My condolences to the legendary Eddie Van Halen. ____________________________________________ www.michaelange... / michaelangelobatiooffi... / michaelangelobatiooffi...
Thank you Michael for your kinds words and your stories about Eddie Van Halen. I've been crying ever since I got word of his passing. And I've been listening to Van Halen non-stop ever since
Camelot. Well, believe it. Death is real. Judgment is real. The Bible says, "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, " (Hebrews 9:27) " And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. " (Matthew 10:28) Jesus taught that Hell is a place, "where 'Their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. ' " (Matthew 9:44) What are you going to do about HELL? The Bad News, is that we cannot save ourselves from Hell. Even if we were to try to do 'good' works from now on, our works would never be good enough for God. But the Good News ("Gospel' in Greek), is that, thanks be to God, God has provided the ONLY way to escape HELL: Jesus. Jesus Christ is the only way to escape Hell. The Bible says, Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. " ( John 14:6) "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. " (Acts 4:12) 16For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. (John 3:16-20) Friends, if you haven't already done so, you need to 1. Admit you are a sinner. See Romans 3:10 2. Be willing to turn from sin (repent). See Acts 17:30 3. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you. 4. Through prayer, receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9) "For 'whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.' " (Romans 10:13)
People talk about EVH's tapping - what about Eddie's: mega-guitar Sound? his catchy- hooks & Songwriting? his flawless Rhythm guitar playing? - he was one-of-a-kind. A rare & and very Special talent. We are all Blessed to have witnessed his Guitar playing and fabulous career. R.I.P. = Legend.
Everyone talks about how EVH inspired them to play guitar. My story is different, I started playing guitar in 1974, by the time I first listened to EVH I was in a band and performing pretty regularly. I remember my 1st thoughts after hearing Eruption for the first time, I wanted to sell my guitar! What an Amazing Man, Father, Human Being and Guitarist, he will be both very much missed as well as live on forever through his works. RIP EVH
In 1984 I was 8 years old and mtv was at its hight. Eddie was the coolest guy on the planet. I knew then I had to play guitar. All these years now and I'm not even close to his skill level. He truly was the greatest of all time .
I’m totally bummed today. Eddie was so unique. Mr. Batio, it was nice hearing you talk about him w/ such reverence & sincerity. You sound like you’re a great man who seems so humbled even though you’re an amazing guitarist in your own right.
Edward was one of a kind and there will never be another like him. I am so lucky that i got to meet him a few years ago and spend some time laughing and joking with him. He will never be forgotten. Rest in peace our king.
It's a tragic loss!!! The impact that EVH had on the world of guitar is something very few get the privilege to claim that they actually had!! Everybody who followed can honestly say that he was part of the foundation for their particular style!!! R.I.P Edward Van Halen & thanx for the inspiration!!
Somehow I really think I can remember the first time I heard 'jump'...I was a little boy and the radio played in the background...and suddenly this song starts to play and it got me within a second...as the little boy I was, I couldn't really handle all the energy I was hearing in this moment...goosebumbs...staring at the radio my mouth half opened...the urge to shout 'yeeeessss' ... what can I say...everytime a great musician dies,a little part of me dies, too. You Mr. Edward van Halen were a part of my youth and you gave me so many times a good feeling, because of your music. This my dear friends is priceless...and with tears in my eyes I wanna thank you,Eddie,for every second of your music. Thank you...REST IN PEACE and ROCK ON FOREVER !!! 😰
As much as this may be strange. The morning when Eddie passed away, i was in my work in nederlands. Before anyone knew that he's gone, one if the radio stations here played Beat it. I was talking with coworker about it. Right before eddies incredible solo the speaker turned down for unknown reason. I was complaining to my co worker that it was such a great solo and we cant even hear it because of this stupid speaker. Couple hours later i read that Eddie is no longer with us. Life sucks. RIP Eddie.
When I was a kid in 1978 I got to see Van Halen at a Day On The Green in Oakland. It was my first concert. AC/DC was the opener, then Van Halen, Pat Travers, Foreigner, and Aerosmith. R.I.P. Eddie. Nothing I could say could describe what you did for rock and guitar. For me and millions of other kids, like Jimi, you showed us that there was no limit to what we could create.
What's wrong with people disliking this video that's ridiculous there's nothing to dislike here paying tribute to a wonderful guitarist lighten up people knock it off have a little respect
Michael, Having Eddie Van Halen hug you and kiss you on the cheek should go down as one of the greatest accomplishments of your life. Eddie having been born in the Netherlands, I believe that kissing someone on the cheek is a gesture of respect and admiration. Having the respect of Eddie Van Halen is a tremendous accomplishment as I'm sure you are aware. Rock on Eddie 🎸
Never forget January 20th 1980. It was my 12th Birthday. I open this rectangular box. Inside was the Guitar I was begging for since I heard "Eruption" two years before. An almost exact replica of Eddie's FrankenStrat. I'm 52 now and I can play some VH Classics and Sammy Era Stuff,but not even close to the man who was my inspiration to even pick it up. Eddie, you inspired an entire generation and my heart is broken. RIP King!
2020 has been a year that has hardened us all I think. But Van Halen’s death really hurt. He was one of the 4 or 5 guitarists that inspired me to pick it up and play.
I'm right there Mike, and I never met him, though I got a smile from him at his concert once after I complimented him. First heard him in '74 and was in love.
Very well said Michael. This is definitely a very tough time for guitarists everywhere. Eddie not only changed the world of music, but also changed the lives of many musicians. I'll never forget when he donated a ton of his personal guitars to schools so that kids in low income areas could learn to play. RIP to a legend.
In 1981 I was 12 years old and Fair Warning had just come out. I think every musically inclined kid in America had their school books covered with VH logos. I certainly did.
I’ve said it so many times before, if you weren’t around when that first Van Halen record dropped, you cannot possibly imagine how revolutionary he sounded to us young fledgling guitar nerds. His sound, style, technique and attitude just obliterated everybody’s conceptions of what rock guitar playing could sound like. I never really tried to emulate him or Van Halen’s style of music, I was into a more bluesy, roots rock and roll kind of thing and Stevie Ray Vaughan later had a much bigger impact on my actual playing. But EVH stuff still crept into my playing here and there. He changed rock guitar so much it’s pretty much impossible NOT to be influenced by him. On the day SRV died I sat and cried like a baby. This isn’t quite the same for me personally, but really sad nonetheless. He was a true revolutionary and one of the most influential rock guitarists of all time.
All i hear is what a great guy he was, even his son said how great of a dad he was, plus he was probably 'the best guitarist of all time' to date and maybe forever. The cool thing is he did live to 65, unlike hendricks that died at only 27, eddie left us with a TON of music and GOOD music that people will be listening to thousands of years from now. RIP EVH.
Beautiful sentiments here and in the comment section. I'm still having a hard time believing it. I was born in 1981 and my dad was a HUGE Van Halen fan since the first album in the 70s. I was literally hearing Eddie jam out in the womb. He's always been there. To hear Eddie Van Halen is gone is like waking up one day and someone saying the Moon is no longer there in the sky. I just can't wrap my head around it.
It's amazing that one person could be so influential to so many people. It's extraordinary. He was one in a billion, like Mozart, or Leonardo da Vinci.
One thing I always thought was great about Eddie was the fact he was always willing to praise other players. You didn't have to be a famous player, if you were doing something good, Ed would take the time to say so. Coming from Ed simple praise of their playing meant more than you could imagine.
There was more to EVH than just tapping. His "brown" sound, his left hand technique, pinch harmonix, his vibrato, legato fretting ....etc. There's a bit of Eddie in about every metal guitarist that's come out after him....every good guitarist.
We lost a music visionary, and legend today. I have been and will continue to morn the loss of one of my (and many others') biggest guitar heros, there truely wasn't anything else like Eddie. I feel that nothing would have been or will be the same without him. Rest in peace Eddie! Thanks for sharing your sentiments MAB. Rock on!
this seems so much more genuine than a lot of the other people claiming to be crying there eyes out. EVH is a legend and it is indeed a sad day, but I am tired of all the crocodile tears from people trying to act like they knew the guy.
As a teenager I feel like I was born in the wrong time. I never got to see many amazing guitar players and bands such as Van Halen live. I feel sad but also inspired. It's very hard to describe my feelings...
Michael is a true humble guitar warrior that is just so respectful to all. It is always pleasing and inspiring to hear him speak no matter what the issue.
Thanks so much for sharing that with us Maestro. I never met Ed, but this really cut deep with me. We lost a giant yesterday. Condolences to his friends and family. Especially Al who has lost both parents and now his bro/best friend/band mate/ business partner. R.I.P. Past Master. Thanks for the music and the memories. You changed the world for the better.
He is still with us and always will be ...his playing transcends time and his music is his heart and soul ...there will never be another innovator like him ever again
Rest in Power Eddie!! Hearing you, made me pick up a guitar and learn by ear to play, 43 years ago. Thank you for all you've done for us all. Blessing and condolences to Wolfgang and the Whole Family.
We are all saddened by the passing of Edward "Eddie" Van Halen. He was one of the greatest guitarists to ever play, he influenced millions and he was and still is loved by millions. I personally believe that he was such a great musician and human being that there needs to be a National Eddie Van Halen Day in both the United States and in the Netherlands, where Eddie was born, to remember and commemorate his life and his legacy. It should be held on January 26th, Eddie's birthday ! 🎸 RIP Rock in Peace Eddie, we love you ! 💖 Gone too soon !!!
Well said, Michael. Van Halen 1 was the first album I ever bought with "my own money" (I was like 9). My first name is Van, and I saw "Van Halen" and thought "hey, this guy's name is Van, too!". I didn't know it was his last name. Anyway...it was a fateful decision. All through the 1980s and 1990s when I'd hang out with my friends it wasn't "what do you want to listen to", it was "which one do you want to listen to". EVH and RR affected my life in so many amazing ways. I listen to VH at least once a week and have for decades. I have seen them 11 times and each time was amazing. I hope Eddie is at peace now. RIP EVH...the greatest guitarist to ever live.
From kids who just picked up a guitar to a guy who can shred on two guitars at the same time, it's amazing how many people were inspired by him. Thanks for sharing your stories
i cried and cried when I heard his ex-wife write about being there and his son it breaks my heart. and I pray for the family and Eddie was a good man and I see he had a love for his fans. my heart goes out to all of his fans too. I know Eddie knew Jesus so he is with the Lord and we will see him again. one sweet day, it would be very sweet for you to write a song for him. that would give you peace and his family. God I loved his Smile
I was at that incredible show in Chicago. The most memorable moment for me was when the crowd started chanting "Eddie, Eddie, Eddie ..." he stopped them and began chanting "Jason, Jason, Jason ..." into the microphone and soon everyone joined in. Epic night of music, musicians and memories 🎵
Music was my first love... Shred was born allready in 1978, thank’s to Eddie and Randy who brought guitar solo’s with emotional melodies to a higher level. Music was my first love...
@Justin Ford Hello Justin, just a word more explanation because technically speaking you are indeed right and from a purely chronological point of view everything is also correct ... But what I actually hoped to make clear is that in the years between Jimi Hendrix and Yngwie Malmsteen there was a gap that was filled - regarding virtuosity by first Ritchie Blackmore and Uli Jon Roth of course and then Eddie Van Halen with his then unparalleled technique, speed and enthusiasm, which was later supplemented by Randy Rhoads with his strong sense of melody and emotion. So together a very nice combination for that time. Just leaving aside who was first ... Most guitarists in this industry will know what I mean, without wanting to detract from anyone. I myself have been playing guitar since 1980 and I am still learning daily with contemporary examples of Joe Stump, Marty Friedman, Michael Angelo Batio, Jason Becker, Mario Parga, Joe Satriani, Neil Zaza and others... They all have their own style and complement each other on various interfaces, and sorry if my order was again not correct chronologically. Nobody is perfect... Hopefully it is now clear that it is just about our favorite music, in which everyone can finally find what they want today.
@Justin Ford The emotions of Eddie's death made me a little too quick with my online response. It was only my intention to emphasize the music, with the accompanying differences and contrasts in playing style between various guitarists from then and now. Not to compare guitarists in itself, because everyone is unique. Nor to criticize elements where others were less good - or in the other case better. But nowadays you have someone like Joe Stump who tries to combine my previously described differences in various playing styles and add his own personal qualities. He also makes it clear that he has Jimi, Ritchie and Yngwie as great examples. In terms of pure instrumental complete listening pleasure in the guitar area, he is one of my favorites. Listen: Symphonic Onslaught, and also Alcatrazz with Born Innocent. You're welcome.
Eddie was the teacher of all of us; the phrasing, the unbounded technique, and, his consummate Musicianship and sense of melody, made him the inspiration. I will always be drawing from that bottomless well. Great tribute, Mike, thank you. Rest easy, Ed. Your art will ring through the centuries.
I always think of EVH as the ultimate breakout: "Everything I do is an accident", "I finally gave up trying to sound like Eric Clapton and just went for it", "I don't really have any particular influences" (pls forgive my non-exact quotes). The point is: NEVER STOP EXPERIMENTING. Jimi Hendrix indeed! You're a freakin' jem too MAB!
Hi Michael, I cried for 2 hours solid on hearing of Eddies Passing. He was a major influence on me, my life changed when I heard the first 2 Van Halen albums. I've met you a couple of time, you are a massive influence on my playing. The thing is you are one of nicest people I have met and by far the most humble. This video you have posted does not surprise me and other fans because you are so loving. Hope you are doing well, please help me to get my PPS up. Your the best, thank you
Nice tribute. Sounded like a very down to earth guy. Sympathies to wolfie and entire family. During his 65 yrs he used his gift to build a legacy and will always be remembered RIP eddie🙏😣🎸🎸🎸
