Eddie Van Halen is and will always be the GOAT. The greatest guitarist that has ever lived. Eddie said that he approached the guitar like he played the piano. And no one had ever seen anyone play like he played.
I only saw him twice. Monsters of Rock, OU812, Oakland Coliseum, they played last after the Scorpions. Then on their last tour with Roth and Wolfgang, at the Oracle, Oakland, 10th row! Friggin Awesome both times!
I was at this concert. I was actually at both concerts where this was filmed. Memorial Collisium was demolished several years ago. He said in an interview he did say that he didn't learn to read music, but did later in life. I saw them other times too. They always put on a great show! HIGH ENERGY and they always sounded like they were happy to be there.
I was 14 years old at a backyard party in Pasadena Ca and I saw Eddie do this solo for the first time. I had never seen a more beautiful expression of art from a musician in my life (I come from a family of musicians) and had to see their Farwell concert at the Pasadena Civic before the first album released with Eruption on side 1 where it was a very short 2 minute version. Thankfully the concert was the long form. I got lucky enough to see it performed live again in 1983 at the US Festival. After seeing over 100 concerts live including the likes of Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Aerosmith, Ozzy, Journey, Metallica and many more but nothing will ever quite compare to this legend.
I really enjoyed your reaction! I especially like the fact that you are a guitar player and are familiar with the material. You are on point with the Mozart and Beethoven references. You even caught the harmonic glissando that most people miss! It's healthy to get your mind blown every once in awhile.😊 Also, I don't think you should edit out anything. It is your honest reactions we are all looking for. That's the best part, when you get confused and try to figure it all out.
Look, here's how you explain Eddie's guitar to younger people. All the other race car drivers are in high-end supercars. Eddie is in a Ford Pinto that he hand built from scratch. His steering wheel is replaced with an xbox controller. He can shift, brake, change the radio or hit the nitrous all by moving just a finger, without ever taking his hands off the wheel. Everyone else is in a real police cruiser, and Eddie's over here playing GTA in real life.
You don't have to understand it, or figure it out, there was only one Eddie Van Halen, the greatest guitar player of all time. A true pioneer in Rock music.
Van Halen was my very first concert, back in '82 for their Diver Down tour. I will NEVER forget Eddie's solo that night. Just like this one, he did different sections and styles with different lighting effects. I honestly thought he was some kind of wizard up there! He's been my favorite ever since and I'm not ashamed to say that I cried for 2 weeks when he died. RIP King Edward.
My brother, my very first concert was the '82 Diver Down tour as well (LA Forum). And it's no exaggeration to say that it forever changed my life. I've been to about 60 concerts over the yrs and have seen a TON of outstanding shows. That show remains my #1.
@briankeith1147 That's awesome! Changed my life too! Mine was in Dallas for my 14th birthday. My step-dad took me and my best friend. He hated it but my friend and I had a blast!
7:53. the moment we're all here for. i got to say, after hearing that part of Eruption for 40 years or so, this is the first time ive gotten misty-eyed when listening to it. RIP EVH
Saw Ed live 3 times.....yeah, GOD mode every time. Everyone said he was an open door to the universe. In interviews he even said himself, he didn't know where it all came from, he just opened his mind and listened to where it took him.
The part of the solo after he played "Eruption " and messed with the neck of his guitar is called "Cathedral " that he played on the second side of their first album. He made his guitar sound like a cello and a violin!! The guy was absolutely incredible!!!! Why had no one ever figure any of these things out before Eddie???
Its a trick with the volume control that produced part of that sound. Ed as usual just completely took it to another universe and put layers of master licks on top of it. It’s cool af… If you search for it, there’s a video of a Michael Anthony bass solo… where he does something similar on bass albeit very drunkenly and a little dumbed down… or a lot. Lol but it’s pretty cool sounding anyway.
As a big fan of Van Halen, and of course, King Edward (who isn't?), I have watched this solo probably close to 200 times, but watching others genuinely react who have some knowledge of the instrument too is just a blast. Especially THIS. The two comments I hear the most on reactions are "that's insane" and other other is "....how...?" Yes, it is insane, and how? Because he CAN!! Edward Van Halen was clearly the innovative, creative and influential electric guitar player who has ever lived. Yes, Jimi Hendrix was a galactic six string freak show too, but when one hears electric guitar players from around the globe... one can distinctly hear Eddie's DNA more than any other player. Period. That's the very definition of greatness, gang. I'm close to 60 years old, I've seen the band (all eras) close to 20 times... and watching this man do what he does never gets old. Last, think of this for a second. When the debut album (and subsequent albums) came out, there was no "youtube," "MTV" and such. People witness what this man did to make all that wonderful racket and can at least see it and go "ohhhhhh, wow. I've never seen that." But back then? All of us went "WTF???" That's truly a mind bender without seeing it. Honestly, let that sink in for a minute. "How?" was all anyone said after picking their jaws up from off the floor. At any rate, thank you for giving the class one of the BETTER reactions to this timeless classic.
To think that he could play that incredible and no one knew that he was completely trashed pissed drunk and he never could remember that performance or even the concert at all. EVER!!! Just think how incredible it would have been if he wasn't totally pissed face drunk!!!! KING EDWARD!!! GOD OF THE GUITAR!!!
The concert was recorded for VHS release in 1986. It’s titled “Live Without a Net”. It was the first tour with Sammy Hagar taking over from Diamond David Lee Primadonna Roth’s departure. The songs got titled, of course. All of the members take solos, and they just named Eddie’s “Eruption” after the little piece from the first album that you mentioned because this solo included the parts from that piece. And, of course, a whole lot more. Including “Cathedral”. The part where he used his volume button up and down. Pretty awesome. It’s funny and cool that this is still a big deal all these years later. Back when the band was at it’s peak with Sammy Hagar. “5150” and “OU812” 1986 to 1988 was the top of their game. The following albums (still all #1’s) were also great, but this is when they were at their best.
Growing up in L.A. I was fortunate enough to see him play live 40+ times and it never got old or stale. He made a few mistakes in the video and he was quoted as saying "if you make a mistake while playing, do it again and people think you meant to do it." There's a reason why people consider him the best ever.. after watching this video, how can you doubt it?
Eddie play his best when he was drinking, my brother played this all the time in his car he even had it on VHS.....My brother's name was Edison he lead me into his era of music as I was 5yrs younger than him. Eddie is in my top 3 guitarist of all time.❤
The back of his guitar is open so he can manipulate the spring. Either with his hand or most of the time holding it close to his hip. Notice he doesn't move it around much, except to turn it sideways and do it with his hand for a more dramatic sound
2:34 - Some improvisation that supposedly turned into a song dedicated to his son. 3:30 - An improvised/extended Eruption solo. 4:03 - Sticky tape. 8:50 - Cathedral solo, with some non-musical "exploration" of the guitar at the beginning. 11:00 - Look at what his right hand is doing on the volume knob and you'll understand. 😉 11:37 - Extended/improvised Mean Street's intro. 12:49 - I don't know this part from any solo, at least not from the DLR era, so I'm assuming it's just some random improvisation. 13:42 - A modified Spanish Fly solo, originally a little bit longer and played on a classical guitar (with nylon strings). You're welcome. 🙂
First time I seen eruption live at the Pasadena civic 1978 I was in front front of the stage after that saw them 10 more time with David Lee Roth at the time
I see the joy that he felt playing it but did he realize the joy that he gave us while we were listening? I sure hope so! Thanks Eddie. Rest with the angels. You deserve it
Brand new subscriber Today, 8 months after you did this. I’ve seen this LIVE. See Eddie studied classical and so many more versions of music , that on stage, right now, he’s forgotten ANYTHING we as mortals will ever learn. But I’m sure thousands have said this already. Good to be here. Can’t wait to catch up!! Chris Stone. Billings Montana!!
Eddie influenced so many great guitarists it’s insane. Dimebag Darrell’s last words were literally “Van Halen”. Him and his brother used to say it to eachother before every show.
Was fortunate enough to see it LIVE twice back in the day. Was when David Lee Roth was with them and they were the concert to be at. Great party atmosphere, and all the girls LOVED Eddie!!!❤❤❤ May he R.I.P.❤❤❤❤
I was fortunate enough to see him do this live multiple times. It is elements of several songs, and Eddie just being Eddie. As you noted, eruption was the name of a guitar solo off of their first album. It was an introduction of Eddie to the world. Later his concert solos would just be called Eruption.
All these years, it didn't click until now. But having recently watched Amadeus, it jumps out & slaps me across the face. The Mozart analysis is spot on. As soon as you said it, I visualized the Mozart from the movie working the guitar on stage & said to myself. Hell ya... & This is the 1st time I've ever heard it mentioned. Well done!
I was fortunate to grow up with these guys. Saw them play in SoCal before they ever got a record contract. I lived not far from where David Lee Roth lived. And I gotta say the first time I heard Eddie play the guitar i was a fan for life! The Best rock and roll guitar player ever..... period.
David Gilmour, Comfortably Numb live at Pompei. David is the guitarists/singer of Pink Floyd. The song is from the 70s, this video is from 2016 and many consider this his masterpiece. Epic. He's 70 in this video...... amazing.
Some amazing techniques... As well as all the tapping, sliding, hammering and pulling.... Twisting the volume in and out on the 'Cathedral' section... Flicking/tapping the tremolo springs from the back... And putting that all together to be co-ordinated and musical... So inventive!
I read somewhere that earlier on in his career, Eddie would play his solos with his back to the audience and the camera to keep other guitarists from learning his tricks ❤ Smart man!
Actually it was Eddie's brother Alex who insisted he play with his back to the audience until after they got signed and recorded an album and got full credit for his tapping technique.
It’s terrific that young people like yourself are coming to realize Eddies genius! I went to several of their concerts and whenever Eddies solo arrived, he would literally put up in a trance, I even remember my eyes being closed when he played. Oh, btw, that sign you thought was a “gang sign,” nope, that was a representation of a females privates. Back then, folks weren’t as hung up on things as they are today, and Van Halen was just a fun loving band that understood the differences between men and women and they chose to celebrate that natural fact. It was all good and nothing demeaning about it! Hell, one of their albums was titled F.U.C.K! lol
I fell in love with Eddie seeing the Jump video for the first time when I was 12. That little smirk he gave in the close up, looking totally high was epic. My sister and I wanted to marry him.
You roll the volume down so you don't hear the attack of the note, then turn it back up so that you hear the sustain of the note. Like a violin, there's no initial "pluck," just the sustained note. Even though people don't really talk about that part much, it's probably the most difficult thing he played in the entire video. It's really hard to do well, over an entire phrase like that.
Edward was a master at harmonics, he was once quoted, the harmonics are out there, you just need to find them. I was not at this show but this tour saw him in San Antonio
You're the first person that said it sounded like a Classical Music influence first thing. Much of Eddie's influence was either a homage to his dad, a classical composer, or instruments in general. That's why his axe is so unique in its sound.
Eddie was also an accomplished classical pianist as a kid. Which led to lead lines like the opening lick in the Ice Cream Man solo. That's a pure piano lick.
Most humble dood with mad Mozart skills. Would give his guitars to players who had troubles with their gear. Never b anyone of the like again. Glad I saw him and the rest of the crews 5 times. Nothing compares to good ole VH! Btw would loved to have seen him play with Buddy Guy. Wow! That would have been for the ages!
Notice, no foot pedals. He could improvise everything, even delay. Idk how. He said he couldn't afford the equipment when he was young so he figured out how to fill the holes. Truly a master that can't be understood completely
You are right, the classical influence is strong. There is a section there that sounds like a cello. Anybody who has tried to play just thinks this is like magic. We could never practice enough to get this good
This is a guitar “solo” that he played every night on tour. It’s not the Eruption instrumental that you hear on their debut album. This live solo has pieces and passages of “Eruption” and other music that has been on their album releases. Iconic ones that Van Halen fans in the know will recognize. 😉 Eruption is an instrument that is on their debut album that basically turned rocknroll and the guitar instrument on its head. The video author just titled it “Eruption” solo which confuses people in the beginning 😊
I've said this before, all of Eddie's guitars go to heaven because he plays the hell out of them. He might not have read music but he caused those who did to have to invent new ways of writing music. His playing techniques were innovative.
He probably uses two sided tape! His cigarette has the best seat in the house! Nobody plays like Eddie! He was a one of a kind! Amazing hands! He should have been into making sound effects for movies, he could make his guitar make so many different sounds. When Eddie is bathed in the blue light his guitar sounds like a violin! I loved your reaction!
Having on your team is like having Danny. People come to the show just to hear an Eddie solo like going to a Tool concert just to see and hear Danny kill it on the drums.
Originally, "Eruption" was Eddie's finger warmup exercise that he would play backstage before the show. It was about 2 minutes long but they decided to include it on their first album & used it to transition into "You Really Got Me." On stage, for his solo, Eddie plays "Eruption" but also adds riffs & sections from other songs that the band plays as well as tossing in a bit of improvisation too. As time went on & the band built up a sizable portfolio of music, Eddie's Eruption changed & evolved over time but always included the whole of the original 2 minutes of "warmup." I've noticed that your reactions seemed to follow a common pattern for someone who gets a good, long listen to Eddie's playing...Sure, everybody has their own expressions & wording but mostly tend be derived from two questions in particular; Starting with "What the hell am I hearing?" & then becoming "How the hell is he doing that?" 😁
Saw him solo 3 times live. Twice with the DLR original lineup and once with Hagar on vocals. I will never forget. If you want to discuss large hands, watch some Stevie Ray Vaughan vids. That guy had huge hands.
The consternation on your face says everything. That's what Eddie did to other guitar players. Neil Schon of Journey fame is quoted as saying "What the fuck did I just hear?!!!" after hearing Eddie's playing the first time.
Muted palm slide while lefthanded tapping to keep the strings moving. See Nuno Bettencourt for more on that technique. Ed used, invented or reinvented every trick in the book, but filtered them through his demand for something dynamic, musical and COOL. He started out dirt poor, fancy effects pedals out of the question, so he squeezed the guitar for everything it offered. He played every part of the instrument, picking across the strings next to the tuning pegs on the intro to Runnin With the Devil or using a Makita cordless drill to intro Poundcake. Btw, That feedback note he holds at the end was BRUTAL live, their sound system, lights and staging among the biggest, heaviest, loudest in the business. If you would like to see Ed being a regular person, please react to him visiting fellow shredder, Jason Becker at the Becker family home back in the early 90's. Jason had been stricken with ALS, and was unable to reach the heights of guitar fame he seemed destined for. Ed quietly donated money to the Beckers to help pay for Jason's medical expenses. Though he cannot move much more than his eyes, Jason released an album, Triumphant Hearts in 2018. Jason promised Ed he'd keep the video under wraps, only sharing it after Ed passed. Nuno Bettencourt: Rock a Bye Bye is a track off Extreme's debut album, very much a rock lullaby, but that's not really what you're gonna react to. After the song, there's an unlisted guitar solo by Nuno that you have to hear. Also, react to Get The Funk Out, which features Brian May's favorite solo of all time. Great reaction! Cheers!
Watching you as a guitar player have the same look of wonderment that I did in 1979 seeing VH for the first time, was beautiful. Of course, I did have a crush on Dave lol.
Hey Sebs you should look into the "how to" videos on how Eddie's guitar is BUILT - it's totally custom built - no nut!!! That's insane. Custom humbucklers, etc - allows him to do things no other guitarists can do. Genius at work. Half of his fame is made with the hardware.
This experience of a solo reminds me of the experience to the drum solo from Neil Peart.... The greatest of all time to do it on drums and Eddie on guitar
If you go down the Van Halen rabbit hole, you will find that Eddie has a handful of solos that span the VH library. During his solo moment in a show he would showcase those different pieces with a little bit of add lib here and there. Eruption is one of those pieces but its just named like that under one umbrella ERUPTION 🤘😉
On stage, guitar in hand, no shirt, cigarette dangling, and a big smile on his face. That's the Eddie Van Halen that burns into my memory. RIP
Eddie Van Halen is and will always be the GOAT. The greatest guitarist that has ever lived. Eddie said that he approached the guitar like he played the piano. And no one had ever seen anyone play like he played.
Not even close to the greatest guitarist
You nailed it. He was the Mozart of our era. (He named his son Wolfgang:)
I was blessed enough to see him live twice. 1984 tour and the OU812 tour. What a once in a millennium talent!
Was Lucky enough to see them Live 16 times...Best nights of my life...
I only saw him twice. Monsters of Rock, OU812, Oakland Coliseum, they played last after the Scorpions. Then on their last tour with Roth and Wolfgang, at the Oracle, Oakland, 10th row! Friggin Awesome both times!
6 times for me! Including my very first concert in '82 on their Diver Down tour.
This is the greatest guitar solo ever.
I was at this concert. I was actually at both concerts where this was filmed. Memorial Collisium was demolished several years ago.
He said in an interview he did say that he didn't learn to read music, but did later in life.
I saw them other times too. They always put on a great show! HIGH ENERGY and they always sounded like they were happy to be there.
Wow Katja...amazing you were there for that show!
The smile on your face after he got up at the end ..... priceless
I was 14 years old at a backyard party in Pasadena Ca and I saw Eddie do this solo for the first time. I had never seen a more beautiful expression of art from a musician in my life (I come from a family of musicians) and had to see their Farwell concert at the Pasadena Civic before the first album released with Eruption on side 1 where it was a very short 2 minute version. Thankfully the concert was the long form. I got lucky enough to see it performed live again in 1983 at the US Festival. After seeing over 100 concerts live including the likes of Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Aerosmith, Ozzy, Journey, Metallica and many more but nothing will ever quite compare to this legend.
I really enjoyed your reaction! I especially like the fact that you are a guitar player and are familiar with the material. You are on point with the Mozart and Beethoven references. You even caught the harmonic glissando that most people miss! It's healthy to get your mind blown every once in awhile.😊
Also, I don't think you should edit out anything. It is your honest reactions we are all looking for. That's the best part, when you get confused and try to figure it all out.
Eddie built his own guitar, Frankenstein, he could do things unheard of, all the way down to making it talk. He is and will always be the GOAT
Frankenstrat. Frankenstein is the doctor who created the infamous monster in the book.
this is not the frankenstrat , it's a custom Kramer 5150
Look, here's how you explain Eddie's guitar to younger people. All the other race car drivers are in high-end supercars.
Eddie is in a Ford Pinto that he hand built from scratch. His steering wheel is replaced with an xbox controller. He can shift, brake, change the radio or hit the nitrous all by moving just a finger, without ever taking his hands off the wheel.
Everyone else is in a real police cruiser, and Eddie's over here playing GTA in real life.
@@fkops2773 I was only pointing out that the name of his guitar is not Frankenstein. Neither Carla or I claimed that this is that specific guitar.
You don't have to understand it, or figure it out, there was only one Eddie Van Halen, the greatest guitar player of all time. A true pioneer in Rock music.
Greatest rock guitarist, not the greatest guitarist
Little Richard and Chuck Berry were pioneers of Rock and Roll not EVH😮😮
Van Halen was my very first concert, back in '82 for their Diver Down tour. I will NEVER forget Eddie's solo that night. Just like this one, he did different sections and styles with different lighting effects. I honestly thought he was some kind of wizard up there! He's been my favorite ever since and I'm not ashamed to say that I cried for 2 weeks when he died. RIP King Edward.
Same EXACT experience except this was my first show!
My brother, my very first concert was the '82 Diver Down tour as well (LA Forum). And it's no exaggeration to say that it forever changed my life. I've been to about 60 concerts over the yrs and have seen a TON of outstanding shows. That show remains my #1.
@briankeith1147 That's awesome! Changed my life too! Mine was in Dallas for my 14th birthday. My step-dad took me and my best friend. He hated it but my friend and I had a blast!
Diver Down was my 1st concert also - my best friend had just got her license and we got tix about a week before the show - Meadowlands NJ
Same! My very first concert was Diver Down in Phoenix 1982. Awesome!
7:53. the moment we're all here for. i got to say, after hearing that part of Eruption for 40 years or so, this is the first time ive gotten misty-eyed when listening to it. RIP EVH
I'm with you on the misty-eyed brother. ....
The look on your face is priceless! Love the reaction
love love this music. One of the first concerts I ever saw was VH.
We saw them at the Texas Jam in 78' at the Cotton Bowl ❤Dallas tx and the were brilliant 👏 👌
@12:19 "I have no interest in playing the guitar anymore". Priceless
Saw Ed live 3 times.....yeah, GOD mode every time. Everyone said he was an open door to the universe. In interviews he even said himself, he didn't know where it all came from, he just opened his mind and listened to where it took him.
Astounding comment .....
The part of the solo after he played "Eruption " and messed with the neck of his guitar is called "Cathedral " that he played on the second side of their first album. He made his guitar sound like a cello and a violin!! The guy was absolutely incredible!!!! Why had no one ever figure any of these things out before Eddie???
Cathedral was on the Diver Down album not side 2 of the first album.
@@zenn5150gamingyes Diver Down. Cathedral is a great song
Its a trick with the volume control that produced part of that sound. Ed as usual just completely took it to another universe and put layers of master licks on top of it. It’s cool af… If you search for it, there’s a video of a Michael Anthony bass solo… where he does something similar on bass albeit very drunkenly and a little dumbed down… or a lot. Lol but it’s pretty cool sounding anyway.
Diver down 1982 van halen 1 1978 cathedral was on diver down
I was at this show !!! I was 15 and my first concert… I was NEVER the same again!! 🎸⚡️🎸⚡️🎸⚡️🎸⚡️🎸⚡️🎸⚡️🎸⚡️🎸
9:20 “Cathedral” from 1982 Diver Down album. Little Guitars (also on DD) my two favorite VH songs.
As a big fan of Van Halen, and of course, King Edward (who isn't?), I have watched this solo probably close to 200 times, but watching others genuinely react who have some knowledge of the instrument too is just a blast. Especially THIS. The two comments I hear the most on reactions are "that's insane" and other other is "....how...?" Yes, it is insane, and how? Because he CAN!! Edward Van Halen was clearly the innovative, creative and influential electric guitar player who has ever lived. Yes, Jimi Hendrix was a galactic six string freak show too, but when one hears electric guitar players from around the globe... one can distinctly hear Eddie's DNA more than any other player. Period. That's the very definition of greatness, gang. I'm close to 60 years old, I've seen the band (all eras) close to 20 times... and watching this man do what he does never gets old. Last, think of this for a second. When the debut album (and subsequent albums) came out, there was no "youtube," "MTV" and such. People witness what this man did to make all that wonderful racket and can at least see it and go "ohhhhhh, wow. I've never seen that." But back then? All of us went "WTF???" That's truly a mind bender without seeing it. Honestly, let that sink in for a minute. "How?" was all anyone said after picking their jaws up from off the floor. At any rate, thank you for giving the class one of the BETTER reactions to this timeless classic.
To think that he could play that incredible and no one knew that he was completely trashed pissed drunk and he never could remember that performance or even the concert at all. EVER!!! Just think how incredible it would have been if he wasn't totally pissed face drunk!!!! KING EDWARD!!! GOD OF THE GUITAR!!!
Can't help it. Every time this video ends, I keep waiting for " You Really Got Me" to start.
That’s funny because I always thought it should jump into Panama…
I was blessed to live through the 60's and on. And I believe the 70's was the best for all music. Glad I was there. Thanks for playing Eddie.
The concert was recorded for VHS release in 1986. It’s titled “Live Without a Net”. It was the first tour with Sammy Hagar taking over from Diamond David Lee Primadonna Roth’s departure. The songs got titled, of course. All of the members take solos, and they just named Eddie’s “Eruption” after the little piece from the first album that you mentioned because this solo included the parts from that piece. And, of course, a whole lot more. Including “Cathedral”. The part where he used his volume button up and down. Pretty awesome. It’s funny and cool that this is still a big deal all these years later. Back when the band was at it’s peak with Sammy Hagar. “5150” and “OU812” 1986 to 1988 was the top of their game. The following albums (still all #1’s) were also great, but this is when they were at their best.
It's several of his solos ..... my heart broke when he passed RIP Eddie - we miss you but as long as we have your music you'll always be with us
Growing up in L.A. I was fortunate enough to see him play live 40+ times and it never got old or stale. He made a few mistakes in the video and he was quoted as saying "if you make a mistake while playing, do it again and people think you meant to do it." There's a reason why people consider him the best ever.. after watching this video, how can you doubt it?
Best line I’ve ever heard, All of Eddies guitars are in heaven because he played the Hell out of them !!!!
Eddie play his best when he was drinking, my brother played this all the time in his car he even had it on VHS.....My brother's name was Edison he lead me into his era of music as I was 5yrs younger than him. Eddie is in my top 3 guitarist of all time.❤
The back of his guitar is open so he can manipulate the spring. Either with his hand or most of the time holding it close to his hip. Notice he doesn't move it around much, except to turn it sideways and do it with his hand for a more dramatic sound
2:34 - Some improvisation that supposedly turned into a song dedicated to his son.
3:30 - An improvised/extended Eruption solo.
4:03 - Sticky tape.
8:50 - Cathedral solo, with some non-musical "exploration" of the guitar at the beginning.
11:00 - Look at what his right hand is doing on the volume knob and you'll understand. 😉
11:37 - Extended/improvised Mean Street's intro.
12:49 - I don't know this part from any solo, at least not from the DLR era, so I'm assuming it's just some random improvisation.
13:42 - A modified Spanish Fly solo, originally a little bit longer and played on a classical guitar (with nylon strings).
You're welcome. 🙂
Am I wrong to hear D-moll Toccata and Fuga in some beat?
I bought in it 1986. It has changed my life.
I’ve seen Van Halen 3 times live in the 70’s. The live version is pretty bad-ass. Much love
First time I seen eruption live at the Pasadena civic 1978 I was in front front of the stage after that saw them 10 more time with David Lee Roth at the time
I have that bootleg album bro!
I saw this genius 33 times,yes im addicted!!
I see the joy that he felt playing it but did he realize the joy that he gave us while we were listening? I sure hope so! Thanks Eddie. Rest with the angels. You deserve it
Anyone else cry when they hear this solo? Rest In Peace brother, such a legend of music history gone too soon
The video of this performance forever cemented Eddie's legacy.
Brand new subscriber Today, 8 months after you did this. I’ve seen this LIVE. See Eddie studied classical and so many more versions of music , that on stage, right now, he’s forgotten ANYTHING we as mortals will ever learn. But I’m sure thousands have said this already. Good to be here. Can’t wait to catch up!! Chris Stone. Billings Montana!!
He had everything directed into the volume knob. Notice only one on his. It did volume plus amperage. All at the same time
Eddie influenced so many great guitarists it’s insane. Dimebag Darrell’s last words were literally “Van Halen”. Him and his brother used to say it to eachother before every show.
Was fortunate enough to see it LIVE twice back in the day. Was when David Lee Roth was with them and they were the concert to be at. Great party atmosphere, and all the girls LOVED Eddie!!!❤❤❤ May he R.I.P.❤❤❤❤
Eddie changed the way guitars were played
I was fortunate enough to see him do this live multiple times. It is elements of several songs, and Eddie just being Eddie. As you noted, eruption was the name of a guitar solo off of their first album. It was an introduction of Eddie to the world. Later his concert solos would just be called Eruption.
Eddie & Alex Van Halen grew up in a CLASSICAL MUSIC FAMILY. EDDIE VAN Halen, incorporated classical music into his guitar solos/Music.
Yeah in the guitar world he’s considered easily the top 10 or even top 5 guitarist ever! He was very innovative and legendary for sure! RIP Eddy
Goat!
You can't learn this...its God given self taught talent...You can't understand...Its Genius!
This is a compilation of a bunch of solos, instrumentals and intros to songs. Pure genius!
I like your Mozart analysis. I figure classical music (the thunderous kind) is just metal before electricity.
All these years, it didn't click until now. But having recently watched Amadeus, it jumps out & slaps me across the face. The Mozart analysis is spot on. As soon as you said it, I visualized the Mozart from the movie working the guitar on stage & said to myself. Hell ya... & This is the 1st time I've ever heard it mentioned. Well done!
He knew how to build a guitar. That thing was touchy. I bet no one else could play that particular one ❤️.
I was fortunate to grow up with these guys. Saw them play in SoCal before they ever got a record contract. I lived not far from where David Lee Roth lived. And I gotta say the first time I heard Eddie play the guitar i was a fan for life! The Best rock and roll guitar player ever..... period.
Watching this live was a absolutely incredible experience and moment in my life I’ll never forget ❤
I saw this tour 4 times just brilliant!
David Gilmour, Comfortably Numb live at Pompei.
David is the guitarists/singer of Pink Floyd. The song is from the 70s, this video is from 2016 and many consider this his masterpiece. Epic. He's 70 in this video...... amazing.
Some amazing techniques... As well as all the tapping, sliding, hammering and pulling.... Twisting the volume in and out on the 'Cathedral' section... Flicking/tapping the tremolo springs from the back...
And putting that all together to be co-ordinated and musical...
So inventive!
I read somewhere that earlier on in his career, Eddie would play his solos with his back to the audience and the camera to keep other guitarists from learning his tricks ❤ Smart man!
Actually it was Eddie's brother Alex who insisted he play with his back to the audience until after they got signed and recorded an album and got full credit for his tapping technique.
It’s terrific that young people like yourself are coming to realize Eddies genius! I went to several of their concerts and whenever Eddies solo arrived, he would literally put up in a trance, I even remember my eyes being closed when he played. Oh, btw, that sign you thought was a “gang sign,” nope, that was a representation of a females privates. Back then, folks weren’t as hung up on things as they are today, and Van Halen was just a fun loving band that understood the differences between men and women and they chose to celebrate that natural fact. It was all good and nothing demeaning about it! Hell, one of their albums was titled F.U.C.K! lol
Yes, he died of cancer. He suffered for years with tongue cancer. He was an INSANE guitarist.
I fell in love with Eddie seeing the Jump video for the first time when I was 12. That little smirk he gave in the close up, looking totally high was epic. My sister and I wanted to marry him.
You roll the volume down so you don't hear the attack of the note, then turn it back up so that you hear the sustain of the note. Like a violin, there's no initial "pluck," just the sustained note. Even though people don't really talk about that part much, it's probably the most difficult thing he played in the entire video. It's really hard to do well, over an entire phrase like that.
Edward was a master at harmonics, he was once quoted, the harmonics are out there, you just need to find them. I was not at this show but this tour saw him in San Antonio
Lol👊🏽⚡️12:55 is the money thumbnail🤘🏾😱. A generation of rockers have had this look when listening to the master of guitar. RIP Edward🙏🏽
so i'm relatively new to your channel but of the videos i've seen this is the first time i've seen you "dumbfounded" and pretty much speechless haha
You're the first person that said it sounded like a Classical Music influence first thing. Much of Eddie's influence was either a homage to his dad, a classical composer, or instruments in general. That's why his axe is so unique in its sound.
Eddie was also an accomplished classical pianist as a kid. Which led to lead lines like the opening lick in the Ice Cream Man solo. That's a pure piano lick.
@@bernan1 Correct. Just a gifted prodigy and joy.
I was looking for your reaction to this 😊 It’s an amazing piece isn’t it?
RIP EVH
My dad always stuck his cigarette on the string like that when he was playing his guitar. Thanks hon 💜☮️👵🏼
In a later interview, he said that he was so drunk that he didn't remember playing this solo.....😅
Most humble dood with mad Mozart skills.
Would give his guitars to players who had troubles with their gear. Never b anyone of the like again. Glad I saw him and the rest of the crews 5 times. Nothing compares to good ole VH! Btw would loved to have seen him play with Buddy Guy. Wow!
That would have been for the ages!
You get that slow Grinch smile when you see that someone is gonna experience Ed for the first time…😂😂😂😂
Definitely Legendary!❤🤘🏼
Imagine how it feels to be there. It’s unreal.
Eddie made his own guitar and could do special effects with it.
Notice, no foot pedals. He could improvise everything, even delay. Idk how. He said he couldn't afford the equipment when he was young so he figured out how to fill the holes. Truly a master that can't be understood completely
guitar tech works the effects
You are right, the classical influence is strong. There is a section there that sounds like a cello. Anybody who has tried to play just thinks this is like magic. We could never practice enough to get this good
This is a guitar “solo” that he played every night on tour. It’s not the Eruption instrumental that you hear on their debut album. This live solo has pieces and passages of “Eruption” and other music that has been on their album releases. Iconic ones that Van Halen fans in the know will recognize. 😉 Eruption is an instrument that is on their debut album that basically turned rocknroll and the guitar instrument on its head. The video author just titled it “Eruption” solo which confuses people in the beginning 😊
I love your reaction!!!
About the 5th time I've watched your reaction.. I like how you do a little research into what you are looking at... Good job
My very first concert was this tour. Jaw was on the ground for that 13 minutes.
When asked in an interview how many sounds he could make with a guitar, he answered "All of them".
The One the Only Eddie Van Halen .
I've said this before, all of Eddie's guitars go to heaven because he plays the hell out of them. He might not have read music but he caused those who did to have to invent new ways of writing music. His playing techniques were innovative.
That's just Eddie elaborating freestyle. He was the innovator that opened my mind as far as arpeggios and triplets. 😮
It's absolutely crazy that you mentioned handy Mozart a guitar and in the middle section he's playing in a way that sounds like violin playing
The best !
He probably uses two sided tape! His cigarette has the best seat in the house! Nobody plays like Eddie! He was a one of a kind! Amazing hands! He should have been into making sound effects for movies, he could make his guitar make so many different sounds. When Eddie is bathed in the blue light his guitar sounds like a violin! I loved your reaction!
Having on your team is like having Danny. People come to the show just to hear an Eddie solo like going to a Tool concert just to see and hear Danny kill it on the drums.
your open mouth and the eyes say "what the heck...?" thats enough...thx for reacting :)
Originally, "Eruption" was Eddie's finger warmup exercise that he would play backstage before the show. It was about 2 minutes long but they decided to include it on their first album & used it to transition into "You Really Got Me." On stage, for his solo, Eddie plays "Eruption" but also adds riffs & sections from other songs that the band plays as well as tossing in a bit of improvisation too. As time went on & the band built up a sizable portfolio of music, Eddie's Eruption changed & evolved over time but always included the whole of the original 2 minutes of "warmup."
I've noticed that your reactions seemed to follow a common pattern for someone who gets a good, long listen to Eddie's playing...Sure, everybody has their own expressions & wording but mostly tend be derived from two questions in particular; Starting with "What the hell am I hearing?" & then becoming "How the hell is he doing that?" 😁
Saw him solo 3 times live. Twice with the DLR original lineup and once with Hagar on vocals. I will never forget. If you want to discuss large hands, watch some Stevie Ray Vaughan vids. That guy had huge hands.
Seeing this in concert was epic.
The consternation on your face says everything. That's what Eddie did to other guitar players. Neil Schon of Journey fame is quoted as saying "What the fuck did I just hear?!!!" after hearing Eddie's playing the first time.
Live version includes bit and pieces of 3:16 , Eruption (of course) Cathedral, Mean Streets, Spanish Fly.. I probably missed 1 or 2
Muted palm slide while lefthanded tapping to keep the strings moving.
See Nuno Bettencourt for more on that technique.
Ed used, invented or reinvented every trick in the book, but filtered them through his demand for something dynamic, musical and COOL.
He started out dirt poor, fancy effects pedals out of the question, so he squeezed the guitar for everything it offered. He played every part of the instrument, picking across the strings next to the tuning pegs on the intro to Runnin With the Devil or using a Makita cordless drill to intro Poundcake.
Btw, That feedback note he holds at the end was BRUTAL live, their sound system, lights and staging among the biggest, heaviest, loudest in the business.
If you would like to see Ed being a regular person, please react to him visiting fellow shredder, Jason Becker at the Becker family home back in the early 90's. Jason had been stricken with ALS, and was unable to reach the heights of guitar fame he seemed destined for. Ed quietly donated money to the Beckers to help pay for Jason's medical expenses. Though he cannot move much more than his eyes, Jason released an album, Triumphant Hearts in 2018.
Jason promised Ed he'd keep the video under wraps, only sharing it after Ed passed.
Nuno Bettencourt:
Rock a Bye Bye is a track off Extreme's debut album, very much a rock lullaby, but that's not really what you're gonna react to. After the song, there's an unlisted guitar solo by Nuno that you have to hear. Also, react to Get The Funk Out, which features Brian May's favorite solo of all time.
Great reaction! Cheers!
This is a professional commentator
Watching you as a guitar player have the same look of wonderment that I did in 1979 seeing VH for the first time, was beautiful. Of course, I did have a crush on Dave lol.
Eddie Van Halen the guitarist you are listening to..his brother is the drummer..the band is called Van Halen
Hey Sebs you should look into the "how to" videos on how Eddie's guitar is BUILT - it's totally custom built - no nut!!! That's insane. Custom humbucklers, etc - allows him to do things no other guitarists can do. Genius at work. Half of his fame is made with the hardware.
Eddie had created his own Hybrid guitar sound, by combining two guitars, nicknamed the "Franken Castro"! Hense the uniquely fresh sound❤
This experience of a solo reminds me of the experience to the drum solo from Neil Peart.... The greatest of all time to do it on drums and Eddie on guitar
If you go down the Van Halen rabbit hole, you will find that Eddie has a handful of solos that span the VH library. During his solo moment in a show he would showcase those different pieces with a little bit of add lib here and there. Eruption is one of those pieces but its just named like that under one umbrella
ERUPTION 🤘😉
Part of his hammering technique is he actually holds on the fret and has a hammer. He rolls into the note never seen anyone else do that.