UPDATE 1/28/15: More details have emerged today about Eddie Van Halen upcoming speech at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and Zócalo Public Square on February 12th.
Edward’s camp sent us this info today:
First of all, the event will be broadcast online, so fans will be able to watch video of Eddie’s speech the very next day!
The Dutch immigrant and naturalized U.S. citizen will discuss his American journey, his role in creating one of the biggest American rock bands of all time, how he has reinvented the way the guitar is played and designed, and he will answer the question, “Is rock ‘n’ roll about reinvention?” Entertainment journalist Denise Quan will moderate the sold-out event.
Best known as the lead guitarist and co-founder of Van Halen, Eddie Van Halen is recognized for his innovative performance and recording styles, two-hand tapping, scorching solos and energetic concerts. Van Halen has invented guitar technology, technique and instruments that have redefined how the guitar is played and heard.
For the event Van Halen and Fender will donate a master-built replica of Van Halen’s famous white-with-black-stripe Stratocaster. This is the guitar that changed the guitar world in 1978 when Van Halen cross-pollinated Gibson electronics with Fender body and neck designs. To represent the path of progressions in his instrument designs, a Stealth finished EVH Brand Wolfgang will also be included to represent his modern-day workhorse.
In addition to the guitars, Van Halen and Fender Musical Instruments Corp. will also donate an EVH Brand 5150-III amplifier and speaker cabinet to embody the journey and progression of his amplifier designs from the early ’70s through the modern day.
The National Museum of American History and Los Angeles-based Ideas Exchange Zócalo Public Square have partnered to present “What It Means to Be American,” a collaborative three-year initiative aimed at engaging leading thinkers, public figures and Americans from all walks of life to explore how the United States became the nation it is today.
The Feb. 12 event is sold-out, and no public tickets are available. The event video may be accessed Feb. 13 here.
Original article from Jan. 5th:
Eddie Van Halen will be speaking at the National Museum of American History on February 12th.
From whatitmeanstobeamerican.org:
What makes rock ’n’ roll quintessentially American? The answer may lie in our talent for innovation and reinvention–two subjects no one knows better than Eddie Van Halen. A Dutch immigrant and naturalized U.S. citizen, Van Halen created an iconic American band–and kept it relevant for five decades by continually reinventing it. As a performer, songwriter, and inventor of instruments that allow musicians to make sound in new ways, he redefined how the guitar is played and designed. Is reinvention the definitive quality of the art of rock ‘n’ roll? Rock icon Van Halen discusses his American journey, and how he’s reinvented himself, his band, and the way the guitar is played.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
6:30 pm
National Museum of American History
14th St and Constitution Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20001
*Photo courtesy of Clay Patrick McBride.