VAN HALEN NEWS DESK

Van Halen Heartbroken Over Jackson

June 25, 2009 71 Comments

Posted Jun 25th 2009 9:30PM by TMZ Staff

He provided the rock guitar solo in Jackson’s hit song “Beat It.” TMZ has just heard from Eddie Van Halen on Michael Jackson’s death:

“I am really shocked; as I’m sure the world is, to hear the news. I had the pleasure of working with Michael on ‘Beat It’ back in ’83 — one of my fondest memories in my career.

Michael will be missed and may he rest in peace.”

-Eddie Van Halen

Filed Under: Eddie Van Halen

SirFrankenberry

Would that be a “kick in the nuts” if “Kimberly” is really “Leonard” a 45 yr old electrician from Michigan?
Funny how some idiots see the name “Kimberly” on a 99% guy fan site and get all excited.
http://TheInsideMagazine JCN

how do you know eddies “heartbroken”?? Were you and him sitting around together waiting for MJ to die and then instantly report it?
pushtoshove

I respect M J’s achievements but i don’t have to respect him,,,,whatever he did or did not do isn’t for me to say but he is meeting his maker so i hope he has peace on his day of reckoning …But i will say that when accused of something so heinous , when you ” Settle out of Court ” it usually means that there is so much evidence against you that it is easier to buy someone off – or it means that the parents of the accuser’s set it up so good that they knew they would hit a payday one way or the other…sad either way. Yes this is a tragedy all the way around. P:S By the way Bo-Sox …They found out he got food poisoning from eating as 9 year old wiener. Thank you.
alexandre

thriller is an amazing record and Eddie’s participation on Beat it changed the way music industry saw black music. Eddie and Michael made history that time. Besides, Eddie’s solo is a master piece!!
MA=VH

I’ll give the guy props for his musical talent – that part is undeniable. Aside from that, the guy was a train wreck and completely bent.

I can’t believe he died of food poisoning…

MA=VH
MA=VH

I heard it was a 12 year old wiener….

MA=VH
Vanicionado

Nail on the head SirFrankenberry, nail on the head.

Did you see those guys who were asking what her measurements were?

Somebody get them a doctor!!
Bo-Sox

I swore I heard it was a young boys nuts?
Bo-Sox

What does Michael Jackson and Walmart have in common? They both have boys pants half off!
SCAR

Those jokes will give you guys nothing but bad karma – not funny at all!!!! If MJ did wrong he is dealing with the Almighty on those issues, there is no escaping that fate!!!!
SCAR

This site should not allow lame jokes about MJ that includes young boys as part of the joke!!! It’s distasteful and not funny!!! As A Father and a Grandfather I am offended!!! For those who made the jokes, I’m sure they think they are cool and all that but they are actually little punks who have crossed the line!!! If they want to make jokes about Jackson fine, but leave the subject of kids out of it!!!! Granted I can be a jerk to some on this site but you got to draw the line somewhere eh VHND?????
Skutch

Agreed Scar 100%. This site needs a moderator.
Vanicionado

So… none of your post ever say:
“Your message is currently awaiting moderation?”
Skutch

they do, but apparently I disagree with their methods. Do you not see that a line has been crossed for a “news desk”?
onlyclassicvh

“I am disgusteed by you all. This site is an embarrasment and I am ashamed to even be put in the same category as a VH fan with you. You heartless, ignorant fools. Once again, you don’t know shit about Eddie and his life or how he really feels. I am done here. I hope VH doesn’t put out any music for you shitheads. I would sacrifice my happiness from hearing new music and seeing them again just so you juveniles can stay on here babbling and being stupid. You don’t deserve anything from this band.
Long live Michael Jackson. A true artist who deserves more respect than what he is getting here. Selfish creeps. PEACE.”

THANK YOU!!
Frankie G.

I never cared for or waste my time to all the media BS on Michael Jackson (I’m a musician I got better things to care about!). In spite of all the media BS, the statements MJ made in music and in pop culture far overshadowed all the negative BS.

But Michael Jackson together with one of the greatest producer’s of our time Quincy Jones had the foresight and vision of what kind of impact having King Edward Van Halen’s masterful guitar heroics on the song ‘Beat It’. No one, and I mean NO ONE! but the one and only King Eddie Van Halen could have cut that!!. It was a masterful and groundbreaking musical moment that brought two music cultures together. Way before Aerosmith/Run DMC, the roots were laid from the Van Halen/Jackson combination. And what a blistering combination! To Michael Jackson…I salute you, peace be with you and thank you.
phil

i’m a big fan of michael jackson. one of the greatest entertainers of all time…
Jeff

SCAR and onlyclassicvh,
I agree %10000000 on that one. It is completely wrong, disgusting, and immoral what these idiots are posting. Whatever MJ may or may not have done(never really any proof to anything), the world has lost an incredible entertainer. My heart goes out to his friends and family.
Russell

To all of you morons making jokes, screw you, jerks, it is in bad taste to make those kinds of jokes about a dead person, ya sickos. I thought Jacko was weird too, but that doesn’t overshadow the fact that he was a great singer, songwriter, and entertainer, thats for damn sure. RIP Micheal, still cannot believe your gone, man!!
Gokhan Ersan

Michael was to pop what Eddie is to rock: the ultimate King, the pure musical genius.
When the two talents met, they created one of the most memorable songs of all time.

Michael, you’ve brought so much joy and excitement to so many lives. I still can’t believe you’re gone.

Gökhan.
Gokhan Ersan

One more thing: You’ve gotta stay heathy, Eddie! You don’t need to prove anything to anyone or to be stressed about it. Millions know that you are the Lord of the Strings! Period. My wife, who never listens to rock music, thinks your guitar work on Beat It is the best guitar music ever composed. Eat well, get your proper sleep, keep your shape up, but don’t stress your body too much like Michael did. Cause, the world can’t afford to lose you!

Congratulations to you and your wife. God bless you two.