Like most people my age, my first exposure to Van Halen was their 1984 album. I was completely blown away by two things: David Lee Roth’s vocals and Edward Van Halen’s guitar playing. I was still very new to being a fan of hard rock/metal music, but Eddie’s playing was something I had never heard and to this day haven’t heard from anyone but him. Eddie developed a guitar technique that would be often imitated but never duplicated. He was a unique player who forged a style all his own.
Van Halen, I, Van Halen II, Women and Children First were albums that I couldn’t put down. They blew me away. The quirky acoustic “Could This Be Magic” from Women and Children First, the monstrous riffage of “Panama” from 1984, and the beautiful mellow instrumental “316”, Eddie was able to cover so much ground and showcased an ability to not be tied to just one style of playing or to be a one-trick pony.
I was lucky to have to opportunity to see Van Halen live three times and those shows were so much fun. I have never seen a musician who openly expressed his happiness constantly. That boy smiled so much that I’m convinced his face was actually stuck that way. He truly loved what he did, and that love resonated with the audience and spread like wildfire to his fans.
I have never met a musician who was not a fan of Eddie’s. I may have not loved all of Van Halen’s output as a band, but I always admired Edward for his innovative style and his passion for the instrument. It is that passion that inspired me to never put down my instruments regardless of how complex a song might be or how inapt I could sometimes be as a musician.
Eddie Van Halen’s death was announced on 10/06/2020 by his son and Van Halen bassist Wolfgang Van Halen and not far behind him were the dedications and condolences from the world. Musicians from all genres paid their respects which proved that his influence had no boundaries. Country artists Keith Urban and Brad Paisley, legendary CCR leader John Fogerty, and Pearl Jam are just a few of the artists that posted tributes to this legendary guitarist who inspired so many and will continue to inspire for as long as any young person will pick up a guitar.
Rest in Power Eddie Van Halen and long live red, white, and black!
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