And in classic Eddie fashion, he’s playing like what sounds like three guitar players are on stage, never misses a beat and is smiling the entire time. Just unbelievable!!! The Goat!
Amsterdam is one of Alex's best work. He is so under-appreciated as a timekeeper, but also how he can drive a song. The syncopation in this song is incredible.
I was 12yrs old when the Jump video came out and I loved guitar but Alex was the reason I made my own drum kit out of sauce pan lids and Tupperware lids that fit on the pan lids..the hole from unscrewing the lid handles were a perfect mounting point for wire hangers that I inserted, turned them upside down hanging from a barstool,with a cushion top I used as bass drum 😆 If you rewatch the video Alex thankfully gets alot of screen time and was my inspiration for getting a full kit(Mom God bless her had expensive cookware and bought me a 6pc Pearl God bless Alex Van Halen ✌️💛🤘
Love the way Eddie totally blurs - no, destroys - the line between rhythm and lead playing. There is no difference -- it's all just "the guitar part", hopping effortlessly between perfect groove and soaring improvisation, and then back again, all the while smiling and having a blast. There is no "work" happening here - it's all play, at a cosmic level of ability.
Exactly. Watching Michael's reaction on my laptop I felt like my monitor was a mirror because I was reacting the same way, with the same words, the same face, at all the same times. Completely overwhelmed with the technical brilliance, creative dexterity, and sonic beauty.
There's always been "so much going on in here" in Eddie's world. Shouldn't come as a surprise. As Sammy says, "What's understood doesn't need to be spoken."
Gary Charone said he'd be at the 5150 studio rehearsing working on material. While recording, Eddie and Alex would go off on 10 minutes plus jam improves that blew his mind. It was perfect and happened all the time both at the same time like it was normal between those 2. Brothers with lazer focus god given talent and the love of music. Gifted us with decades of music.
The Van Halen brothers certainly have talent, but they also worked their asses off (like you stated just jamming) since they were kids. These guys are probably the best guitar/drum duo in history.
See the tube video of Ed actually writing that ruff in 5150 way before it was even on tape. That tune amazing stuff. Man the ideals that came out of him beyond creative..
Agree. All the albums brought something new and fresh. From the dead heavy opening riff of don’t tell me what love can do to Feelin’ and the riff masterpiece that is Amsterdam.
an UNBELIEVABLE tour in a time where grunge ruled and hip hop metal was on the rise with Metallica kings of rock. Eddie slipped in an incredible album that was just "different" for the times.
That Bruce Fairbairn production brought a lot of luster to their performances. I wish he had done For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, because the mix was just so muddy.
@@knowmusicman157 Awe is the player you jack it to not getting any attention. There's an easy explanation why he isn't. Because everything you said Eddie didn't do (he never in his life claimed to invent tapping, he said he just incorporated it more) he did do and the guitarists you think is so great can't, won't, and will probably never try because he knows who the GOAT is. What you just said about Eddie is like saying no one ever rip off Eddie's style. Bring forth your 6 string King if Eddie didn't, can't, and show us this new Messiah you speak of. It's nice he let's Eddie just keep kicking his ass with his made up technics that you can't see him using, playing, etc. GTF out of here with you Hagar one sided comments.
I still can't believe I live in a world where Edward doesn't physically exist anymore, I cannot wrap my head around it..... Great video and reaction, keep up the great work Michael!
Its like i randomly think wonder when the next VH album is coming out n then im like oh yeah........ its crazy they released so little over the latter years but there was always hope....EVH the maestro R.I.P
That rhythm right after that stratospheric solo - so freakin chunky and full of attitude. Us mortals would lose our shit if we could come up with that riff
Eddie's guitar tone sounds like a stadium. He plays with the Hendrix like freedom we all dream of. Consistently floating in that area where music is pure feeling and fun, while producing some of the most impressive technical guitar work.
"He plays with the Hendrix like freedom we all dream of. Consistently floating in that area where music is pure feeling and fun" So much this. As a half-assed (at best) guitar player, I'll never get there. But it's an amazing thing to witness, especially live.
@@ritarollins6664 Saying he plays with a "hendrix-like freedom" isnt me saying Jimi could play these exact songs and techniques. I'm just describing a vibe, not exact notes and techniques. Relax
It has always amazed me how unbelievably unmelodic EVH's playing could be...almost to the point where you're sitting there like "WTF IS HE DOING"...and then he just brings it back effortlessly and suddenly you're like "Oh...that was perfect."
To the point it’s almost silly!! Seen VH 10 x’s from Fair Warning thru Balance.. left absolutely speechless on BALANCE OMFG!!! Ridiculous!!! OMFG!!! WTF JUST HIT ME??? Is all I could say.. RIP KING EDDIE VAN HALEN!! Love ya bro
EVH is hands down the best ever to pick up a guitar. The man done things that no one thought was possible. He was the complete player...his rhythms, solos and melodies were 2nd to none. It sounds as if there are two guitars playing in many parts of every song. I am honored to have lived during the time of EVH and hear everything as it was released vs years later. RIP EVH
Well said brother! It's funny that you say it sounded like two guys playing the guitar because that is exactly the way Gene Simmons described it when he first heard Eddie playing. He said he heard it and it sounded amazing the way those guys were playing, he walked over there and just saw one dude playing the guitar and he was blown away. Just as the rest of us were every time we heard him play! I have never really felt any personal grief when most celebrities die, but this Hit me hard. I grew up listening to these guys right from the start and I saw them so many times in concert. Growing up with them made it personal for me and I really feel the loss, almost like a friend died. RIP EVH, guitar god, music legend!
Not even close he was very very good at his style but he could not play multiple styles. When you talk about the best to talk about someone who can play any style excellently. That’s all you have to say Stev Howe. Or Danny Gatten. Or Rory Gallagher. Guthrie Govan
@@knowmusicman157 that's a cute opinion. Ask actual guitar players of any fame who is the best and most will say Edward. Everyone is compared to Eddie for a reason.
@@sw1tched Cute opinion? I am one and related to several (actual and famous guitar players). Eddie was the best at his very narrow genre and style. You enjoy worshipping him. That's your opinion. Opinions are like teeth. Everybody has at least 1. Even if it's a false one.
@@knowmusicman157 Don't know if multiple styles equals the best...Example the "best car" doesn't include all styles either, like off-roading, storage space, etc
Eddie's creativity was at his peak. They naysayers likes to say that he was overrun by the flood of late 80's shredders. I barely remember any of those shredders music but I do remember Eddie's songs after all these years !
@@steved1135 It is funny that I heard Jump after I’have heard Dreams, Mine All Mine, Feels So Good, Cabo Wabo. I thought Jump was repeating the main riff too much, and thought it was a precursor to the greatness that would follow. I’ll Wait and Drop Dead Legs showed signs of where Eddie was heading into - into full blown, orchestrated and jammingly performed songwriting realm. I am one of those oddballs who has placed OU812 on top of their musical world. Still waiting for a remastered version.
He was never overtaken by ANYBODY. Yeah, you had a bunch of speed demon "shredders", but none of them had the sound, feel, licks or God-given gift for writing that Ed did.
EVH was a once in a millennium artist (perhaps an alien)... Yes, his tapping, harmonics and speed reinvented the lead guitar playing, but it goes SO MUCH deeper. EVH was one of the most melodic songwriters of all time, over 100 million records sold, dozens of hit songs, multiple patents as a guitar and amp builder, and insane groove lock and rhythm playing, all served up with that amazing EVH smile.. because it all came from a joyful heart! I was lucky enough to see EVH 50 times and meet him twice - it was like heaven and hell raining down all in one... never to be repeated... his gifts will travel for eternity throughout the expanses of the UNIVERSE! GOD BLESS THE GREATEST MUSICIAN TO EVER LIVE!
That tone is why a ton of metal music in the early 2000s was made with a 5150 amp. So basically EVH hyper influenced the 80s and as his tone developed and changed he took it out to a place where metal could take it like a baton and push what influenced them in that tone to the places they went with it. His influence is wide and deep and varied. He's on the Mt. Rushmore of rock guitar front and center for real.
I am a huge Eddie Van Halen fan when he passed I felt like a part of me died I grew up with this man listening to his music I can listen to him play for hours and just be blown away I think he was just the best of allThank God we still have his music to listen to
Eddie never over played. He never sacrificed the song. He really was a one of a kind. Also props to Alex and especially Mike. Oh yeah Sammy nails it too. I love the Dave era on record more, but live Sammy always brought it.
The Balance Album my friends, if you don't know, now you know. It was after grunge took over and their style fell out of favor. But its still one of my favorite Album of theirs with some great tunes. Listen to it my friends, it is well worth it. We miss you Eddie, and will be freaking out over what you left us for years to come.
@@jakeenan We all have different taste, but I think it's great they were able to showcase other skills beyond 80's metal/heavy rock beyond Dave's capabilities. I've always been a Van Hagar fan, but to each their own. At the end of the day we all love VH, and that's what truly matters.
Eddie was such a master of rhythm. No matter what kind of flashy lick he threw, his time was always so brilliant. It’s a crime that so often people think Eruption when they think EVH. That little show number stole a lot of attention from Eddie’s more impressive and meaningful capabilities. I have always liked Balance and For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. Those albums displayed a matured version of VH at it’s peak. Sammy was and rather amazingly still is a great singer. As a front man DLR was maybe the best ever, but Sammy really is ridiculously talented singer.
Eddie was 3x’s the player with Sammy he was with Dave. UNBELIEVABLE the leaps and bounds as a song writer and player he made over the years. Rest in piece MR EDWARD VAN HALEN.. ♥️
Thousands and Thousands of hours of practice and perfecting his craft GONE FOREVER when King Edward left us. He was and always will be the best. There will NEVER be another one like him ... *Rest in Peace Rock Star EVH 👑
Balance isn't my favorite VH album, but the production is stellar & Eddie's playing is just incredible. His tone is awesome too. The outro solo on Don't Tell Me still kills me. EVH 4EVR!!!
Eddie’s tone was epic. The Balance album reached the pinnacle regarding Eddie’s tone as far as I’m concerned. It is just so, so, so damn good! Eddie is a Legend and the best ever in my book. It is so hard to believe there was only one guitar on stage. So many different sounds Eddie got out of it ……. effortlessly, and just smiling. Man, I miss him!
Two things you now need to do. Watch the rest of this performance. Two sold out nights in Toronto. They were on fire. Secondly, you need to listen to Balance. Tragically underrated album. So many great songs.
Amsterdam is one of my all-time FAVORITE songs from Van Halen, I have to listen to it a few times a week !!!! OH and I have this concert on VHS still, when I taped it live from Canada, from my Analog big dish TV !!!
@@AlexanderTerminator Besides being sober, he couldn’t really run around too much because his hip was a major issue, so he really stood still a lot and just concentrated on his playing. That’s why he was so freaking precise on that tour.
For the Balance tour Eddie has really cleaned himself up. I saw them in Los Angles and that was the fastest and cleanest I’d EVER seen him play. Freakin’ amazing.
I always thought that this song, Amsterdam, was just chock full of bad-ass riffs and licks.... and the Master, Eddie Van Halen..... was somehow able to harness all of it... and bring it all together as a killer song. He was not just the Master guitar technician and player, but also...... a gifted genius song-writer. There will never be another quite like him. I miss him so much, and miss the idea of one last record... one last tour. One last surprise.... all that. But mostly, I just miss Ed.
I'm with you JimmyZ. For me a large part of the loss I feel is that the anticipation or possibility of just one more EVH emergence is gone. You crave anything new from the GOAT, and the thought that one more thing might be out there on the horizon was something special to hold on to. The world is a lesser place without EVH in it.
Loved your reaction, as many accolades as he has received as a guitar player...I have never felt it even touched on what an absolute genius he really was. Never heard that song before either btw
Jeezus. I'm in awe & speechless, too. And speaking of his rhythm skill's, the rhythm to his solo on Mean Streets still makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up today. SMDH! RIP, Eddie.
And Al with that amazing snare drum crack, each hit kind of sounds like a firecracker, and keeping the beat going amazing, and Michael is grooving along just as well. Such a treat to hear two of the best professional drums & bass players ever, it adds a lot to what Ed is doing. Thanks much for this video, your reactions are the best. I never paid much attention to Amsterdam, but I do now thanks to your video, and seeing them do this live brings it even more to life, not to just hear Ed playing it, but seeing him do it, soaring above is right.
This is the first time I heard this song. I think I'll put my guitar down and pick up another instrument. Amazing how tight they are with all that going on. Damn! We miss you Eddie!
ok well this video is 2 yrs old but here I am, and watching you watch Eddie with your mouth open is gold ! God love him RIP Eddie, we are still listening
I remember this. Amazing. I recorded it on VHS and watched it a million times. Balance was my introduction to VH and I became obsessed. EVH is my hero 😀
Yeah man. Edward was a once in a lifetime phenomenon. It’s still hard talking about him in the past tense. It goes way beyond that. Like Wolfgang said, the way Mozart is talked about today, 230 years after his death, in 230 years from now in 2251, they’ll still be talking about King Edward and his massive talent and contributions to music. Long live the king! King Edward!
Ed always was the best to flip between staccato and legato and back. He was always completely in control of every little thing he did. Can you imagine the jams that just went on and didn’t turn into tracks? Just flip “record” and play for an hour. Listen back and grab things here and there. I can’t imagine what’s on tape at 5150. And that tone.... GOAT.
Legato means “fluid” right? Yep, Eddie covers the full range of rhythmic expression when he plays. Songs like these, later in his maturity, truly demonstrate what an Amadeus-scale musician Eddie is.
Michael Palmisano . . . I have the same expression on my face when I listen to EVH . . . While I'm a respectable guitar player when I listen to EVH I need to go practice quite a few levels more . . . Sadly we lost one of the best . . . if not the best of the best RIP EVH . . . Appreciate your video Michael . . . All the best & stay well !!!
Uhmm.... Considering It's a well known fact that Eddie was totally self taught and had no training period and in fact went to one lesson and never went back, I'd like to know where he got classical training when he couldn't even read music? You must be confusing Eddie with Yngwie. Or just talking out your ass. I personally think the fact that Eddie's lack of training and being self taught makes his uniqueness the most unique. It's funny when you hear wanna be players saying he wasn't the greatest, and so and so is better, yet the guy saying it, and the ones he's referring too are all using techniques Eddie pioneered and are anything but a master at it
Michael Palmisano Confessing or stressing Have you tried it all I can't get that girl out of my mind She's driving me mad Sorry Sir I will direct you To the Creator The One above all To the Lord HE has the answers HE is the ONE who cares The only ONE Who save sinners That used to be us all Thank you JESUS GLORY TO GOD
Michael Palmisano I wanna know Where all the energy goes Planning ahead For a yes Or a no I love you And the idea excites me For we are all in it For the better
Balance blows me away...still to this day. A tremendous body of solid rock. Just goes to prove that just because it's not popular, doesn't mean it's not the BEST. This album holds a high ranking with me, I mean no disparaging in former and following works just saying this is GREAT!!!!!!!!!!
Balance is still my favorite Van Halen album. It maybe didn't have the hits of other albums, but the music is just so great--so much going on and so much musical maturity and experimentation. And honestly, with this lineup, it's basically a supergroup. Each individual member of this band would have groups formed around them.
Some people are so talented that they are able to play what they hear in their head, but the truly gifted are able to share it with the rest of us. And then we have Van Halen, an entire group that made us feel great while doing the impossible! WTF All that, and Eddie gave us Wolfgang too. GOATS everywhere!
I watch that performance live on cable TV pay-per-view must have been back in 94-95 I even recorded it on VHS that was the first time I heard Amsterdam and it blew my mind definitely some of Ed's best work and that guitar tone on the balanced tour is definitely my favorite
Yep - that’s pretty much how we all felt when we first heard this. I first heard it on a UK radio show where Slash was a guest promoting Velvet Revolver, and they asked him to select some tracks for the DJ to play.
Hope the Palmisano family had a lovely Easter Weekend. Second, congrats on 250k, Michael. Lastly, I too had never heard this song before today. EVH absolutely melting faces.
I know this is old but this is the first time I have heard this song. I can't play a lick to save my life but I grown to understand that Eddie was not a guitar player, he was a sound smith! Someone that had the complete ability to craft cohesive and complex sounds out of his instrument even when seemingly there was only basic sounds available. There are lots of great guitarists around, but very very few sound smith's.
My Highschool crush. I saw them, the first time., in 1979. Right at the stage. Arms resting on the stage, we were that close. I watched Eddie the whole time. He smiled the whole time. lol. and played the guitar like no one we had ever seen up to that point. WAS LOVE FOR ME. I cried when he died. He was one of us. Grew up with the same kind of life we had. Well, almost. lol. House parties were a big thing back then. HE PLAYED HOUSE PARTIES IN CALI. LUCKY DOGS. I saw eddie for the last time in 2015. i am so glad i went. It was a toss up between VH and Rush. I LOVE RUSH JUST AS MUCH. Saw them in 79 as well. I chose my crush. Was amazing. HE WAS A TRUE PRODIGY.
This is actually my favorite VH song. Ed's tone on this album fucking SLAPS. Insane, strippy leads? Done. Groovy ass riffs? In spades. Face melting shred? Yeah we got that one this one too. You're right. This guy was just on another plane of existence, but always asking other players to join him. You could tell he wanted to be wowed as much as we did. His freedom is what always gets me though. Like a kid on the first day of summer break running through the woods with his buddies. Not a fucking care in the world. He got that place where they were all the right notes and all it took to prove it was his own belief in it.
The thing that sets the greatest guitar players apart from their peers is an inborn sense of rhythm. Hendrix, who is often cited as the greatest, was an amazing rhythm player. Eddie had it in spades! If you think about VH's greatest songs it the rhythm parts that you remember. This song is a great example of Eddie's rhythm SWAGGER!!!
Complete mastery of the guitar as an extension of his body, then he could just feel what to do and where to go next. No thinking, no script just all from the soul.
You have the same reaction as someone that just arrived on this planet and was watching EVH play. Just WTF?? and like you said.. every time you hear him play its something new you hear. Its just badass. Players will study EVH for years and years and still come away from it shaking their heads trying to figure out how he did that.
Surprised? Guess you didn't listen to balance album or see that tour! They were all on fire... one of the BEST vh tours ever. Think it was 95. It's always fresh.
And in classic Eddie fashion, he’s playing like what sounds like three guitar players are on stage, never misses a beat and is smiling the entire time. Just unbelievable!!! The Goat!
And quite often, running around while doing it.
That's what kills me the most.
Amsterdam is one of Alex's best work. He is so under-appreciated as a timekeeper, but also how he can drive a song. The syncopation in this song is incredible.
And he could have played most of it straight… but he’s Alex Van Halen. Syncopated but still grooves like hell.
I was 12yrs old when the Jump video came out and I loved guitar but Alex was the reason I made my own drum kit out of sauce pan lids and Tupperware lids that fit on the pan lids..the hole from unscrewing the lid handles were a perfect mounting point for wire hangers that I inserted, turned them upside down hanging from a barstool,with a cushion top I used as bass drum 😆
If you rewatch the video Alex thankfully gets alot of screen time and was my inspiration for getting a full kit(Mom God bless her had expensive cookware and bought me a 6pc Pearl God bless
Alex Van Halen ✌️💛🤘
Alexs groove and fills on "outta love again..." Off of VH 2 are simply incredible.
The entire Balance album gave Alex a lot of time to shine
Was good to see Mike Portnoy include AVH as one his 11 most influential drummers.
Love the way Eddie totally blurs - no, destroys - the line between rhythm and lead playing. There is no difference -- it's all just "the guitar part", hopping effortlessly between perfect groove and soaring improvisation, and then back again, all the while smiling and having a blast. There is no "work" happening here - it's all play, at a cosmic level of ability.
Great observation. Very very true.
Wow, you're absolutely right. Never worded it that way, but you're absolutely right!🎯
@@Calif5150 truth brother!
“Cosmic” is the word here.
well said man!!
And if that wasn't enough Alex is killing that groove with a freaking neck brace on........COME ON BRO!!!!!!!
And Eddie was suffering hip troubles at the time. Hence the tour’s nickname: the Ambulance Tour.
@@capnmo6718 in the video Alex said it's the Smoking Tour.
He got 200 extra HP from the stache.
Most accurate reaction ever. This is all of us, still baffled by how he was that good.
Exactly. Watching Michael's reaction on my laptop I felt like my monitor was a mirror because I was reacting the same way, with the same words, the same face, at all the same times.
Completely overwhelmed with the technical brilliance, creative dexterity, and sonic beauty.
That end solo was insane. He just peeled off those licks like he was cruising around town.
Rest in Peace King Edward!!!
Thanks for all the unbelievably great music!!!🤘🤩
“There is so much going on in here.” Yep, that’s why we love Eddie.
There's always been "so much going on in here" in Eddie's world. Shouldn't come as a surprise. As Sammy says, "What's understood doesn't need to be spoken."
@@SilentKnight43 "What is understood need not be discussed"
@@AlexanderTerminator What need not be discussed needs a time machine after it's been discussed.
Gary Charone said he'd be at the 5150 studio rehearsing working on material. While recording, Eddie and Alex would go off on 10 minutes plus jam improves that
blew his mind. It was perfect and happened all the time both at the same time like it was normal between those 2. Brothers with lazer focus god given talent and the love of music. Gifted us with decades of music.
The Van Halen brothers certainly have talent, but they also worked their asses off (like you stated just jamming) since they were kids. These guys are probably the best guitar/drum duo in history.
Alex is one of the most underrated percussionists of all time, ranks right there with Peart.
@@steveclark5016 I agree. Al is WAY up near the tipy top of the GOAT list. WAY up there.
The drums in this song is brilliant to me
Amsterdam, one of the most underrated songs. It's in drop D.
See the tube video of Ed actually writing that ruff in 5150 way before it was even on tape. That tune amazing stuff. Man the ideals that came out of him beyond creative..
How ironic considering Amsterdam being the most overrated city...
@@sapperdeflap Hmmm, and where are YOU from?
@@clevername1349 Amsterdam... So this experience is from first hand. :-)
@@sapperdeflap so is the song.
Balance is so underrated. One of my top 5 of all time.
Agree. All the albums brought something new and fresh. From the dead heavy opening riff of don’t tell me what love can do to Feelin’ and the riff masterpiece that is Amsterdam.
7th seal. Sounds awsome too
an UNBELIEVABLE tour in a time where grunge ruled and hip hop metal was on the rise with Metallica kings of rock. Eddie slipped in an incredible album that was just "different" for the times.
Totally agree. You toss Strung Out, Doin' TIme, and Baluchitherium (which was great) and add Crossing Over and you've got a masterpiece.
That Bruce Fairbairn production brought a lot of luster to their performances. I wish he had done For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, because the mix was just so muddy.
I have never heard, before or after, such a freedom in anybody's playing like Eddie had. He was a player without any boundaries.
@@toltecstrings1 completely agree, I think ak1969 was just a little excited, that or didn't go out much 🤣😎🤘 I mean Holdsworth ?????? Cmon
Try Umphrey's. Micheal knows 😉🤘
@@Oldysrv who?
So in time but also so out of time, at the same time
@@Oldysrv Wow. You know nothing, Old Snow.
We were here alive to witness the greatest ever! That blows my mind I was lucky to live in the time of EVH!
Possibly the greatest guitar player who ever reinvented the wheel to perfection!
This
He didn't re invent the wheel... He turned it into a sphere.
I saw in an interview, Eddie said he was a tone chaser, he's actually a tone finder I think.
Tone CRUSHER.
He chased tone the same way DLR chased naked groupies down the halls of a hotel LOL
Lol!
He’s a tone Stealer. He did not invent the brown sound nor tapping nor any of the other things that he does.
@@knowmusicman157
Awe is the player you jack it to not getting any attention. There's an easy explanation why he isn't. Because everything you said Eddie didn't do (he never in his life claimed to invent tapping, he said he just incorporated it more) he did do and the guitarists you think is so great can't, won't, and will probably never try because he knows who the GOAT is.
What you just said about Eddie is like saying no one ever rip off Eddie's style. Bring forth your 6 string King if Eddie didn't, can't, and show us this new Messiah you speak of. It's nice he let's Eddie just keep kicking his ass with his made up technics that you can't see him using, playing, etc.
GTF out of here with you Hagar one sided comments.
I still can't believe I live in a world where Edward doesn't physically exist anymore, I cannot wrap my head around it..... Great video and reaction, keep up the great work Michael!
Its like i randomly think wonder when the next VH album is coming out n then im like oh yeah........ its crazy they released so little over the latter years but there was always hope....EVH the maestro R.I.P
Your statement alone made my eyes water up....
Believe it, dude
I'm with you here, the world seems a darker place.
It took me months to cope with Eddie’s physical absence in this world. I am now devoted to celebrating his eternal music.
Best ever! And that rhythm playing! Always will be the king!
That’s it!
Yes ,King Edward's riffs and rhythm structures are and aways will be second to none more so than his solos ,which are unbelievable RIP KING EDWARD.
Yep. Best rock rhythm guitar player ever.
Eddie's rhythm playing is seems to be what makes guitarists gush over him --- the fans love the solos
That rhythm right after that stratospheric solo - so freakin chunky and full of attitude. Us mortals would lose our shit if we could come up with that riff
Eddie's guitar tone sounds like a stadium. He plays with the Hendrix like freedom we all dream of. Consistently floating in that area where music is pure feeling and fun, while producing some of the most impressive technical guitar work.
"He plays with the Hendrix like freedom we all dream of. Consistently floating in that area where music is pure feeling and fun"
So much this. As a half-assed (at best) guitar player, I'll never get there. But it's an amazing thing to witness, especially live.
Dude come on. He crushes Hendrix. Let’s all stop pretending like Hendrix could do this. He could not. Yes. I said it.
@@ritarollins6664 Saying he plays with a "hendrix-like freedom" isnt me saying Jimi could play these exact songs and techniques. I'm just describing a vibe, not exact notes and techniques. Relax
It has always amazed me how unbelievably unmelodic EVH's playing could be...almost to the point where you're sitting there like "WTF IS HE DOING"...and then he just brings it back effortlessly and suddenly you're like "Oh...that was perfect."
Metronome? Metronope
Ed is on video record saying there would be no VH without Michael Anthony.
Yep. Learning the Unchained solo made me think the same thing.
To the point it’s almost silly!!
Seen VH 10 x’s from Fair Warning thru Balance.. left absolutely speechless on BALANCE OMFG!!! Ridiculous!!! OMFG!!! WTF JUST HIT ME??? Is all I could say.. RIP KING EDDIE VAN HALEN!! Love ya bro
dude, did EVH just bring a tear to your eye?!?!? LOL, us too.
He brings tears to my eyes every single day of my life. Pathetic? Maybe. Do I care? Nope. lol
EVH is hands down the best ever to pick up a guitar. The man done things that no one thought was possible. He was the complete player...his rhythms, solos and melodies were 2nd to none. It sounds as if there are two guitars playing in many parts of every song. I am honored to have lived during the time of EVH and hear everything as it was released vs years later. RIP EVH
Well said brother! It's funny that you say it sounded like two guys playing the guitar because that is exactly the way Gene Simmons described it when he first heard Eddie playing. He said he heard it and it sounded amazing the way those guys were playing, he walked over there and just saw one dude playing the guitar and he was blown away. Just as the rest of us were every time we heard him play! I have never really felt any personal grief when most celebrities die, but this Hit me hard. I grew up listening to these guys right from the start and I saw them so many times in concert. Growing up with them made it personal for me and I really feel the loss, almost like a friend died. RIP EVH, guitar god, music legend!
Not even close he was very very good at his style but he could not play multiple styles. When you talk about the best to talk about someone who can play any style excellently. That’s all you have to say Stev Howe. Or Danny Gatten. Or Rory Gallagher. Guthrie Govan
@@knowmusicman157 that's a cute opinion. Ask actual guitar players of any fame who is the best and most will say Edward. Everyone is compared to Eddie for a reason.
@@sw1tched Cute opinion? I am one and related to several (actual and famous guitar players). Eddie was the best at his very narrow genre and style. You enjoy worshipping him. That's your opinion. Opinions are like teeth. Everybody has at least 1. Even if it's a false one.
@@knowmusicman157 Don't know if multiple styles equals the best...Example the "best car" doesn't include all styles either, like off-roading, storage space, etc
Eddie's creativity was at his peak. They naysayers likes to say that he was overrun by the flood of late 80's shredders. I barely remember any of those shredders music but I do remember Eddie's songs after all these years !
Totally right. I'm an 'old school' VH fan from the start but, Eddie in particular was way better in the Sammy days. I still listen to OU812 weekly.
@@steved1135 It is funny that I heard Jump after I’have heard Dreams, Mine All Mine, Feels So Good, Cabo Wabo. I thought Jump was repeating the main riff too much, and thought it was a precursor to the greatness that would follow. I’ll Wait and Drop Dead Legs showed signs of where Eddie was heading into - into full blown, orchestrated and jammingly performed songwriting realm. I am one of those oddballs who has placed OU812 on top of their musical world. Still waiting for a remastered version.
They all wanted to be Eddie, but none came close.
He was never overtaken by ANYBODY. Yeah, you had a bunch of speed demon "shredders", but none of them had the sound, feel, licks or God-given gift for writing that Ed did.
I don't think even the 80s shredders said they overrun Eddie.
It is as if he put every lick, every riff and every trick he has ever written in that one song. Very cool!
I know. I was like wtf is left
EVH was a once in a millennium artist (perhaps an alien)... Yes, his tapping, harmonics and speed reinvented the lead guitar playing, but it goes SO MUCH deeper. EVH was one of the most melodic songwriters of all time, over 100 million records sold, dozens of hit songs, multiple patents as a guitar and amp builder, and insane groove lock and rhythm playing, all served up with that amazing EVH smile.. because it all came from a joyful heart! I was lucky enough to see EVH 50 times and meet him twice - it was like heaven and hell raining down all in one... never to be repeated... his gifts will travel for eternity throughout the expanses of the UNIVERSE! GOD BLESS THE GREATEST MUSICIAN TO EVER LIVE!
That tone is why a ton of metal music in the early 2000s was made with a 5150 amp. So basically EVH hyper influenced the 80s and as his tone developed and changed he took it out to a place where metal could take it like a baton and push what influenced them in that tone to the places they went with it. His influence is wide and deep and varied. He's on the Mt. Rushmore of rock guitar front and center for real.
Word!
I am a huge Eddie Van Halen fan when he passed I felt like a part of me died I grew up with this man listening to his music I can listen to him play for hours and just be blown away I think he was just the best of allThank God we still have his music to listen to
Never ever seen another man playing that Instrument with more swagger. He truly was and will always be the King.
My god what was that chromatic thing, i've never heard that technique before and it was exectuted so perfectly! Damn...
"The GOAT in every way". So true
Eddie never over played. He never sacrificed the song. He really was a one of a kind. Also props to Alex and especially Mike. Oh yeah Sammy nails it too. I love the Dave era on record more, but live Sammy always brought it.
The Balance Album my friends, if you don't know, now you know. It was after grunge took over and their style fell out of favor. But its still one of my favorite Album of theirs with some great tunes. Listen to it my friends, it is well worth it. We miss you Eddie, and will be freaking out over what you left us for years to come.
Love Balance and this song in particular. It's got such a great pocket in the chorus.
I love the Balance album, it’s such a different side of Van Halen, I honestly love it more than their older stuff. OU812 was also pretty good too.
@@jakeenan We all have different taste, but I think it's great they were able to showcase other skills beyond 80's metal/heavy rock beyond Dave's capabilities. I've always been a Van Hagar fan, but to each their own. At the end of the day we all love VH, and that's what truly matters.
Baluchitherium is my favorite EVH instrumental.
Definitely agree. Balance is a superb album. It didn’t get much radio play, if any, but the songs are fantastic.
Eddie was such a master of rhythm. No matter what kind of flashy lick he threw, his time was always so brilliant. It’s a crime that so often people think Eruption when they think EVH. That little show number stole a lot of attention from Eddie’s more impressive and meaningful capabilities. I have always liked Balance and For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. Those albums displayed a matured version of VH at it’s peak. Sammy was and rather amazingly still is a great singer. As a front man DLR was maybe the best ever, but Sammy really is ridiculously talented singer.
Yeah, for the media and the passing fan, it is gonna be that little show number. For the musically inclined it’s gonna be the “songs.”
I agree Eddies tone and playing on those two albums is his best in my opinion. Amsterdam is a fucking masterpiece and hot damn that live outro solo.
I always have, and always will prefer the VanHagar days of VH. Eddie's playing was just so damn good during that era. I mean more than it already was.
@@Metallian81 yeah, much much more richer musically.
But Eruption is pretty cool on the low
Eddie was 3x’s the player with Sammy he was with Dave.
UNBELIEVABLE the leaps and bounds as a song writer and player he made over the years. Rest in piece MR EDWARD VAN HALEN.. ♥️
I always thought Ed's playing was more laid back with Sam
uh...no. his playing on the first 4 albums is uncanny
Less party rock, more corporate rock in the Van Hagar era.
Most of the good stuff recorded with Sammy was written while he was with Dave. So...
That's why Eddie is the best ever guitarist. No one can ever get close or will ever get close again. God Bless you Eddie RIP
The entire Balance album was the best tone Eddie ever had. Absolutely remarkable tone!
Absolutely!! 👍🏼
Sober Eddie was always amazing.
Thousands and Thousands of hours of practice and perfecting his craft GONE FOREVER when King Edward left us. He was and always will be the best. There will NEVER be another one like him ...
*Rest in Peace Rock Star EVH 👑
Your face at 3:08 is every person watching Eddie hahaha
Balance isn't my favorite VH album, but the production is stellar & Eddie's playing is just incredible. His tone is awesome too. The outro solo on Don't Tell Me still kills me. EVH 4EVR!!!
especially the version played on this same tour, possibly the same night. electrifying
Bro, Balance is an incredibly underrated album!
Eddie’s tone was epic. The Balance album reached the pinnacle regarding Eddie’s tone as far as I’m concerned. It is just so, so, so damn good! Eddie is a Legend and the best ever in my book. It is so hard to believe there was only one guitar on stage. So many different sounds Eddie got out of it ……. effortlessly, and just smiling. Man, I miss him!
Two things you now need to do. Watch the rest of this performance. Two sold out nights in Toronto. They were on fire. Secondly, you need to listen to Balance. Tragically underrated album. So many great songs.
One of my favourite albums. Eds tone is awesome and as you said some great songs.
@@jamiemontgomery7846 It made Sammy leaving the band even more painful. Balance proved that they could still write fantastic songs.
@@qtheband751 I totally agree. Balance was so great. Imagine if they had carried on. We can dream 😁
@@jamiemontgomery7846 Yeah that era ended too soon. The same old story of egos getting in the way.
I ordered this show on "pay per view"... Well... My parents ordered it for me actually lol I was only 9 years old haha
Amsterdam is one of my all-time FAVORITE songs from Van Halen, I have to listen to it a few times a week !!!!
OH and I have this concert on VHS still, when I taped it live from Canada, from my Analog big dish TV !!!
Gosh Michael... you made me shed a few tears again... miss him so very much.... what a loss.... what a pure unabashed, unto his own way, musician.
What’s most fascinating about the king is that he made this look absolutely effortless
He was sober in '95 and played like a machine every night during the Balance Tour.
@@AlexanderTerminator Besides being sober, he couldn’t really run around too much because his hip was a major issue, so he really stood still a lot and just concentrated on his playing. That’s why he was so freaking precise on that tour.
For the Balance tour Eddie has really cleaned himself up. I saw them in Los Angles and that was the fastest and cleanest I’d EVER seen him play. Freakin’ amazing.
I was so close to heaven in 1995 in Paris, in the crowd, 1 meter away from Eddie... I didn't know how lucky I was. Now I do.
I always thought that this song, Amsterdam, was just chock full of bad-ass riffs and licks.... and the Master, Eddie Van Halen..... was somehow able to harness all of it... and bring it all together as a killer song. He was not just the Master guitar technician and player, but also...... a gifted genius song-writer. There will never be another quite like him. I miss him so much, and miss the idea of one last record... one last tour. One last surprise.... all that. But mostly, I just miss Ed.
Well said Jimmy Z...
Jimmy was the master. He was like Sammy just sing...Mikey and alex fill in the blanks...lets go!
I'm with you JimmyZ. For me a large part of the loss I feel is that the anticipation or possibility of just one more EVH emergence is gone. You crave anything new from the GOAT, and the thought that one more thing might be out there on the horizon was something special to hold on to. The world is a lesser place without EVH in it.
Eddie was on a whole other level!!! Miss him terribly! He is the G.O.A.T.!!!!
Your slack-jawed awe from 2:27-2:53 is so appropriate for this brilliance. 😂😍😎
Loved your reaction, as many accolades as he has received as a guitar player...I have never felt it even touched on what an absolute genius he really was. Never heard that song before either btw
Not sure I've seen Michael literally this 'jaw dropped' and speechless!
Its amazing how much swing and swagger he just "throws" around in a song! #lockedin
Well put.
Jeezus. I'm in awe & speechless, too. And speaking of his rhythm skill's, the rhythm to his solo on Mean Streets still makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up today. SMDH! RIP, Eddie.
Tru. Even just the TIMING of the FIRST NOTE of the Mean Street solo is pure musical genius.
In every way...it’s not even close...he’s the GOAT.
Yup!
And Al with that amazing snare drum crack, each hit kind of sounds like a firecracker, and keeping the beat going amazing, and Michael is grooving along just as well. Such a treat to hear two of the best professional drums & bass players ever, it adds a lot to what Ed is doing. Thanks much for this video, your reactions are the best. I never paid much attention to Amsterdam, but I do now thanks to your video, and seeing them do this live brings it even more to life, not to just hear Ed playing it, but seeing him do it, soaring above is right.
This is the first time I heard this song. I think I'll put my guitar down and pick up another instrument. Amazing how tight they are with all that going on. Damn! We miss you Eddie!
Alex playing in a freakin neck brace......freakin legend.
ok well this video is 2 yrs old but here I am, and watching you watch Eddie with your mouth open is gold ! God love him RIP Eddie, we are still listening
I remember this. Amazing. I recorded it on VHS and watched it a million times. Balance was my introduction to VH and I became obsessed. EVH is my hero 😀
Yeah man. Edward was a once in a lifetime phenomenon. It’s still hard talking about him in the past tense. It goes way beyond that. Like Wolfgang said, the way Mozart is talked about today, 230 years after his death, in 230 years from now in 2251, they’ll still be talking about King Edward and his massive talent and contributions to music. Long live the king! King Edward!
I don’t play guitar but even that triad thing he did made me go huh?!?!?! EVH will always be my favorite musician!
Song, great. Guitar, great. Alex VH sitting in the pocket and holding it down IN A NECK BRACE. Priceless
I was at that show. Molson Amphitheater, Toronto Ontario Awesome stuff. 👍👍👍
His playing is an endless journey for us. I am still researching everything he has done. Endlessly Eddie...
Ed always was the best to flip between staccato and legato and back. He was always completely in control of every little thing he did. Can you imagine the jams that just went on and didn’t turn into tracks? Just flip “record” and play for an hour. Listen back and grab things here and there. I can’t imagine what’s on tape at 5150. And that tone.... GOAT.
Legato means “fluid” right? Yep, Eddie covers the full range of rhythmic expression when he plays. Songs like these, later in his maturity, truly demonstrate what an Amadeus-scale musician Eddie is.
Michael Palmisano . . . I have the same expression on my face when I listen to EVH . . . While I'm a respectable guitar player when I listen to EVH I need to go practice quite a few levels more . . . Sadly we lost one of the best . . . if not the best of the best RIP EVH . . . Appreciate your video Michael . . . All the best & stay well !!!
Once in a lifetime PLAYER ...TALENT ...and for the fans to watch ..enjoy
Eddie and Alex's classical training come through with these Beethoven-ish 'abbellimenti'. Incredible. Absolutely incredible.
Ignoramus here, can you explain about the abbellimenti and where I can find references to it in Beethoven’s and VH’s music? Thanks so much!
Uhmm.... Considering It's a well known fact that Eddie was totally self taught and had no training period and in fact went to one lesson and never went back, I'd like to know where he got classical training when he couldn't even read music? You must be confusing Eddie with Yngwie. Or just talking out your ass. I personally think the fact that Eddie's lack of training and being self taught makes his uniqueness the most unique. It's funny when you hear wanna be players saying he wasn't the greatest, and so and so is better, yet the guy saying it, and the ones he's referring too are all using techniques Eddie pioneered and are anything but a master at it
Michael Palmisano
Confessing or stressing
Have you tried it all
I can't get that girl out of my mind
She's driving me mad
Sorry Sir
I will direct you
To the Creator
The One above all
To the Lord
HE has the answers
HE is the ONE who cares
The only ONE Who save sinners
That used to be us all
Thank you JESUS
GLORY TO GOD
Michael Palmisano
I wanna know
Where all the energy goes
Planning ahead
For a yes
Or a no
I love you
And the idea excites me
For we are all in it
For the better
Balance blows me away...still to this day. A tremendous body of solid rock. Just goes to prove that just because it's not popular, doesn't mean it's not the BEST. This album holds a high ranking with me, I mean no disparaging in former and following works just saying this is GREAT!!!!!!!!!!
Balance is still my favorite Van Halen album. It maybe didn't have the hits of other albums, but the music is just so great--so much going on and so much musical maturity and experimentation. And honestly, with this lineup, it's basically a supergroup. Each individual member of this band would have groups formed around them.
Some people are so talented that they are able to play what they hear in their head, but the truly gifted are able to share it with the rest of us. And then we have Van Halen, an entire group that made us feel great while doing the impossible! WTF
All that, and Eddie gave us Wolfgang too. GOATS everywhere!
That is why They were Always introduced as “The Mighty Van Halen “ at their live shows. =\//-/=
The only time I got to see them was on this tour.....so glad I did.
I watch that performance live on cable TV pay-per-view must have been back in 94-95 I even recorded it on VHS that was the first time I heard Amsterdam and it blew my mind definitely some of Ed's best work and that guitar tone on the balanced tour is definitely my favorite
I watched this 3-4 times since running into it a few ago. Super entertaining and it moved me too
Amsterdam was played fairly regularly on the radio here in Detroit when the album was released.
Ft Wayne, too
Yep on WRIF and WLLZ!!!
Off of Balance..hidden classic! Alex in the neckbrace for this Toronto gig and Miami I believe for MTV...
Yep - that’s pretty much how we all felt when we first heard this.
I first heard it on a UK radio show where Slash was a guest promoting Velvet Revolver, and they asked him to select some tracks for the DJ to play.
The rhythm stuff and all those nuances are just preposterous. You described best - especially that soloing on the outro- he is just soaring
Hope the Palmisano family had a lovely Easter Weekend. Second, congrats on 250k, Michael. Lastly, I too had never heard this song before today. EVH absolutely melting faces.
.....It's what he does.... It's ALL he does... And he absolutely WILL NOT STOP, EVER.....
I know this is old but this is the first time I have heard this song. I can't play a lick to save my life but I grown to understand that Eddie was not a guitar player, he was a sound smith! Someone that had the complete ability to craft cohesive and complex sounds out of his instrument even when seemingly there was only basic sounds available.
There are lots of great guitarists around, but very very few sound smith's.
My Highschool crush. I saw them, the first time., in 1979. Right at the stage. Arms resting on the stage, we were that close. I watched Eddie the whole time. He smiled the whole time. lol. and played the guitar like no one we had ever seen up to that point. WAS LOVE FOR ME. I cried when he died. He was one of us. Grew up with the same kind of life we had. Well, almost. lol. House parties were a big thing back then. HE PLAYED HOUSE PARTIES IN CALI. LUCKY DOGS. I saw eddie for the last time in 2015. i am so glad i went. It was a toss up between VH and Rush. I LOVE RUSH JUST AS MUCH. Saw them in 79 as well. I chose my crush. Was amazing. HE WAS A TRUE PRODIGY.
This is actually my favorite VH song. Ed's tone on this album fucking SLAPS. Insane, strippy leads? Done. Groovy ass riffs? In spades. Face melting shred? Yeah we got that one this one too. You're right. This guy was just on another plane of existence, but always asking other players to join him. You could tell he wanted to be wowed as much as we did. His freedom is what always gets me though. Like a kid on the first day of summer break running through the woods with his buddies. Not a fucking care in the world. He got that place where they were all the right notes and all it took to prove it was his own belief in it.
.. love how Ed never did the obvious ....he finds licks / hooks ...that as a guitar player , is very pleasing to the ear .....Eddie was special 🌹
The Balance album is crazy underrated. One of my favorite VH guitar tones.
ILOVE watching someone discover/enjoy VANHALEN!!
Mind blown yet again thanks to Mr EVH. Michael, I totally get the jaw-drop reaction. Eddie had pure magic running through his playing and performance.
The thing that sets the greatest guitar players apart from their peers is an inborn sense of rhythm. Hendrix, who is often cited as the greatest, was an amazing rhythm player. Eddie had it in spades! If you think about VH's greatest songs it the rhythm parts that you remember. This song is a great example of Eddie's rhythm SWAGGER!!!
Complete mastery of the guitar as an extension of his body, then he could just feel what to do and where to go next. No thinking, no script just all from the soul.
Saw Van Halen live at the LA Forum, on the Balance tour. His tone was HUGE
Loved watching you watch Eddie in awe and just thoroughly enjoying his playing and talent. The song is new to me, too. Loved it.
"Amsterdam" is a Masterpiece of a Song from beginning to End just like "Pleasure Dome" "Dirty Movies" and so on, and I watched this like 20 years ago.
Such a shame it's accompanied by "Wham Bam"
@@CanuckQuest Pleasure dome was 🔥🔥 too bad the lyrics are 🧀
One of VH most underrated songs. Kicks a donkey (arg).
never before has there been nor ever will be, the one the only, just ,..thank u ,..Sir Eddie ..😎🙏🎸for so many great memories
You have the same reaction as someone that just arrived on this planet and was watching EVH play. Just WTF?? and like you said.. every time you hear him play its something new you hear. Its just badass. Players will study EVH for years and years and still come away from it shaking their heads trying to figure out how he did that.
Gotta admit, Michael Anthony's tone sounds pretty good, too.
The Pint Size Whiskey Drinker!
There is no VH without MR. ANTHONY.!.....END OF DEBATE.!
Surprised? Guess you didn't listen to balance album or see that tour! They were all on fire... one of the BEST vh tours ever. Think it was 95. It's always fresh.
Balance, Balance, Balance! One of my favorites.. Saw this tour, 3 times!!
He played guitar like each string is a drum in a drum set. Everything in time.