"I’ll never forget meeting Taylor on tour in San Diego in 2012. He was such a ridiculously kind man. The dude just emanated cool. Him, my pops and I talked for as long as we could until we had to leave. An incredible drummer and singer, he was a constant inspiration to me throughout my entire life. This is like a kick in the gut. "My most heartfelt condolences go out to his … [Read more...]
Search Results for: ll cool j
Exclusive Interview: ‘Eruption: Conversations With Eddie Van Halen’ Authors Brad Tolinski & Chris Gill
Brad Tolinki (L), Chris Gill (R) The Van Halen News Desk had the chance to talk with Brad Tolinski & Chris Gill, authors of the much-anticipated book Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen, which is released today! Tolinski and Gill collected over 50 hours of unreleased interviews with Eddie - most conducted at his legendary 5150 studios in Los Angeles … [Read more...]
How Eddie Van Halen Inspired Night Ranger’s Brad Gillis To Master The Whammy Bar Technique
Credit: Rudy Childs Night Ranger guitar Brad Gillis says his mastery of the whammy bar all began with the guitar master himself - Eddie Van Halen. During a recent interview with 80's Metal Recycle Bin, Gillis talked about the origins of his guitar technique, one that helped take Night Ranger to the top of the charts with multi-platinum records and sales reaching over … [Read more...]
Jerry Cantrell On The Stolen EVH Guitar That Found Its Way Back Home
Imagine Eddie Van Halen giving you an EVH guitar only to have it stolen. That's exactly what happened to Alice in Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell but, thankfully, this story has a happy ending. Even better, Cantrell was able to share the good news with Eddie himself. Back in 1991 Alice in Chains was chosen as the opening act for Van Halen. Cantrell said Eddie ended up … [Read more...]
Dweezil Zappa Is All Fired Up For ‘OU812’ Deep Track ‘A.F.U. (Naturally Wired)’
Dweezil Zappa says Van Halen's "A.F.U. (Naturally Wired)" is firing on all cylinders no matter who the singer is. In fact, it could have worked just fine with no singer at all. "If there was never a vocal on this, this would be a great Van Halen instrumental," Zappa told Maroon 5 guitarist James Valentine in a recently released clip of his podcast Runnin' With The Dweezil. … [Read more...]
This Day [Literally] In 1978: Van Halen ‘Jams’ Out In Oklahoma
August 6th, 1978. It's a steamy, hot day under the blaring sun in Oklahoma City. A crowd of very sweaty, very buzzed rock and roll fans are burning up, anxiously awaiting for the next band to hit the stage. Have no fear, the Ice Cream Man, King Edward and Van Halen are here to keep 'em cool! On this day in 1978 Van Halen performed a rare day-time concert at the State Fair … [Read more...]
Billy Sheehan On ‘Eat ‘Em and Smile’ Tour Bass/Guitar Duel With Steve Vai: ‘Dave Said It Should Be Like A Tractor Pull’
If you were fortunate enough to attend one of David Lee Roth’s concerts 35 summers ago, you’ll likely remember the epic onstage bass/guitar duel between bassist Billy Sheehan and guitarist Steve Vai. Then again, if you were at one of the first few shows, odds are you didn’t see it at all and Sheehan can explain why. During a recent appearance on the podcast Breaking … [Read more...]
George Lynch: ‘Eddie Van Halen Was A Super-Sensitive Guy, Which Allowed Him To Be This Incredible Musician’
There was a side of Eddie Van Halen most never had the chance to see, according to guitarist George Lynch. During his appearance on the Appetite for Destortion podcast, Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob) talked about the impact Eddie’s death had on him. "I mean, David Bowie, I mean, George Michael, all these people - Prince - these giants - Tom Petty - all at once it seemed like,” … [Read more...]
Pearl Jam Members Talkin’ ‘Bout Their Love Of Van Halen: ‘The Greatest Live Rock Band Of All Time’
Guitarist Mike McCready leading the way on Pearl Jam's performance of "Eruption"/"Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" (Hartford, CT 2013) For those who need proof that even the "grunge" bands of the 90s were huge Van Halen fans we submit Exhibits "P" & "J" as in Pearl Jam. "I don’t think there was a better live music experience [than Van Halen]," Gossard recently told … [Read more...]
Wolfgang Van Halen Talks Solo Debut, Missing His Dad, Planned VH Reunion & More To Rolling Stone
Wolfgang Van Halen spoke with Rolling Stone recently to talk about the passing of his legendary father Eddie, his new solo project, David Lee Roth, Michael Anthony, the once possible Van Halen reunion and more. Wolfgang began the interview by commenting on the overwhelming responses he's received from fans regarding both the loss of his father and the release of his brand … [Read more...]
Iowa Woman Recalls Her Moment In The Sun With David Lee Roth
Well guess who’s back in circulation? It’s David Lee Roth’s favorite flag girl. Over three decades later she’s returned to let her flag unfurl one more time. Just recently Iowa sports writer Sam Paxton shared a story with the Van Halen News Desk regarding long lost photos and video of David Lee Roth showing up during halftime of an Iowa-Iowa State football game in September … [Read more...]
Nuno Bettencourt: Eddie Van Halen Was ‘Super Excited To Finally Put The Original Van Halen Lineup Back Together’
Nuno Bettencourt and Eddie Van Halen circa 1991 In a post to his Facebook page Nuno Bettencourt said Eddie Van Halen wanted to get the original lineup of Van Halen back together again. Bettencourt said, "He wanted to do one final tour and have Van Halen go out the way they came in . Together... Guns Blazing!" Bettencourt shared his Extreme admiration for Eddie and … [Read more...]