I am crushed. This makes my video from yesterday even more poignant. It’s a video about Stairway to Heaven and EVH ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1cOosnkWj2g.html
He’s one of the few that inspired me to learn. Funny enough, the song that got me was mean street, specifically the intro. I heard that and was like I’ve gotta learn to do that.
One of my favorite Eddie stories was from Ted Nugent..."Eddie was throwing a party in the early 80's at his place, all I can think about is his rig, and how he gets his brown sound. I ask him "hey Ed, you mind if I try out your guitar rig ?" "Sure man, go ahead" replied Ed... "You know what I sounded like while playing through his gear?....I sounded like Ted Nugent playing through a Marshall stack" His tone and style will never be matched....NO ONE will ever be like Ed. He was truly a legend and my childhood/adulthood hero
@Barney Fife Fair Warning an AWESOME record...I STILL get goosebumps during Mean Street when Dave says "Lord, strike that poor boy dowwwnn...then Ed pick dives and fires into his solo...man..I LOVE it
People that play guitar understand the impact Eddie made on guitar playing. This was the guy every single freaking guitarist tried to copy in the 80s (and still are). Also the songwriting as well man! The songs are amazing, catchy fun and amazing solos techincal, melodic and great sound! The riffs! A legend has passed and it’s a sad day. RIP ❤️ Eddie showed the world a new level of playing the guitar.
The reason why I started taking guitar seriously. I had been playing for about 6 years before but he shock my world and it began. Oh and I still suck! 😆 Oh and my guitar teacher hated Van Halen!
In the year 1984, my buddy put Van Halen-“Van Halen” on a turntable, dropped the needle on “You Really Got Me/Eruption”, and all the pubescent hairs on my body stood up, and my 30+yrs relationship with the guitar was “unchained” in perpetuity. Thanks Eddie! Your “brown sound”, that you created with golden hands changed my life. Godspeed EVH!
People who "weren't there", who didn't experience Eddie and Van Halen's scorched Earth offensive back then don't understand not only the magnitude of who he was and what he did, but what a loss this is. There are "stars" and there are "musicians". Eddie was a master musician the like of which really hasn't been seen since him, and likely won't be seen again. We were blessed to have been fortunate enough to share in the pure joyous genius of his AND Alex's talent. We all lost a part of our lives and a lifelong "friend".
I wasn't there. In fact I discovered Van Halen way later. And this is a loss I can't even put into words. Like a teenage friend died. Discovering Eddie and van Halen was like a revelation. I started playing guitar because his play was something I never heard before. I'm still shocked.
@A.D. Yes. You can still be shocked even if you see it coming. Was like this with Lemmy and it will be like this when someday others die. And senior citizen. Sure. But 65 is pretty young nonetheless.
@@michaelvanbuskirk8845 Pantera, Rage Against the Machine, Lamb of God, Slayer, Dethklok, Rob Scallon, and many others. I don't know if I could swing a cat in my music library without hitting someone who would cite him as a major influence. Looking at notable hard rock musicians react to his passing on Twitter, I'd say it'd be harder to find someone who *wasn't* influenced by him.
Eddie is kind of on the same level as Jimi. Probably the 2 greatest guitar players who wver lived. That’s how big and impactful he was. He will be missed.
He was exceptional at translating his sound from studio to stage. The Brown Sound. A lot of players get great takes in the studio but something gets lost on stage. I swear you can we smoke when he's tremelo picking. Crazy fast. He had it all. The look, the playing, the sound, the vibe, the smile, the money, the hot wife, the inventions, the fast cars, the heavy drinking, the drugs, the smoking. Just a true Rock Star. Great musician. All by ear. RIP Eddie.
Eddie is the reason I switched from using a tennis racket as an air-guitar, and actually bought a real one. He's also why I never touched a red one, and felt offended when people butchered his (admittedly) insanely difficult solos. I now need to begin to describe what he was totally like to experience live, but even with RU-vid, it's gonna be a challenge. Explain magic to someone who hasn't seen it, ya know? Thanks for all of it, Eddie. Love you, bro. RIP 😖🎸🤘💔🕯️💯😢
My husband passed away at 44 years old in 2012...he was from La Canada and his two only favorites he knew by heart: Van Halen EDDIE 🎸 and RUSH Neil Peart 🥁I wonder what Heaven looks like when your loves bust through the veil~Love Comes Walkin’ In❤️
He is the definition of “Legend.” My first time: I was in 10th grade, sitting with my buddies, in the back of a bus heading to Colorado on a youth group ski trip. There were these annoying younger kids who had “stolen” the very back seat from us, during a rest stop. So we sat right in front of them. They were playing there music on a cassette player, while we were playing ours (I think it was the first Fleetwood Mac album, to be precise). We’d already mixed words over the seats and now a bit of a volume war had begun between us, then it happened. They started playing the VH1 Album. First time we’d ever heard the band. My buddies and I literally turned off our player, turned around and simultaneously said, who is that? We were in awe and quickly made friends with those kids, over that amazing album. I bet we listened to it, it in it’s entirety, at least 20 times on that trip. As soon as we got home, I ran to the music store in College Square Mall and bought a copy on 12” vinyl. Still have it. Total greatness.
I was born in 1994. The first musician who i remembered by name as a child was Eddie Van Halen. I remember hearing the sound of his playing over the car stereo and asking what that sound was. I distinctly remember my mother telling me "That's Eddie Van Halen! He's the best guitar player ever". Eddie was literally the spark I needed to start playing music. R.I.P. Eddie Van Halen. You will be missed, and always loved.
Eddie Van Halen, the greatest rock guitarist ever, died today. For his unmatched chops, originality, inventions for the guitar and amp, he was the best. His influence on lead guitarists for years to come was like an atomic bomb going off when Van Halen I came out in 1978. RIP.
@@Sysiphusjwk "greatest of all time" There is no such thing.... Eddie did change the face of guitar forever though, and for that alone he deserves all the respect in the world.
You guys both are commerating his legacy, there's no need to argue. Eddie could be the greatest guitarist in some ppls eyes and not for another, to each their own opinion guys.
In June of 1978 my Bass Player, roommate and best friend Bart, copped two tickets to the first Texas Jam for $13.00 each. We had been auditioning drummers and singers for our new band and decided to take a break. Besides, Rush, Heart and Ted Nugent were going to be there just to name a few. July 1st turned out to be the hottest day of the year that year in Dallas @104 degrees and 120 on the field where our tickets put us. The show was scheduled from 11a.m. until Midnight. We arrived at 10:30 and grabbed two beers each and headed for the stage. We were no more than twenty yards from the massive stage that spanned the width of the end zone. The sound system's speakers were 20 foot high walls on either side at the back of the stage. The first band was Blackstone, a Texas band that had won the local Battle of the Texas Bands contest and so the right to open the first ever Texas Jam. The Cotton Bowl held 80,000 people but that morning it was probably around half that. Eventually 100,000 would show up as the day went on. Blackstone finished their set and we all whooped and hollered for our local heroes. Next band up had just released their first album self titled, "Van Halen". "Runnin' With the Devil" was all over the radio and Bart and I had run out and picked up the album. Expecting one or two "good" songs was normal for a debut album but we were blown away by songs like "Jamie's Cryin'", "Ice Cream Man", Ain't Talkin' Bout Love", "Feel Your Love Tonight" and "Eruption". As to that last song I was sure he had done several tracks to make that work so I didn't expect to hear it live. They opened with "Runnin' With the Devil" which surprised me because it was their biggest commercial hit and a song like that was usually reserved for an encore. For the next hour they put the pedal to the Rock Metal and never looked back. My next surprise was how BIG the guitarist sounded. His sound coming off that stage filled that half empty stadium like it was my apartment bathroom. He was smiling (What?) and jumping around the entire set yet he never missed a note. I had seen some great guitarists (Robin Trower, Lonesome Dave, Wishbone Ash, etc. but just like there's no cryin' in baseball there's no smilin' in Rock!! But that grin stayed plastered to his face for the full hour like he knew he was taking the ride of his life and he was going to enjoy every minute of it. And when Eddie Van Halen played "Eruption"------I knew I was witnessing Rock history. Here was a once in a generation guitarist. The rest of that day and night I saw Iconic bands like Rush, Heart, Ted Nugent, Foghat and Aerosmith play big shows to 100,000 people all screaming for rock. But when I left what I took away as the highpoint and a memory I'll have if I live to be 100 was that genius showing us all that a single guitar could sound like a symphony of the gods - and making it look easy. It was an honor to be a witness to this singular man and his talent and the world is poorer and my heart heavy tonight with his passing.
What a great story. I was only 12 in 1978 when I got "Van Halen" as a Christmas gift that year. Thank you for your incredible peek into Edward's climb to the top. RIP Edward.
Eddie just blew up the constraints of the "blues box", and played everything his phenominal musical mind could dream up!!!!! Jimi Hendrix and Eddie VanHalen are the goalposts.....agreed 100 percent
You never met me. You never shook my hand. You created from the heart, OH! How you played for the band. I never met you. I never shook your hand. Opening my eyes to possibilities, My style, and flow, at your command. You changed the face of music Your melodies make us hum Unknowingly creating all of us The guitarists we've become. You will be loved by millions. For a long, long, time to come. But today I feel like I've lost, Something special in my strum. Be at Peace EVH.
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
As a teen, I spent hours and hours in my room trying to learn Eddie Van Halen solos such as Eruption and Spanish Fly, as thousands of other guitarists did. What a great guitarist and influence. R.I.P. Eddie ( as if 2020 couldn't get any worse ).
1979. This mechanic that I worked with and I drove to get some hamburgers at lunch. He had Van Halen in the 8 track tape deck blasting over 4 Craig Power Play speakers. First time I'd ever heard music like that and I was just starting out on guitar. I'll never forget it. I always wanted a Peavey 5150 head but couldn't afford it at the time. All the music greats are leaving us never to be replaced.
My heart goes out to Wolfgang. He must be shaken through and through. My deepest sympathies to the entire family. Such a deep and precious loss. Rick, I enjoyed your Stairway to heaven video THOROUGHLY. Thank you for that. Van Halen was a semi local band here. Only a little bit older than I was and from but 20 miles from here, if that. I was always proud that they and Valerie were from my neck of the woods. I’m so sad and like you; stunned. Thank you. 💔
that shy sneaky smile.....that devastating technique.....that kid who spent so many hours in his bedroom honing his chops......the guy who put keyboards in a song others tried to talk him out of releasing and it went number one....that guy who appreciated allan holdsworth and others but still always sounded like just himself....can not be forgotten....rock on brother
I did bodyguarding for his brother Alex Van Halen during Van Haley’s Western Canada Tour in ‘84. The whole band were good guys, a lot of fun, especially DLR, and Eddie was a really shy and decent guy and I got to spend some time with him as well. He used to chain smoke back then, and I recall his wife Valerie Bertinelli kept nagging him to quit smoking, but he always seemed kind of nervous and I think he smoked to calm his nerves. He was a different person on stage than off, offstage he was quiet, shy guy. Everyone was indulging in the excesses of being Rock Stars back then, but I do remember never seeing him without a cigarette. When I heard he had throat Cancer I wasn’t surprised, but I heard he still never quit despite being diagnosed with throat Cancer. I got Cancer myself and I changed my lifestyle entirely, but I guess everyone reacts differently. He was a legend, a great man, and he’s gone way too soon. His music will live on as will his legacy to the art of guitar playing. RIP Eddie, you will be missed, but never forgotten. It was an honor to meet you and get to spend a small amount of time with one of my idols.
I am 65....I feel honoured to have been on this planet when the guitar came good as an instrument with the likes of jimi hendrix and eddie van halen, their inventiveness and execution elevated the electric guitar to new heights. My record and guitar collection would not be what it is without giants like these forging new ground in technique and sonic achievement. Thank you and respect.
Eddie Van Halen is the reason I staryed playing music. I am ironically not a guitar player, but a bass player that started on piano and keyboard. I was in sixth grade when 1984 came out and a friend of mine had the tape in school one day. I asked if i could borrow it, took it home that night and copied it (like we all did back in the day - pre-digital piracy). I llayed that tape so much trying to learn Jump, 1984, and I'll wait that it was shot in about 3 months. As a keyboard player, a bass player, and a musician, Eddie was the first real inspiration for me (not afraid to say I was a Van Halen fanboy). After Van Halen I discovered Rush, the second driving influence for me musically (and another loss to bear earlier this year). R.I.P. Eddie. Thank you for all the years of influence and inspiration, and all of the musical gifts and treasures!
I personally knew Eddie, having grown up in Pasadena. I first met him at Warner Bros with Ted Templeton, and then the whole band later. He will be missed greatly.
Eddie is never dead, he lives on through every Rock guitarist around the world. We'll miss you Eddie, heaven's about to have one of the greatest concerts ever. 🤘🏻
So many people had the same experience when first hearing “Eruption.” Eddie changed everything... from the way we play guitar to the way the thing is made! He’ll always be King Edward... our Maestro and Guitar Hero. So grateful for all the music and inspiration he gave us all. Lots of love Eddie. RIP.
I mean I didn't know him personally but my heart feels like I did!! 42 years is long friendship and knowing how he changed my life when VH-1 hit the air!!! It's a sad time! But appreciate what this man did for us! All those hours and practicing was for us to here! Rock in peace brother! And thank you Rick for all the hard work you do for all of us! You ROCK!!!!❤️👍🇺🇸
I never got to meet Eddie , but I saw VH in concert 11 different times over the years. Back in the days of General admission tickets, we would show up early and get front row. At the end of the Fair warning tour Eddie reached over and handed me a guitar pick. I have it in our safe deposit box along with all my concert ticket stubs. Rest In Peace Edward Van Halen, you were one of a kind!
Never met Eddie, saw him once live, but the impact that he and his brother, Alex left on me a as musician will never die. Eddie was the most innovative musician i have ever had the privilege to listen to and grow up with as a kid. He was the epitome and the pinnacle of musicianship. A huge loss to the rock n’ roll world and may he rest in peace wherever he is continuing to inspire those beings he is around today. May God bless the entire Van Halen family and may Wolf mourn knowing that the entire world of musicians lost a great and inspiring human being.
THE KING WILL LIVE ON FOREVER ❤EDWARD VAN HALEN❤ Love to Wolf , Alex, Dave , Mike, Sam , Janie , Valerie and all his family , friends and fans around the world . Thanks Rick for posting this Much love
I was a senior in high school when I first heard their first album, while everyone was loving running with the devil, I was blown away by ERUPTION like you said never heard anyone play like that before. I was hooked from that point. He was a guitar genius and will be missed. RIP my brother from another mother.🙏🙏🎸
I was working from home, a friend sent me a FB message. "Did you hear about Eddie Van Halen?" No. I hadn't heard. Within 30 minutes, I had called Sweetwater and ordered a Wolfgang Special in Deep Purple Metallic. I have no idea how I'm going to pay for it yet, but today was the kick in the pants for me to just bite the bullet and get my dream guitar from one of my biggest influences. Rest in power Ed.
God this is painful. May his soul rest in peace. He gave so much to us through his music and gift of music composition. Thank you so much Eddie for sharing your gift of guitar and music with those of us who understand the language of music. You touched my soul. Peace be with you.
He was what started me in guitar when I was 15 ......the most iconic rock guitarist since Jimmy Hendrix and many don't realize his contribution to the innovation to the guitar the likes of Les Paul.... R.I.P. Eddie. My heart goes out to his family at this time of mourning
Yet another devastating moment in this dreadful 2020. EVH's legacy will live forever. As a rock fan and a guitar amateur I felt like a train hit me, the moment I read the news of the Man's passing. It's so, so sad. Thanks for sharing your emotions, Rick.
Sad day for Guitarists around the world, i'm crushed. He's done sooooo much for the guitar world, musically speaking but not only : sonic research, luthiery, developement, amps, effects... Thanks Eddy. RIP genius.And f..k 2020 !
I’m devastated as a drummer growing up in Ireland the VH sound was huge and Eddies sound and performances were almost like movies to me. His riffs and solos stood out on their own. His the guitarist in the “dream”band . Today I was going to do a drum cover of jump or beat it. Couldn’t bring myself to do it. Decided I wasn’t going to listen to Eddie but find someone who would talk about eddies I knew it would be you . I’m sorry for your loss thank you for this Rick. Thinking of you There is no compassion for this Eddie Van Halen was eddie Van Halen Unique epically talented A supernova on guitar and stage . Never to be equaled but revered
Same here jam sessions in honor of Van Halen. It is a brutal day. It isn't getting the just press it should get. Eddie is possibly the greatest guitarist to ever live. It is a Beatle level loss to me. His guitar licks were amazing. "Live Without a Net" watch that live performance! WOW!
Count me in too. Hopefully Alex and the whole Van Halen family are alright. Got to do a cover . Today too man. It's almost like hearing the death of Malcom Young and Tom Petty. This just hit me hard .
The first time I listened to Van Halen was about a year ago, around the time I first picked up the guitar. I had heard a lot about Eddie, so I went onto Spotify and put Van Halen on shuffle. The first song I heard was Panama, and I was blown away. When my mom called me downstairs yesterday after I had finished my school work to give me the news, I had a bad feeling about it. I was watching your video on him and stairway when she called me down.
This is a giant loss for music and humanity. I was beside myself when I heard the news it destroyed me right up there with the loss of the Professor. Vanhalen was a huge part of my life and i saw them many times and always had a great time and was just blown away every time. Please forgive my grammar. Long live Vanhalen.
I never really wanted to play like him but completely admired the guy. Not surprising that he became good friends with Les Paul. They were both huge innovators. He made it look so easy and joyous. I'm also shocked. I'm 64, so he was just one year older. Take care of your health people. Eat lots of raw vegetables and keep your gut clear. I believe that's the key. RIP EVH.
I don't know, lost my sister to lung cancer last year and she was only 54. Lost my other sister to heart related stuff two years ago and she was also 54. I am 51, was a huge fangirly of EVH, had his poster on my wall as a teen. I do think when your numbers up, it's up.
Rest In Peace Eddie, he was the guy that I looked up to when I started playing guitar, Van Halen was the first rock album I ever listened to, and it crushes me to hear that he is no longer here, we will always be in every body’s hearts and will always be remembered
Lots of my guitar hero’s have died - but when I heard about Eddie from all the pushes on my phone, I started crying and I don’t even fully understand why. My mom was a huge VH fan. I remember my mom much younger wearing a VH T-shirt, and being a kid and my mom cranking VH1 and VH2 on vinyl. I knew as a little boy that those tones and that playing was special. I’ve since loved guitar my entire life, and while I’ll never be able to play like Eddie, I appreciate how simple he made it all look! Even a day since the news, watching this video made me tear up. There will never be another like EVH! I’ll be cranking my moms old albums and appreciating those same songs that remind me of my childhood!
One of my most cherished memories as a teen was summer '78 riding with my best friend Brian in his Black 77 1/2 Z28 cranking Van Halen I...devastated is an understatement. Eddie was the reason thousands of nerdy long haired teen boys; incuding me, picked up guitar. R.I.P. Eddie. Save me a seat on the front row bro.
Just imagine what music would have been without him. I can't even begin to imagine. How many bands do you think would never have existed without the influence and inspiration of his playing? How many people in this world picked up a guitar and took a journey whether professional or personal because of him? Thank you Eddie.
This is supernatural! How could someone have such a profound effect on someone's emotions! I found myself losing control, sobbing like a baby wishing the news wasn't true. The music world is in complete shock and it will be a very long time this world is blessed with someone of his ability! Sad day indeed.
I’m a drummer who grew up with Van Halen leading my way. Thanks, Rick, for sharing and caring as much as you do. I follow you religiously because I care so much about the music. And because you do. RIP, Ed. His playing epitomized joy.
@Doctor Love since people are living till there 90s and 100s, 65 is another 30 years to go!!! It is all relative!!! Neil Peart died at the age of 65 also! Both of cancer!!! I FUCKING HATE CANCER!!! It took a loved one at the age of 65 as well!!!!
As a child of the 80's I can say that Eddie was a beacon to every air-guitar playing teen on earth. He will be missed and his music will live on forever.
Neil Peart, Eddie, already, I’m worried who’s next (no pun intended), 2020 has officially been the worst year of my life, just because or deaths and such things like that. I’m not saying that from cliche.. It’s all I’ve got left
You said it I grew up in the 70s and 80s greatest times I my life wouldn’t change them for anything but now everything and everyone is dead or dying I’m so depressed I think some times it’s not worth going on what’s the point no good music to listen to tv shows down the shitter and ah you get one or two great movies out of the year but that’s it yeah this world is not what it used to be
I saw Van Halen and Eddie for the first time in 1983 at the Hollywood Florida Sportatorium... Unbelievable concert.... Eddie's guitar solos were amazing.... Eruption Wow.... I ended going to 4 Van Halen concerts... I saw the 1984 tour ... A tour with Sammy Haggar as lead singer.... Than their reunion tour with David Lee Roth again.... My favorite concerts ever.... R.I.P. Eddie . God Bless
When Rick said "I had NEVER heard the guitar sound like that" I can't remember the last time I've thought that to myself from someone playing the guitar... maybe Tom Morello? Eddie's guitar playing just changed how people looked at the instrument and what it was capable of, and it just doesn't seem like we're going to be getting that out of the guitar anymore. I really hope I'm wrong, it just seems like so much of the potential of the guitar has been discovered, and EVH was one of the last true pioneers of discovering new sounds from it. RIP dude.
For me there have been several "what's that??" moments... EVH, Allan Holdsworth, Vai, Satriani and Gambale. The first two are now gone, and it saddens me a lot to reckon I don't see many new musicians as relevant or game changing as those we're losing....
Thanks for this Rick. All us players old and young have lost a piece of our souls. I was born in '63. VH1 came out in '78 when I was 15 and changed my life and yours. Grateful, sad, and spent emotionally.
Us Gen X'ers grew up with the great axemen who's origins began in the '60s, but Eddie belonged to us and OUR generation. He and Randy Rhoads were my guitar Gods back then. Tight, technical and innovative; a true virtuoso. The talent of his bandmates allowed him to soar even higher. Eddie gave us all a gift, and we can all return that favor and never stop playing his music.
A legend of legends! Saw Van Halen early 80’s in Toronto Maple Leaf Gardens. The roof was leaking on to the stage and Eddie came out with a mop, still having his legendary Red striped guitar slung over his shoulder and mopped the water off the stage between songs by his monitor. Always remember that and what a show of shows they put on! Amazing. We’ve lost another irreplaceable talent in music history. So sad.
First Album I bought was Van Halen's first album. Was hooked ever since. May the God of all Mercy and Heaven be yours ETERNAL Eddie Van Halen. You were a god upon earth. A rock god. A giant among men. We will miss you. Thank you for all you gave us Eddie Van Halen. May Eternal Comfort rest upon the souls of Eddie's family, friends, all his band mates, musician friends and all those who were blessed with his presence and all those he loved and all those who loved and cherished him, his music, his guitar playing, his guitar, his guitars, and all he did to bring comfort and happiness to this world with all he was, and with his beautiful happy smile. We will miss you Eddie Van Halen
I was the first of my friends to like Van Halen, much to their disdain. They just didn't get it, but I did. My first record was Fair Warning - and when I heard that guitar intro to Mean Streets - I knew he was in a category of his own. You could always understand what most guys were were playing - Page, Hendrix, Trower - even if you couldn't play it yourself, but this was completely incomprehensible. Ed had a musical gift combined with a daring attitude about innovation that is difficult to understand now that we all share his many contributions to electric guitar.
He, Prince, David Bowie, John Lennon , Jimi Hendrix , Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and other beautiful souls are rocking out in heaven. Now that supergroup is touring the stars!
@FeS FeO2 David was bi, Freddie was gay, Lennon didn't believe in God, Jimi died supposedly of an overdose. Not sure about Eddie and I'm not saying that you can judge someone's soul, but you can judge their actions before their deaths and make assumptions from there. Also most of them did not repent of their sex, drugs, and money lifestyle. So If you are talking about the God of the bible, then according to scripture most of them most likely are burning for their sins. Harsh I know
Like Don McLean sang in the song America Pie.. "..the day the music..died.." Rest in Peace and the love of all your fans all around the world My heart aches Peace and Love My friend ✌❤🌹
He wrote that about the day Buddy holly, Ritchie Valenz and the Big Bopper died in the plane crash. Interesting though, Buddy told Ritchie "the sky is for the stars". Well, Eddie is with them all now on that big stage in the sky...😔
This is a brutal day, a day I never thought would happen. Yes, Eddie was a rockstar, yes, Eddie certainly lived hard in his youth. But I didn't think this day would come. It was unfathomable. Yes, I knew about his cancer, and heard the rumours he wasn't doing well. But I'd been hearing this for years, ever since his cancer battle was first announced about two decades ago. Eddie wasn't just some rockstar. He wasn't just another guitar player. This man took guitar to new heights that were simply unimaginable. Eddie and his band were just titans. It's hard to remember a time in my life when I didn't know who Eddie was, from my aunt playing VH1 repeatedly o her turntable when it was brand new to when I got into playing guitar at the age of twelve when he became my guitar hero. I was simply mesmerized by his unworldly abilities. Eddie sounded different because he had different ears than the rest of us. He could hear possibilities for the guitar the rest of us could never imagine. He changed the way we thought of tone as well. Eddie never went for the most distortion, but the best combination of distortion, warmth, and clarity. The brown sound in itself is a thing of genius. Eddie leaves a vacuum in space and time that can never be filled.
Thanks Rick. I keep posting this. I feel so fortunate that we were there when he flourished. For me, that was ‘80-‘84 (but really til forever). I didn’t get to first see him until ‘86 for the 5150 tour. But here is my two Eddie memories crystallized in my memory. On the 5150 show in Chicago, we sat in the nose bleeds. I also was needing glasses but didn’t have them yet. So everything was hard to see. During his solo, I saw a pair of binoculars being passed around and they got to me right when he was playing “Cathedral.” I finally after 8 years of imagining and listening and slowing down vinyl, I got to see my hero, a superhero, Superman, live in person. The image is burned into my brain- the red and white striped 5150 Kramer, his white tank top, and ocean blue balloon pants. Completely changed my life forever. The second memory is on the Balance tour in ‘95. Again in the nose bleeds, lol, at one point in between songs I screamed at the top of my lungs, “Ehhhhhhhhhhh-ddie” and he actually turned around and looked up to see where that came from. There’s almost not a day that goes by where I don’t think about him or his playing, or his sound and also listen to at least some Van Halen. Certainly not an occasion where I pick up my guitar and something of his comes out and completely unintentional. It’s there in my blood, in my guitar DNA, it always will be. For that I feel so fortunate.
First, Neil Peart passes away in January, and it seems like the world went to hell in a handbasket; we've lost so many legendary and beloved musicians in 2020.
Rick, I found your channel right after Allan Holdsworth passed. Your tribute meant a lot to me. While I don’t regularly view your channel, I just wanted to say how proud I am of all you have accomplished over the years. What you share with musicians and young viewers is important and essential in this time. Take care.
My introduction to hard rock was Kiss then as a freshman in high school 1979 discovered AC/DC then Van Halen. Although I don't listen to rock much anymore I will never pass up a chance to hear these 2 bands play with hopes of seeing them live together...one last time and one last time again. Sadly I know these the days are getting numbered when we will lose these legends. The passing of Eddie is an end of a great long era for Van Halen and fond memories that marked my teenage years. So happy I was around for the ride. RIP Eddie.
I do remember back in the end of the 70' the day I bought VH1 and the slap in the face I received the first time I played it. I unfortunately never get a chance to see you play live but I bought all your albums and I have to say that was always a music of happiness it makes all my days like the sun is shining. I am so sad as a fan and a guitar player. Rest in Peace Eddie and where ever you are keep on rocking....
My good RU-vid friend Steve From Boston is devastated by Eddie's death. He did a live stream as soon as he heard and it's such a raw emotional video. This news is really hurting people and add the layer of Covid 19 stress on top it can become very dangerous for those who are emotionally hurt right now.
leokimvideo hi leokimvideo I watched your Thomas videos as a kid but mostly I’m heartbroken by Van Halen’s passing loved his energy and music live on brother🥺
By chance, Steve from Boston's video was the first I clicked on after getting a text about the news. His emotion cut me so deep, it was truly a strange experience to share the exact same grief with him.... over the internet. RIP Eddie
@@JohnJohnson-ql8mx I've know Steve on RU-vid for 10 years now. I have never seen him so upset. I knew when I heard the news Steve was going to be really sad. But it was way worse than that.
"The worst part of Life is the Sting of Death." Eddie is good NOW. The Pain is all here on earth. I wish it was not this way. We all wish that. But while we are processing death, Eddie's and Our own eventual ... think/remember/feel ALSO the damn fine tunes Our Dear Friend ripped out as HUGE parts of the awesome, free, wild life we have all lived, and the place Eddie's Soundtrack will always hold for us in those memories. "Drink to the sadness, but ALWAYS drink to the gladness, of our short, often magical lives. Thank you Edward, for believing in yourself, refusing to be an average "LA BarBand", and powering thru it all to give so many of us The SoundTrack that mattered. Prayers to all that grieve > heal us survivors with Love and Respect.
R.I.P Eddie Van Halen. The one & only. At least to me, my #1 fav guitarist to this day. His own legacy lives on forever & ever. Broke into tears myself for different reasons. Touched me a certain way, just like others out there. I can never get over the idea of death, generally speaking. Too thought provoking.... Goes for anyone @ their time of dying.... However, what we can do is learn through acceptance. Heal the wounds & carry on. EVH & VH 4 life! ❤ Peace & love ❤ Seriously, be kind to each other.... Life is just too precious to mess up w/..... 💘 🙌
Eddie's death, being in quarantine without seeing some parents and going through some personal issues has made this week the most difficult one I remember. Your comment made my things a little bit less heavier. Thank you.
A piece of my sweet teenage years just went away. Just playing all VH albums in loop in my car as loud as I can .. just to remember how great that music was .. RIP Eddie
Just saw a post elsewhere where some bloke said “Eddie hasn’t played anything decent since 1984.” I’m like - How many times in a mans life can one man revolutionise music?!!?” That being said - today I think I finally forgive Eddie for the mix on VH3 - because the world is a better place with that CD in my collection :)
@The Virus Strikes Back I don't think you've read 1984 nor have any clue what's going on around you. It does tend to be the case with those that can make a discussion about a musicians death a rant against a politician though. You're basically a sports fan that hates the other team's star player because it's fun and feels good to you.
I was never a huge fan to be very honest. However, you'd have to be musically braindead to not respect his skills and his contributions to guitar. And I'm not braindead so...
@Covidio_T rump You are the pretentious bottom feeder I assumed. Trust me when I tell you that you are not smarter, you do not know better than others, you are not morally better than others and you're taste in classical composers certainly mean nothing. With that, I'm done with you. You can continue your conversation with your colon now.
EVH = The Last Major Innovator, his playing fundamentally changed the way Rock guitar was approached, raising the bar to previously unimaginable heights. His appearance on the wide national scene in early 1978, fully formed and seemingly out of nowhere was by all accounts a shock, a musical earthquake, a real 'paradigm shift'. He's still arguably the most influential guitarist of the past 42 years. Their debut album 'VH I' is a classic, a masterpiece and a must to any serious Rock fan and guitar aficionado - and to anyone who wishes to understand the development of guitar playing in general. R.I.P. , Ed. Your playing lives on.
He was and always will be a guitar god and an innovator, but he certainly wasn't the last great innovator. Tosin Abasi has developed many techniques in recent history.
I agree with you, nobody since has been able to change guitar playing like he did. Sure there are amazing players like mentioned in the comments above but none of them have had the same impact as evh and I don’t think they would disagree. Ask tom morello if he thinks he’s had the same impact as Ed. Bet he says fuck no.
It's been a terrible year, even with losing Neil too. I was lucky to have seen the VH3 lineup in NZ back in 98. Would have been nice to see the band with either Dave or Sammy but that won't be happening now. 😣 As for Rush, they never made it to Australia/NZ so I flew up for four gigs during the Clockwork Angels tour. So glad I managed that. EVH though - what a monumental loss. I cranked the debut record on the gym stereo this morning!
Feel like I lost a friend. A fixture of my youth. I picked up a guitar because of Eddie . I am humbly grateful he decided to stop by our world for a too short of a time. We are the lucky. We are the fortunate. Thank you EVH. What a gift...what a gift. Life....life is short folks...live it.
I was in 7th grade when I first heard VH1. That's when I began my interest in music. Eddie Van Halen was the persom that influenced my career as a musician from then on. R.I.P. Eddie! And my sincerest condolences to his family!
I have a heavy heart with this news. I thought back to the day I moved into my freshman dorm in Ann Arbor in 1984. The first thing we did was set up the stereo and JAMMED Eruption to get others to stop by. Now I am 54 and I have jammed Van Halen the last 2 days. It is helping me to listen to the gift he left behind for all time- the gift of music. Well done EVH.
Eddie, one of the greatest talents and innovators of our time. First time I heard Van Halen, I thought that’s it, that’s my favourite band...EVER. It was a pity he wasn’t on “ It might get Loud” with Jimmy, Jack and the Edge. I love that documentary, but it would have been perfect with Eddie as well! RIP. 2020 can just F off, we have all had, and been through enough this year. Next time I’m in bad weather or a storm I’ll be thinking of Respect the Wind. Right, now to go and listen to Eruption on repeat 🤟🏻🎼🎸
I've not long started guitar lessons and I have been learning The Best of Both Worlds over the last week or so. Then I get back from a lesson to see Eddie has gone. Absolutely devasted. First Neil Peart and now Eddie. I am 35 and my dad died on February 4th 2020 aged 67. He was a huge Van Halen fan and got me into them. RIP dad and RIP Eddie. I'm so sorry Rick I can see how much Eddie meant to you.
It's a year later I'm watching this for the first time, it's 40 seconds in and I'm choking up already, I won't be able to watch this without crying like a baby but I'm gonna watch anyway! RIP Eddie.
Wow! Eddie Van Halen and Neil Peart gone in the same year. Such a tragic loss in music. We will all miss Eddie’s guitar playing live but, his music will live on just like Hendrix, they both marked an epoch in music history. Thanks Rick for your contribution to musicians all around the world as well. Great insight into music theory for any musician and great coverage of those legendary musicians who have all shaped the way we play our instruments. May we all cherish EVH contribution to rock music. One of a kind! He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers to his whole family.
Rick, when I heard about Eddie, I was just like you are in the first few seconds of the video: lost. Van Halen was one of the soundtracks of my youth and still is today. We all felt like he was a close friend. I was lucky enough to spend about 5 minutes in person with him on the 1982 Porto Alegre, Brazil, Diver Down tour, when he quickly exited the Hotel Plaza San Rafael. It was exactly how I imagined it, cool, cool as fuck.
3 years ago, but still not easy to watch .... 😪 He was a number 1 Dude, not only because his guitar playing .... ! Cancer is such a devastating monster .... stops from no-one and knows nothing about good or bad... !! 🤬
All I have to say is...thank god we had such an awesome guitarist in our world. I remember my Dad had me listen to eruption on the way to school in 3rd grade. I was blown away by it. He will be remembered forever as arguably one of the most unique and coolest guitar players ever.
Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am in a thousand winds that blow, I am the softly falling snow. I am the gentle showers of rain, I am the fields of ripening grain. I am in the morning hush, I am in the graceful rush Of beautiful birds in circling flight, I am the starshine of the night. I am in the flowers that bloom, I am in a quiet room. I am in the birds that sing, I am in each lovely thing. Do not stand at my grave bereft I am not there. I have not left. Mary Elizabeth Fry How many more of my contemporaries are going to pass from my time here on this blue ball. I’m sure I’m not far from your age Rick and you grew up with the same guys/gals, bands, groups, etc. We are from an era/age that saw and heard the Sounds of Our Life, 60’s through to today, imagine how much we have been blessed to share/enjoy ALL the people of music that took chances with the Establishment to make sure that the New era of music and thought and feeling was going to be a great ride. Thank you Eddy, for your fortitude and gumption and raw talent, I doubt we’ll see that level of “guitarmanship” for , maybe, a generation or 2 or 200, until the next Axe Wizard steps up, not into your shoes, but into the footprints you left behind on your journey, here, with all of us fans. You will be missed. If you see Rory Gallagher on that Heavenly Stage, tell him “HEY” from Mike. 🇨🇦🎸😢😢💐💐
