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

Frank

Amen to that, Ed.

Frank, NL
Rob

Awful news! Beat It is an amazing song and Eddie’s work lifted it to pop perfection. Very sad that he is gone, but the legacy of his music will always remain. Genius is a word used too lightly these days, but Michael Jackson was one of the rare few worthy of the term.
Matty Van Halen

Rest in peace Michael you will be truly missed.

Matthew, United Kingdom
Kevin

Rest in Peace Michael, you truly were the King of Pop
SHANE

you got that ED the man was and is a true music genius like yourself

R.I.P M.J
stephan chartier

May god bless his sole rest in peace michael
The Tin Man

Thriller is a landmark album, and Ed provided a blistering solo on ‘Beat it’. I love the story how he met Quincy Jones and Michael at the studio, took 20 minutes to record two takes. And he did it for free. Who’d have thought that solo would wind up on one of the biggest selling and most acclaimed albums of all time? Michael Jackson, like Ed, is one of those rare artists who only comes along once in a while to redefine a generation of music. God Bless you Michael.
walteR

It is really a sad thing that Michael has passed. But the world will always remember his talent.. He had the insight to have two rock legends perform with him and broaden the spectrum of music. Lets not forget that Slash also played on an album of Michael’s….
http://www.myspace.com/bryankwilliams Bryan

Yesterday was just a sad day ! I was actually practicing the bassline to “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5 when I heard the news! Thank you Eddie and Michael for one of the best songs from my teen years! I am paying my respect to Michael Jackson by featuring his music this morning on my radio show! So “Beat It” will be played more than once today! God bless Eddie Van Halen and may Michael Jackson rest in peace!
Jim

Once again, Ed is a class act.
kenny

RIP MJ……
Scott

Kind of crazy.. I love Ed’s “beat it” solo. During my short commute home from work the last two days, that was the only song I had played on my ipod.
sean

The Beat It solo still stands as one of my favorite.
Jim

Aside from Alex and Wolfy, Michael Jackson was the best musician Ed ever worked with.

Ed is always a class act.
Rodney

Eddie Vah Halen is darker then Michael Jackson LOL
RIP Jacko
Kimberly

RIP Michael..a true artist..thank you for all you gave us. Amen, Eddie <3
Myron Philpot

I love these tabloid headlines that are so overblown: Ed “heartbroken” over MJ. Read his quote! He says he’s shocked, no more no less. Well, that’s the tabloids for ya.

Also, IMHO, the word genius is *over* used these days. MJ was gifted, talented and revolutionary. A genius? Hardly.
Skutch

a tragic loss. Truly an amazing artist.
Russ Thorn

Eddie is just playing nice now that Jackson is dead. What else is he supposed to say? I’ve read plenty of past interviews with Eddie on the subject and in every one he says the only reason he did it was as a favor to Quincy Jones, as there is that VH “rule” that you don’t do projects outside of the band. Ed had very little interaction with Jackson on the project. Eddie went in the studio, recorded 2 different solos for them to choose from for the song, and then left.

It’s sad how the media puts celebs on the spot like this, especially during those red carpet events where they are always try to get reactions from them about other celebs personal lives.
SCAR

To think how lucky our generation has been to grow up and witness the magic of Michael Jackson’s music. I know our lord has brought you to a beautiful place where peace and love surrounds you!!!
http://TheInsideMagazine JCN

RIP. Ed Macmahon, Farrah and Michael
Shayne

MJ was a pedafile he deserves to be six feet under he hung his own kids out over a hotel good riddens
http://None Ducky / Dirty Duck

Growing up in the early 80′s as a kid were some of the best times in my life. During that time I listened to everything. Michael Jackson was def an early influence to me. I remember the first time I saw the video for thriller. Not only did it scare the shit out of me (I was 9) but I absolutly loved the song and the video. No mateer where you went during that time you would hear michaels songs somewhere. The beach…the arcade…the park….blastin’ out of cars.
The music truly brings me back to those amazing summers long gone. Although I was not a big fan as the 90′s and beyond hit I still felt sorrow when I heard the news yesterday.
Michael is and always will be the king of pop in my book. Grew up on the cat and watched his career sky rocket….
I remember that live performance with eddie on stage with michael playing “beat it” like it was yesterday. It’s truly a sad day for music.

R.I.P michael….
SCAR

To the King of Pop this bud’s for you!!!!
Kimberly

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.
Rodney

Kimberly
MJ was a great musician, talented and gave us some of the best music in history. His personal life was turmoil and controversy. MJ was a messed up person. Don’t come in here and attack people for having opinions and speaking the truth.

Eddie Van Halen also has demons in the closet. Hopefully he stays on track to gets his life together before something like this happens.

Having talent alone and creating music doesn’t prevent u from being f’d up. Music doesn’t make being a pedophile acceptable.
vhfaninct

Rodney, Yes, very true. I wish the best foe Ed also. He is a good guy and looks like his life is in order. I hope nothing bad happens to him or hsi family. there is just too much temptation in the music business. Wolf seems like a good kid, I’m sure dad will keep in on the right road.
Stoner

Listen, most of us have skeletons in our closets, and no one knows but us the reason for their being, including life experiences, hardships and so on. We know the media has a way of twisting the truth for ratings or selling papers. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US would want everyone to stop bringing up past mistakes ( which again are totally overblown by media) and let US get on with our lives. Ed has been my idol for the past 25 years. He had his demons as everyone does but a true fan wouldn’t abandon him in a time like that. Yes Michael was the subject of alot of controversy but that is done, doesn’t matter now. How much was truth, only he knows. Lets just remember him for what he has acomplished.
Stoner

Just remember, these people weren’t put on this planet for the soul purpose of entertaining us, they have lives like all of us, they are human, and humans make mistakes. For those of you who like to occupy their time by cutting apart people like Ed, and Mike, get a fucking life! You probably have skeletons in your closet!
Skutch

Kimberly is right. I’m embarrassed by the people on this site. I will never blame Ed if he never records again. He can’t even a word about the death of Michael Jackson without having every word scrutinized by his own fans. Truly unbelievable.

Rodney, you are correct that MJ had his share of problems, but he was still an AMAZINGLY talented performer. People are allowed their opinions, but there is a time to speak and a time not to speak.
Cabo Joe

Michael Jackson died 15 years ago
Scottso

Despite all of his quirks and eccentricities, Michael Jackson was an incredible entertainer. He gave us amazing songs, videos and concerts. His death is truly a monumental loss for the world.

Yet, through his tragic death, I’ve had an epiphany.

I’ve been bashing Eddie Van Halen on VHND ever since Michael Anthony was unceremoniously dismissed from Van Halen. I think that was a horrible desicion and I was so disappointed in Eddie that I didn’t think he was a good person. Obviously I love his music, but couldn’t get past the way he treated Mike.

But no more.

The death of an icon like Michael Jackson was a reminder to me that life is far too short. Whether you believe that Mikey was fired or he quit is irrelevant. Mike is happy in Chickenfoot. I love their cd. I hope that Ed, Al, Wolfie & Dave will record and release some new music as well. Remember when Sammy joined VH, and Dave hooked up with Steve Vai, Billy Sheehan and Greg Bissonette? We were lucky enough to have both 5150 and Eat ‘em & Smile to listen to. It was awesome… kinda like having two versions of Van Halen!

Well, that’s what I’m hoping for again. Let’s hope that Eddie remains happy and healthy for many years to come. And as a long-time fan, of course I’d love to buy a new VH cd ASAP. I already bought every album they’ve ever made, as well as a few very cool bootlegs

Rock on, everyone!
Ross

Good to hear eveyone’s personal opinion, wishes to the deceased AND the living. Michael Jackson moved the world at many times throughout his life/career. With jaw-dropping music, crazy-ass dance moves, innovative videos, scary physical transformations and allegations of child abuse. I’ll just sit here and remember…all of it, not selectively, but the complete freak his parents produced. (while listening to “Beat It”,…great fuckin’ tune)
Vanicionado

All Hail Sister Kimberly…

Holier than thou…

Holier than you…

Give it a rest lady!
Cam Winston

Kimberly,
A. The worst thing said here wasn’t much worse that the vitriol you just aimed at anonymous commenters.
B. MJ was a one-of-a-kind talent who threw away his own career and reputation via his own actions.
C. May his soul rest in peace, but…..sorry, I can’t forget the “Jesus Juice” he gave that sick kid, but I’ll leave it up to God to sort through all this mess. Oh, wait, MJ switched to Islam when the going got tough, so we’ll have to see if that’s okay (beating women who show their ankles is, so the word is still out on giving booze to 5 year old boys) for his after-life.

Humor, after all, is often the best medicine.

Back on topic: ‘Beat it’ WAS a great 80s song and brought a lot of people (raising my hand) to pay attention to the group that the fantastic guitar player on that song was strumming & writing for. Music is that way, after all. Think any Chili Pepper fans are checking out some 80s version VH songs now that Chickenfoot is on tour? I mean, it’s not as though they have any recent Van Halen stuff to choose from…
http://None Ducky / Dirty Duck

Right on SCOTTSO!

Life IS too short brother.

There will come a day when even the great eddie van halen will pass (lets hope its not for another 30 years!)
and boy wont many here feel like fools.
EVERYONE is titled to their opinions…but what happend to having a little class and dignity?
Granted its hard to live in the moment…i’m guilty of not doing it at times too…but we better get our acts together. Constant negativity and bullshit comments about someone who’s website a lot of you are on CONSTANTLY is ridiculous.
SCAR

Shayne, Jackson might have been messed up and done some really bad things but it might be a result of the physical and mental abuse he encountered with his messed up Father. Everyone deserves a chance for forgiveness!!! We know he had problems but we do not know to what extent!!!
theREALchris

The Music Genius, King of Pop, Superstar as we knew him, was gone a long time ago. It is a shame that he died when his “pop” status was at such a horrible low.
mikefont

If it wasn’t for Eddie’s awesome solo for “Beat It” I doubt that anyone here would care as much. Jackson was a great musician, but if he DID molest those kids (just like we all know OJ committed those murders) then I hope that pedophile is burning in Hell right now!
Pete

Two maestros, two tortured souls. I hope Eddie finds some peace before he’s in the ground too.
Vanicionado

Cam… VITRIOL… one of my favourite words!!

(Sweet!!)
just the facts

Michael Jackson was a serial child molestor who bought his victims silence many,many times. I wonder how the self named “King of Pop” is now explaining his actions to his maker.

Does his death mean a delay in new music as Ed recovers.
ROB5150

I love hard rock music but I saw Jacko’s gigs in Monza (Italy) in ’92, great shows and incredible entertainer! The solo of ‘Beat it’ is probably the best in the history of r’n'r.
The best in pop music meets the best in R’n'R in ‘Beat it’.
I take this opportunity to remind Farrah, who has troubled my dreams of adolescent.
God bless.
gbonnet

First of all I’d like to say I’m the new guy here although I was a subscriber to The Inside (all-VH) magazine back in the day. Where’s my latest issue by the way?

I was lucky to see Michael live back in ’97 in Finland. God bless his soul. This is truly a sad day.

I think Eddie’s solo on “Beat It” is by far the best rock guitar solo I’ve ever heard. It always gives me goose bumps. I just checked that fact a few minutes ago when I was watching Michael’s video for “Beat It” on VH1. It worked… goose bumps.

Anyway I don’t have much else to say, but I’m shocked by the news and don’t yet fully realize what’s happened.
Big AL

To Edward and Janie Van Halen:

I know your wedding isn’t until tomorrow 6-27-09. But let me be the first to congratulate you both on your amazing day.

Thank you Janie for giving Ed the courage and strength to beat his demons so ED could give us a wonderful tour and new music to come.

Ed thank you for letting Janie enter your life and trusting her to help bring you back to being the person your TRUE FANS know you are.

Rev. Al (the GREATEST DRUMMER EVER) Get these two married asap so we the VH FREAKS can rock out to some NEW VAN HALEN!!!
Michael

MJ – overrated.

A real creep too.
satovan

“due to the fact that MJ was 99% plastic, he will be melted down and made into lego’s so kids can play with him for a change” what? too soon?
Bo-Sox

Kimberly? I dont get it? I read nothing that was an attack on Michael… I honestly thought I would find more negative comments on here about Michael and his checkered past. Here is one for ya. I heard he died of food posioning …he choked on a 12 years old nuts.
Rocko

R.I.P MJ and all the best to Ed and Janie on their Wedding Day tomorrow.
Joe

Has anyone here ever heard the alternate solo recorded for “Beat It”?

The album track is Eddie at his absolute best. I’d love to hear the alternate take.