When we think of the guitar greats, what truly separates the real legends from the technical masters is innovation. How they influenced the instrument on a massive scale. And there’s really only a small handful of them: Chuck Berry, Jimmy Page, Hendrix, Steve Vai and John Petrucci. But perhaps the most influential of these innovators is the great Eddie Van Halen, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 65. As if 2020 wasn’t bad enough, now it claims one of our true heros. A man who completely flipped the script on guitar playing. Sending the instrument into the netherworld. The standard he set with what was possible with the guitar would never be undone.
For nearly twelve years, countless guitar players would build upon what Van Halen created. And while some: Reb Beach, Richie Kotzen, Paul Gilbert and Nuno Bettencourt, would build on and eclipse EVH’s style, the vast majority would never even come close. What made Eddie Van Halen’s playing so innovative was his musical school of thought. Up until 1978, the year of Van Halen’s debut, hard rock guitar players came out of the blues school. Players like Jimmy Page, Ace Frehley and Joe Perry were generally self taught musicians. Who were playing a louder, faster version of what their influencers: B.B. King, Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker were doing. But EVH came out of the classical school. He’s even admitted that his only real guitar influence was Eric Clapton. He was a trained musician, who understood theory. Even though he was a self taught guitarist. His understanding of it comes from being a pretty damn good piano player. Which is why he probably picked up the guitar real quick when he started playing. Remember, he was originally the drummer before he and his brother Alex switched roles. Influences like Franz Liszt are evident on the scathing, legendary ‘Eruption.’ A 102 second guitar blitz that would change rock and metal forever instantly.
But Eddie was so much more than just a technical master who made players and listeners completely rethink rock music. He was also a great songwriter with great feel. Technical mastery is important, but not everything. And EVH really understood that. Tracks such as ‘Mean Streets,’ ‘Little Guitars,’ ‘Dirty Movies,’ ‘Black & Blue,’ ‘Summer Nights,’ ‘Spanked’ and ‘Seventh Seal’ display an amazing ability to groove. And an ability to write a damn nasty guitar riff that makes people wanna rip their clothes off. An element in rock that is truly missing today. And what I believe, is largely responsible for its lack of mainstream success. There’s also countless ballads, the vast majority from the Hagar era. Smash hits such as ‘Why Can’t This Be Love?,’ ‘Love Walks In,’ ‘When It’s Love’ and ‘Can’t Stop Lovin’ You’ show a sensitive side. While still being able to rock. Making the Sammy Hagar era ballads a cut above the rest. All with excellent feel, excellent groove. Everything Eddie plays serves the song. Never overplaying. Truly and complete musician.
Which brings us to the last element of Eddies legendary position as a rock god. His personality and showmanship. Before Van Halen took over the world there were really only two looks a guitar player possessed: pissed off or too cool for school. Then comes EVH; smiling, jumping and playing on stage like it’s he’s four and it’s a McDonald’s playground. If there was anyone who ever defined ‘work hard, play hard,’ it’s Eddie Van Halen. His personality shown through all the music he created. All the performances he gave. And it was always 100% fuckin’ party time. It went with him wherever he went.
He will never be forgotten. Eddie Van Halen’s mark on music, not just rock, but all of music will forever be felt. An entire generation of people were held by his spell. That will continue on forever. Rest in peace EVH.
