Here's a blast from the past that most Van Halen fans have never heard! "1984," the little synth ditty that opens the 1984 album, was performed every night on Van Halen's 1984 tour, right before the band launched into "Jump." Presented here is the only known recording of Eddie performing an extended version of "1984." Listen carefully, and you'll hear bits of other VH … [Read more...]
Eddie Van Halen News
Sick 11-year-old wants to meet Eddie Van Halen
This is a touching story about an 11 year old boy named Bradley Zugel, who happens to be a huge Van Halen fan. Bradley was recently diagnosed with cancer. His wish, through the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northern Nevada, is to meet guitarist Eddie Van Halen. The first part of the story was published Dec. 15th, 2008 in the Reno Gazette-Journal: Boy Diagnosed With … [Read more...]
Eddie Van Halen Striped Sneakers now available!
High Tops & Low Tops in three different color schemes Get ‘em now at Van Halen Store! Van Halen Store is proud to offer the most anticipated and fan-requested Van Halen wearable ever - Eddie Van Halen striped sneakers! These are the famous sneakers that Eddie's been wearing for years, which sport the greatest graphics in the … [Read more...]
The Real Guitar Heroes: Top 10 Rock Guitarists Ever
From the full article at nydailynews.com: In honor of the release of 'Guitar Hero: Metallica', the News shredded all conventions to name our list of the top ten rock guitarists ever. Did Hendrix, Clapton or Van Halen get the top spot? Did Slash get cut from the list? Did metal guitarists like Steve Vai and Randy Rhoads get their due? Fans surely won't agree with all of … [Read more...]
Review: EVH Frankie Pickup Worth Every Penny
WoodyTone.com has what seems to be the first review of the new EVH Frankenstein Humbucker: Ed’s Sound: Priceless If you’re a fan of Edward Van Halen, ask yourself this question: How much money would you pay for a pickup that EVH personally designed with Seymour Duncan? Bear in mind that good humbuckers can cost anywhere from $40-$50 made by single-person boutique shops … [Read more...]
Eddie Van Halen Dismisses Jimi Hendrix Comparisons
From www.spinner.com: When Eddie Van Halen talks about guitars, people listen. It's like LeBron James waxing poetic on the art of the assist, or Kate Winslet on getting acting awards. Van Halen is that highly regarded in the guitar world. In fact, in a recent article in USA Today, he was referred to as "the Jimi Hendrix of his generation." High praise indeed. What does … [Read more...]
Eddie at NAMM, 1987 (Rare Video)
Here's some little-seen footage of Eddie Van Halen playing at the Anaheim Convention Center during the NAMM show, January 30th, 1987. He's jamming with Steve Stevens, Michael Winslow, and others at the Kramer booth. This was just two months after the 5150 tour wrapped up, and just before he went into the studio to play bass on Sammy's I Never Said Goodbye album. Songs: … [Read more...]
Dweezil Zappa on Meeting Eddie Van Halen
Dweezil Zappa is currently touring with an ensemble performing a show dedicated to his late father's work, called "Zappa Plays Zappa". On February 26th of this year, during a stop at the Dodge Theater in Phoenix, Arizona, Dweezil took the opportunity to tell a short, funny tale of meeting Edward Van Halen for the very first time, when Zappa was but a mere teenager. He then … [Read more...]
Eddie Talks About the Future
The current issue of Hustler magazine has an exclusive interview with Eddie Van Halen. Here are the highlights where he talks about his upcoming wedding plans and making new music with David Lee Roth: When can we hope for the new CD? First, Wolfgang graduates, and then Janie and I are getting married. Then we'll sit down, give Dave a call and ask him if he feels like … [Read more...]
Van Halen Donates to Cancer-Stricken Deputy
We at the Van Halen News Desk just learned that Eddie, Alex, and Wolfgang Van Halen have donated some signed items for an auction to help to help a Southland sheriff's deputy who is fighting acute myeloid leukemia. (The full story is below). This news doesn't surprise us, as we know that Eddie Van Halen actually does this sort of thing all the time. But because he prefers … [Read more...]
Eddie Van Halen Playing “Crossroads”
This little clip should make your day. If you've never heard this (and even if you have), then you are in for a treat. Sometime in 1984, Eddie Van Halen sat for an interview with veteran rock journalist Lisa Robinson. As the conversation progressed, talk centered on guitar styles and influences. Ed responds by ripping out an impromptu, note-for-note, perfect rendition of Eric … [Read more...]
Sterling Ball on his Association with Eddie Van Halen
From Ernie Ball's site, Music-Man.com site: Sterling Ball wrote this about his association with Eddie Van Halen: I guess I have to talk about EVH... This is a edited message that I responded to on our forum about the old 5150 guitar strings. It is an example of you never know when you take a little creative initiative where it can take you. 5150 strings are what … [Read more...]