I was blown away. Eddie was the kind of player who when you hear his guitar, you know that it is him. Many players have tried to copy his style, but no one will ever really play guitar the way he did again.
Props to Eric Blackmon for sharing your love of music and guitar. I appreciate your lessons.
Former band mate Mark Stone passed away just ten days prior to EVH passing. Wait a second! You don’t suppose they’re reforming the band in heaven?
One of my favorite Eddie stories was from Ted Nugent..."Eddie was throwing a party in the early 80's at his place, all I can think about is his rig, and how he gets his brown sound. I ask him "hey Ed, you mind if I try out your guitar rig ?" "Sure man, go ahead" replied Ed... "You know what I sounded like while playing through his gear?....I sounded like Ted Nugent playing through a Marshall stack" His tone and style will never be matched....NO ONE will ever be like Ed. He was truly a legend and my childhood/adulthood hero
@Barney Fife Fair Warning an AWESOME record...I STILL get goosebumps during Mean Street when Dave says "Lord, strike that poor boy dowwwnn...then Ed pick dives and fires into his solo...man..I LOVE it
I was born in 1955 and lived 5 miles away from the Van Halen Brothers. I saw them play, as well as had many private conversations with Eddie throughout the 70s. Being a fellow musician (drummer at the time), we both talked about music and enjoyed many of the same bands. Eddie was always a really nice guy and a pleasure to be with.
The first time I saw them play (as Mammoth) was 1970 at a local gymnasium. I was very impressed with Alex's drum solo in particular, and inspired me to immediately start practicing A LOT.
For 10 years I would either see them play at back yard parties, school dances, or Gazzarri's on the Sunset strip, or occasionally hanging out at a party or the movie theater. (I believe it was Jaws)
Our band (Tales; a progressive rock band) did play one concert with Van Halen who actually played before us! (Hard to believe, I know, but I do have poster to prove it)
Last time a saw Eddie was after their first album went gold. Had about a two hour conversation where he told me and two other friends all about their touring (flying on the Concord jet, meeting Mick Jagger in London, etc)
For a long time I've imagined what it would be like to see him again and talk about the old times when we were just kids. AND what an impact he has had on music.
My condolences to Alex (they were always very close) and his family, friends, and fans around the world. Now I'm going to go have a good cry.
God bless Eddie!
may his soul rest in peace.
What a great privilege you had!
Wow! That is amazing, I cannot imagine how cool it was seeing all of that play out in real time. That’s Rock history right in front of you. Thanks for sharing .
@@michaelrichardson8343 Indeed! At that same Gymnasium I also saw David Lee Roth singing with a band called Red Ball Jet before joining Mammoth and changing their name.
That's so cool! Any chance we can see the poster? That's a piece of history, please!
I spent a whole year on the road with Edward, in 1986. It was an unforgettable experience. I heard every soundcheck on the 5150 tour, and most of the shows.
Mind-blowing. He also jammed with me a few times.....what a trip.....R I P a real legend
What was he like?
Complicated question. He was a very sweet, friendly dude. Always smiling (and smoking). There were some difficult times for him, as he and Valerie had just lost a child (miscarriage), but he generally always kept a great outlook. I was playing drums in B.T.O., the opening act on that tour, and he always made time to chat and connect. A pretty awesome experience for me, a young dude just getting my first sense of 'the big show' every night......
In the year 1984, my buddy put Van Halen-“Van Halen” on a turntable, dropped the needle on “You Really Got Me/Eruption”, and all the pubescent hairs on my body stood up, and my 30+yrs relationship with the guitar was “unchained” in perpetuity. Thanks Eddie! Your “brown sound”, that you created with golden hands changed my life. Godspeed EVH!
EDDIE IS ALIVE! Because of his musical legacy.
He lives on through his music, and through other people he inspired!
igor love ya work mate!!
Keep it Up!! 👩🎨
точно ✊🥺
We are living in the last days. Watch my video that I may convince you of the times we live in. God bless you all 🙏
Igor, you are a breath of fresh air my friend
I came here to mourn with other people who know how much Eddie meant. Another chunk of the kid inside me died today.
I watched him play "eruption" live at the Hollywood Sportatorium in the early eighties (82/83) he was no more than 10 feet away from me, I was off the left corner of the stage, first row of the upper seats, at that wall that was just about a foot shorter than the stage, but you could have stepped off the wall and right onto the stage floor. He was standing on a speaker/amp/ whatever. There was nobody in between us, he looked right at me it seemed while he played, just amazing to see. I will never forget it.
Awesome man, cool to hear about just one huge imprint the guy made, I can picture it!
@Kevin Prima he played for about 15-20 minutes right in front of me, I can close my eyes and still see him up there.
Awesome story!
I can say the same thing but on 11/1/2007. I was 13 and in awe from his talent and how humble he was about his music. I was listening to Van Halen or about 3 or so years and I will never forget seeing my hero right in front of me. I will never forget what he's given to me. Rest in paradise Eddie.
I haven't cried this hard in a long time. Eddie was the reason I picked up the guitar and the reason I still play every day. The first time I heard the car horns and crushing power chords of Running With the Devil I knew I would be a fan for life. I am absolutely crushed.
I bought Van Halen’s first album when I was 15. That night I came home at night around 10:30pm and my 70 year old grandmother was in the family room where the best stereo in the house was. I told her I was going to play a new rock n roll record kind of loud. She did not offer much commentary, but to my amazement, she listened to side one with me all the way through. I guess neither of us had heard anything like that before. Such a transformative guitar figure was Eddie.
Eddie is the reason I switched from using a tennis racket as an air-guitar, and actually bought a real one.
He's also why I never touched a red one, and felt offended when people butchered his (admittedly) insanely difficult solos.
I now need to begin to describe what he was totally like to experience live, but even with TH-cam, it's gonna be a challenge. Explain magic to someone who hasn't seen it, ya know?
Thanks for all of it, Eddie.
Love you, bro.
RIP
😖🎸🤘💔🕯️💯😢
I learned that Eddie, upon arriving at Dimebag’s funeral, had in his hand the guitar from Van Halen II. Vinnie thought a replica would be given. Eddie said, “An original deserves an original.” That put me into tears.
Four humans changed the guitar: Django, Les, Jimi, and EVH. There is no higher order than to fundamentally change conventional wisdom about what an instrument can do.
@@bilinasmini3480 Good call on Django. He doesn't get the cred he deserves. IMO he was the original guitar shredder and often gets overlooked because he played in the 30's and 40's. EVH was probably the last to have that much of an impact on the world of guitar. Shame all of these legends are gone now.
@@leescuderi8331 - Yngwie deserves to be included in that group, IMO.
He was pretty cool
And know they're jamming together! Good thing he put it in his kiss coffin they'll ll have to share that guitar bud I'm sure it won't be a problem since they were both kind hearted souls and respect each other! ❤️👍🇺🇸
EVH is an American treasure and will be treasured for ever. A musical genius, top guitar player with a beautiful, charismatic smile.
Dutch treasure.
@@TonySlug he’s both. He became a great musician in USA.
@@chrislouboutin9059 I know, I grew up ca 3 blocks from where the Van Halen family lived in Amsterdam before moving to the US.
If you're a rock/metal guitar player, you owe everything to Eddie. The best to ever do it.
Agreed. His playing is in the fabric of my guitar playing DNA.
He is the definition of “Legend.”
My first time: I was in 10th grade, sitting with my buddies, in the back of a bus heading to Colorado on a youth group ski trip. There were these annoying younger kids who had “stolen” the very back seat from us, during a rest stop. So we sat right in front of them.
They were playing there music on a cassette player, while we were playing ours (I think it was the first Fleetwood Mac album, to be precise). We’d already mixed words over the seats and now a bit of a volume war had begun between us, then it happened. They started playing the VH1 Album.
First time we’d ever heard the band. My buddies and I literally turned off our player, turned around and simultaneously said, who is that? We were in awe and quickly made friends with those kids, over that amazing album. I bet we listened to it, it in it’s entirety, at least 20 times on that trip.
As soon as we got home, I ran to the music store in College Square Mall and bought a copy on 12” vinyl. Still have it. Total greatness.
Bryan in San Diego?
Haha, sweet
Mark Rozenberg no, I grew up in Iowa and live in Dallas, TX now.
XXX and Juice wrld are the best and they are legends
helen reddy. . . . .
People who "weren't there", who didn't experience Eddie and Van Halen's scorched Earth offensive back then don't understand not only the magnitude of who he was and what he did, but what a loss this is. There are "stars" and there are "musicians". Eddie was a master musician the like of which really hasn't been seen since him, and likely won't be seen again. We were blessed to have been fortunate enough to share in the pure joyous genius of his AND Alex's talent. We all lost a part of our lives and a lifelong "friend".
E.L. Norton agreed 😢
I was there,,,,1st concert at age 13 in 1978 1st world tour....He changed my whole perspective on guitar
I wasn't there. In fact I discovered Van Halen way later. And this is a loss I can't even put into words. Like a teenage friend died. Discovering Eddie and van Halen was like a revelation. I started playing guitar because his play was something I never heard before.
I'm still shocked.
@A.D. Yes. You can still be shocked even if you see it coming.
Was like this with Lemmy and it will be like this when someday others die.
And senior citizen. Sure. But 65 is pretty young nonetheless.
@A.D. Just stop, man. The internet doesn't always need to be an argument.
Lots of my guitar hero’s have died - but when I heard about Eddie from all the pushes on my phone, I started crying and I don’t even fully understand why. My mom was a huge VH fan. I remember my mom much younger wearing a VH T-shirt, and being a kid and my mom cranking VH1 and VH2 on vinyl. I knew as a little boy that those tones and that playing was special. I’ve since loved guitar my entire life, and while I’ll never be able to play like Eddie, I appreciate how simple he made it all look! Even a day since the news, watching this video made me tear up. There will never be another like EVH! I’ll be cranking my moms old albums and appreciating those same songs that remind me of my childhood! completely!
As a 16 year old guitarist who first heard Van Halen 1 in a friends basement in 1978, his death today marks the passing of the most influential guitar player in history. There were guitarists I liked more, but Eddie was a force of musical nature, like Mozart. You can’t know what it was like in 1978 unless you were there. The world was already full of hot shot guitar players as guitar solos were still popular and necessary in songs, if you can believe it. We were surrounded by solos. Out of an already elite atmosphere comes someone who reinvented the guitar, by borrowing, stealing and adding his own personality. This was no Berkeley grad snob with an ‘education’, but a natural innovator who could not even read music. We heard ‘eruption’ and could not even understand what we were hearing. Was it a guitar, a keyboard, voodoo magic? And this was right in the middle of disco!
All the hot shots who came after: Steve Vai, satriani, malmsteen, would not have existed without VH. They added speed and technique but none could match the sheer personality and songwriting chops of Eddie. I stress songwriting, and the ability to make a song memorable by the masses, not just guitar players. How many people (non guitarists) do you know that can tell you the title of one song from any of these other guitar players? VH not only wrote the most iconic hard rock riffs in history, his sense of melody and feel and tone were unmatched, and still are to this day. He is a once in a generation comet we will likely not see again.
Van Halen, the band, through sheer force of talent, drive, their outsized personalities, influenced every rock band in the 80’s, creating a copycat machine of terrible bands and players who tried to be VH, or David Lee Roth, and failed. This stink of hair bands and ever accelerating , million notes a minute guitar players could only be erased by the arrival of Nirvana and grunge in 1992. Suddenly, guitar solos were passé, and I was glad to see the clone wankers go the way of the dinosaur.
Today, most under 30’s don’t even know who Van Halen is or was. His music, his instrument, the guitar, and guitar solos, no longer fits in with what is cool. Real musicians with actual talent, the abilty to perform live, put on a show without backing tracks or silicone inflated buttocks, no longer matter in the “music” world. It’s now George Orwell’s 1984, with covid banning live music everywhere. You can read the book, but I’m going to listen to the last album by the original Van Halen.
Indeed sir. Indeed.
A different kind of truth
"Out of an already elite atmosphere comes someone who reinvented the guitar, by borrowing, stealing and adding his own personality. This was no Berkeley grad snob with an ‘education’, but a natural innovator who could not even read music. We heard ‘eruption’ and could not even understand what we were hearing. Was it a guitar, a keyboard, voodoo magic?"
This is all I needed to read tonight. Nothing more needs to be said.
I don't know where you got your information but just to let you know EvH could read music, took harmony classes and didn't just 'wing it' so to speak. He was a player that had his own musical ideas but knew the rules and rudiments of western music and I'd say that helped him a lot in getting the ideas in his mind out in a far more economical and efficient way than if he was just a self-taught player. Total innovator, I agree but he knew the rules that he was breaking or bending (no pun intended).
Skinny Karlos It’s easier for guitar players to learn chords and riffs by ear than other instruments such as the piano, so Van Halen’s ability to play without reading music isn’t uncommon.
Van Halen talked about this in an interview with Guitar World magazine way back in 1985. He was asked if the piano classes he took growing up transferred to playing the guitar. “Oh, definitely, but in a very subliminal way. Because I never learned how to read, really; I used to fool the teacher,” he admitted. “I did it all by ear.”
I was always impressed with his rhythm playing even more than his leads. Both were cutting edge. Went today from living legend to legend.
Ohh me 2! Amsterdam is killer!! What a tune, he just kills it😍
Me too, his rythm skill is amazing
My exact thought. Top 5 rhythm players of all time, easily.
So yesterday was like prophecy.. Eddie really taking the Stairway... RIP
I thought of the same thing. A remarkable coincidence indeed :(
@@johanericsson3195 What is the coincidence?
@@SkepticalGuy Watch Ricks last video.
Ikr? How weird is that?
@@Wolfbabypuppylove Check out Produce Like A Pro. His vid was a tribute to Eddie yesterday.
Eddie Van Halen is the reason I staryed playing music. I am ironically not a guitar player, but a bass player that started on piano and keyboard. I was in sixth grade when 1984 came out and a friend of mine had the tape in school one day. I asked if i could borrow it, took it home that night and copied it (like we all did back in the day - pre-digital piracy). I llayed that tape so much trying to learn Jump, 1984, and I'll wait that it was shot in about 3 months.
As a keyboard player, a bass player, and a musician, Eddie was the first real inspiration for me (not afraid to say I was a Van Halen fanboy). After Van Halen I discovered Rush, the second driving influence for me musically (and another loss to bear earlier this year).
R.I.P. Eddie. Thank you for all the years of influence and inspiration, and all of the musical gifts and treasures!
I was born in 1994. The first musician who i remembered by name as a child was Eddie Van Halen. I remember hearing the sound of his playing over the car stereo and asking what that sound was. I distinctly remember my mother telling me "That's Eddie Van Halen! He's the best guitar player ever". Eddie was literally the spark I needed to start playing music.
R.I.P. Eddie Van Halen.
You will be missed, and always loved.
I am around the same age as you (born in 1996). You have a far cooler mum than I. I don't think mine could stomach VH. RIP indeed.
My husband passed away at 44 years old in 2012...he was from La Canada and his two only favorites he knew by heart: Van Halen EDDIE 🎸 and RUSH Neil Peart 🥁I wonder what Heaven looks like when your loves bust through the veil~Love Comes Walkin’ In❤️
I'm not old enough to fully grasp Eddie's impact. But seeing all the grief, I think i understand. All my sympathies.
Eddie is kind of on the same level as Jimi. Probably the 2 greatest guitar players who wver lived. That’s how big and impactful he was. He will be missed.
He was exceptional at translating his sound from studio to stage. The Brown Sound. A lot of players get great takes in the studio but something gets lost on stage. I swear you can we smoke when he's tremelo picking. Crazy fast. He had it all. The look, the playing, the sound, the vibe, the smile, the money, the hot wife, the inventions, the fast cars, the heavy drinking, the drugs, the smoking. Just a true Rock Star. Great musician. All by ear. RIP Eddie.
I am 65....I feel honoured to have been on this planet when the guitar came good as an instrument with the likes of jimi hendrix and eddie van halen, their inventiveness and execution elevated the electric guitar to new heights. My record and guitar collection would not be what it is without giants like these forging new ground in technique and sonic achievement. Thank you and respect.
Les G Tons of respect to you Les! God bless 🙏!!!
Same age. ❤️
We were spoiled by rare musical genius. I took it all for granted until now. These guys aren't replaceable.
RIP - Eddie Van Halen -
Few artists truly define a genre in their own time. You can have any opinion you want on his eponymously named band Van Halen, but after Eddie recorded "Eruption" the guitar world was put on notice that the cost of playing poker just went up.
When I heard Eruption for the first time I knew, and everybody knew, that something important just happened.
The first album I ever bought was Van Halen's debut.
There's a point in your life when your music choices are your own, and no longer the choices of your parents. I grew up with John Denver albums and the Carpenters and Neal Diamond in the house. (Its incredible I made it out alive)
When my brain started rejecting the sounds offered, my earliest memories all surround Van Halen.
Eddie was my generations Hendrix and he was always, "moving with style and ease."
You rarely ever saw Eddie without a smile or a laugh. He didn't take himself too seriously and he was thus accessible. He was one of us, playing cool tunes with his brother Alex on drums and later with his son Wolfe on bass, rocking out at Jeff Spicoli's parties.
Eddie was the King of the Garage Guitar Heros, and the King is dead.
Long Live The King.
You never met me.
You never shook my hand.
You created from the heart,
OH! How you played for the band.
I never met you.
I never shook your hand.
Opening my eyes to possibilities,
My style, and flow, at your command.
You changed the face of music
Your melodies make us hum
Unknowingly creating all of us
The guitarists we've become.
You will be loved by millions.
For a long, long, time to come.
But today I feel like I've lost,
Something special in my strum.
Be at Peace EVH.
I am right there with you bro. I was a kid when Van Halen came out, I was learning to play the Guitar, I was floored when their first AP come out... All the time I put in learning every note, and lick. He was a legend I am brokenhearted and deeply saddened . All my prayers are going to his family friends and love ones. .....". Rock on Eddie.
Never met Eddie, saw him once live, but the impact that he and his brother, Alex left on me a as musician will never die. Eddie was the most innovative musician i have ever had the privilege to listen to and grow up with as a kid. He was the epitome and the pinnacle of musicianship.
A huge loss to the rock n’ roll world and may he rest in peace wherever he is continuing to inspire those beings he is around today.
May God bless the entire Van Halen family and may Wolf mourn knowing that the entire world of musicians lost a great and inspiring human being.
I’m at my son’s lacrosse practice and they’re blasting “Right Now”.
As a teen, I spent hours and hours in my room trying to learn Eddie Van Halen solos such as Eruption and Spanish Fly, as thousands of other guitarists did. What a great guitarist and influence. R.I.P. Eddie ( as if 2020 couldn't get any worse ).
Everything started to go down hill after Robin Williams passed... :(
1979. This mechanic that I worked with and I drove to get some hamburgers at lunch. He had Van Halen in the 8 track tape deck blasting over 4 Craig Power Play speakers. First time I'd ever heard music like that and I was just starting out on guitar. I'll never forget it. I always wanted a Peavey 5150 head but couldn't afford it at the time. All the music greats are leaving us never to be replaced.
Unfitproduct Airborne I noticed that.
👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎
There will be no other one like him ever again. RIP, Eddie!!!!!!
In June of 1978 my Bass Player, roommate and best friend Bart, copped two tickets to the first Texas Jam for $13.00 each. We had been auditioning drummers and singers for our new band and decided to take a break. Besides, Rush, Heart and Ted Nugent were going to be there just to name a few.
July 1st turned out to be the hottest day of the year that year in Dallas @104 degrees and 120 on the field where our tickets put us. The show was scheduled from 11a.m. until Midnight. We arrived at 10:30 and grabbed two beers each and headed for the stage. We were no more than twenty yards from the massive stage that spanned the width of the end zone. The sound system's speakers were 20 foot high walls on either side at the back of the stage.
The first band was Blackstone, a Texas band that had won the local Battle of the Texas Bands contest and so the right to open the first ever Texas Jam. The Cotton Bowl held 80,000 people but that morning it was probably around half that. Eventually 100,000 would show up as the day went on. Blackstone finished their set and we all whooped and hollered for our local heroes. Next band up had just released their first album self titled, "Van Halen".
"Runnin' With the Devil" was all over the radio and Bart and I had run out and picked up the album. Expecting one or two "good" songs was normal for a debut album but we were blown away by songs like "Jamie's Cryin'", "Ice Cream Man", Ain't Talkin' Bout Love", "Feel Your Love Tonight" and "Eruption". As to that last song I was sure he had done several tracks to make that work so I didn't expect to hear it live.
They opened with "Runnin' With the Devil" which surprised me because it was their biggest commercial hit and a song like that was usually reserved for an encore. For the next hour they put the pedal to the Rock Metal and never looked back. My next surprise was how BIG the guitarist sounded. His sound coming off that stage filled that half empty stadium like it was my apartment bathroom. He was smiling (What?) and jumping around the entire set yet he never missed a note. I had seen some great guitarists (Robin Trower, Lonesome Dave, Wishbone Ash, etc. but just like there's no cryin' in baseball there's no smilin' in Rock!! But that grin stayed plastered to his face for the full hour like he knew he was taking the ride of his life and he was going to enjoy every minute of it. And when Eddie Van Halen played "Eruption"------I knew I was witnessing Rock history. Here was a once in a generation guitarist.
The rest of that day and night I saw Iconic bands like Rush, Heart, Ted Nugent, Foghat and Aerosmith play big shows to 100,000 people all screaming for rock. But when I left what I took away as the highpoint and a memory I'll have if I live to be 100 was that genius showing us all that a single guitar could sound like a symphony of the gods - and making it look easy. It was an honor to be a witness to this singular man and his talent and the world is poorer and my heart heavy tonight with his passing.
Hear hear. Well said my friend.
Excellent story, John. Thanks for sharing
Loved this thankyou for your beautiful memory.
What a great story. I was only 12 in 1978 when I got "Van Halen" as a Christmas gift that year.
Thank you for your incredible peek into Edward's climb to the top.
RIP Edward.
I went to a VH concert (FUCK tour). It was my first (and only) time I saw them unfortunately. The sounded even better than the cd, incredible.
May the road
rise up to meet you.
May the wind be
always at your back.
May the sun shine
warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon
your fields and until
we meet again,
May God hold you
in the palm of His hand.
AMEN
I did bodyguarding for his brother Alex Van Halen during Van Haley’s Western Canada Tour in ‘84. The whole band were good guys, a lot of fun, especially DLR, and Eddie was a really shy and decent guy and I got to spend some time with him as well. He used to chain smoke back then, and I recall his wife Valerie Bertinelli kept nagging him to quit smoking, but he always seemed kind of nervous and I think he smoked to calm his nerves. He was a different person on stage than off, offstage he was quiet, shy guy. Everyone was indulging in the excesses of being Rock Stars back then, but I do remember never seeing him without a cigarette. When I heard he had throat Cancer I wasn’t surprised, but I heard he still never quit despite being diagnosed with throat Cancer. I got Cancer myself and I changed my lifestyle entirely, but I guess everyone reacts differently. He was a legend, a great man, and he’s gone way too soon. His music will live on as will his legacy to the art of guitar playing. RIP Eddie, you will be missed, but never forgotten. It was an honor to meet you and get to spend a small amount of time with one of my idols.
Ed quit cigarettes when he got sober. He did vape though and we now know that vaping is not the best thing for you either.
This is a giant loss for music and humanity. I was beside myself when I heard the news it destroyed me right up there with the loss of the Professor.
Vanhalen was a huge part of my life and i saw them many times and always had a great time and was just blown away every time. Please forgive my grammar. Long live Vanhalen.
My heart goes out to Wolfgang. He must be shaken through and through. My deepest sympathies to the entire family. Such a deep and precious loss.
Rick, I enjoyed your Stairway to heaven video THOROUGHLY. Thank you for that.
Van Halen was a semi local band here. Only a little bit older than I was and from but 20 miles from here, if that. I was always proud that they and Valerie were from my neck of the woods. I’m so sad and like you; stunned.
Thank you.
💔
Eddie was one of those talents that happens once in a lifetime. Most of the focus on his playing is regarding his virtuosity as a soloist, but this is only a piece of the puzzle. The song writing, obviously, but his rhythm guitar playing is just unparalleled. He took what icons like Page and Richards did and took it to a whole new level. How difficult is it to compose a part that supports the song, creates a hook and yet does not get in the way of the vocal. He was essentially playing keyboard parts on the guitar. He was also able to replicate all that LIVE!! It was just incredible. Chuck Berry changed the guitar. Then Clapton, then Hendrix/Page/Richards, Duane Allman...and then nothing really until Eddie Van Halen. He was just as influential as all of those innovators that came before him. Personally speaking, I can only express my feelings about him as gratitude and awe. Rest in peace Eddie. Your legacy is secure.
Eddie Van Halen, the greatest rock guitarist ever, died today. For his unmatched chops, originality, inventions for the guitar and amp, he was the best. His influence on lead guitarists for years to come was like an atomic bomb going off when Van Halen I came out in 1978. RIP.
Dad Man It needs no convincing. Eddie is the greatest of all time, Period.
@@Sysiphusjwk "greatest of all time"
There is no such thing.... Eddie did change the face of guitar forever though, and for that alone he deserves all the respect in the world.
Brian Jones There is indeed such a thing, and he’s called Eddie Van Halen. Go troll somewhere, else. RIP EVH.
You guys both are commerating his legacy, there's no need to argue. Eddie could be the greatest guitarist in some ppls eyes and not for another, to each their own opinion guys.
nowhere near the greatest LOL wouldnt make most top 10 list LOL
Rick, I come back to this video each of the two anniversaries of his passing. Still feeling the loss...
EVH was an era to himself. Like Hendricks death, it is the end of an era. RIP Eddie, you have been a inspiration to all who play or try to play guitar. Thank you !
mrstude please, it’s “Hendrix”.
I was in my 20's , chillin' in my friend's basement, going back and forth with the weed and the wine, when Running With The Devil came blasting out of the radio like a two ton truck. It was another life changing moment, back in the days when music could truly do that. R.I.P. Eddie. You may be gone physically but your spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone.
"I'm the one, the number 1" -EVH . Safe travels. Light up the sky.
Rick, Thanks so much for giving us this community! EV... Will rock my mind's eye forever. RIP EV
Wow, this is crazy! 2020 is going to go down as one of those years to remember, or forget, depending on your perspective. Eddie Van Halen's death hits me personally, as I am sure it does a lot of you as well. Eddie IS THE REASON I have been playing guitar for over 40 years (I am 52 now). I am literally holding back the tears as I type this message. I had the great pleasure of meeting Eddie on several occasions, and regardless of what you may have heard about him in the tabloids over the years, Eddie was always a very nice guy in person. Eddie is the greatest guitar innovator ever, and you can always tell 3 notes into a song that it is Van Halen. I have been a huge Van Halen fan since the late 70's, and continue to be a fan to this day. Van Halen got me through many great, and not so great, times during my high school years in the 80's. Dave or Sammy as the lead singer does not matter to me, both versions of Van Halen were great in their own respect. I am definitely going to get out the guitar, crank up the Marshall to 11, and play a medley of Van Halen songs in Eddie's honor tonight. I know Eddie has been battling oral and throat cancer for a long time now, and 65 years old is just just way too young for a person to die. I am sure Eddie had ton of songs and licks in him that we will never have the pleasure of hearing now. For all of those Van Halen fans out there, young and old, keep Eddie in your memory, and if you play guitar, play a few chords in Eddie's honor. I am sure he will hear all of us, and listen closely with that big smile on his face. Peace out everyone!
You story is my story (52 also).
One of those years to hold a deep grudge against.
i was thinking 2020 is the worst of my 64 years, now this...
I personally knew Eddie, having grown up in Pasadena. I first met him at Warner Bros with Ted Templeton, and then the whole band later. He will be missed greatly.
I was never a huge Van Halen fan. Still when it comes to someone getting hurt or,in this case-dying,it hurts me really bad. He was an amazing,innovative guitarist and changed a lot of people's lives. That's what matters. Rest well legend and I hope you find peace in heaven.
Thanks for participating. This is a moment. Words are evading many people who know they want to speak up. I'm just listening to the music for now.
What a brilliant player. He’ll be missed most by his family and friends, but also by the tens of millions of people who loved his music all around the world. RIP✊
john lee thank you John for your post, which quite appropriately acknowledges the loss to EVH’s family and friends.
Very sad, cancer sucks (also lost my dad to cancer a few years ago).
My first intro to Eddie was via MJ's Beat It and the Van Halen references on Back To Future and Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (2 of my faves as a kid!). It wasn't until I was a bit older when I started getting interested in rock and guitar that I discovered the amazingness of EVH as a player!
I had planned to see Van Halen live on my 30th in 2011 (in Australia... I live in NZ), but the concert was cancelled before I got to check flights, so never had the chance to see them live 😓
RIP Eddie
Today is a reality check for all of us in the EVH generation. This life is a temporary state of consciousness and when someone like this changes frequencies we are reminded of the fact that we are all on borrowed time. The soundtrack of my life is filled with great music. RIP EVH.
Beautiful words, man.
They are worthy of Eddie's greatness.
Scott Lance Let’s rock 🎸 out till we drop 🤘🏽
Thank you..thinking the same thing when I heard...Gonna crank up Fair Warning...
I hope we can make January 26 "Edward Van Halen Day" in celebration of this remarkable man who not only influenced millions of guitar players over five decades of his career but who was also a holder of three patents related to the guitar.
Additionally, The US, The Netherlands and Indonesia are all very proud of Edward and Alex's major contribution to music.
RIP Edward you did very well!
4 He forgot to renew one.
EVH wasn't my fav guitarist... but he was my fav guitarists' fav guitarist. Thank you for being the giant whose shoulders people stood on.
🤣🤣🤣but he's your favorite guitarist
The Markness, who are you referring to?
You must be a Dimebag fan like me.
Nuno?
@@michaelvanbuskirk8845 Pantera, Rage Against the Machine, Lamb of God, Slayer, Dethklok, Rob Scallon, and many others. I don't know if I could swing a cat in my music library without hitting someone who would cite him as a major influence. Looking at notable hard rock musicians react to his passing on Twitter, I'd say it'd be harder to find someone who *wasn't* influenced by him.
I was 9 years old, when a neighbor friend invited me and few others over to his house to listen to new group/record, just called "Van Halen." His dad had a really good system by 1978 standards. My friend blasted it so loud that the neighbors 3 streets away could hear it! I could not believe what I was hearing! Who could play guitar like this? Its like nothing we have ever heard before! That was the magic, that was the genius of Mr. Edward Van Halen! Your presence is already missed and your influence has already been placed on 100,000 guitarist currently, and countless others in the future. Edward Van Halen, the definition of Guitar God!
Rick, at around 7:42, you ask, "I don't know what comparison this is?" I would reply, that it is on the same level as Michael Jackson, John Lennon and Elvis Presley.
Moments like that have a funny way of staying with us, as we grow older. When I first Eruption, it sounded so big and dynamic - like I was in a big, marble floored Cathedral. When I was a kid I loved the sound of raunchy rock guitar, but Eddie's sound was both futuristic and warm. He sounded like a true musician. Made me want a guitar.
It feels like we‘ve lost another "brother/family member" . First of all my sincere condolences to family friends and to everyone mourning the passing of Eddie. There aren’t many players/humans throughout history who have left a remarkable footprint during their lifetime and on the respective craft. Eddie truly was such a centennial exception/gifted and hardworking devoted player, innovator maestro. My first encounter was not the shockingly and brutally fine first album but WACF. Luckily my US cousin took me under his wing during a life altering visit back in 1980 to NJ. Riding in his bud‘s Mustang and blasting everybody wants some left me speechless when I delved deeper into the back catalogue later that week and raided my cuz‘ 8-track collection. For this back then 14 year old aspiring guitar player it was first and foremost the feel and his exceptional tone before appreciating the obvious tapping etc. Rest easy Maestro -you were one of a kind special. After losing Neil in January this truly is as much of a blow having to say goodbye to a true king...
Thanks for this Rick. All us players old and young have lost a piece of our souls. I was born in '63. VH1 came out in '78 when I was 15 and changed my life and yours. Grateful, sad, and spent emotionally.
I never really wanted to play like him but completely admired the guy. Not surprising that he became good friends with Les Paul. They were both huge innovators. He made it look so easy and joyous. I'm also shocked. I'm 64, so he was just one year older. Take care of your health people. Eat lots of raw vegetables and keep your gut clear. I believe that's the key. RIP EVH.
And don't smoke lol
I don't know, lost my sister to lung cancer last year and she was only 54. Lost my other sister to heart related stuff two years ago and she was also 54. I am 51, was a huge fangirly of EVH, had his poster on my wall as a teen. I do think when your numbers up, it's up.
The first time I listened to Van Halen was about a year ago, around the time I first picked up the guitar. I had heard a lot about Eddie, so I went onto Spotify and put Van Halen on shuffle. The first song I heard was Panama, and I was blown away. When my mom called me downstairs yesterday after I had finished my school work to give me the news, I had a bad feeling about it. I was watching your video on him and stairway when she called me down.
Eddie, Neil...this hurts too much. 2020 sucks.
For those who thought he was saying Vince Neil. No, Neil Armstrong
Funny Elliot. Please don’t rush to conclusions....
@@elliottmeister9373 Eres muy fome sacoweas.
I hear ya brother. When I heard the news I literally said "jeez, can this year get any worse?"
Elliott Meister really???? I bet you’re not Canadian
Back in 1979, I left school & after my first day of working in a park for a local council, I went to my very first rock gig, it was the Van Halen 1st UK tour...around 3000 in the crowd at the Birmingham Odeon ( now sadly just a cinema)
Eddie blew us away with his playing style...no one had see anything like it.!
The rest of the band, although talented, were just rhere for supporting the man!...RIP Eddie 🙏
People keep talking about EVH guitar playing but to me he was foremost a great songwriter. These songs are a part of our lives not only because of his guitar licks but mostly because they were small gems.
@@berachtdorian6191 If you think of it, Eddie's influence is even greater than his guitar skills and compositions. Look at stages around the world and spot 5150 symbol on guitar amps. Or Wolfgang guitars. And Floating tremolos. D-tunas. Not only did he revolutionize guitar techniques but he also contributed and set a new standard for guitar building, amp construction and recording techniques. His contribution to popular music cannot be overestimated.
@@heycisco Dipping pickups in wax also came from him, that's what I heard at least.
Eddie got me through my entire teenage years. Such a sad day.
Brilliant. I agree wholeheartedly. 🤘😎✌
I can relate heavily.
You are right. He is now with Malcolm Young. Both legends.
Our local radio station had an excellent tribute this morning to Eddie Van Halen. D.J. said " HE WASN'T JUST A MUSICIAN. HE WAS MUSIC ! " Today I'm still tearing up 😢😢 ! A Devastating Loss !!!! I get sad then I see Eddie's Smile and Impish Grin ! 🎸🎸🎸🎸 ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Im mad because i barely found out about 70's/80's rock/heavy metal last year & i'm 28 years old . Prior to 2019 all i listened to was stupid ass hip-hop because thats all i knew & grew up around . April of 2019 i found out about Motley Crue first , from a movie on netflix . Then from that i went a researched more 80's bands . Finally finding out about Van Halen . Funny story , Beat It by Michael Jackson is my fav song of all time & i never knew it was Eddie playing the solo . So in a way i had been listening to Eddie all my life without knowing it . The guitar is what makes me love that song outta any other MJ song & ima huge MJ fan . Some of us new fans are devastated because were finding such beautiful music but the people behind those songs are dying now due to them being born in the 40's , 50's .. LONG LIVE EDDIE VAN HALEN & 70's/80's ROCK N ROLL !!!
The 90's gave us a lot of great music too. Listen to Cowboys from Hell by Pantera. It's a masterpiece.
You have a whole new world ahead of you! There are soooo many fantastic rock and metal bands of that era! Van Halen was certainly high on that heap!
Better late than never, bro. Peace.
Pick up a guitar my young friend. Keep it alive.
I'm pretty sure it's Steve Lukather playing guitar on beat it
Rick, a couple of hours ago I was just watching your video about "how would Stairway to Heaven sound with EVH" Rick, let me tell you for the whole length of your video I couldn't stop smiling; it was the best time I could enjoy really. Now Im just covered in tears moaning the loss of my childhood/lifetime hero ! I just want to say thank you; thank you very much for taking time always to talk about Eddie, to talk about VH, for making these beautiful videos/content you always share with us. All the love and respect all the way from Mexico Rick. Rest In Peace Eddie, we all your fans will love you and your music and soul will never cease to play within our hearts.
R.I.P. EVH- One of the greatest of all time. One of the main reasons why I started to play guitar. Genius, inventer, inovater, writer, arranger, composer, guitarist who redefined rock guitar for the rest of the 20th and 21st century. A true giant. He will be missed and celebrated forever.
I was just playing my EVH crop circles guitar last night with the Wolfie next to it.
2020 has been rough enough but first Niel Piert now EVH. I also have had health issues and they improved however both my parents passed on this year. This just sucks however this too shall pass. Let's celebrate a legend.
As a 61 year old guitarist of 50 years, this is mortally painful. Ed was a GIGANTIC influence on myself and millions of guitarists the world over. His contribution to music in general let alone the guitar, can't be overstated. He sent us all scrambling to the woodshed. The only thing that compares to this for me is the deaths of Hendrix and Holdsworth….they're all in good company. There's one HELLUVA BAND IN HEAVEN.
On this very sad day and as my musical fandom heart breaks.... it is nice to listen and watch to your heartfelt video. I never met the man but I find my 50 year old self weeping uncontrollably since I heard the news of his passing. To me Edward was the greatest musician, Innovator, song writer and composer I've ever heard. His music touch me like no other and it was and is and always will be a very important and necessary part of my life. Thank you Eddie for being an inspiration to me and millions of others. Rest in peace ELVH
Me too brother
Well said...
that shy sneaky smile.....that devastating technique.....that kid who spent so many hours in his bedroom honing his chops......the guy who put keyboards in a song others tried to talk him out of releasing and it went number one....that guy who appreciated allan holdsworth and others but still always sounded like just himself....can not be forgotten....rock on brother
I’m devastated as a drummer growing up in Ireland the VH sound was huge and Eddies sound and performances were almost like movies to me. His riffs and solos stood out on their own. His the guitarist in the “dream”band .
Today I was going to do a drum cover of jump or beat it. Couldn’t bring myself to do it.
Decided I wasn’t going to listen to Eddie but find someone who would talk about eddies
I knew it would be you . I’m sorry for your loss thank you for this Rick.
Thinking of you
There is no compassion for this
Eddie Van Halen was eddie Van Halen
Unique epically talented
A supernova on guitar and stage .
Never to be equaled but revered
Same here jam sessions in honor of Van Halen. It is a brutal day. It isn't getting the just press it should get. Eddie is possibly the greatest guitarist to ever live. It is a Beatle level loss to me. His guitar licks were amazing. "Live Without a Net" watch that live performance! WOW!
Count me in too.
Hopefully Alex and the whole Van Halen family are alright. Got to do a cover . Today too man.
It's almost like hearing the death of Malcom Young and Tom Petty.
This just hit me hard .
I’m only 30 and don’t even play guitar but he was a hero and this hurts
January - Neil Peart
October - Eddie Van Halen
Man... In the same year?!!!
Ready for 2020 to come to a close.
Both A tough loss
So am I. But until then, 2020 gonna 2020. R.I.P. Eddie! You were one of the greatest ever!!!
I don't believe this....first Neil, now Eddie???? 2020 fucking sucks!!
Neil is why I play drums..I know it’s the same for thousands of guitar players with Eddie
THE KING WILL LIVE ON FOREVER
❤EDWARD VAN HALEN❤
Love to Wolf , Alex, Dave , Mike, Sam , Janie , Valerie and all his family , friends and fans around the world .
Thanks Rick for posting this
Much love
God this is painful. May his soul rest in peace. He gave so much to us through his music and gift of music composition. Thank you so much Eddie for sharing your gift of guitar and music with those of us who understand the language of music. You touched my soul. Peace be with you.
Thanks Rick. I keep posting this. I feel so fortunate that we were there when he flourished. For me, that was ‘80-‘84 (but really til forever). I didn’t get to first see him until ‘86 for the 5150 tour. But here is my two Eddie memories crystallized in my memory. On the 5150 show in Chicago, we sat in the nose bleeds. I also was needing glasses but didn’t have them yet. So everything was hard to see. During his solo, I saw a pair of binoculars being passed around and they got to me right when he was playing “Cathedral.” I finally after 8 years of imagining and listening and slowing down vinyl, I got to see my hero, a superhero, Superman, live in person. The image is burned into my brain- the red and white striped 5150 Kramer, his white tank top, and ocean blue balloon pants. Completely changed my life forever. The second memory is on the Balance tour in ‘95. Again in the nose bleeds, lol, at one point in between songs I screamed at the top of my lungs, “Ehhhhhhhhhhh-ddie” and he actually turned around and looked up to see where that came from. There’s almost not a day that goes by where I don’t think about him or his playing, or his sound and also listen to at least some Van Halen. Certainly not an occasion where I pick up my guitar and something of his comes out and completely unintentional. It’s there in my blood, in my guitar DNA, it always will be. For that I feel so fortunate.
Don’t be sad that he died be happy that he lived
I just wish I’d had the opportunity to take my kids to see him.
Absolutely. Celebrate the immense gift of his life and the legacy he leaves.,,,,,,,,,
,,,,,,,,,,,, Hot for Teacher,,,,,,,,,,,,Jamies Crying......Spanish Fly.......Unchained.......Big Bad Bill.......Ice Cream Man,,,,
..................make a playlist,,,,,,,annoy the neighbours!
: )
He checked out way too early
Well said
Can’t be helped...😢
I saw Van Halen in 79. I think VHII had just been released. At one point in the show, the house lights came down. A few seconds go by as the lighters light up (there was other lighting up going on too), and then in pitch black Eruption begins. House lights come up, and Eddie is sliding on his knees through sawdust, all while playing one of the most technically brilliant solos ever. Rockin effin Roll!!
That tour was my first experience with VH live and still the best. Words cannot describe. They owned the universe.
I also saw VH but although the playing was amazing Dave's voice wasn't up to snuff as I remember. Maybe end of tour line and voice is gone not sure but I saw them a few times and Dave voice never sounded as good as the album IMO. Still amazing to watch and his voice was good enough, just not wow stuff I guess. Maybe I got unlucky and he was wasted or burnt out.
@@kimmackenzie5002 DLR was never the greatest vocalist but he was a great frontman and the best voice for that band. I was always a casual VH fan but I would see them for Eddie in a heartbeat. Sadly I never did.
Eddie took rock guitar to another level and his approach to the guitar redefined rock guitar. i was in high school when the first VH record came out and remember the sensation it caused. Every song was being played on the radio 24/7 in the NY metro area. Suddenly every guitar player had to learn finger/fretboard tapping. I mean how much was Randy Rhodes influenced by EVH? Eddie would've been a monster player on any instrument...happily he picked the guitar.
RIP Eddie, and thanks for the memories.
Thankfully he and Alex traded instruments.
I live in Los Angeles, and less than 5 miles from Eddie's house and studio. FM rock radio has been playing VH music non-stop, including all the deep cuts they never play. The on air talent are also airing calls from friends and fans with VH stories. Anyone who grew up here, and was into the rock club scene during the 70's has VH stories. I have distinct memories of the first time I heard VH on the radio, as well as specific songs. I can also say that it was a VH song that inspired me to put down my bass, and finally learn 6 string guitar after watching a VH cover tune here on YT. For many years I followed any and all latest VH and Eddie news. When his guitar and amp line came out, I visited Guitar Center to see them in person, and especially play the guitars. While I do have many of the VH CD's (and cassette tapes), the only vinyl album I own is a near mint copy of VH 2, which I treasure because it includes the song that re-awakened my ears to rock music after years of practically shunning it during the late 70's - Dance The Night Away. The sheer joy his playing suggested in that song nearly brought me to tears hearing it for the first time. EVH is one of the reasons I feel blessed to have been born at this time, enabling me to experience his entire career from beginning to end.
I never got to meet Eddie , but I saw VH in concert 11 different times over the years.
Back in the days of General admission tickets, we would show up early and get front row.
At the end of the Fair warning tour Eddie reached over and handed me a guitar pick. I have it in our safe deposit box along with all my concert ticket stubs.
Rest In Peace Edward Van Halen, you were one of a kind!
That tone. The creativity. The expressiveness. The dexterity.
He played the soundtrack of our youth.
Ditto, brother.
I was working from home, a friend sent me a FB message. "Did you hear about Eddie Van Halen?"
No. I hadn't heard.
Within 30 minutes, I had called Sweetwater and ordered a Wolfgang Special in Deep Purple Metallic. I have no idea how I'm going to pay for it yet, but today was the kick in the pants for me to just bite the bullet and get my dream guitar from one of my biggest influences. Rest in power Ed.
That was the appropriate and correct response. Enjoy your new axe and play some VH riffs LOUD
@@cubegleamer2155 aye aye sir!
Seen Diver Down Ft Wayne In 1982...one of my fav concerts...LOVED little guitars....playing that little guitar was awsome. Just WOW
Sad day for Guitarists around the world, i'm crushed. He's done sooooo much for the guitar world, musically speaking but not only : sonic research, luthiery, developement, amps, effects... Thanks Eddy. RIP genius.And f..k 2020 !
The best thing about 2020 is it will be over in less than three months. And that we survived it.
We've lost 2 big legend on this year. Neil and Eddie ..... RIP
Eddie is never dead, he lives on through every Rock guitarist around the world. We'll miss you Eddie, heaven's about to have one of the greatest concerts ever. 🤘🏻
Aw that’s a great comment bro
Excellent point! Legends always live through their influence. Thank you for stating what should be so obvious.
I mean I didn't know him personally but my heart feels like I did!! 42 years is long friendship and knowing how he changed my life when VH-1 hit the air!!! It's a sad time! But appreciate what this man did for us! All those hours and practicing was for us to here! Rock in peace brother! And thank you Rick for all the hard work you do for all of us! You ROCK!!!!❤️👍🇺🇸
I was 12 years old and heard Runnin With the Devil, my best friend gave me the Van Halen Van Halen tape. Yes Tape. I was like what is this sound, from the opening guitar you knew it was amazing. Thank you Eddie for all your incredible music. RIP you will never be forgotten.
here's the thing: you are not guaranteed to be introduced to any amazing artists in your life, so you have to be grateful for each one for as long as we have them. Fortunately, there is audio and video of a lot of his performances, so he will not be forgotten by future generations, but we were the one luck enough to share the planet with him for a few revolutions! a baby born tomorrow will never have it!
we were truly blessed!
:)
Amen brother, you're blessed to.🙏
Just imagine what music would have been without him. I can't even begin to imagine. How many bands do you think would never have existed without the influence and inspiration of his playing? How many people in this world picked up a guitar and took a journey whether professional or personal because of him?
Thank you Eddie.
Indeed.
I saw Van Halen and Eddie for the first time in 1983 at the Hollywood Florida Sportatorium... Unbelievable concert.... Eddie's guitar solos were amazing.... Eruption Wow.... I ended going to 4 Van Halen concerts... I saw the 1984 tour ... A tour with Sammy Haggar as lead singer.... Than their reunion tour with David Lee Roth again.... My favorite concerts ever.... R.I.P. Eddie . God Bless
I was the first of my friends to like Van Halen, much to their disdain. They just didn't get it, but I did. My first record was Fair Warning - and when I heard that guitar intro to Mean Streets - I knew he was in a category of his own. You could always understand what most guys were were playing - Page, Hendrix, Trower - even if you couldn't play it yourself, but this was completely incomprehensible. Ed had a musical gift combined with a daring attitude about innovation that is difficult to understand now that we all share his many contributions to electric guitar.
A true Revolutionary! His Musical DNA runs through everyone who has ever played guitar. His influence cannot be measured and will echo through the ages as long there is electric guitar. Although Eddie had been Ill it still is shocking.
The closest guy I remember that floored and shocked me was when I heard Randy Rhodes was killed. I thought my friend was messing with me and at that time it was much more difficult to confirm the news. He now becomes immortal in everyone who he has touched with his musical presence and belongs to the ages.
When Rick said "I had NEVER heard the guitar sound like that" I can't remember the last time I've thought that to myself from someone playing the guitar... maybe Tom Morello? Eddie's guitar playing just changed how people looked at the instrument and what it was capable of, and it just doesn't seem like we're going to be getting that out of the guitar anymore. I really hope I'm wrong, it just seems like so much of the potential of the guitar has been discovered, and EVH was one of the last true pioneers of discovering new sounds from it. RIP dude.
tosin abasi might be close
I think I had that experience at least once on every VH album through Diver Down.
For me there have been several "what's that??" moments... EVH, Allan Holdsworth, Vai, Satriani and Gambale. The first two are now gone, and it saddens me a lot to reckon I don't see many new musicians as relevant or game changing as those we're losing....
Tom morello couldn't hold Eddie's jockstrap
@@JuanCarlinMusic Hendrix ,Page, and Beck and Blackmore also gave us this feeling...but the impact was closer to what Hendrix did.
I hadn't found your channel yet on this day.. but I remember it perfectly.. happened to be my sister's birthday and I saw it on FB and, I'm not gonna lie, I totally teared up... immense loss. He was the most important of the OG innovators for me as a heavy metal lead guitarist.. he gave birth to the niche sound and/or genre that all of playing existed in... heartbreaking.