Remembering Eddie Van Halen

The Concert Crap team and fellow rock guitarists weigh in on the legacy of Eddie Van Halen.

“Words can’t describe,” as many would say about the loss of a rock and roll pioneer, Eddie Van Halen. That’s not my case. I can describe exactly how I remember Eddie Van Halen. He was electrifying, magnetic and one of the greatest guitar players who ever lived. I recount my adolescent memories of Eddie Van Halen.

It all started with an infomercial. I was sitting on my mother’s rigid carpet when Eddie Van Halen popped up on my television screen with his guitar solo in “Hot for Teacher.” I was such a young child at the time but something sparked the eagerness to call the toll-free number to purchase that cd. I begged my mom to buy it, even though, she already had Van Halen on cassette. I thought it was the coolest thing because what it symbolized to me was “sticking it to the man.” Eventually, I grew up to learn the song isn’t exactly about that. Watching Eddie on the table and playing his guitar speak volumes in the music video.

Shortly after, I started hearing Van Halen on every television show and movie such as ‘Freaks and Geeks,’ ‘Ready to Rumble,’ ‘Detroit Rock City,’ ‘Big Daddy’ etc. I was such a fan of Adam Sandler’s oddball comedy and I will notice EVH guitar riffs in the background of a scene. Van Halen’s “Panama” was the feature song in Superbad as well. Now, hearing that “Panama” blasting in a movie theater was something to live for. I recall the audience rocking out to it, feeling the scene come to life through the music of Van Halen.

Every concert I have ever attended played “Running with the Devil” before the main performance. Van Halen was everywhere. There’s some type of nostalgia with Van Halen and Eddie Van Halen. There are musicians who were inspired by Eddie Van Halen’s style, generations after Van Halen’s debut. We wouldn’t have half of the bands today if it wasn’t for his influence. Imagine life without it? Music will continue on with his legacy.

– Christine Rios (CC Writer)

I remember growing up as a teen and hearing Van Halen’s cover of “You Really Got Me” for the first time. It was in a 1979 low budget film called “Over The Edge,” which was Matt Dillion’s first starring role. I was totally blown away by the song and by Eddie Van Halen’s guitar playing. It was the first time I heard someone finger tap on the guitar.

The band continued to impress me through the ’80s with songs like “Pretty Woman,” “Jump,” “Panama,” and” Hot for Teacher.” There is a reason the band was named Van Halen. Eddie Van Halen was the heart and soul of the band, which is why they continued to have success after the departure of David Lee Roth.

Eddie Van Halen influenced generations of guitar players and is my all-time favorite guitar idol. I am always sad when one of my heroes die far sooner than they should have. His memory will live on in his music and those he influenced.

– Scott Raymer (CC Writer/Photographer)

I don’t really know what I could say about EVH that hasn’t already been said. He was a prodigal human who changed the scope of the guitar and therefore, music. A true gift to this world. Think of all the other guitar heroes we all love and idolize that wouldn’t have picked up the instrument if it wasn’t for Eddie! Thank you for what you’ve done! RIP to the ultimate best!

– Jordan Posner (Terror, No Warning)

EVH is a legend. Legit, no one could do what he did better. It was like watching a magician, he almost made me NOT want to play guitar. It was that unbelievable. ‘OU812‘ was actually my first cd and my first email password. I regret I never got to see him play live but thankful we had him and his work.

I remember hearing that he jammed with Limp Bizkit after Wes left the group. That would have been an interesting session to see.

– Nic Brooks (Framing Hanley)

My favorite moment was just in general, seeing him play and seeing his huge smile while he played. I saw him live seven times and every time, he had this genuine smile and the love he had for playing really came through. It was a joy to hear how amazing he was playing-wise and also, how happy he was, and made me see him do it.

– Dan Palmer (Zebrahead, Death By Stereo)

He was one of the greatest musicians and guitarists of all time. Don’t know if there’s much more that hasn’t been said about him.

– Andrew Garcia (Songwriter/ Guitarist)

Eddie Van Halen, in my opinion, is the greatest of all time. You’ll notice I chose the word “is” rather than the past tense “was.” That is because through his physical form is no longer, his soul and influence on millions of musicians and fans lives on. I’ll never forget the day my mom put the 1978 Van Halen record on in the car. Something came over me, something more than chills. I wasn’t even a guitarist then, but when that first riff came through the speakers, I knew I had to be one day. I wouldn’t be the musician I am. I would’ve never experienced the things I have, without Eddie Van Halen. EVH forever.

– David Solis (Such A Mess)

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Post by Christine Rios

What are your favorite moments of Eddie Van Halen? Comment below.