Rest In Peace to the great Eddie Van Halen! This is an old Patreon vid that we wanted to release to honor the LEGEND himself. Give us some suggestions for more Van Halen below and we'll try to get to something new soon. Thanks for watching! Enjoy!
For context, when this album first came out no one had heard anything like it before. This was the opening track, so when people first laid the needle on the vinyl and heard this they were blown away. Then the next track, Eruption, completely changed how guitar was played and inspired an entire generation of players. This entire album is historic in that it created a whole new genre that lasted for many years. Eddie Van Halen was a game changer. RIP Sidenote: that's not a piano in the beginning. That's Ed sliding his pick on on the bridge of the guitar. He was always figuring out new ways to get diff sounds from his axe.
Not one word of hyperbole in what you said -- totally dead-on. When I put the needle down on "Fair Warning" I was almost literally transported out of the suburbs.
I remember hearing this on my brother's 8 track tape and thinking that is some echo effect on all those guitar leads, it didn't seem humanly possible that came from 1 guitar and 1 man - I was wrong,,,it was 1 guitar and 1 Guitar God! you are missed Eddie, but forever a guitar influence on the world...rip
Mine Too!!! LMAO. My local radio station ( 102.5 WDVE) played VH 1 in its entirety a few days later.. Tuned in, turned it way up expecting to hear from neighbors or cops. Nothing. The only one i heard was Eddie Van Halen..RIP
The riffs you keep talking about...don't forget, this song was ground zero for Van Halen..this song was the first single on the radio, and the first song on the album. When you bought this, it was the first you heard. This was the song that caused you to drop everything and haul ass to your friends house and you're jumping up and down...screaming. OMG DUDE...YOU GOTTA HEAR THIS...OMFG. .Then song 2 comes on, Eruption..and you stand still,jaw dropped,probably crying with goosebumps..because you just heard the 2 most important songs of all time as far, back to back..as changing rock music..nothing sounded like this before this came out... nothing. Guitar sales went up over 1000% by April 78 and there were production shortages. That was the power of Van Halen when they came out..the studio version of Eruption..not the 15 minute watered down live version from Live without a net. Do NOT react to that. It has NOTHING on the 1:20 studio version
Everyone dies, but not everyone lives, and only very very few leave an impact on the world like Eddie did. Nikki Sixx very aptly dubbed him "The Mozart of Rock Guitar" RIP
Edward replied to the question: what is it like to be the greatest guitarist of all time, and he replied with humility: IDK, Why don't you ask Alex Lifeson
Yeah the guys were talking about the Motown link to their sound, and that’s the quality of the rhythm section, with equal precision from the melody guys playing precisely in front of or behind the beat. The result: boatloads of swing.
His chemistry with Alex on drums too is what makes it. Similar to the Young brothers in AC/DC but different instruments. Just something about them being able to blend their sounds together into something exponentially better.
To me his rhythm guitar is far more legendary than his leads. Stuff like Panama, On Fire... also that juicy tone in Ain't Talkin Bout Love. Man was a genius RIP
@@sonofrobert You can love G n R if you want - I do - and it’s fair to compare and opine about their respective debut albums. But you clearly don’t know what the hell you’re talking about and know nothing about rock and roll if you call Van Halen I pop rock, because that’s an absurd characterization. Also, here’s what Angus said about EVH: “I’d put Eddie Van Halen in that category of being an innovator like Hendrix.” What Angus was talking about in that interview you reference, which was from 1984, was he didn’t view AC/DC and VH as competitors because AC/DC is a blues rock band whereas later VH was more radio-oriented at that time. He wasn’t talking about early VH. Angus and EVH were friends. Learn something before you try and speak next time, dummy.
I agree that later Van Halen is pop rock. I thought they were better when the were harder earlier. Angus didn't say it like a compliment..lol. I think he was asked what he thought of Halen. Everyone has their taste. Tool, GnR, Acdc would never be called pop rock. Van Halen went for the money and Roth was a pretty annoyingly, ridiculous frontman! Acdc like to be more heavy. Later Halen was pretty much girl rock similar to Poison, Warrant even with Sammy Eddie was a pioneer as a guitarist but he still went for that pop rock sound and the cheesy backing vocals..lol If you like girl pop rock, I won't call you wimp for liking it. Some of us prefer harder music that isn't playing on the radio constantly. If you think Halen's first album is the greatest first album in music history, then I'd say you are in the minority. From Steven Wilson on Eddie's death. “Honestly, it didn’t, because I was never a fan. I know he’s an extraordinary musician, and it’s always sad when an extraordinary artist dies, [but] I was never a fan of the so-called shredder mentality. And I think in many ways, he was the father of that whole kind of movement. “I never understood that ‘playing as fast as you can’ thing. And I know that wasn’t all he did - I know he was a more flexible musician than that - but I think that the legacy that he has, Eddie Van Halen, is in creating the shredder phenomenon, which is something so vile to me. That kind of idea that you play music almost like you’re playing an Olympic sport is kind of anathema to my kind of ideas on creativity and music.” I just saw one where Angus said: "Van Halen is more of a pop band and AC/DC is a rock and roll band." He said it's not really a competition..lol th-cam.com/video/MywssXz4GIg/w-d-xo.html I put Halen with Bon Jovi, Poison, Warrant. Eddie's guitar and the vocals are pop, radio songs. I like the older Halen that is more heavy, harder but they made alot more pop stuff. Overall Halen, Bon Jovi is like girl pop/rock and was great for radio but when you want heavy, harder rock, Acdc, GnR, Zeppelin, Metallica, Tool, etc. If tons of chicks like your music, you wear lots of spandix and makeup and spend more time in the mirror than women it's probably more pop rock than harder/ heavy rock. ACDC, GnR, Tool, Nirvana, Zeppelin Metallica etc were refreshing because they rocked hard and didn't care very much about how they looked. More like function over form. In the 80s, I was irritated by Poison, Warrant, Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Kiss in there too. I appreciated the harder rockin bands where it was more about the music than appearance and how high your hair stood up and putting on more make up than women. Cheers
One of the greatest guitarist of all times. Creative, innovative, flashy, restrained, Eddie was all of that in his playing. He was known for his lead playing, but his rhythm playing was up there with some of the greatest. Van Halen I was one of those genre changing albums that made you go "Whoa, what is this!?" And from there, Eddie influenced countless guitarists in pursuit of the ultimate tone and memorable songs and riffs. A sad loss to the music world in a year that most want to forget. Rest in Peace Eddie!
So many from the first 3 albums that kicked ass! Was not into the hagar stuff , liked Sammy solo stuff better , VH were much rawer and edgy sounding with Dave IMO..
The VH brothers and DLR have a legit jazz background. Alex was influenced by Krupa and Rich, and DLR is a big fan of big band music and used to play it when younger.
“Eruption” from their first album hit like a neutron bomb back in the day. Eddie announced he was the chosen one with that cut, and rock guitar was never the same.
This broke my heart. I still remember the night my best friend bought this album. I don't know how many times we listened straight through before we finally fell asleep.
Man, my heart is heavy today. We lost a true legend on guitar and a member of one of the funnest bands ever live! They sure as hell consumed their share of Jack Daniels onstage! You never knew what you were going to get, with the exception of one thing: stratospheric guitar playing by the incomparable Eddie Van Halen. He is also a true immigrant success story. I come from Pasadena, so Van Halen was mother's milk. I saw him 7 times, and when I see the video of his guitar solo that everyone plays of him on TH-cam, if someone were to ask me whether I saw that solo or not, I have no idea. Every time we saw him, his creativity brought something new. Gentlemen, keep up the great work. Love to his son Wolfgang, his wife Janie, his brother Alex and the Van Halen family. We will not see his likes again!
Eddie modified his guitars to make sounds they were never intended to make. He would try to replicate sounds in his head. Eddie held several patents on inventions for guitar accessories.
My God you said it. I'm almost 50. And hearing about his death makes me think about all the music I have on vinyl. The memories of sitting in front of the record player and speakers.. I will always have those memories. RIP Eddie. You are loved.
Eddie Van Halen. Not only did he innovate how to play the guitar, his tone, known as the brown sound is unmistakable when you hear it and is just as groundbreaking as his playing. RIP brother. A true genius was lost today.
Proud to be Dutch when hearing Van Halen! Both Eddie and Alex Van Halen were born and raised in the Netherlands, after which they moved to the US and started the band
This was one of those songs that guys my age (51) would play once you picked up your buddies and were about to head out to a party on a summer night. You'd pop in the cassette (yep), and one of your passengers would say "what'd you put in?" You'd just smile and wait until that intro sound effect dropped, and that bass line started thumping. Everyone would nod in agreement and air guitar to that first Eddie Van Halen riff...
A testament to the band's, and Eddie Van Halen's greatness. A simple song that sounded incredible and the launched Van Halen sound. One of the greatest rock debut albums ever.
'Tis! I remember hearing the song for the first time. I was in a record store, shortly after Thriller was released, and they were playing it over the speakers. I stopped dead in my tracks and said to my friend, "That's Eddie Van Halen on guitar." She said, "No, this is Michael Jackson." And I said "Yeah, but he doesn't play his own guitar, and nobody else sounds like that."
Eddie did the solo on Beat It for free. He said he'd do it for the kid (Michael Jackson) banged out the solo in 10 minutes and one take. Truly a god among men.
RIP Van Halen. You took rock to a level that made every other band & music artist up their game just to come close. A true legend May god bless you & your family.
"What is it about their riffs?" It's legit being one of the best rock guitarists to ever live. Specifically one of the most innovative. In a time where the term "legend" is bastardized and given to every musician that dies....EVH is one of the TRUE legends of rock. He should be on anyone's Mt Rushmore.
VH fans know that Eddie entirely changed how the guitar was approached, not only with the two-hand technique, but his bluesy licks and hand synchronization superceded anything anyone had ever heard before the first album in 1978. RIP Edward, my guitar hero.
Eddie always had the biggest smile on his face while playing. seeing how much joy he got from playing guitar has always inspired me. you guys should watch a Live show! It will put a smile on your face for sure 🙂 R.I.P. Eddie Van Halen 💖💖💖
David Lee Roth said we were the only metal band that you could dance to which made them stand out. Especially in later albums like songs "Dance the night away" It also helped that they had the greatest guitarist that ever lived.
Something that gets forgotten is that the best singer Van Halen ever had was Michael Anthony. He wasn't their frontman on stage, but that man's voice was incredible.
You're so right Ryan: Groove is absolutely the thing with great popular music, and especially with classic rock. It lightens & tightens & makes you move and that makes all the difference.
And George's analysis is on point too: Even in Jazz, however complex, the groove (the swing) is often the universal thing, the thing that reaches people first & brings people in. And without that, things can get very dead & dry very fast. So actually looking down on music that moves people like that, is kind of ridiculous. You take something like Charlie Parker--it's hard to get more complex than that. And maybe you aren't gonna dance to it, but that's just because it's going by so dang fast. It's not that your body doesn't *want* to move. Poor thing just can't keep up.
I first heard Van Halen after my older brother brought home the 8-track for the first album in 1978. When Eruption came on, I knew I was hearing something amazing even though I was 9 years old. There's no one else like them.
I’m a lot younger (30s) and yet I can understand that feeling you felt when your young mind is exposed to something and you feel amazed and know it’s a part of your identity now.
The original lineup was just hard rock PERFECTION. But what elevates their music to their lofty heights is the fact that Eddie wasn't just a great lead player, his rhythm playing was off the charts great! Fantastic hooks with chunky, in the pocket perfect rhythms!
David Lee Roth was really into disco, soul and R&B, and if you ever heard him in interviews, he wanted to do rock that people could dance to So that sound was def by design. It was hard rock with groove, so you are exactly right. RIP EVH 🙏🎸
I was 12 when this album dropped.....and Eddie became my first guitar hero. Had a tough time picking my jaw up off the floor after "Eruption/You Really Got Me". Between THIS and Star Wars a year earlier....? This was a great time in life. R.I.P. Eddie......the riff master.
So many people have “mastered” the guitar: they learn the skills, the different ways to play, create very technically intricate solo’s, etc. Eddie Van Halen wasn’t just a master of the guitar, he put himself into and through his guitar, and he had FUN! So many people say nobody does, or can, play like Eddie Van Halen, and that’s because Eddie had so much fun putting himself onto and through his guitar. Look at him, he’s always smiling with joy when he plays! Eddie could do all those things with the guitar because he wasn’t trying to be anyone else, he was just being himself. I wish people would quit trying to be Eddie when they’re playing, and just be themselves. I think Van Halen was so very successful because they were all so good at what they did, and they all had alot of swag. Listen to each members parts and I think you’ll hear it. For what it’s worth, I’d really like to see you react to “Mean Streets”.
'What is it about their riffs?' ... Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr Edward VanHalen! To this day a contender for the greatest opening track to a debut album.... and this was the 70's!
Actually samples, plural. There's of course the Eddie piece from Jamie's Cryin' but Wild Thing starts with the same Alex Van Halen drum roll that starts Jamie's Cryin' .
When this album came out in 78,I was 22 and living in Houston.One of the FM stations in town would spotlight new music and play the whole album.This started playing and I was transfixed.I started calling my buds to listen to the radio.I ran out that night and found the album at a 7-11 store and have owned many different copies of it over the years.t This shit holds up to this day.Nice review!
Great video, I love it when y'all mark out to Van Halen. I think the next the big Van Halen song y'all need to listen to is Eruption/ You really got me. They're technically two separate tracks but Eruption is just a minute and a half intro/ solo to you really got me. It's actually sandwiched between running with devil and ain't talkin' bout love. That whole album's fire.
The very first song I got into Van Halen, was: “You Really Got Me”. (And I understand that it’s a cover, originally written by a another band called the kinks)
@@RayfordRaySiegel Yeah. I know. That's why I called it a song. Specifically, a "lead-in song" (my own made-up word, because I don't know the technical term; if there is one) to "You Really Got Me"; because about every time a radio station plays "You Really Got Me", they play both songs. Just like "Heartbreaker" and "Livin' Lovin' Maid". Both are their own song; but played together. And not because it's "Two For Tuesday".
@@jbo9150, I just meant that it's not actually a lead in song, but people played it that way, on the radio, just because it was placed in that order, on the album. I always hated that, because it took away from "Eruption". If it were me, on the radio, I would have played it by itself, and it I played "You Really Got Me Now" by itself, too, in order for people to appreciate it, as it is, a separate song.
@@RayfordRaySiegel But it's such a let down when they ONLY play "You Really Got Me"; like on Pandora. I had to "thumbs down" because I always want to hear both. (Same as the Led Zep duo).🤷♀️ Also, those songs, on their respective albums, don't have a normal gap between songs; they just roll right into the next, making it natural for radio stations to play together. Or maybe because the DJ's were too stoned to cut to the next song; so they always played both. 🤣
Dave Mustaine of Megadeth first met his bandmate bassist David Ellefson when David was playing the intro to this in his apartment and irritating/waking up Dave in another apartment in the same building! :p
I'd have to agree. Phenomenal guitar riffs in Mean Street of course but the groove is just so... well, groovy. Mean Street and Unchained off of Fair Warning were my two picks as well. I'm pretty sure I've seen more requests here for Mean Street than any other so I think there's a good chance, but I've seen these guys do double song reactions before. That would be awesome.
"I had just moved to L.A. & had rented a cheap apartment. I was practicing my bass one morning, Just messing around with the intro to Runnin' With The Devil. You know, the riff that goes...boomp, boomp, boomp, boomp. All of a sudden a flower pot comes crashing down on the top of my air conditioner & a voice screams, "SHUT UP!" I went upstairs & knocked on the door...Dave Mustaine answered." ---Dave Ellefson (Megadeth) R.I.P Eddie!
You guys are great...I've listened to VH for years and you guys do an awesome job of breaking it down...I'm so tuned into the guitar that I dont think about the groove and stuff like that. Keep up the great work!!
Aside from all the flashy playing, that thing that bites you is EVH's actual guitar tone. I'm not a guitar guy so I can't tell you how he sounded that way, but that tone combined with his absolutely unique touch is legendary.
@@Iknowthelaw13 , I know, I didn't know that until I became a guitar player and watched a live performance, and I can see him rake the pick across the strings above the nut by the tuners. I also was surprised where that noise came from.
I believe he raked the strings behind the bridge on the Destroyer to record this song. It had a tune a matic. He did it above the nut when he played his other guitars with a tremolo.
"Take Your Whiskey Home" has an insane acoustic intro, followed by a killer riff. Amusing lyrics too. "Well my baby, she don't want me around. She says she's tired of watching me fall down".
@@ABandApart01 I can't say they're my FAVORITE band(that goes to Queen), but they're right up there near the top. Most heavy rock bands(I'm resisting the temptation to call them metal) take themselves WAY too serious, whereas VH makes fun songs w/ humor woven in. 🤟
We haven’t had a loss to equal this since we lost SRV. If this helps anyone: This same cancer took my brother. It takes its time, its painful, and it takes over the whole body until it done. It is so hard to lose Musicians that fulfills our whole Life. But Eddie is at peace and pain free now. And he and SRV are jamming no doubt!
Eddie Van Halen was as much a consummate rhythm guitarist as he was a lead guitarist. His riffs are just straight fire and the tone he gets from his guitar is so good. So many great tunes to choose from. Try Mean Streets, Take your Whiskey Home, Somebody Get me a Doctor, the Full Bug, Little Guitars, - man the list goes on and on.
Really impressive, enjoyable commentary. I thought the whole presentation of your reaction was fun, professional and genuine. Great job. Imagine hearing this for the first time in 1978! Nothing like these sounds had ever come out of an electric guitar before. You really picked up on an essential aspect of the VanHalen success and that was their talent for coming up with great songs that just made you want to listen and dance. In my opinion the two most consequential electric guitarists in history are Jimi Hendrix and Eddie VanHalen. There are many great guitarists out there but these two forever redefined the paradigm of what an electric guitar could do. Every electric guitarist who has come after owes both of these masters a debt of gratitude.
Watching you guys is so much fun, the moment you get into it you get "into it" As a life long metalhead it makes me take a moment and rediscover that feeling. One of these days, Please do some Robert Cray, would love to hear you guys react to "Smoking Gun"
Rest In Peace to the great Eddie Van Halen! This is an old Patreon vid that we wanted to release to honor the LEGEND himself. Give us some suggestions for more Van Halen below and we'll try to get to something new soon. Thanks for watching! Enjoy!
Mean Street - one of their grooviest, nastiest songs.
Thanks fellas. Gonna enjoy watching this! EVH = GOAT
Unchained
Dreams was the first Van Halen song I ever heard and I loved them ever since
Great reaction, Rip Eddie
For context, when this album first came out no one had heard anything like it before. This was the opening track, so when people first laid the needle on the vinyl and heard this they were blown away. Then the next track, Eruption, completely changed how guitar was played and inspired an entire generation of players. This entire album is historic in that it created a whole new genre that lasted for many years. Eddie Van Halen was a game changer. RIP
Sidenote: that's not a piano in the beginning. That's Ed sliding his pick on on the bridge of the guitar. He was always figuring out new ways to get diff sounds from his axe.
Correct sir. I remember hearing it for the first time it was mind blowing. Nothing sounded like VH!🤘
Yes he did, he used many techniques like the cordless drill etc
I remember that.
Not one word of hyperbole in what you said -- totally dead-on. When I put the needle down on "Fair Warning" I was almost literally transported out of the suburbs.
I remember hearing this on my brother's 8 track tape and thinking that is some echo effect on all those guitar leads, it didn't seem humanly possible that came from 1 guitar and 1 man - I was wrong,,,it was 1 guitar and 1 Guitar God! you are missed Eddie, but forever a guitar influence on the world...rip
When I listen to Van Halen, my neighbors listen to Van Halen
I know that's right
Amen.
Whether they want to or not. 🤣
Mine Too!!! LMAO. My local radio station ( 102.5 WDVE) played VH 1 in its entirety a few days later.. Tuned in, turned it way up expecting to hear from neighbors or cops. Nothing. The only one i heard was Eddie Van Halen..RIP
When my older sister's boyfriends in the 80's listened to VH so did the whole block. Don't like it? Well you would be threatened with violence.
RIP EVH.... I’m rarely affected by celebrity deaths but this one hurts...
Agreed. He was special.
I agree. This one hurts. Glad I got to see them live a few times
Same here. This one really affected me.
I choked up when I told my son.
Just when you thought 2020 couldn't get any worse...
The entire first Van Halen album is fly gents.
Big true.
Well said.
Jamie's Crying would have them movin for sure
Bruh this comment is 7 months old on a 30 minute old video
@@junkhead_92 patreon, bruh
The riffs you keep talking about...don't forget, this song was ground zero for Van Halen..this song was the first single on the radio, and the first song on the album. When you bought this, it was the first you heard. This was the song that caused you to drop everything and haul ass to your friends house and you're jumping up and down...screaming. OMG DUDE...YOU GOTTA HEAR THIS...OMFG. .Then song 2 comes on, Eruption..and you stand still,jaw dropped,probably crying with goosebumps..because you just heard the 2 most important songs of all time as far, back to back..as changing rock music..nothing sounded like this before this came out... nothing. Guitar sales went up over 1000% by April 78 and there were production shortages. That was the power of Van Halen when they came out..the studio version of Eruption..not the 15 minute watered down live version from Live without a net. Do NOT react to that. It has NOTHING on the 1:20 studio version
Well said!!
Fantastic post.
RIP Eddie. He truly was the king. He was a master of his craft and inspired so many people. Thank you for all you’ve done
I'm not ALWAYS in the mood to listen to Van Halen.
But that ALWAYS changes 3 seconds after I start listening to Van Halen.
R.I.P. EVH
Lol
Amen to that.
Those opening bass notes are for the world to hear
Everyone dies, but not everyone lives, and only very very few leave an impact on the world like Eddie did. Nikki Sixx very aptly dubbed him "The Mozart of Rock Guitar" RIP
i'm proud that he's originally dutch! R.I.P. Eddie, he's the same age as my dad... he didn't stop playing van halen since he heard this tragic news...
Michael Schenker is apparently the Beethoven of Rock, we'd best start protecting him!
Yup, dude certainty lived plenty! RIP
Edward replied to the question: what is it like to be the greatest guitarist of all time, and he replied with humility: IDK, Why don't you ask Alex Lifeson
He was untouchable! Raw talent!
Best rock album ever made. Most people talk about Eddie's leads but his rythm killed it. RIP Eddie.
Don't forget his killer tone 💯
Yeah the guys were talking about the Motown link to their sound, and that’s the quality of the rhythm section, with equal precision from the melody guys playing precisely in front of or behind the beat. The result: boatloads of swing.
This guy gets it!
His chemistry with Alex on drums too is what makes it.
Similar to the Young brothers in AC/DC but different instruments.
Just something about them being able to blend their sounds together into something exponentially better.
To me his rhythm guitar is far more legendary than his leads. Stuff like Panama, On Fire... also that juicy tone in Ain't Talkin Bout Love. Man was a genius RIP
This album is the best debut album by any band, ever. The whole thing is fire!
@@sonofrobert You can love G n R if you want - I do - and it’s fair to compare and opine about their respective debut albums. But you clearly don’t know what the hell you’re talking about and know nothing about rock and roll if you call Van Halen I pop rock, because that’s an absurd characterization. Also, here’s what Angus said about EVH: “I’d put Eddie Van Halen in that category of being an innovator like Hendrix.” What Angus was talking about in that interview you reference, which was from 1984, was he didn’t view AC/DC and VH as competitors because AC/DC is a blues rock band whereas later VH was more radio-oriented at that time. He wasn’t talking about early VH. Angus and EVH were friends.
Learn something before you try and speak next time, dummy.
I agree that later Van Halen is pop rock. I thought they were better when the were harder earlier.
Angus didn't say it like a compliment..lol. I think he was asked what he thought of Halen.
Everyone has their taste.
Tool, GnR, Acdc would never be called pop rock. Van Halen went for the money and Roth was a pretty annoyingly, ridiculous frontman!
Acdc like to be more heavy.
Later Halen was pretty much girl rock similar to Poison, Warrant even with Sammy
Eddie was a pioneer as a guitarist but he still went for that pop rock sound and the cheesy backing vocals..lol
If you like girl pop rock, I won't call you wimp for liking it.
Some of us prefer harder music that isn't playing on the radio constantly.
If you think Halen's first album is the greatest first album in music history, then I'd say you are in the minority.
From Steven Wilson on Eddie's death.
“Honestly, it didn’t, because I was never a fan. I know he’s an extraordinary musician, and it’s always sad when an extraordinary artist dies, [but] I was never a fan of the so-called shredder mentality. And I think in many ways, he was the father of that whole kind of movement.
“I never understood that ‘playing as fast as you can’ thing. And I know that wasn’t all he did - I know he was a more flexible musician than that - but I think that the legacy that he has, Eddie Van Halen, is in creating the shredder phenomenon, which is something so vile to me. That kind of idea that you play music almost like you’re playing an Olympic sport is kind of anathema to my kind of ideas on creativity and music.”
I just saw one where Angus said: "Van Halen is more of a pop band and AC/DC is a rock and roll band."
He said it's not really a competition..lol
th-cam.com/video/MywssXz4GIg/w-d-xo.html
I put Halen with Bon Jovi, Poison, Warrant.
Eddie's guitar and the vocals are pop, radio songs.
I like the older Halen that is more heavy, harder but they made alot more pop stuff.
Overall Halen, Bon Jovi is like girl pop/rock and was great for radio but when you want heavy, harder rock, Acdc, GnR, Zeppelin, Metallica, Tool, etc.
If tons of chicks like your music, you wear lots of spandix and makeup and spend more time in the mirror than women it's probably more pop rock than harder/ heavy rock.
ACDC, GnR, Tool, Nirvana, Zeppelin Metallica etc were refreshing because they rocked hard and didn't care very much about how they looked. More like function over form.
In the 80s, I was irritated by Poison, Warrant, Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Kiss in there too.
I appreciated the harder rockin bands where it was more about the music than appearance and how high your hair stood up and putting on more make up than women.
Cheers
I love GnR, VH , AC/DC. Best debut album ever IMHO is Appetite. Second is VH 1. That also happens to be my 2 most favorite albums
@@sonofrobert pop rock? The first 5 albums? Really?
@@johngill2853
Overall, I think the early stuff is their best stuff.
That's what Angus said, "Pretty good for a pop rock band"..lol
Eddie Van Halen died? Oh my god, he was one of the greatest guitar players of all time.
Rest in Peace, man. I never expected this day to come.
"Runnin' With The Devil" is the very first Van Halen song I ever heard, and it is still my all-time favorite. R.I.P. EVH.
Same here... Was amazed then and amazed now... RIP King Edward🙏🎶🎸🤙
Everybody who bought their first album...this was the first song they heard. ;)
"I'm The One" is a must at some point... That song blew people away in 1978....
Still blows me away. Ed's absolute best IMO
I was gonna suggest that one as well. My favorite track off the first album
Im jumping on the "I'm the One" train. Great, great song.
TH-cam I'm the one guitar track only, the Masterpiece!!
So much VH gold
One of the greatest guitarist of all times. Creative, innovative, flashy, restrained, Eddie was all of that in his playing. He was known for his lead playing, but his rhythm playing was up there with some of the greatest. Van Halen I was one of those genre changing albums that made you go "Whoa, what is this!?" And from there, Eddie influenced countless guitarists in pursuit of the ultimate tone and memorable songs and riffs. A sad loss to the music world in a year that most want to forget. Rest in Peace Eddie!
Van Halen: "Mean Street", "Unchained", "Somebody Get Me a Doctor", "I'm the One", "Panama".
And don’t forget Ice-cream Man sir.
Aint talkin' bout love
@@directorbeau lost in Vegas has already done a reaction of ain't talkin bout love. Go check it out.
So many from the first 3 albums that kicked ass! Was not into the hagar stuff , liked Sammy solo stuff better , VH were much rawer and edgy sounding with Dave IMO..
Eddie's Riffs are built like horn sections played on guitar. His father played the saxophone and clarinet in Jazz groups and was also an arranger.
YES!!!
The VH brothers and DLR have a legit jazz background. Alex was influenced by Krupa and Rich, and DLR is a big fan of big band music and used to play it when younger.
RIP Eddie!
Sad times when the legends leave us.
“Eruption” from their first album hit like a neutron bomb back in the day. Eddie announced he was the chosen one with that cut, and rock guitar was never the same.
Daves voice is an instrument in itself
This broke my heart. I still remember the night my best friend bought this album. I don't know how many times we listened straight through before we finally fell asleep.
Man, my heart is heavy today. We lost a true legend on guitar and a member of one of the funnest bands ever live! They sure as hell consumed their share of Jack Daniels onstage! You never knew what you were going to get, with the exception of one thing: stratospheric guitar playing by the incomparable Eddie Van Halen. He is also a true immigrant success story.
I come from Pasadena, so Van Halen was mother's milk. I saw him 7 times, and when I see the video of his guitar solo that everyone plays of him on TH-cam, if someone were to ask me whether I saw that solo or not, I have no idea. Every time we saw him, his creativity brought something new.
Gentlemen, keep up the great work. Love to his son Wolfgang, his wife Janie, his brother Alex and the Van Halen family. We will not see his likes again!
Yes, when I saw him play his guitar solo live eruption was incorporated into it and was crazy. I feel he was the greatest of all time.
Eddie modified his guitars to make sounds they were never intended to make. He would try to replicate sounds in his head. Eddie held several patents on inventions for guitar accessories.
Reminds you of how old you are when the music idols you grew up listening to start passing. RIP Eddie
My God you said it. I'm almost 50. And hearing about his death makes me think about all the music I have on vinyl. The memories of sitting in front of the record player and speakers.. I will always have those memories. RIP Eddie. You are loved.
Eddie Van Halen. Not only did he innovate how to play the guitar, his tone, known as the brown sound is unmistakable when you hear it and is just as groundbreaking as his playing. RIP brother. A true genius was lost today.
Most people's introduction to van halen. Started it all. Every member of the band was on fire. Long live king edward.
RIP to one of the greatest guitarists of all time
Proud to be Dutch when hearing Van Halen! Both Eddie and Alex Van Halen were born and raised in the Netherlands, after which they moved to the US and started the band
Hell yeah for immigrants...
ThePaJomaster long live the orange
I didn't know that either.
@@marjolewis9405 They were born in Amsterdam but grew up in Pasadena, California according to the numerous obits I read today.
@@mikecaetano they were 9/10 when they moved to the US
God I love how happy this makes you guys. You’re giddy. Same, man. Saaaame. Iconic.
This was one of those songs that guys my age (51) would play once you picked up your buddies and were about to head out to a party on a summer night. You'd pop in the cassette (yep), and one of your passengers would say "what'd you put in?" You'd just smile and wait until that intro sound effect dropped, and that bass line started thumping. Everyone would nod in agreement and air guitar to that first Eddie Van Halen riff...
I was a teen during Van Halen’s hey day. Riding around drinking a beer, smoking some weed and rockin’ to VH. R.I.P Eddie Van Halen. 😢
Susan Holt now that's just dangerous
Me too Susan! When you’re a Teenager, you don’t see the Danger @ John!
Susan Holt, that is exactly my memory, the best.
A testament to the band's, and Eddie Van Halen's greatness. A simple song that sounded incredible and the launched Van Halen sound. One of the greatest rock debut albums ever.
I’ve been a huge VH fan since ‘78, i was 12, this has always been my favorite song,this really bums me out, R.I.P. EVH.
R.I.P Eddie Van Halen. You Are the greatest one. Master of precision, master of groove.
One thing you've gotta say about those guys. They had one of the best backup sounds out there. Great harmony!
FYI -- Michael Jackson, "Beat It"
That's Eddie Van Halen on the guitar! =)
'Tis! I remember hearing the song for the first time. I was in a record store, shortly after Thriller was released, and they were playing it over the speakers. I stopped dead in my tracks and said to my friend, "That's Eddie Van Halen on guitar." She said, "No, this is Michael Jackson." And I said "Yeah, but he doesn't play his own guitar, and nobody else sounds like that."
I was going to recommend “Beat It” as well. Eddie Van Halen’s guitar solo is one I can listen to over and over and over again. RIP EVH.
True. But only the solo. Which is epic. King Edward is gone 😪
Eddy only plays the solo. The rest of the song was Steve Lukather.
Eddie did the solo on Beat It for free. He said he'd do it for the kid (Michael Jackson) banged out the solo in 10 minutes and one take. Truly a god among men.
RIP Van Halen. You took rock to a level that made every other band & music artist up their game just to come close. A true legend May god bless you & your family.
They truly did! I'm sorry mtv ever happened; focus changed many band's approaches forever. Including V.H.
I was 13 when this came out, and was a hardcore KISS fan, but this changed the world for me and many others!
"What is it about their riffs?" It's legit being one of the best rock guitarists to ever live. Specifically one of the most innovative.
In a time where the term "legend" is bastardized and given to every musician that dies....EVH is one of the TRUE legends of rock. He should be on anyone's Mt Rushmore.
Legends Never Die 🤘🤘
I think This calls for a Van Halen reaction marathon In his honor. R.I.P. to an icon that inspired a whole generation!
Ahhh, Eddie Van Halen. You not only hear him play with your ears you feel it viscerally in your guts. You are missed.
VH fans know that Eddie entirely changed how the guitar was approached, not only with the two-hand technique, but his bluesy licks and hand synchronization superceded anything anyone had ever heard before the first album in 1978. RIP Edward, my guitar hero.
Eddie was truly a pioneer with his tapping techniques. Shredding would not exist and guitar solos today would not be the same without his influence
A lot of people called Van Halen “Happy Metal”. I agree. It’s just music that makes you feel good.
Happy metal is power metal and most classic metal songs
You have to do Jamie's crying. Its where Tone Loc got his sample for Wild Thing.
Seconding this recommendation!
"Something about their riffs..." Eddie Van Halen, ladies and gentlemen.
That was a dramatic comment
They had swing. The Van Halen brothers dad was a professional jazz musician...they had that rhythm from day one.
Eddie always had the biggest smile on his face while playing. seeing how much joy he got from playing guitar has always inspired me. you guys should watch a Live show! It will put a smile on your face for sure 🙂
R.I.P. Eddie Van Halen 💖💖💖
David Lee Roth said we were the only metal band that you could dance to which made them stand out. Especially in later albums like songs "Dance the night away" It also helped that they had the greatest guitarist that ever lived.
Something that gets forgotten is that the best singer Van Halen ever had was Michael Anthony. He wasn't their frontman on stage, but that man's voice was incredible.
Best backing vocals in all of Rock, underrated Bass player as well
Best thing about the Van Halen 3 tour was Michael Anthony sang lead on Somebody Get Me A Doctor.
Absolutely. He made the Van Halen sound.
R.I.P. EVH. One of my biggest guitar influences. 2020 has been the worst
Of all the things to deal with, everything else was easy, compared to this.
You're so right Ryan: Groove is absolutely the thing with great popular music, and especially with classic rock. It lightens & tightens & makes you move and that makes all the difference.
And George's analysis is on point too: Even in Jazz, however complex, the groove (the swing) is often the universal thing, the thing that reaches people first & brings people in. And without that, things can get very dead & dry very fast. So actually looking down on music that moves people like that, is kind of ridiculous. You take something like Charlie Parker--it's hard to get more complex than that. And maybe you aren't gonna dance to it, but that's just because it's going by so dang fast. It's not that your body doesn't *want* to move. Poor thing just can't keep up.
Mean Streets by Van Halen, its so funky and groovy you may dook your pants. 👍👍
This old lady is flicking a Bic in honor of The great Eddie Van Halen. RIP Rock Legend. 💔😢🤘🏻
I'll never tire of this tune. Eddie's playing is timeless.
I first heard Van Halen after my older brother brought home the 8-track for the first album in 1978. When Eruption came on, I knew I was hearing something amazing even though I was 9 years old. There's no one else like them.
I’m a lot younger (30s) and yet I can understand that feeling you felt when your young mind is exposed to something and you feel amazed and know it’s a part of your identity now.
"AND THE CRADLE WILL ROCK" "EVERYBODY WANTS SOME"
Both are amazing!!
So fn good!!!!
I’ll wait is another classic !
@@jaymulchandani9358 Yeah it is.!
Have you seen Junior's grades!?
The original lineup was just hard rock PERFECTION. But what elevates their music to their lofty heights is the fact that Eddie wasn't just a great lead player, his rhythm playing was off the charts great! Fantastic hooks with chunky, in the pocket perfect rhythms!
Rest in Peace Eddie
Your soul will live on forever
David Lee Roth was really into disco, soul and R&B, and if you ever heard him in interviews, he wanted to do rock that people could dance to
So that sound was def by design.
It was hard rock with groove, so you are exactly right.
RIP EVH 🙏🎸
I discovered this Album in my Dads collection when I was 10. My life have never been the same since. Love ya Eddie.
I was 12 when this album dropped.....and Eddie became my first guitar hero. Had a tough time picking my jaw up off the floor after "Eruption/You Really Got Me". Between THIS and Star Wars a year earlier....? This was a great time in life. R.I.P. Eddie......the riff master.
So many people have “mastered” the guitar: they learn the skills, the different ways to play, create very technically intricate solo’s, etc. Eddie Van Halen wasn’t just a master of the guitar, he put himself into and through his guitar, and he had FUN! So many people say nobody does, or can, play like Eddie Van Halen, and that’s because Eddie had so much fun putting himself onto and through his guitar. Look at him, he’s always smiling with joy when he plays! Eddie could do all those things with the guitar because he wasn’t trying to be anyone else, he was just being himself. I wish people would quit trying to be Eddie when they’re playing, and just be themselves.
I think Van Halen was so very successful because they were all so good at what they did, and they all had alot of swag. Listen to each members parts and I think you’ll hear it.
For what it’s worth, I’d really like to see you react to “Mean Streets”.
That was beautiful Mike! The guitar was part of Eddie's body...they were synonymous! Noone does that.
Yes you nailed it, that's the tone. It's infused by his joy somehow.
He was also self taught. What a legend.
"Drop dead legs" i think is great song to groove to, and showcases his talent. RIP
Absolutely
Agreed.
Good one!
One of my favorite songs ever by them, along with summer nights with Sammy, RIP to a legend
Great choice!
'What is it about their riffs?'
... Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr Edward VanHalen!
To this day a contender for the greatest opening track to a debut album.... and this was the 70's!
"Jamie's Cryin" You'll recognise a super famous sample.
This!
wait what sample
@@somedaysometime Tone Loc "Wild Thing"
@@somedaysometime I don't want to give it away, but it was sampled in an early nineties rap song
Actually samples, plural. There's of course the Eddie piece from Jamie's Cryin'
but Wild Thing starts with the same Alex Van Halen drum roll that starts Jamie's Cryin'
.
He just died to today please guys do a fresh reaction or dare I say a Van Halen marathon?? RIP Eddie!!
When this album came out in 78,I was 22 and living in Houston.One of the FM stations in town would spotlight new music and play the whole album.This started playing and I was transfixed.I started calling my buds to listen to the radio.I ran out that night and found the album at a 7-11 store and have owned many different copies of it over the years.t
This shit holds up to this day.Nice review!
Boyfriend: Turn that off
Me: This relationship isn’t going to work out.
Any man worth his weight in salt would never say 'turn this off'.
That sounds sarcastic to some people but I’ve ended relationships on the first date back in my teens and 20s when our music vibes didn’t jive.
Yeah he ain't talking 'bout love ;)
What did I ever see in him !?
I’m with you on that one 🤚🏽
Dude maaaaan, this is CRAZY RIP🙏🙏💔💔 Van Halen the legend. Literally just passed away an hour ago. Playing for God now. #guitar
My mom is at a Van Halen concert right now.
@@NiamhCullen,
That's not possible. What do you mean?
Rayford, Ray Siegel I think he means his mom already passed & is watching Eddie riff up in the sky
@@TyFitzO,
I gotcha, now.
Thank you. You rock for rocking with Van Halen.
The rifs of Eddy Van Halen combined with the dualing rifs of David Lee Roth's vocal and screams is what made this band great.
And a top notch rythm section too with Mike Anthony's backing vocals.
Great video, I love it when y'all mark out to Van Halen. I think the next the big Van Halen song y'all need to listen to is Eruption/ You really got me. They're technically two separate tracks but Eruption is just a minute and a half intro/ solo to you really got me. It's actually sandwiched between running with devil and ain't talkin' bout love. That whole album's fire.
The most impressive thing in that riff is the triad chords stay PERFECTLY in tune even Vai was blown away by that
The very first song I got into Van Halen, was: “You Really Got Me”. (And I understand that it’s a cover, originally written by a another band called the kinks)
"Eruption" is the lead-in song to "You Really Got Me"; and yes, it is a Kinks song.🤘😝🤘
@@jbo9150,
"Eruption" is a song, by itself. It's one of his masterpieces. It just comes before "You Really Got Me Now".
@@RayfordRaySiegel Yeah. I know. That's why I called it a song. Specifically, a "lead-in song" (my own made-up word, because I don't know the technical term; if there is one) to "You Really Got Me"; because about every time a radio station plays "You Really Got Me", they play both songs. Just like "Heartbreaker" and "Livin' Lovin' Maid". Both are their own song; but played together. And not because it's "Two For Tuesday".
@@jbo9150,
I just meant that it's not actually a lead in song, but people played it that way, on the radio, just because it was placed in that order, on the album. I always hated that, because it took away from "Eruption". If it were me, on the radio, I would have played it by itself, and it I played "You Really Got Me Now" by itself, too, in order for people to appreciate it, as it is, a separate song.
@@RayfordRaySiegel But it's such a let down when they ONLY play "You Really Got Me"; like on Pandora. I had to "thumbs down" because I always want to hear both. (Same as the Led Zep duo).🤷♀️
Also, those songs, on their respective albums, don't have a normal gap between songs; they just roll right into the next, making it natural for radio stations to play together. Or maybe because the DJ's were too stoned to cut to the next song; so they always played both. 🤣
Dave Mustaine of Megadeth first met his bandmate bassist David Ellefson when David was playing the intro to this in his apartment and irritating/waking up Dave in another apartment in the same building! :p
LOL yep
I also think of that story every time I hear that intro, lol 🤘
Best chance meeting
Yeah I saw that on VH1 Behind the Music.
40 year later, it still sticks with you. Nice to see the music I grew up with is standing the test of time. We just thought is was awesome.
Mean Street has a groove you'll appreciate. Unchained is one of their great party songs ...
I'd have to agree. Phenomenal guitar riffs in Mean Street of course but the groove is just so... well, groovy. Mean Street and Unchained off of Fair Warning were my two picks as well. I'm pretty sure I've seen more requests here for Mean Street than any other so I think there's a good chance, but I've seen these guys do double song reactions before. That would be awesome.
Mean Street outro man.. always get me
“And The Cradle Will Rock”
That's a very good point you made at the end, George. Rest in peace Edward Van Halen.
Gonna miss Eddie. He truly was one of the great ones...
Takes me right back to my school days...
Van Halen changed how metal was played I was 14 when this album came out I still love it. IT blew my mind!!!
This whole album is badass! RIP Eddie Van Halen! A guitar GAWD is gone
speterbilt VH1 (not the BS TV channel) is one of the best albums of all time, bar none. Front to back, banger after banger.
@@charliemac64 yes it is
"I had just moved to L.A. & had rented a cheap apartment. I was practicing my bass one morning, Just messing around with the intro to Runnin' With The Devil. You know, the riff that goes...boomp, boomp, boomp, boomp. All of a sudden a flower pot comes crashing down on the top of my air conditioner & a voice screams, "SHUT UP!" I went upstairs & knocked on the door...Dave Mustaine answered." ---Dave Ellefson (Megadeth)
R.I.P Eddie!
You guys are great...I've listened to VH for years and you guys do an awesome job of breaking it down...I'm so tuned into the guitar that I dont think about the groove and stuff like that. Keep up the great work!!
You guys would love “Mean Street” groovy song with heavy guitar.
RIP Eddie!
That song slaps!
Probably even more so "Dirty Movies"
F- yea!
I just said the same before i saw this 😂
Album 1, track 1. Here's Van Halen, world.
Drop Dead Legs is one of my favorite riffs and grooves of theirs.
Rest in peace, Eddie
Aside from all the flashy playing, that thing that bites you is EVH's actual guitar tone. I'm not a guitar guy so I can't tell you how he sounded that way, but that tone combined with his absolutely unique touch is legendary.
I have seen Eddie Play in concert 11 times, Best ever RIP Brother.
Best groove from Van Halen is Mean Street imo, that'd be my highest recommendation
That sprinkle sound at the beginning actually isn't a piano, Eddie flicks his pick across the strings above the nut near the tuners to get that sound.
I like to think that it’s a piano lol
@@Iknowthelaw13 , I know, I didn't know that until I became a guitar player and watched a live performance, and I can see him rake the pick across the strings above the nut by the tuners. I also was surprised where that noise came from.
I believe he raked the strings behind the bridge on the Destroyer to record this song. It had a tune a matic. He did it above the nut when he played his other guitars with a tremolo.
Damn after all these years. I never knew that! Thanks for the info.
Actually its the strings between the tailpiece and bridge, not above the nut.
His TONE is GIANT ... its in His hands ... when a GIANT walked the Earth.. Edward Van Halen
"Take Your Whiskey Home" has an insane acoustic intro, followed by a killer riff. Amusing lyrics too. "Well my baby, she don't want me around. She says she's tired of watching me fall down".
Great tune. One of my favs
I just put it in the comments 🤘🤘
She wants the good life, all the best, but I like that bottle better than the rest!! Van Halen is my all time favorite band! Love from Iowa my friens
@@ABandApart01 I can't say they're my FAVORITE band(that goes to Queen), but they're right up there near the top. Most heavy rock bands(I'm resisting the temptation to call them metal) take themselves WAY too serious, whereas VH makes fun songs w/ humor woven in. 🤟
@@cl8onj388 News Of The World, In my top 5 favorite albums. If I had to choose a favorite song, Death On Two Legs takes it 🤘🎶🤘
This was the 1st Van Halen song I listened to years and years ago, it has a primal sound.
We haven’t had a loss to equal this since we lost SRV. If this helps anyone: This same cancer took my brother. It takes its time, its painful, and it takes over the whole body until it done. It is so hard to lose Musicians that fulfills our whole Life. But Eddie is at peace and pain free now. And he and SRV are jamming no doubt!
Dimebag.
@@Brotherdeath69 He probably doesn't know who Dimebag is.
I know he wasn’t a guitarist, but Neil Peart 🥁
@@rrover70 Eddie put his guitar into Dimebag's coffin, if you were referring to Eddie.
@@patking1225 I should have said 'she' referring to Texas Magnolia.
R.I.P. EDDIE! The 6 String King😭
Eddie Van Halen was as much a consummate rhythm guitarist as he was a lead guitarist. His riffs are just straight fire and the tone he gets from his guitar is so good. So many great tunes to choose from. Try Mean Streets, Take your Whiskey Home, Somebody Get me a Doctor, the Full Bug, Little Guitars, - man the list goes on and on.
I can die, Eddie can't, he's alive in our hearts. RIP Genius.
This is a very sad day like losing A Marley or a Lennon or a Elvis
Really impressive, enjoyable commentary. I thought the whole presentation of your reaction was fun, professional and genuine. Great job. Imagine hearing this for the first time in 1978! Nothing like these sounds had ever come out of an electric guitar before. You really picked up on an essential aspect of the VanHalen success and that was their talent for coming up with great songs that just made you want to listen and dance. In my opinion the two most consequential electric guitarists in history are Jimi Hendrix and Eddie VanHalen.
There are many great guitarists out there but these two forever redefined the paradigm of what an electric guitar could do. Every electric guitarist who has come after owes both of these masters a debt of gratitude.
Watching you guys is so much fun, the moment you get into it you get "into it" As a life long metalhead it makes me take a moment and rediscover that feeling. One of these days, Please do some Robert Cray, would love to hear you guys react to "Smoking Gun"