Eddie and I: I Wish I Had One More Hour 

Hey, everybody: By now, some of you may know that I finished my book on Edward. It took 14 months of writing and a lot of agonizing and a lot of sorrowful memories but I finally completed it. The book is titled TONECHASER - Understanding Edward: My 26-Year Journey with Edward Van Halen and is a chronicle of my friendship with him beginning in 1977 and ending in 2003. It is a hardback and will run somewhere between 400-500 pages with some very cool black-and-white photos on the inside. There is no other book on Edward out there like mine. I had a front-row seat to his life and and he told me things he never told another journalist. I wanted to write as honest and as insightful a book as I possible could and I believe I've done that. I wrote about spending time in my Hollywood Hills pad while Edward noodled on guitar (if you dug the interview posted here, you will really be captured by the book because I go into detail about what that was really like sitting there and watching this beautiful moment unfold); attending NAMM Shows with him; introducing him to Ritchie Blackmore, Billy Gibbons and Les Paul; buying a set of guitar strings for him; jamming with him; and getting high with him. I am exceedingly proud of TONECHASER. I had written seven books previously and this one was about 10 times harder than all the others combined. More than anything, I want you to feel what I felt when I was around him. Beyond his guitar playing - and what else can anybody say about that? - he was a truly good human being though a complex one. Hence, my title: Understanding Edward. As in, trying to understand and unravel who he was and also that he was an "understanding Edward." He was passionate and compassionate in the people he dealt with and that side of him is rarely written about. So, I hope you go out and buy the book! The cost of the book is $35 plus $12 shipping for U.S. residents. Please send $47 to my PayPal: scrosen@sbcglobal.net. DO NOT FORGET YOUR ADDRESS! I will happily sign any book. For international fans, give me a shout and I'll give you shipping fees for whatever country you're from. Contact me here: scrosen@sbcglobal.net Thanks for your support.

I grew up in Pasadena and was a teenager in the 70's. My girlfriend lived on Orange Grove near the intersection of Allen. Before Van Halen, the band's name was Mammoth and we could here them practice from across the alley behind her house. Little did we know that they would some day be famous. They were the local party band and I did get the opportunity to see them play at Stacey Agajanian's (daughter of J.C. Agajanian) birthday party. Van Halen's music has been a part of my life for many years. Thank's for the music Edward!

When you're the best you don't have to say it. You let others say it for you.

This is the best Ed interview I've ever heard. It's almost not an interview, just 2 guy's talking, very cool.

Thanks for letting us lay on the floor outside Ed's room and listen in.

You can tell that Ed was such a down to earth genuine human being, was a true musician.

RIP Eddie Van Halen a man who reinvented not only the guitar but rock and roll

This conversation is absolutely amazing.

Nothing is the same since our world lost Ed. Miss that dude more each day! Long live the king! Miss ya Edward.

I'm just gonna say it. I heard a number of interviews with Ed. Always came across as the nicest dude! Organic, real and honest answers with a philosophy of, treat people the way you want to be treated. Ed was the Bruce Lee of Guitar. Yeah, everybody has a bad day but from my perspective, he was a righteous, talented, nice guy! Thanks for posting this brutha!

Him passing away has broke my heart. As a female who loves guitar he has inspired me more than anyone else. His personality could not be beat!!!! Rest in peace EVH!!!!

My teenage years was the 80's! Eddie was always a immortal guitar rock god to me ! Seeing eddie and van halen back in those classic MTV days was awesome! I never thought that I would see the day that eddie wouldn't be here no more! I got a 24x 36 poster of eddie in my room! I look at it and just can't believe he's gone ! This one hurts!

a true virtuoso!! The best guitar player!! The greatest innovator!! Eddie Van Halen!! I love your memories!! Thank You from the bottom of my heart!! Blessings from Colombia!!

Of all the people in the world who could inspire me, Eddie was the best.

Been binge-watchin' sooooo much VH since Eddie's death - videos, concerts, songs...interviews. And this interview with Eddie was one of the very best. So in-depth, easy-going, honest and personable...just two guys comfortable hangin' out with one another. I hinged on every word and detail. It was great hearing Eddie 'in-the-moment' and totally clear-minded with his thoughts and what he was saying. Van Halen was always the soundtrack of my youth goin' all the way back to '78 - their music and Eddie's genius has been a huge part of my life. Eddie's death hit me like an anvil and I still tear up unexpectedly throughout the days when I'm watching or listening to some of their stuff. On the day he died I went out to my car and just sat in the driveway listening to my re-mastered copy of 1984 on the Infinity sound system, reminiscing about cruising around Toronto back in '84 when the album was new. But hey, thanks for sharing this amazing interview. "I Wish I Had One More Hour" is perfectly titled. We all wish we had that one more hour - but thankful we had four decades of his brilliance.

They say that "American Pie" was written in reference to the passing Buddy Holly. I think the music died on Oct 6th, the passing of Eddie Van Halen.

Thanks for the release of this where we can hear this. Eddie was such an inspiration for so many of and some of us most of our lives. I don't know a life without Eddie in it. 42 year this man has been rocking our world. This sucks so bad!

I actually enjoyed their videos that were just live performance shots. Especially now that Eddies gone, I can’t watch enough of them performing. I’m glad there’s so much on RU-vid 👌

You can hear the honesty in Ed's voice and you can hear the trust he has and his friend in the interview it's just so personal I love to listen to it I feel like I'm in the room with all the stuff out lately on Ed I didn't think I could become anymore of a Van Halen fan and I have it's it's pretty cool I hope people out there feel the same way I do RIP Eddie

Man, I read this interview so many times back in the day that I found myself reciting parts of it along with the audio. What a trip it is to hear this.

What a fantastic interview, really nice to hear Eddie just talking to a friend about that stage of his life. Brilliant listen

Thank you so much for releasing these interviews. Its great to hear him talk. All of us guitars players and fans of Eddies greatly appreciate it!

Thank you for sharing Steve! Eddie is dearly missed. His music will live on forever 🎸

You can tell even Ed was so pissed when Dave left that he still loved and respected him, you could hear it in his voice, I've been a musician myself for over 30 years and I know what it feels like to have somebody quit the band that was there for a long time and it hurts, you're going to say things and in some situations yeah, I'm sure they never mend fences, but I'm glad at least he and Dave eventually did and I wish the same would have happened with Michael. I know they were talking about doing a tour before Ed got too sick to do it, it just sucks that he's gone man, that dude was one of the number one reasons I picked up a guitar in 1980 and I'm still playing today. 🎸🎵🖤

I have read this interview in Guitar World countless times, along with the interview you did with him before VHII came out. It is an extremely special thing for me to hear the actual interviews - thank you so much for sharing these with us, Steve!

I’m still in shock Steve. This is a first for me to have lost somebody that I looked up to for almost my entire life.

Steve , you know I’ve heard a lot of the other interviews. It’s great that Ed liked you so well to open up the way he did , so we could all learn so much about the guy that inspired many of us to become musicians. So for that we / I thank you Steve !!

Amazing. Thank you for giving us a backstage pass to the best guitarist of all time. 💙

I think the fact you picked up the phone and made that effort really means a lot. You might not be able to be there for Eddie but you can be there for Wolf & his family. You seem like a good dude. I hope you & yours are doing OK. Thank you for sharing this with all of us who loved & still love him.

Thanks so much once again Steve for sharing one of your experiences that gives us one more connection to someone that for me has been a part of my life since I was 13 & I'm 55 now. If you can still have a hero at 55 Eddie has always been mine & inspired me to start playing guitar 41 years ago. Gonna be weird with out EVH out there somewhere in the world.

I wish all the Van Halen members could have buried the hatchet a long time ago. It would have been awesome if both Dave & Sammy could have done a reunion tour. The tour could have been called The Best of Both Worlds. 😢

Wow this is extraordinary ! Absolutely numbing Stopped me in my tracks Thankyou so much for sharing such a personal time you shared with such a beautiful unique genius! So cool!!!

Thanks for sharing this Mr. Rosen ! I used to work in retail and Eddie used to come into the store a few times , and he was the nicest , coolest guy to talk to .....While everyone else was freaking out around me , he actually talked to you if you'd just relax & Listen to what he had to say .....He did mention that as far as guitar players go , there is no one who is better or greater than anyone else , Hendrix , Clapton , Page, he said that They are All Great in their own way , All of those Amazing Players are Great Unique . It's like comparing apples to oranges..... And That was his words , verbatim. He Will be Sorely Missed .....

Absolutely, ed was a truly genuine and loving person. One of the most good hearted people you could ever meet

Thanks for posting this. Great insight into a life changing period of his life.

I could sense the air got awkward when the effort to explain to Eddie how monumental and virtually religious his existence is to a vast sea of fans and budding guitarists around the world. That took amazing guts, I believe, to go there with Edward… while knowing his response would be a dry well of words. Ed’s humbleness is like an earthquake. The ability to create musical pieces and tunes that has that great of appeal to mega masses is like having a key to the soul of countless individuals. Having that kind of power and just being a “regular ole dude” is truly incredible. Thank you Steve Rosen for interviewing Ed as a professional, and as a true fan as well.

This is absolute GOLD! Thanks for sharing Steve Rosen!

Thanks for sharing this Steve, it was a very sad day when Ed passed, he will be truely missed. I’m sorry for tour loss.

You could take all the interviews E.VH has ever done, with the exception of his love life & fatherhood, put them all together and you have this. This is what everyone has wanted too know and learn about his journey as an accomplished musician and taking the music and craft seriously. No matter how high or low, he had his shit together and knew exactly what he wanted for himself and the future of their band. 100% MUSIC.

Some people are just that way. They are truly genuine no matter the talent ( which was legendary).

Steven I firmly believe someone needs to make a movie about the life and times of Eddie Van Halen. With your connections in the business could we make this possible? All of you fans reading this let's unite and start a petition to give the man his due.

I love your book I bought it on Etsy I’m born in 1955 too my daughter is 30 now. She don’t need dad anymore she’s married For what Ed gives to me & the world I would gladly give him YEARS of my life. With zero regret I really miss him.

"Honestly if he started his career with "Just a Gigolo" you're telling me that he'd be where he is?" LMFAO well said. Rip Ed. Thanks for posting Steve!!

Eddie Van Halen, a LEGEND. LEGENDS LIVE FOR EVER! RIP EDDIE.

I been following Ed for over 35 years now and read every interview before this internet stuff was around , but this is by far the best interview from him, thanks for sharing this

It's such a treasure to listen to this it's by far the best interview I've ever heard and it's just I can't say thank you enough for posting it I hope other people really listen to it like I did it's just so personal it puts you right there I can't stop saying thank you for posting it I'm just so grateful!!!!!!!

AAAAHH! good 'ole 80s.This is real trip down memory lane. The release of new Van Halen LP always meant new Ed Guitar World interview with Steve Rosen.

Ed would be so proud of how his son Wolfgang is doing. Wolf comports himself in such a positive manner. He’s kind and considerate and does not suffer fool’s. Recently Roth ran his mouth about Wolfgang and I love how he responded to the jealous Roth. Wolf is a very talented musician , singer and songwriter. His uncle Alex talk’s with Wolf frequently. Alex sure loved his brother Ed. He was supportive and protective. Ed was a dear man and loved by all. Steve having these tapes available for the fan’s is amazing. RIP Edward Van Halen.

It's been a while since hearing the sounds of an eight ball after a gig. The 80s, bands, I really miss Eddie, so interesting with such a modest ego. How could that be 40yrs ago, makes me sad.

Love you and so appreciate all the outstanding music you created. There was never anyone to compare to you and your talent....and there never will be. God bless you and your family.

Yes...thanks for sharing your connection with Eddie. The only connection I have with him is that I live in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. His first record was one of the first records I ever bought and am still trying to play eruption. The world has a hole in it since he passed away..

Thanks Steve. Thanks for bringing us this piece of treasure of your work. Thank you for letting us listen in to the genius that wrote the soundtrack of my youth. Rest in peace Edward.

Thank you for sharing....Eddie's gift and passion shined though everything he did. He appreciated all things and his humility and smile is contagious. God bless Eddie 💔 Thankful to be a fan. Many many concerts 🎶

while i wish he was still around, i wouldnt wish the intense pain he mustve been going through w the cancer spreading, on anyone... he was such a rock star. he made any guitar he touched, talk. he will never be forgotten, rip. EVH.i hope he knew how much his fans loved him as a person 1st, and a guitar perfectionist, 2nd. i loved his smile ,and his sexiness ,whenever he was on stage, he sure knew how to please his crowd. shaking tht ass, and body. he was awesome.

Just saw this, great recounting of your history with Eddie,and still sad to think about his passing,great post Steve!

Steve, thank you so much for sharing this treasure. Punched in the heart and feeling for his family. What a brave & brilliant human. 🤘❤🤴

Such a great interview...I am HUGE Ed VanHalen fan. I would give,do or pay anything to sit and talk with him. He touched so many people in some way. I cried when I got the news. RIP Brother

Thank you for sharing this with us all.. It's been a pleasure to have had the chance to listen on the conversation with your self and Mr. Van Halen. Again, thank you !👍 He will definitely be missed and he will forever hold a #1 spot within the hearts of us all. He was as real as it gets, no glam , no big head , just wanted to share with the world , his love of music and those around him. Thank you Mr. Van Halen , for allowing me to have had the pleasure of hearing and watching you enjoying that thing you did so well.. R.I. P. 🙏

This is the best Edward Van Halen interview that I ever heard...!!!

@ Steve Rosen - Thank you for these interviews. You were truly blessed to have worked with all these legends. These interviews is helping soften the blow of the passing of King Edward. Love the DLR era the most, but Love the Sammy era too. Thank you for such a wonderful and heartfelt tribute to our King Edward. The Missus woke me up crying and for the entire day we couldn’t listen to a note of King Edward without the waterworks comin’ - so many good times with his music -it felt weird We found watching interviews with him and other kind folks like yourself paying tribute to Eddie makes it somewhat easier to bear. We literally had a day of intensely mourning. It might sound daft but Ed’s playing and attitude is hugely responsible for inspiring me to be the person I am. There’s a Bad Religion ( Punk Band ) Lyric that says it al “ Everyone you love leaves a mark on your soul, The world is a little less bright without King Edward Im fighting cancer and depression and its been especially tough with the news of Eddie’s passing but hearing all these wonderful tributes and reaction and the love and joy he brought and is bringing….makes it a tad bit easier Much love and respect! Thank you for honouring our King Edward. Eddie's music touched us so deeply because of his love for the instrument and the innovations he has done. To us, it feels like the brightest and best brother, Uncle, friend mentor you ever had is not in our realm anymore. You have Nothing but love from the rock/metal / guitarist community, respect for your tribute to EVH, Rock n Metal does not get the exposure and respect that other genres get. So, you are forever in the hearts of many a Rock / Metal / Guitar fan's hearts. Stay safe & all the best wishes to you. Watch this Video Interview and you'll see why we're hurting so much...The world is a little less bright without King Edward This is a brilliant interview if you haven’t seen it ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-yb26D8bBZB8.html&ab_channel=Z%C3%B3caloPublicSquare most people don’t know the King Edward was a bi-racial half Asian / half white Immigrant and that his lifelong friends were the black kids who stood up for them when they came to the US. A definitive American Dream story. Eddie buried Dimebag Darrell from Pantera with his original Bumblebee Guitar when Dime’s life partner Rita asked him to make a Copy Ed said “an Original deserves an Original” Vinnie Paul ( Paantera ) Dimebag’s brother says the last words his brother said to him was Van f+*in Halen’ their nightly ritual before hitting the stage. Frank Zappa loved and respected Eddieand got him to teach Dweezil who was obsessed with ED When Frank died Ed was THE 1st first to call with condolences and to offer any assistance. He was the 1st to mod his guitars in such an extreme way chasing tone, Creating the Super Strat - Humbuckers in Strat style guitars, Waxing Pickups, Variac on his amp and did his first 2 albums with the original Fender Whammy which led to the creation of the Floyd Rose Whammy Bar. His Rhythm Playing was funky, tasteful and rockin’ and his songwriting is the reason his loss is affecting grandparents, parents, kids and all ethnicities alike as Van Halen songs will live forever. Enjoy EVH ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-L9r-NxuYszg.html&ab_channel=Hazardteam

Be thankful you have those memories to cherish, thousands of people would love to have done it and couldn't

10:12 The distinct sound of a bump being done... Then a line snorted, then fingers licked... 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

It’s so nice that a rock star would spend so much if his time with people.

This was absolutely great thank you Steve, he will be surely missed.

What a fantastic clip of VH history, thank you for sharing this.

I was to meet EVH on may 9 2012 My 45th yet the trip was a long journey and i missed it. Then July 5th 2015 there he was it was surreal. Miss you Eddie,, Way to go Steve

One of the best interviews I’ve ever heard. Brutally honest, and if it didn’t cover the differences between Sam and Dave, it would have been so disingenuously smarmy that it would have gone unnoticed.

I sure enjoyed listening in on this convo! So much better than any interview I’ve ever heard w him. Just two dudes chatting and being totally honest. I loved how him and Sammy got along in the beginning. They both spoke so highly of each other and were so close

This interview is just precious. Thank you for sharing. Really appreciate it. ❤️ EVH.

Awesome snapshot in time. Amazing!!!! Thank you for posting this.

Love your music. I am definitely not much of a music connisoir... Just like what I like. However, even I could realize your exceptional style and talent. My son, Chris, adored you from the age of 15 .. I was 20 years older. I feel we both grew up with you and feel so grateful to have been a very small part of your journey. You were so loved and appreciated ....you were one of a kind and will be so missed but your awesome music will live on forever. God bless and thank you.

I lost track of the number of bumps being done pretty quickly (not that i have room talk) but great interview nonetheless very honest

Still reeling! Brings tears every time I think. RIP Ed.

I wrote a letter to Steve, back in 1986 or so, saying that I liked his interview and would he give me Eddie’s address so I could write him. He very graciously wrote me back, told me no, but thanks for appreciating his interview. I’ll never forget your kindness to this 18 year old star struck kid. Thank you!

Thanks so much for sharing this interview with us. RIP EVH🥰

WOW!!!! I first listened to this yesterday. What a wonderful insight to what was going on in Eddie's mind at the beginning of the 5150 era. Thank you very much for sharing your original recording with us all Steve. I just made a very short Keyboard tribute to Eddie today with Love Walks In and I used a few seconds from your interview where he talked about recording the song. The video is on my channel. If you don't want me using it please let me know and I'll take it down. In case you're wondering, I cleaned up the audio quality myself. That's a part of what I do for a living. Cheers from Tokyo, Jason 🤘

Nobody's perfect man and we all have our issues. Eddy was a real human being that not only wrote and played his own music, but felt his own music and knew how to make us feel what he was feeling. Now we are in a day and age where these young guys can play circles around us, but they are forgetting how to feel the music or how to convey what they feel to the audience so others can make that authentic connection with the whole experience. Eddy didn't just play the guitar man, he made love✨ 💖 to the damn thing and brought the listeners along for one big 🎼 🎵 🎶 . Eddy knew how to marry and improvise all that shit together into a fabulous recipe like no other. Unique in all his talents and one of a kind guitarist 🎸 that will be missed by all those that he touched in his career. Because of your amazing influence on guitarist everywhere we are all eternally grateful to you Edward. You will be back again one day I'm sure, but until then rest in peace bro. 🍻

Every time I hear a song on the radio, I shed a tear for who was the best guitarist ever!! He was a God, I was fortunate to see him perform 3 times in my life and those memories will always be there!!! RIP Mr. Eddie VH❤💘💝🖤

It is so incredible to get to hear this!

Times are tough indeed, but We are still here. Let’s enjoy the time we have today, tomorrow is not promised to anyone. Thanks for sharing.

Saw EVH live many times simply the best!!

This is a fascinating and fantastic interview with EVH.

Very good interview. I'm still rocked by the news. Seems not real. We lost a great one. R.I.P. EVH

Wow this is some fantastic material! I’m glad that you recorded this interview and I enjoyed hearing your stories of Eddie. It’s 7 months later and I’m still grieving this loss. I started listening to Van Halen when I was 13 years old, which was 1983, before the 1984 album came out. Eddie is the reason why I started playing the guitar. Eddie will always be the best guitarist of all time in my book. Thanks RIP King Edward. You will be forever missed.

I miss Ed immensely….and I did not know him, I did not meet him, I don’t use his gear and I was really more a Lynch fan in my younger days. Lynch is not at EVH level because EVH is the exalted king, grail and main electric guitar king. Everyone else after ‘77 or ‘78 is a disciple or is influenced by EVH. I did not know how much I loved EVH until he was no longer here - now all I can say is that I feel very blessed to have been alive during his time here. What a bright Sabre of talent, innovation and musical gift…wow

This is a fantastic video! Thank you for the stories. The one time I got to see Van Halen live on tour was in Boise, ID on their 1984 tour. Even though I switched to guitar later, seeing that show was part of the reason I took up band and drums when I was in grade school band.

Very early in, I can hear the "partying", crack me up, awesome man, thanks for this!

The master at the guitar and is a legend R.I.P. Eddie.

This is incredible...thanks for posting this. Wow. I miss having this guy in the world...

Any one else hear them choppin it up at the begging ?! Lol reminds me of sum great nights with a buddy n a ball.....

Ok... my growing up the 80s ears....total hear them chopping up and doing rails around 10min mark! Man... the 80s. So much yayoo!

eddie was a great podcast guest back in the 80s haha, thanks man

Ok gotta pause in listening to this fantastic interview (thanks Steve!) to point out something at 34:30 - in discussing how they recorded the 5150 record, Ed reveals that “Love Walks In” was recorded with keyboards first, with no click track, just him playing by himself… And then the rest of the band had to overdub all their parts (including Ed) - Steve’s disbelief here is understandable. Speaking as a producer, I have to point out that especially in today’s modern-production music age, this is virtually unheard of...and cornerstone to one of the reasons that this band remains my favorite rock ‘n’ roll band of all time...that understanding of how spontaneity in rhythm and flow create an organic, palpable and long-standing existence with the listener. Fucking awesome

This is timeless Steve!! You can listen over and over! Rock On!

Eddie has wonderful heart. You can hear it. Sorry you had to go through that eddie an his brother.glad to see. He recovered . He is still best guitar player ever. His family is awesome Wolfgang and Valerie and his Brother.. love his honesty ❤️ Eddie you are going to be missed by the world.

Thanks steve! Im greatful for your letting us into the interview. 🎸😞🎼🤘

Steve, it's very interesting to learn more about how Eddie went about creating the iconic music of Van Halen, and all the inter-personal struggles that went along with it. He was a musical icon, a legend - and I appreciated his humble response when you told him the same during the interview. I wept when I heard about his passing. RIP Eddie and thank you for your contributions to music!

You can still hear the hurt in Ed's voice when he talks about Dave. Say what you want CVH was gold and was the real VH. Nothing against Sam they put out some good tunes .

Awesome to have the privilege to hear this conversation! Thank you for sharing! RIP Eddie 🍻🎸🎶

Eddie Van Halen was a Very Nice Guy !!!! True to his Fans put on one hell of a show !!!!! RIP Eddie you will be Missed Your Music Will Live On !!!!