Eddie Van Halen (1955

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Biography

Edward Lodewijk Van Halen was an American musician. He was the guitarist, keyboardist, backing vocalist and one of the primary songwriters of the rock band Van Halen, which he founded with his brother Alex Van Halen in 1972.

In Their Own Words (2)

I don't like doing interviews, I don't like doing what I'm doing right now. I'd rather be at home playing my guitar.

Talking with Kurt Loder on MTV's Famous Last Words show circa 1991. , 1991

Practice. I used to sit on the edge of my bed with a six-pack of Schlitz Malt talls. My brother would go out at 7pm to party and get laid, and when he'd come back at 3am, I would still be sitting in the same place, playing guitar. I did that for years — I still do that.

Eddie Van Halen in April 1996, in an interview with Guitar World, when asked about how he went from playing his first open A chord to playing "Eruption" , 1996

Timeline

The story of Eddie Van Halen, told in moments.

1978 Event

Van Halen's debut album drops on Warner Bros. "Eruption," a 1 minute 42 second guitar solo, rewrites what the instrument can do. He developed the two-handed tapping technique in his bedroom. Every rock guitarist after this has to reckon with it.

Eruption in one minute forty-two seconds. Did you know it was revolutionary? Developing two-handed tapping in your bedroom. Was anyone watching?

1984 Event

1984 is released. "Jump" goes to No. 1, built on a synthesizer riff the band initially hated. The album sells over 10 million copies. David Lee Roth leaves the band eight months later.

The band hated the synthesizer riff for 'Jump.' Were you used to being right? David Lee Roth leaving. Relief or loss?

1986 Event

His guitar solo on Michael Jackson's "Beat It" becomes one of the most famous guest spots in rock history. Jackson called him directly. Eddie did it in one take, for free, because he liked the song.

One take on 'Beat It,' for free. Was that generosity or indifference to money? Michael Jackson calling you directly. Were you surprised?

2020 Death

Dies of throat cancer at St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica. He was 65. His son Wolfgang was at his side. Guitarists from every genre post tributes within hours.

Your son Wolfgang at your side at the end. Was that enough? Did guitarists' tributes pour in as you expected?