Yeah it was Eddie Van Halen on guitar. This was 1983, a song off the 1982 album Thriller, which is still one of the best selling albums ever. It's hard to explain to younger folks the Michael phenomenon. The album before Thriller, Off The Wall was very popular, but with Thriller Michael went from being that cute kid from the Jackson 5 to the biggest pop star in the world. Michael's influence is still wide ranging.
Still the best selling album of all time worldwide with over 119 million copies sold and 500.000 in 2021 the United States alone! Also got certified platinum for the 34th time! Long live the greatest of all time!
The power that Michael had back then was insane, the gang members in the background are actually members of both bloods and crips, gave no problems and even helped with the tidy up after the video shoot. All because they wanted to spend time and watch Michael, crazy!
It was amazing when it came out and you're watching it and knowing that the gangs literally set aside their difference to work with Michael. He was incredible.
I believe it was in Dallas Texas that the event happened- both were on tour at the same time and Michael asked Eddie to play that song with them - FYI I saw Van Halen on their 1st headlining tour in 1979 at the music hall in Houston Texas- they blew the roof off the place - peace ✌and ty again
The guitarist is Eddie Van Halen of the band Van Halen. Michael hired out REAL gang members in LA to be in the video. You asked why did they look so hard? Because they were the real deal! lol The video was about two gang members meeting for a turf rumble (fight) between each other. MJ comes and is the peacekeeper stopping the fight which leads into a group dance including members of both gangs. This was one of my first MJ songs and videos that I ever saw back in the 80s which has led me into over 30+ yrs as a huge MJ fan!! :) Also, MJ hated for his "videos" to be referred to as "videos". He always wanted "short films" which is what he accomplished with the majority of his "videos". They were always a masterpiece and always had a story to tell.
The song has such an iconic rock sound because it has some of the best rock musicians (Eddie Van Halen and Members of Toto) of that time behind it. Michael was a genius. He knew exactly who to bring in and where to place them for the best result.
I'll never forget when Thriller came out ,late 82 when I was in Junior school.. the impact was so unprecedented as to never be repeated again..nothing thereafter has come close to the impact this album was. Here in South Africa it was enormous with daily tv and radio play,kids selling MJ jackets and glove ..was just such exciting music. Popping in the cassette and blasting MJ...he was still charting in 1984 and till today it's still shifting numbers.
Michael had an idea of what the solo should sound like. It was a lot longer, Eddie thought about it, came up with a shorter solo and told Michael that this is what it should be. Michael heard it and loved it.
Eddie Van Halen was called by Quincy Jones to play on Michael's "new" album and he accepted because he never thought anyone would know it was him. He did 2 takes and Quincy liked the 1st take. By the way, Eddie never got paid for it!!! He got to play on a Michael Jackson album and that was "good enough" for him!!
@@SpursOn3 Don't get me wrong, Michael was obviously famous in 1981/2 (known as 'that little kid from the J5' by many white americans) but he wasn't as famous yet to the extent that Eddie Van Halen would do the job for free just because he was on an MJ album. That kind of adulation came after Thriller.
Eddy took maybe 2 takes on guitar amd did it for free..phenomenal...can't believe I was 15 when this got released..I'm 55 now and it brings memories and even though I'm a rock..hard Rock to funk and jazz fan ...Micheal exploded on the world stage..incredible
Yes, he is still the "King of Pop!" In the early 1980s Rock & Pop Music were kind of mashed together and that's the kind of tunes we heard 35-40 yrs ago. MJ had a distinct sound to his music, compared to now-a-days, where it's all about singing with a beat box. Musicians were much more talented with their "Old School" music. They were much more creative. Close to the same year of 1984, Run DMC hit the mainstream with their Self Titled Album - Run DMC.
I'm 80 yrs old, and yes Michael IS absolutely, the greatest ENTERTAINER in my lifetime, and i've seen them all, Elvis, frank Sinatra, Dino, all wonderful, but Michael by far the best, PERIOD !!!
@@rayhanks8529 I definitely agree with that! Nobody can excite a crowd more than Michael Jordan, himself! He's my ultimate favourite entertainer, as well.
Man this song and video was HUGE back in the day...I remember getting chills hearing this cuzz it just vibed; it cemented Michael as King of Pop for sure ....those early MTV days were quite amazing to experience!!
Asia, BJ… This is unquestionably one of MJ’s timeless classics & greatest ever hits. Mike was sensational in this, but good lord almighty, what TRULY made this video was the epic guitar solo from the late, great Eddie Van Halen 💥🎸💥. I remember seeing him in concert when he toured Australia & when that opening guitar riff hit… To say that the fans went crazy & wild is an understatement 👍🤪. As we say here… The fans went “batshit stir crazy” & sang their hearts out with Michael… R.I.P Michael & Eddie ✊️😔🕊🕊🕊
@@IvanDiaz-fl6ff … If they did a run down of Michael’s greatest & most successful songs ever, I dare say (without knowing for sure) that “Beat it” would easily be in the top 5 ✋️😁. I know that “Thriller” was the bigger commercial success (single & album) but “Beat it” was certainly one of his greatest successes 👏🤩
@@IvanDiaz-fl6ff … That’s why in my original post I wrote that it was ONE of his greatest hits & not THE greatest. His death was a huge loss to the global music industry but the fact that his loyal fans are doing their best to keep his music alive & give the critics & those who hated him a massive “F.U.” is what I love. I was a massive MJ fan (always will be) & that’s why I loved seeing Asia & BJ doing a reaction to Beat It ✊️😎
You have to also give props to the choreographer Michael Peters(the Brother in white with the dark shades) who choreographed some of the most iCONIC music vids in the 80’s. From Brooklyn, NYC. Died in 94 during the end of the AIDS epidemic. Left his mark on so many artists! R.I.P Mike!
Hey Daryl, while watching the video (short film) I thought the same thing. Michael Peters deserves a lot of props for being the genius choreographer that he was. And clearly a fantastic dancer. AIDS took so many awesome artists from us 😪.
Did you know? Eddie Van Halen playing guitar, did you also know that Steve Lukather of TOTO are wrote most of the guitar arrangements? And did you also know that TOTO were the musicians in the studio on a lot of Michaels songs?
Eddie Van Halen from the rock band Van Halen is the guitar soloist in this song. One of the all-time classics. I remember it vividly, everyone in the 80s had it on repeat
I was 12 when this song came out, I think around 83. I'm feeling like an antique lol. This song blew up and was played more than I think I'd ever heard another song played. The Thriller album was at the top of my Christmas list that year and I played that album every single day when I got it. This song definitely put his career into turbo boost. Best music ever.
I miss the days of the music video theatre. The level of excitement when an artist like MJ was dropping a video was INSANE!!!! The production was always top notch. I remember meeting up at one friends house to see it together. There is something so magical and memorable about this video, and that time. Great reaction you two! 🤗🤗🤗
Def leppard sold 10 million copies of pyromania in America during 1983, and yet it couldn't even get to no1 because of Michael Jackson's thriller. Shows you what a monster album it was.
I'm 60 in a couple of months I've lived through some great times, I was born into a well educated military family, I've been very privileged, not with money but with knowledge. I've been sick twice in 34 years just had covid about 8 weeks ago. I'm two stripes from getting my black belt in BJJ, love you guys always quality reactions. I remember when this came out, I remember when I first saw it. Awesome times love from Australia guy's 🇦🇺 ❤️.
That is one of my favorite songs of Michael. It was just an unusual and exceptional video at that time and still today. It's a classic! There is no other artist in the world and there won't be any artist, who can create such perfect dance moves, a song with this great voice, such a meaningful song and such a fantastic choreography. C'mon moonwalkers around the world, this video has almost 1 billion plays, let's make it to a billion soon!
There's a reason that Michael Jackson is the King of Pop!!! This album came out my sophomore year in high school and it changed the music game forever!
Ah yes, what memories. Whenever an MJ video previewed, we were ALL in front of the TV to watch it. If it was this one or "Billy Jean" (I think came before this one), "Thriller", "Bad", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Black or White", "Do You Remember the Time", "Smooth Criminal"... What a legend. Asia, when you said, "The Jackson Five" was before your time, I laughed because "The Jackson Five" was hugely popular when I was like 6 and 7 years old and I'm almost 58 now. lol Great reaction, again y'all!
MJ was the first to make Music videos! MTV didn't allow black artist on its Network! MJ broke that barrier for more Black Artist. To come aboard. I remember when this first came out! Omg! The ratings went out of the roof! MJ stayed forever on rotation. The Legendary moves of the Smooth Criminal himself! They were begging him for more material/videos....!
Every year I use to dress up as MJ, hes the person who got me into music. I use to be able to dance like him now that I'm older i grew out of it, but I will never forget the king of pop. I may be a new generation, but I love old school and Michael Jackson is at the top of my old school list. MJ is a artist that should never be forgotten, and I was only 2 when he died, I wish I got to meet him. Rest Easy King, you didn't deserve to die. 👼😭😭⚰. even when he was alive dude was a legend frfr, and still is a legend today.
The "Knocking" sound you hear right before Eddie's solo is him knocking on the guitar body with his knuckles. That was always the genius of Eddie Van Halen, he was always about exploring new and weird things on the guitar. Quincy Jones and Michael were very smart by bringing in the members of Toto to arrange and play on this album and even smarter to bring in the absolute most gifted and talented guitarist on planet earth, Edward Van Halen. MJ has even stated that Eddie being on this album helped bridge a musical gap between the races. Miss Ed and MJ. HUGE American musical icons.
I was in high school when The Jackson Five's "ABC" played over and over all night at the gym slumber party. Then, by the time I was raising kids, we were all listening to Michael Jackson. All of the kids, including mine, were trying to moon walk. I still love Michael Jackson and some of the moments with my kids. 💜
Actually, Eddie Van Halen's part in the story isn't just playing the solo. After he recorded the solo, he went back into the sound booth to talk to the guys and then he listened to the existing edit. He asked if he could make some changes to the edit of the whole song and a lot of the sound guys got really nervous - because Michael was known for being touchy about people re-cutting his music, but they weren't about to tell Eddie Van Halen no....so he re-edits the song into an authentic rock song and Michael came in and the sound guys were nervous when they told him Eddie was editing the whole damned song. Instead of getting upset, Michael went to Eddie and was like Let me hear what you got. And liked it. And that's what ended up on the album. The song rocks hard because one of the rock GODS of the era, Eddie Van Halen, helped make it that way.
Michael is an amazing artist, musically and visually. As a director he was meticulous but that's because he had a VISION and a STORY he wanted to tell, and tell right! Amazing
Nice reaction guys. The solo played by Eddie Van Halen. The riff in the beginning was Steve Lukather from Toto. The drummer was Jeff Porcaro from Toto. The Keys Steve Porcaro from Toto. I had this album back in 1984. I remember this like yesterday. 👍👍👍
Asia & BJ, recommend the Jackson 5's "I'll Be There" and "Never Can Say Goodbye". The most outstanding vocals you'll ever here on an 11 year old, or anyone else!!
Random fact about the video- if you see photos of Michael hanging out with the gang members, they're completely authentic and legit LA gang members. Most of this video was shot at Skid Row, the homeless area of Los Angeles. I was just watching a video about what Skid Row looks like now so it's fresh in my mind
The video for "Thriller" is even more like a movie. It was heavily influenced by the 1981 horror comedy film An American Werewolf in London. The Jackson 5 released "ABC" when I was learning how to read, so I can't remember a time when I didn't know who Michael Jackson was. I remember the girls squealing whenever "Dont Stop Til You Get Enough" or "Rock with You" came on the radio when I was in middle school. That was a few years before Thriller catapulted him to super-stardom. Check those songs out when you can. And for more old school treats from the Jacksons, check out "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)" and from the Jackson 5, check out some of these classics: "I Want You Back", "Never Can Say Goodbye", "Stand!", and "Dancing Machine" along with many others.
I agree with MJ though Prince was a bad boy too. But Eddie is always mentioned as the GOAT and he was special, BUT listen to George Lynch from the rock band Dokken. I always said Ace Frehley was the GOAT...till I heard Mr. Scary! I read that Randy Rhoades ( another GOAT contender) who was Ozzy's first guitarist gave him that nickname cuz he was scary good. Lynch's solos were epic. Listen to his solo on Dokken's song Tooth and Nail and tell me that I'm wrong in my belief that George Lynch is the true GOAT.
I have this same debate with my co worker. Yes Eddie took it to another level but George Lynch to it to yet another level. Remember George came after Eddie and in my opinion Lynch is in a league all his own. My co worker says Lynch copied Eddie and maybe so, but he also enhanced on it. Eddie and Roth couldn't get along. George and Don Dokken couldn't get along. Both guys who didn't have the band name left. Coincidence?
@@rawnbadillo9886 Great points !! I am just glad both of them shared their gifts with us !! Dokken is a great underrated band for sure ! I was jamming to a tooth and Nail album back in 1987 in my Chevelle !
@@showtime4243 cool...I own all of Dokken's albums ( original members )...even the reunion ( Dysfunctional) and their last original band release Shadowlife. If u haven't, check out the song Bitter Regret off of Shadowlife...its a hidden gem!
Never be another like MJ. He was on his own. And he owned the 1980s with just 3 albums. OFF THE WALL THRILLER BAD Thriller is the best selling album in history over 70 million units. And "Beat It" is the bellweather of the album. A funky rock classic. With that Awesome intro. And the late great Eddie Van Halens tapping like the best of them.
Eddie Van Halen…yep. 🤘😎❤️🎼🎶❤️🔥Michael Peters, choreographer in the white jacket. Same guy that did Thriller. He’s one of the best- at this time,for sure.
Thanx for doin this. I'm an aging white dude, who cant (never could) dance. Always enjoyed this. The message behind this is, "Blessed are the Peacemakers"
Imagine being 14 years old and watching this video's debut. We lost our minds! The youngins just don't understand the impact of MJ and his video productions. Crazy!!! The guy in the white jacket and pants is the choreographer.
2:57 OnG! I think that's what made it resonate so much with me. Rock _(in every form)_ is TOP tier for me personally, so those amazing guitar bits are what makes me fall in love with his music. Even the songs that didn't have any Rock & Roll feel to it was still so perfectly done and had such an addictive and catchy rhythm and vibe, that it had the ability to draw the attention of anyone. Not to mention how legendary MJ himself was. Even at the very start of the music video where we didn't see MJ yet, the very instance of NOT seeing him, still had his very essence all over the place. Like you could feel him there every bit of the way. (Sorry if that didn't make any sense) He was the only man that was as close to being magic as he was. He was TRULY the king. 🔥👑🔥
Try his 78 release, “Off The Wall.”His comeback album. He and Quincey killed it. Guitarist on Beat it, Steve Lukather( Toto) created the riff, Eddie Van Halen came in and laid down the solo.
Eddie came in and took that solo and practically rewrote it to a whole new version and when he play his version back, both Quincy Jones and Michael loved it!!
Yes BJ you were 100% right, it was the late great Eddie van Halen on guitar. If you saw all the non-dancers standing in the background, there was a reason why. They were Crips and Bloods gangsters. Yep real ones. Michael tried to use this song to bring peace between them. Only Michael makes dancing look so friggin good. Love your reactions Asia and BJ ❤️
Next one needs to be remember the time y’all react to!!! HUUUUGE MJ Fan here from Germany! Bless You! 💗 fun fact: Mike got real bloods and crips in that video dancing TOGETHER! Another fun fact is that Eddie Van Halen set one of the speakers in the studio on fire with his guitar while recording his part Loool beat it goes HARD ‼️
MJ was one of the first musician artist to get Crips & Bloods together in music video this one of them and the other one is “The Way You Me Feel” he had Crips in it
Meaning of words ...Nessun dorma, Pavarotti, I haven't a clue but the tone, instruments, vocals makes one feel a certain way. Dam I love beat it !!!! get's me hyped and dancing 😊
I have a sister 18 yrs older than me. When I was a kid my older siblings and my mom would get together at my sister's house and play cards. Us kids would have dance parties to Michael Jackson and Grease sound track, and later the adults would join us. Great memories!
I remember when this came out’ 1982, my parents bought be the 45 record, it was a nice surprise, I remember doing back flips on my bed when I came home from school that day lol 😆 luv your reactions guys!!¡
You were right BJ, it was Eddie on guitar, he also did thriller, Pete Townsend recommended him, because he couldn't do it. Love the song, I also like Weird Al's version Eat it. 😍❤👏
It was Eddie Van Halen. Funny fact is Eddie didn't get paid for it. Because he was asked to record the guitar part he agreed he sent it in before they talked about 💰. Eddie was a good sport about it. his band members however roasted him for it. Check out thriller that's more like a movie.
It was Eddie Van Halen and he did not even charge Quincy or Michael or want credits on the album. He only asked for a couple of six packs, and some dance lessons from Michael. He changed the song a little too for the solo.
He's The King of pop for a reason Elvis Presley is the king of of Rock And Roll Michael Jackson never did gospel, country music I will always love both of them They both did the masterpiece dance moves and stirred up to get everyone talking
Hey Asia and BJ!!! I love Michael Jackson he's my favorite artist of all time besides Whitney Houston. I freaking love him and his music. Yall need to react to Baby Be Mine by him it's underrated track off of His Thriller album, but it's an amazing song. Awesome reaction! RIP KING OF POP MICHAEL JACKSON 1958-2009 GONE TOO SOON RIP Eddie Van Halen 1955-2020
Eddie Van Halen not only played lead guitar solo on this he rearranged the song while Michael was on break. Michael thanked him profusely for that and Eddie refused payment on the song. EVH was a real one. Also. How on earth did you never see this video!!!!!
Yeah it was Eddie Van Halen on guitar. This was 1983, a song off the 1982 album Thriller, which is still one of the best selling albums ever. It's hard to explain to younger folks the Michael phenomenon. The album before Thriller, Off The Wall was very popular, but with Thriller Michael went from being that cute kid from the Jackson 5 to the biggest pop star in the world. Michael's influence is still wide ranging.
Eddie Van Halen did the guitar solo, but the guitar in the bulk of the song was played by Steve Lukather from the band Toto.
Steve Lukather of Toto on the main rhythm guitar riffs, Eddie on the great solo.
Best selling, not ”one of" the US is not the world.
Still the best selling album of all time worldwide with over 119 million copies sold and 500.000 in 2021 the United States alone! Also got certified platinum for the 34th time! Long live the greatest of all time!
No, it was Eddie van Vedder, as the man said
The power that Michael had back then was insane, the gang members in the background are actually members of both bloods and crips, gave no problems and even helped with the tidy up after the video shoot. All because they wanted to spend time and watch Michael, crazy!
No other artist has that kind of power anymore. The unity he was bringing to the world through his music was powerful
That's insane, I knew that there were gang members there but not that it had bloods and crips together.
It was amazing when it came out and you're watching it and knowing that the gangs literally set aside their difference to work with Michael. He was incredible.
Fiquei extremamente impressionado com isso,tipo oq Ronaldinho gaúcho faz ,isso é magia
One of the guys was in the show Head of the class from The 80s
Eddie Van Halen did the solo on this song for free!..I believe he did it in one or two takes - he just totally kills it! Great job 👏
@@anthonybatissa1417 I saw that video lol ty so much ! I appreciate you making a nice comment - bless you
I believe it was in Dallas Texas that the event happened- both were on tour at the same time and Michael asked Eddie to play that song with them - FYI I saw Van Halen on their 1st headlining tour in 1979 at the music hall in Houston Texas- they blew the roof off the place - peace ✌and ty again
Valerie brought a big box of homemade brownies for MJ and crew.
@@davidstephens6462 that's so awesome!
@@davidstephens6462 do you know if MJ and crew got them??
The guitarist is Eddie Van Halen of the band Van Halen. Michael hired out REAL gang members in LA to be in the video. You asked why did they look so hard? Because they were the real deal! lol The video was about two gang members meeting for a turf rumble (fight) between each other. MJ comes and is the peacekeeper stopping the fight which leads into a group dance including members of both gangs. This was one of my first MJ songs and videos that I ever saw back in the 80s which has led me into over 30+ yrs as a huge MJ fan!! :) Also, MJ hated for his "videos" to be referred to as "videos". He always wanted "short films" which is what he accomplished with the majority of his "videos". They were always a masterpiece and always had a story to tell.
Van Halen did the solo, but Steve Lukather played the main riff/rhythm guitar. Also the bass.
@@GoldTop57 thanks for giving Steve his credit.
@@GoldTop57 a few members of Toto are throughout the album
Those gangs.... They were REAL ones??!!😱
@@BDTXIII yes..real members mixed in with the dancers
The song has such an iconic rock sound because it has some of the best rock
musicians (Eddie Van Halen and Members of Toto) of that time behind it. Michael was a genius.
He knew exactly who to bring in and where to place them for the best result.
FACTS.....A skill that served him well musically, but also enabled him to abuse children in plain sight of the world without consequence.
Yep the goat himself Eddie Van Halen and Steve lukather.
I think Quincy Jones had something to do with it, too.
Steve Porcaro did the synthesizer at the beginning of the song, and the late Jeff Porcaro did the drum beat when the riff starts.
producer, I think?! he's the one who brought in EVH and Steve, I believe... @@keithbrown7685
I'll never forget when Thriller came out ,late 82 when I was in Junior school.. the impact was so unprecedented as to never be repeated again..nothing thereafter has come close to the impact this album was. Here in South Africa it was enormous with daily tv and radio play,kids selling MJ jackets and glove ..was just such exciting music. Popping in the cassette and blasting MJ...he was still charting in 1984 and till today it's still shifting numbers.
Another song of Michael’s that had an incredible “rock feel” to it was “Dirty Diana” 🤘😝🤘🎸
YES! BEST MJ EVER! OMG! With Billy Idol Guitarist Steve Stevens! WOW! King of POP and King of Rock here!
@@theidajawho … Whenever you put the terms “MJ & rock” together, Dirty Diana will ALWAYS come up in the conversation & rightfully so 🤘😝🎸
Give Into Me is also very rock.
Give into me, Morphine, DS .. Though Dirty Diana stands on top!
MJ loved the rock feel, never accepted limitation of any kind.
RIP 👑
Dirty Diana's guitar solo was played by Steve Stevens (Billy Idol/Vince Neil Band).
Michael had an idea of what the solo should sound like. It was a lot longer, Eddie thought about it, came up with a shorter solo and told Michael that this is what it should be. Michael heard it and loved it.
When this first came out on MTV, we had never seen anything like it. Everyone lost their minds!
Agree 100%.
I can imagine.
yes best days in music history
Eddie Van Halen was called by Quincy Jones to play on Michael's "new" album and he accepted because he never thought anyone would know it was him. He did 2 takes and Quincy liked the 1st take. By the way, Eddie never got paid for it!!! He got to play on a Michael Jackson album and that was "good enough" for him!!
Michael wasn't that big then, so it was more about doing Quincy a favour I think.
@@mpt3245 lol what???
@@SpursOn3 Don't get me wrong, Michael was obviously famous in 1981/2 (known as 'that little kid from the J5' by many white americans) but he wasn't as famous yet to the extent that Eddie Van Halen would do the job for free just because he was on an MJ album. That kind of adulation came after Thriller.
Eddy took maybe 2 takes on guitar amd did it for free..phenomenal...can't believe I was 15 when this got released..I'm 55 now and it brings memories and even though I'm a rock..hard Rock to funk and jazz fan ...Micheal exploded on the world stage..incredible
im right there with u Tom...do you remember how everyone went bananas when this came out!!!???
@@soofitnsexy yes..like it was yesterday
@@tomperugini189 GREETINGS FROM NYC IM 54 ...THEM WERE THE DAYZZZZZZ
@@soofitnsexy priceless.
This is about as good as it gets for entertainment. The song, the guitar and choreographic dancing? Amazing. Michael was incredible!
Nobody can come close to MJ ! Timeless!
I was born the same year as him 1958. Loved him since I was 11. Miss him. RIP MICHAEL🙏✌🌻🌻
Yes, he is still the "King of Pop!" In the early 1980s Rock & Pop Music were kind of mashed together and that's the kind of tunes we heard 35-40 yrs ago. MJ had a distinct sound to his music, compared to now-a-days, where it's all about singing with a beat box. Musicians were much more talented with their "Old School" music. They were much more creative. Close to the same year of 1984, Run DMC hit the mainstream with their Self Titled Album - Run DMC.
I'm 80 yrs old, and yes Michael IS absolutely, the greatest ENTERTAINER in my lifetime, and i've seen them all, Elvis, frank Sinatra, Dino, all wonderful, but Michael by far the best, PERIOD !!!
@@rayhanks8529 I definitely agree with that! Nobody can excite a crowd more than Michael Jordan, himself! He's my ultimate favourite entertainer, as well.
@Sud Man Chris brown can
Man this song and video was HUGE back in the day...I remember getting chills hearing this cuzz it just vibed; it cemented Michael as King of Pop for sure ....those early MTV days were quite amazing to experience!!
Asia, BJ… This is unquestionably one of MJ’s timeless classics & greatest ever hits. Mike was sensational in this, but good lord almighty, what TRULY made this video was the epic guitar solo from the late, great Eddie Van Halen 💥🎸💥. I remember seeing him in concert when he toured Australia & when that opening guitar riff hit… To say that the fans went crazy & wild is an understatement 👍🤪. As we say here… The fans went “batshit stir crazy” & sang their hearts out with Michael… R.I.P Michael & Eddie ✊️😔🕊🕊🕊
2nd biggest hit
@@IvanDiaz-fl6ff … If they did a run down of Michael’s greatest & most successful songs ever, I dare say (without knowing for sure) that “Beat it” would easily be in the top 5 ✋️😁. I know that “Thriller” was the bigger commercial success (single & album) but “Beat it” was certainly one of his greatest successes 👏🤩
@@gerardroll6468 yea it’s his second biggest hit behind Billie Jean and thriller is 3rd his 3 biggest hits came from the thriller album 💿🐐
@@IvanDiaz-fl6ff … That’s why in my original post I wrote that it was ONE of his greatest hits & not THE greatest. His death was a huge loss to the global music industry but the fact that his loyal fans are doing their best to keep his music alive & give the critics & those who hated him a massive “F.U.” is what I love. I was a massive MJ fan (always will be) & that’s why I loved seeing Asia & BJ doing a reaction to Beat It ✊️😎
@@IvanDiaz-fl6ff Nah tbh his album BAD had alot better songs
His loss is still painful... There will never be another talented, sweet soul. R.I.P MJ you gave so much....
You have to also give props to the choreographer Michael Peters(the Brother in white with the dark shades) who choreographed some of the most iCONIC music vids in the 80’s.
From Brooklyn, NYC. Died in 94 during the end of the AIDS epidemic. Left his mark on so many artists!
R.I.P Mike!
Hey Daryl, while watching the video (short film) I thought the same thing. Michael Peters deserves a lot of props for being the genius choreographer that he was. And clearly a fantastic dancer. AIDS took so many awesome artists from us 😪.
Cool info, thank you
Peters had mastered evoking mood and the pauses to let MJ do his thing mid-movement was genius. His character seemed sinister and sold the scene. ❤
His best album, my favorite track from Michael Jackson... And Van Halen on the guitar... So awesome and so rock!
Did you know? Eddie Van Halen playing guitar, did you also know that Steve Lukather of TOTO are wrote most of the guitar arrangements? And did you also know that TOTO were the musicians in the studio on a lot of Michaels songs?
It's fairly well known.
Lukather also played bass on this track.
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Killer guitar riff. Killer beat. Great choreography. And the great Eddie Van Halen on the monster solo. As perfect as music videos can get.
Eddie Van Halen from the rock band Van Halen is the guitar soloist in this song. One of the all-time classics. I remember it vividly, everyone in the 80s had it on repeat
Yes, Michael dominated these decades
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I was 12 when this song came out, I think around 83. I'm feeling like an antique lol. This song blew up and was played more than I think I'd ever heard another song played. The Thriller album was at the top of my Christmas list that year and I played that album every single day when I got it. This song definitely put his career into turbo boost. Best music ever.
Uncomparable Michael!!! Still now , noone at his talented level.
I miss the days of the music video theatre. The level of excitement when an artist like MJ was dropping a video was INSANE!!!! The production was always top notch. I remember meeting up at one friends house to see it together. There is something so magical and memorable about this video, and that time. Great reaction you two! 🤗🤗🤗
One of the greatest Guitar solos of all time in my opinion
That's the smiling guitar player Mr Edward Van Halen!RIP EDDIE! NOBODY DID IT BETTER!💖
Yes, Eddie Van Halen played the solo, and Steve Lukather from Toto played rhythm guitars. And Eddie and Steve were really good friends too.
Def leppard sold 10 million copies of pyromania in America during 1983, and yet it couldn't even get to no1 because of Michael Jackson's thriller.
Shows you what a monster album it was.
All these years later and this video never gets old. Only MJ could get 2 true rival gangs to watch all the dancing in the background.
I miss the 80s , it was such a great time , to grow up in !!!! And no one was bigger than MICHAEL JACKSON!
Totally agree. My junior high and high school days. Wish I could go back.
I'm 60 in a couple of months I've lived through some great times, I was born into a well educated military family, I've been very privileged, not with money but with knowledge. I've been sick twice in 34 years just had covid about 8 weeks ago. I'm two stripes from getting my black belt in BJJ, love you guys always quality reactions. I remember when this came out, I remember when I first saw it. Awesome times love from Australia guy's 🇦🇺 ❤️.
That is one of my favorite songs of Michael. It was just an unusual and exceptional video at that time and still today. It's a classic! There is no other artist in the world and there won't be any artist, who can create such perfect dance moves, a song with this great voice, such a meaningful song and such a fantastic choreography. C'mon moonwalkers around the world, this video has almost 1 billion plays, let's make it to a billion soon!
The dude playing the gang leader dressed in white is Michael Peters (RIP), who did the choreography for this vdo and for "Thriller".
There's a reason that Michael Jackson is the King of Pop!!! This album came out my sophomore year in high school and it changed the music game forever!
MJ used this song and dance to unite gangs. He used two actual gangs to make this video. Michael Jackson was, is, a true Rock icon.
The combination of MJ and EVH is unstoppable! 🔥
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yes!!! 2 Kings!!!
Ah yes, what memories. Whenever an MJ video previewed, we were ALL in front of the TV to watch it. If it was this one or "Billy Jean" (I think came before this one), "Thriller", "Bad", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Black or White", "Do You Remember the Time", "Smooth Criminal"... What a legend. Asia, when you said, "The Jackson Five" was before your time, I laughed because "The Jackson Five" was hugely popular when I was like 6 and 7 years old and I'm almost 58 now. lol Great reaction, again y'all!
Michael was the King of Pop and Eddie Van Halen was the King of the Guitar. R.I.P. to both of these LEGENDS!
MJ is the greatest entertainer all time time ! Beat It was one of my favorite songs of all time. The guitar solo on this was 🔥!
MJ NEVER left us he lives i our hearts FOREVER! Love you Michael ❤️
MJ was the first to make Music videos! MTV didn't allow black artist on its Network! MJ broke that barrier for more Black Artist. To come aboard. I remember when this first came out! Omg! The ratings went out of the roof! MJ stayed forever on rotation. The Legendary moves of the Smooth Criminal himself! They were begging him for more material/videos....!
Every year I use to dress up as MJ, hes the person who got me into music. I use to be able to dance like him now that I'm older i grew out of it, but I will never forget the king of pop. I may be a new generation, but I love old school and Michael Jackson is at the top of my old school list. MJ is a artist that should never be forgotten, and I was only 2 when he died, I wish I got to meet him. Rest Easy King, you didn't deserve to die. 👼😭😭⚰. even when he was alive dude was a legend frfr, and still is a legend today.
The "Knocking" sound you hear right before Eddie's solo is him knocking on the guitar body with his knuckles. That was always the genius of Eddie Van Halen, he was always about exploring new and weird things on the guitar. Quincy Jones and Michael were very smart by bringing in the members of Toto to arrange and play on this album and even smarter to bring in the absolute most gifted and talented guitarist on planet earth, Edward Van Halen. MJ has even stated that Eddie being on this album helped bridge a musical gap between the races. Miss Ed and MJ. HUGE American musical icons.
Glad you guys enjoyed it. My favorite is "Dirty Diana", you'll see why he's king of pop.
I was in high school when The Jackson Five's "ABC" played over and over all night at the gym slumber party. Then, by the time I was raising kids, we were all listening to Michael Jackson. All of the kids, including mine, were trying to moon walk. I still love Michael Jackson and some of the moments with my kids. 💜
I just love Michael Jackson's reaction when Eddie Van Halen played the solo live Michael just getting all excited saying come on Eddie you got it
The gang leader in the white jacket is actually Michael Peters - he choreographed the dance bits in this and many music videos :)
Now that you have seen this, Please watch Eat It by Weird Al. You will love it!! And Michael even helped Al with the video for it.
This was the biggest sing that year until and only that until thriller came out. MJ ruled the charts all throughout the 80s
Actually, Eddie Van Halen's part in the story isn't just playing the solo. After he recorded the solo, he went back into the sound booth to talk to the guys and then he listened to the existing edit. He asked if he could make some changes to the edit of the whole song and a lot of the sound guys got really nervous - because Michael was known for being touchy about people re-cutting his music, but they weren't about to tell Eddie Van Halen no....so he re-edits the song into an authentic rock song and Michael came in and the sound guys were nervous when they told him Eddie was editing the whole damned song. Instead of getting upset, Michael went to Eddie and was like Let me hear what you got. And liked it. And that's what ended up on the album. The song rocks hard because one of the rock GODS of the era, Eddie Van Halen, helped make it that way.
Steve Lukather did teh riff and Eddie van Halen contributed with the solo to this song ........Great song ! MJ is the King
Michael is an amazing artist, musically and visually. As a director he was meticulous but that's because he had a VISION and a STORY he wanted to tell, and tell right! Amazing
I don't say this about most singers but Michael had the voice of an angel and van Halen on that guitar amazing.
Nice reaction guys. The solo played by Eddie Van Halen. The riff in the beginning was Steve Lukather from Toto. The drummer was Jeff Porcaro from Toto. The Keys Steve Porcaro from Toto. I had this album back in 1984. I remember this like yesterday. 👍👍👍
FACT: No one will EVER be cooler than Michael Jackson! This video proves it.
Asia & BJ, recommend the Jackson 5's "I'll Be There" and "Never Can Say Goodbye". The most outstanding vocals you'll ever here on an 11 year old, or anyone else!!
True dat!
What about 'The Love You Save'? That's a great track too.
Random fact about the video- if you see photos of Michael hanging out with the gang members, they're completely authentic and legit LA gang members. Most of this video was shot at Skid Row, the homeless area of Los Angeles. I was just watching a video about what Skid Row looks like now so it's fresh in my mind
The video for "Thriller" is even more like a movie. It was heavily influenced by the 1981 horror comedy film An American Werewolf in London. The Jackson 5 released "ABC" when I was learning how to read, so I can't remember a time when I didn't know who Michael Jackson was. I remember the girls squealing whenever "Dont Stop Til You Get Enough" or "Rock with You" came on the radio when I was in middle school. That was a few years before Thriller catapulted him to super-stardom. Check those songs out when you can. And for more old school treats from the Jacksons, check out "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)" and from the Jackson 5, check out some of these classics: "I Want You Back", "Never Can Say Goodbye", "Stand!", and "Dancing Machine" along with many others.
He's the goat
Michael Jackson was a really good singer and dancer! I grew up on Mj .
The fact that MJ used real Bloods and crips for this video was also awesome. Truly one of a kind
My all time favorite Michael Jackson song!
** The Guy in the White Jacket is MICHAEL PETERS: The CHOREOGRAPHER.
Yes. Eddie Van Halen played lead guitar and the riff throughout the song was played by Steve Lukather, tlead guitarist and lead singer from Toto.
2 of the GOATS. MJ and Eddie Van Halen !!
I agree with MJ though Prince was a bad boy too. But Eddie is always mentioned as the GOAT and he was special, BUT listen to George Lynch from the rock band Dokken. I always said Ace Frehley was the GOAT...till I heard Mr. Scary! I read that Randy Rhoades ( another GOAT contender) who was Ozzy's first guitarist gave him that nickname cuz he was scary good. Lynch's solos were epic. Listen to his solo on Dokken's song Tooth and Nail and tell me that I'm wrong in my belief that George Lynch is the true GOAT.
@@rawnbadillo9886 I also think George Lynch is fantastic and Dokken is very underrated. I just think EVH took guitar playing to a different level !
I have this same debate with my co worker. Yes Eddie took it to another level but George Lynch to it to yet another level. Remember George came after Eddie and in my opinion Lynch is in a league all his own. My co worker says Lynch copied Eddie and maybe so, but he also enhanced on it. Eddie and Roth couldn't get along. George and Don Dokken couldn't get along. Both guys who didn't have the band name left. Coincidence?
@@rawnbadillo9886 Great points !! I am just glad both of them shared their gifts with us !! Dokken is a great underrated band for sure ! I was jamming to a tooth and Nail album back in 1987 in my Chevelle !
@@showtime4243 cool...I own all of Dokken's albums ( original members )...even the reunion ( Dysfunctional) and their last original band release Shadowlife. If u haven't, check out the song Bitter Regret off of Shadowlife...its a hidden gem!
With Michael Jackson, it was always perfection
Earth Song and Heal the World are both profound classics. I always like I'll Be There.
Never be another like MJ. He was on his own. And he owned the 1980s with just 3 albums.
OFF THE WALL
THRILLER
BAD
Thriller is the best selling album in history over 70 million units. And "Beat It" is the bellweather of the album. A funky rock classic. With that Awesome intro. And the late great Eddie Van Halens tapping like the best of them.
Eddie Van Halen…yep. 🤘😎❤️🎼🎶❤️🔥Michael Peters, choreographer in the white jacket. Same guy that did Thriller. He’s one of the best- at this time,for sure.
Thanx for doin this. I'm an aging white dude, who cant (never could) dance. Always enjoyed this. The message behind this is, "Blessed are the Peacemakers"
Eddie Van Halen is All in It!!
His Guitar Mastery
Imagine being 14 years old and watching this video's debut. We lost our minds! The youngins just don't understand the impact of MJ and his video productions. Crazy!!! The guy in the white jacket and pants is the choreographer.
Y'all need to react to Weird Als 'Eat it' , a side by side comparison video exists . You will love it guys .
nothing comperes 2 him !!! il était si beau si jeunes si talentueux RIP Michael thank for all
Eddie Van Halen on that bad ass guitar.
2:57 OnG! I think that's what made it resonate so much with me. Rock _(in every form)_ is TOP tier for me personally, so those amazing guitar bits are what makes me fall in love with his music. Even the songs that didn't have any Rock & Roll feel to it was still so perfectly done and had such an addictive and catchy rhythm and vibe, that it had the ability to draw the attention of anyone. Not to mention how legendary MJ himself was. Even at the very start of the music video where we didn't see MJ yet, the very instance of NOT seeing him, still had his very essence all over the place. Like you could feel him there every bit of the way. (Sorry if that didn't make any sense)
He was the only man that was as close to being magic as he was. He was TRULY the king. 🔥👑🔥
Try his 78 release, “Off The Wall.”His comeback album. He and Quincey killed it. Guitarist on Beat it, Steve Lukather( Toto) created the riff, Eddie Van Halen came in and laid down the solo.
Off The Wall is better than Thriller.
Who me ?. Oh ok will do ... blimey 😐
@@slappyslapstick4045 You know it!
Eddie came in and took that solo and practically rewrote it to a whole new version and when he play his version back, both Quincy Jones and Michael loved it!!
@@slappyslapstick4045 In your opinion…
Michael was a fave in Jackson 5! Songs of my childhood. Yep that was Eddie V. On the axe
Yes BJ you were 100% right, it was the late great Eddie van Halen on guitar. If you saw all the non-dancers standing in the background, there was a reason why. They were Crips and Bloods gangsters. Yep real ones. Michael tried to use this song to bring peace between them. Only Michael makes dancing look so friggin good. Love your reactions Asia and BJ ❤️
Hey folks …..saw..MJ…..KING OF POP…..twice. LIVE in concert backin the 80‘ at COLONGE/ GERMANY. …PRICELESS MEMORIES👍🇪🇸🎤👏👏🕺🏿
Next one needs to be remember the time y’all react to!!! HUUUUGE MJ Fan here from Germany! Bless You! 💗 fun fact: Mike got real bloods and crips in that video dancing TOGETHER! Another fun fact is that Eddie Van Halen set one of the speakers in the studio on fire with his guitar while recording his part Loool beat it goes HARD ‼️
BJ, that was very impressive picking up on Eddie Van Halen playing throughout Beat It. Very impressive!! Made me smile.
MJ was one of the first musician artist to get Crips & Bloods together in music video this one of them and the other one is “The Way You Me Feel” he had Crips in it
Meaning of words ...Nessun dorma, Pavarotti, I haven't a clue but the tone, instruments, vocals makes one feel a certain way. Dam I love beat it !!!! get's me hyped and dancing 😊
I have a sister 18 yrs older than me. When I was a kid my older siblings and my mom would get together at my sister's house and play cards. Us kids would have dance parties to Michael Jackson and Grease sound track, and later the adults would join us. Great memories!
A great song from one of the best artist ever, it’s sad he left us so young and what an awesome video,it has that West Side Story theme
I remember when this came out’ 1982, my parents bought be the 45 record, it was a nice surprise, I remember doing back flips on my bed when I came home from school that day lol 😆 luv your reactions guys!!¡
About 2am playing Xbox and picked a random Playlist. This song comes on and instantly I remember "This is why MJ is the King"
You were right BJ, it was Eddie on guitar, he also did thriller, Pete Townsend recommended him, because he couldn't do it. Love the song, I also like Weird Al's version Eat it. 😍❤👏
Eddie only did the solo on beat it.
The rest was Steve Lukather of Toto.
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He said Eddie van Vedder.
Iam pretty sure Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam wasnt on guitar
He was the king of pop and could dance
now you have to do Weird Al's "Eat It!"
It was Eddie Van Halen. Funny fact is Eddie didn't get paid for it. Because he was asked to record the guitar part he agreed he sent it in before they talked about 💰. Eddie was a good sport about it. his band members however roasted him for it. Check out thriller that's more like a movie.
The entire album is a straight up killer.
It was Eddie Van Halen and he did not even charge Quincy or Michael or want credits on the album. He only asked for a couple of six packs, and some dance lessons from Michael. He changed the song a little too for the solo.
Michael Jackson is the king of Music. He has literally dabbled in almost all genres of songs
He's The King of pop for a reason
Elvis Presley is the king of of Rock And Roll
Michael Jackson never did gospel, country music
I will always love both of them
They both did the masterpiece dance moves and stirred up to get everyone talking
Michael was the writer of this song. Btw he was 24 years old. When thriller was released. ✍️🎼📝
Hey Asia and BJ!!! I love Michael Jackson he's my favorite artist of all time besides Whitney Houston. I freaking love him and his music. Yall need to react to Baby Be Mine by him it's underrated track off of
His Thriller album, but it's an amazing song. Awesome reaction! RIP KING OF POP MICHAEL JACKSON 1958-2009 GONE TOO SOON RIP Eddie Van Halen 1955-2020
We had the privilege to see MJ live in South Africa at the old Green point Stadium ,Cape Town ,South Africa! Unforgettable memories!
Ya'll are on a roll tonight!!!🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳 Michael was always famous for his killer videos!!!💜💜💜
one of the great pop dance songs all time!!!! 2 of the greatest Michael Jackson and the mighty EVH!!!!
Eddie Van Halen on the guitar for this song. One of the best guitar solos.
Eddie Van Halen not only played lead guitar solo on this he rearranged the song while Michael was on break. Michael thanked him profusely for that and Eddie refused payment on the song.
EVH was a real one.
Also. How on earth did you never see this video!!!!!