Eddie and I: I Wish I Had One More Hour

This interview is from May 9th, 1986.
You can follow me on Instagram @steve.rosen.guitar.picks
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[@SteveRosenInterviews]

Hey, everybody: By now, some of you may know that I finished my book on Edward. It took 14 months of writing and a lot of agonizing and a lot of sorrowful memories but I finally completed it. The book is titled TONECHASER - Understanding Edward: My 26-Year Journey with Edward Van Halen and is a chronicle of my friendship with him beginning in 1977 and ending in 2003. It is a hardback and will run somewhere between 400-500 pages with some very cool black-and-white photos on the inside. There is no other book on Edward out there like mine. I had a front-row seat to his life and and he told me things he never told another journalist. I wanted to write as honest and as insightful a book as I possible could and I believe I've done that. I wrote about spending time in my Hollywood Hills pad while Edward noodled on guitar (if you dug the interview posted here, you will really be captured by the book because I go into detail about what that was really like sitting there and watching this beautiful moment unfold); attending NAMM Shows with him; introducing him to Ritchie Blackmore, Billy Gibbons and Les Paul; buying a set of guitar strings for him; jamming with him; and getting high with him. I am exceedingly proud of TONECHASER. I had written seven books previously and this one was about 10 times harder than all the others combined. More than anything, I want you to feel what I felt when I was around him. Beyond his guitar playing - and what else can anybody say about that? - he was a truly good human being though a complex one. Hence, my title: Understanding Edward. As in, trying to understand and unravel who he was and also that he was an "understanding Edward." He was passionate and compassionate in the people he dealt with and that side of him is rarely written about. So, I hope you go out and buy the book! The cost of the book is $35 plus $12 shipping for U.S. residents. Please send $47 to my PayPal: [e-mail]. DO NOT FORGET YOUR ADDRESS! I will happily sign any book. For international fans, give me a shout and I'll give you shipping fees for whatever country you're from. Contact me here: [e-mail] Thanks for your support.

[@ultragroove1]

So glad to hear this! Definitely gonna get the book. I’ve always enjoyed your interviews with Edward and your recollections of such an amazing time in rock/music history. Especially as EVH just being Ed the musician, the human being, before legendary world stardom and all attached to that. Your interviews with him are the most intimate, like two old friends shooting the breeze. No bs, no pomp, which makes them quite personal in the best way. So captivating and a gift to all fans of this soulful genius who gave us the best soundtrack - over and over to our lives. Akin to what mentioned, you wanted Ed all to yourself, of course how could you not? Man I can’t even imagine how cool it must of been to hang out with him, as whenever I saw VH live in concerts, I never took my eyes off him. Only him. Didn’t care about Roth, didn’t mind Sam, Michael & Al all great - but the energy experience for me was all Edward. Beyond anything I have ever seen to this day in my 54 years. Looking forward to the book Steve & congratulations!

[@Lil.black.dress84]

Not digging the title. The man was a genius.

[@ciadella1971]

Is your book available now?

[@rhondawilkins_]

Sent you an email Steve about your book. Appreciate your input on REELZ ,Autopsy EVH. The show was done with integrity and stuff most of us already knew.

[@frankbernat740]

@@Lil.black.dress84 The title is something EVH called himself. He was always looking for his tone! It is something that is hard to explain. Being a guitarist/ bassist I can relate to it. My tones to me were never good enough. That said the title is appropriate

[@grantmcbride7110]

I grew up in Pasadena and was a teenager in the 70's. My girlfriend lived on Orange Grove near the intersection of Allen. Before Van Halen, the band's name was Mammoth and we could here them practice from across the alley behind her house. Little did we know that they would some day be famous. They were the local party band and I did get the opportunity to see them play at Stacey Agajanian's (daughter of J.C. Agajanian) birthday party. Van Halen's music has been a part of my life for many years. Thank's for the music Edward!

[@j4m32hz6]

That's amazing

[@grantmcbride7110]

@Jack Hartunian that was almost 50 years ago. I was a teenager, drinking from a keg. None of their songs were on the radio back then, but DLR was wearing spandex back then.

[@maddoxmay611]

@@grantmcbride7110 That’s really cool, one thing that’s stood out to me was that you said the bands name was Mammoth at first which is ironic because that is Wolfgang’s band’s name. Just a neat observation

[@nic8577]

@@maddoxmay611 you gotta read a few van halen books if you didn’t know that one already bro!

[@maddoxmay611]

@@nic8577 I’m a casual listener, but as someone who is considering buying a 5150 stack, I should probably educate myself a little bit more 😂

[@davecassady7468]

When you're the best you don't have to say it. You let others say it for you.

[@cheothegeo2742]

And the fact that they truly don’t care if they’re the best cuz the best understand being the best is meaningless. They just experience the most joy out of everyone else doing what they do and chase that joy the most.

[@gradymcdonald4155]

This is the best Ed interview I've ever heard. It's almost not an interview, just 2 guy's talking, very cool.

[@jonesy2111]

RIP Eddie Van Halen a man who reinvented not only the guitar but rock and roll

[@shockcityrocker]

This conversation is absolutely amazing.

[@steverosen6276]

Cool. Glad you dug it.

[@walterevans2118]

@@steverosen6276 You were a really GOOD friend to him Steve. Thanks for giving him all your support down the years..We all miss his inventive genius & his modest gentle soul.

[@ricardoalon3826]

You can tell that Ed was such a down to earth genuine human being, was a true musician.

[@aviduser1961]

Thanks for letting us lay on the floor outside Ed's room and listen in.

[@methatlovescats3602]

@OverLord Opps awesome memory good for you

[@NickNicometi]

@OverLord Opps IDK.🧐

[@NickNicometi]

Yeah, it felt just like that.😊👍🎸

[@lorigallagher6698]

Great take away statement!!

[@shable1436]

@OverLord Opps sure pal

[@paulc9434]

Nothing is the same since our world lost Ed. Miss that dude more each day! Long live the king! Miss ya Edward.

[@jamesshaw187]

Me too

[@mrs.hollerbredkennels-jana7891]

Him passing away has broke my heart. As a female who loves guitar he has inspired me more than anyone else. His personality could not be beat!!!! Rest in peace EVH!!!!

[@jimmysapien9961]

I agree ❤️❤️❤️

[@ronnieparker4311]

My teenage years was the 80's! Eddie was always a immortal guitar rock god to me ! Seeing eddie and van halen back in those classic MTV days was awesome! I never thought that I would see the day that eddie wouldn't be here no more! I got a 24x 36 poster of eddie in my room! I look at it and just can't believe he's gone ! This one hurts!

[@conniehubbs3394]

Yes hurts so much 💔

[@gjackson6569]

They say that "American Pie" was written in reference to the passing Buddy Holly. I think the music died on Oct 6th, the passing of Eddie Van Halen.

[@juanpablomarin5463]

a true virtuoso!! The best guitar player!! The greatest innovator!! Eddie Van Halen!! I love your memories!! Thank You from the bottom of my heart!! Blessings from Colombia!!

[@tisbonus]

I'm just gonna say it. I heard a number of interviews with Ed. Always came across as the nicest dude! Organic, real and honest answers with a philosophy of, treat people the way you want to be treated. Ed was the Bruce Lee of Guitar. Yeah, everybody has a bad day but from my perspective, he was a righteous, talented, nice guy! Thanks for posting this brutha!

[@drumgk]

Tisbonus I am a huge Bruce lee fan and Eddie fan and have always thought of them in the same innovative way. They were both so unique and at a genius or PhD level. No one could compare and no one ever will.

[@tisbonus]

@@drumgk absolutely. Love ur screen name btw! We all need it.

[@jimmysapien9961]

That’s what I said to myself . 👍🏻

[@NickNicometi]

Yes, though I'm his junior of 12 yrs, Eddie always comes across as just a 'good kid' (w/raging talent). Eddie is like the guys I grew up with, and he's the music friend I wish I had. What I could've become?🧐🤔🎸

[@tomomalley8674]

Well said, I agree.

[@LeadershipGrowth]

Of all the people in the world who could inspire me, Eddie was the best.

[@DreidMusicalX]

Thanks for the release of this where we can hear this. Eddie was such an inspiration for so many of and some of us most of our lives. I don't know a life without Eddie in it. 42 year this man has been rocking our world. This sucks so bad!

[@steverosen6276]

Welcome.

[@colinmacdonald7694]

I was 10 years old in 78 when I 1st heard Eddie, I was like "HOLY SH*T!! Changed my life

[@SilentKnight43]

Been binge-watchin' sooooo much VH since Eddie's death - videos, concerts, songs...interviews. And this interview with Eddie was one of the very best. So in-depth, easy-going, honest and personable...just two guys comfortable hangin' out with one another. I hinged on every word and detail. It was great hearing Eddie 'in-the-moment' and totally clear-minded with his thoughts and what he was saying. Van Halen was always the soundtrack of my youth goin' all the way back to '78 - their music and Eddie's genius has been a huge part of my life. Eddie's death hit me like an anvil and I still tear up unexpectedly throughout the days when I'm watching or listening to some of their stuff. On the day he died I went out to my car and just sat in the driveway listening to my re-mastered copy of 1984 on the Infinity sound system, reminiscing about cruising around Toronto back in '84 when the album was new. But hey, thanks for sharing this amazing interview. "I Wish I Had One More Hour" is perfectly titled. We all wish we had that one more hour - but thankful we had four decades of his brilliance.

[@strummer511]

Man, I read this interview so many times back in the day that I found myself reciting parts of it along with the audio. What a trip it is to hear this.

[@gregoryvanhalen]

Isn’t that funny. Me too.

[@staceyroberts3468]

I actually enjoyed their videos that were just live performance shots. Especially now that Eddies gone, I can’t watch enough of them performing. I’m glad there’s so much on KZbin 👌

[@motrock2]

Thank you so much for releasing these interviews. Its great to hear him talk. All of us guitars players and fans of Eddies greatly appreciate it!

[@steverosen6276]

Hey, Kurt. I'm glad it resonates with you.

[@badmonkey2222]

You can tell even Ed was so pissed when Dave left that he still loved and respected him, you could hear it in his voice, I've been a musician myself for over 30 years and I know what it feels like to have somebody quit the band that was there for a long time and it hurts, you're going to say things and in some situations yeah, I'm sure they never mend fences, but I'm glad at least he and Dave eventually did and I wish the same would have happened with Michael. I know they were talking about doing a tour before Ed got too sick to do it, it just sucks that he's gone man, that dude was one of the number one reasons I picked up a guitar in 1980 and I'm still playing today. 🎸🎵🖤

[@Frip36]

Both Dave and Eddie talk about being hurt by the other guy for ending the band. For me it's a he-said she-said type of thing. I tend to believe Roth a bit more.

[@Col5150]

What a fantastic interview, really nice to hear Eddie just talking to a friend about that stage of his life. Brilliant listen

[@allencameron1050]

You can hear the honesty in Ed's voice and you can hear the trust he has and his friend in the interview it's just so personal I love to listen to it I feel like I'm in the room with all the stuff out lately on Ed I didn't think I could become anymore of a Van Halen fan and I have it's it's pretty cool I hope people out there feel the same way I do RIP Eddie

[@ashtonlive2033]

Thank you for sharing Steve! Eddie is dearly missed. His music will live on forever 🎸

[@steverosen6276]

Hey, Ash: How you doing, buddy? Glad you dug it.

[@mgtow6683]

I wish all the Van Halen members could have buried the hatchet a long time ago. It would have been awesome if both Dave & Sammy could have done a reunion tour. The tour could have been called The Best of Both Worlds. 😢

[@kevinc8574]

I like the proposed name of that tour. Using the name of one of their songs to pay tribute to one of the dynamics in VH.

[@LuneyTune72]

Unfortunately, Dave wouldn’t agree to a Sammy song as the tour name haha

[@songsabai3794]

Sam & Dave did a tour together,each with their own bands,flipping coin for who would open each night.

[@garden5137]

Damn you just said a mouth full! That would have been legendary (in a perfect 🌎) RIP EDDIE VAN HALEN

[@TheJohnnyCotts]

Allegedly, they were planning to do a tour in 2019 with all the former members, including Gary Cherone, tentatively titled "The Kitchen Sink Tour", but Eddie's health got bad enough that they had to cancel.

[@ericmdk]

"Honestly if he started his career with "Just a Gigolo" you're telling me that he'd be where he is?" LMFAO well said. Rip Ed. Thanks for posting Steve!!

[@allencameron1050]

It's such a treasure to listen to this it's by far the best interview I've ever heard and it's just I can't say thank you enough for posting it I hope other people really listen to it like I did it's just so personal it puts you right there I can't stop saying thank you for posting it I'm just so grateful!!!!!!!

[@KeenanNeighbors]

Steve--Thank you Thank you Thank you. Your interviews are the best of the best. It's like I am a fly on the wall listening to 2 guys talk music

[@superchefno1]

This is timeless Steve!! You can listen over and over! Rock On!

[@PickettMusic]

This is incredible...thanks for posting this. Wow. I miss having this guy in the world...

[@JohnnyBeane]

I’m still in shock Steve. This is a first for me to have lost somebody that I looked up to for almost my entire life.

[@scottswaringen5677]

Keep looking up to him. Maybe even more now. Keeping the Faith of this Music is what he always wanted to live on thru him. Share and educate people who don't know who he is. Teach kids who Eddie was. Live on Eddie. Peace Brother. Keep The Faith.

[@steverosen6276]

Hey, Johnny: For me, I feel worse every day. The more I try and remember him, the more it hurts. Be well.

[@KeenanNeighbors]

the only musician that has made me cry when he passed away

[@allencameron1050]

Well said Johnny

[@JohnnyBeane]

@@steverosen6276 Can't believe he's gone. He was the best and human. Hope you are ok.

[@millopguy]

Thanks for posting this. Great insight into a life changing period of his life.

[@mysteriomarvel933]

Steven I firmly believe someone needs to make a movie about the life and times of Eddie Van Halen. With your connections in the business could we make this possible? All of you fans reading this let's unite and start a petition to give the man his due.

[@steverosen6276]

Interesting thought.

[@garden5137]

I'm looking for the Biography book, if Motley Crue had The Dirt. Van Halen needs a novel

[@robertmerrifield1276]

@@steverosen6276 Hey Steve! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!! I’m a 46-year-old grown ass man and I have been sobbing about Ed for weeks. This actually made me feel a little bit better so God Bless and thank you!! ❤️❤️

[@hoolandthegang]

absolutely and with a soundtrack of all the un released Eddie jams that he has stockpiled in 5150 . prolly another 10 lifetimes of music that never seen the light of day. Would be one of the coolest life stories of all time. The all-time greatest guitar player ever deserves a movie autobiography. Get wolf involved to help with the score

[@kd5inm]

@@steverosen6276 Have you talked to Wolfie? Maybe reach out to him at some point.

[@matthewstine5062]

This was absolutely great thank you Steve, he will be surely missed.

[@robertfrederick4714]

Wow this is extraordinary ! Absolutely numbing Stopped me in my tracks Thankyou so much for sharing such a personal time you shared with such a beautiful unique genius! So cool!!!

[@cherylb2008]

This interview is just precious. Thank you for sharing. Really appreciate it. ❤️ EVH.

[@PleaseSubscribe2FruitcakeTony]

Awesome, Steve.. Thanks for sharing!

[@SlappyMarsden]

This is absolute GOLD! Thanks for sharing Steve Rosen!

[@steverosen6276]

Hey, Slappy. I'm happy you're moved by it.

[@SlappyMarsden]

@@steverosen6276 Thanks for replying Steve! I've heard you mention that you had an unfortunate falling-out with Ed. Have you ever discussed it?

[@MarkPritchardGuitar]

Thanks for sharing this Steve, it was a very sad day when Ed passed, he will be truely missed. I’m sorry for tour loss.

[@BK-uf6qr]

Awesome snapshot in time. Amazing!!!! Thank you for posting this.

[@marianneboss5443]

Love you and so appreciate all the outstanding music you created. There was never anyone to compare to you and your talent....and there never will be. God bless you and your family.

[@lorigallagher6698]

Thanks so much for sharing this interview with us. RIP EVH🥰

[@ZiddersRooFurry]

I think the fact you picked up the phone and made that effort really means a lot. You might not be able to be there for Eddie but you can be there for Wolf & his family. You seem like a good dude. I hope you & yours are doing OK. Thank you for sharing this with all of us who loved & still love him.

[@steverosen6276]

I really appreciate that.

[@ricardoalon3826]

What a fantastic clip of VH history, thank you for sharing this.

[@darthvaydr]

Wow this is some fantastic material! I’m glad that you recorded this interview and I enjoyed hearing your stories of Eddie. It’s 7 months later and I’m still grieving this loss. I started listening to Van Halen when I was 13 years old, which was 1983, before the 1984 album came out. Eddie is the reason why I started playing the guitar. Eddie will always be the best guitarist of all time in my book. Thanks RIP King Edward. You will be forever missed.

[@deanoppergoalieclinics834]

Just saw this, great recounting of your history with Eddie,and still sad to think about his passing,great post Steve!

[@marcostabile848]

This interview is gold!! 1000 Thanks for sharing

[@flatusgamora1661]

I have read this interview in Guitar World countless times, along with the interview you did with him before VHII came out. It is an extremely special thing for me to hear the actual interviews - thank you so much for sharing these with us, Steve!

[@bodd66]

Same - It was like I knew EXACTLY what Eddie was going to say next, as I had read that interview so many times!

[@steverosen6276]

Welcome. It truly is a different experience reading this interview in GW and hearing it. I feel the same way.

[@paulcooper5748]

Love it R.I.P eddie thanks for the awesome music brother, thanks for sharing this interview steve rosen. 🎸🎸❤

[@steverosen6276]

Hi, Paul: You got it.

[@aerlial360]

What an incredible, honest introspection. Thanks for sharing this. Celebrating an amazing human, warts and all.

[@chethaun39470]

Such a great interview at a amazing time for Edward and the band. Many thanks

[@taylorfusion]

I loved all my issues of Guitar World and to this day have every centerfold laminated and on display. I would scour every used bookstore in cities all over the US and Canada to try and find the back issues and your articles I had missed. I even found one in San Juan Puerto Rico working on a cruise ship in a band. Thank you Steve Rosen for all the great interviews to help me stay fascinated with this amazing instrument and the people behind them.

[@ozzydoop1473]

Amazing material thank you so much for uploading & sharing this with us true VH fans : RIP EVH :

[@steverosen6276]

I'm honored to present this to everybody.

[@erichhitchcock3368]

Very early in, I can hear the "partying", crack me up, awesome man, thanks for this!

[@JasonMcNamara]

WOW!!!! I first listened to this yesterday. What a wonderful insight to what was going on in Eddie's mind at the beginning of the 5150 era. Thank you very much for sharing your original recording with us all Steve. I just made a very short Keyboard tribute to Eddie today with Love Walks In and I used a few seconds from your interview where he talked about recording the song. The video is on my channel. If you don't want me using it please let me know and I'll take it down. In case you're wondering, I cleaned up the audio quality myself. That's a part of what I do for a living. Cheers from Tokyo, Jason 🤘

[@michaelsicowitz362]

It's been a while since hearing the sounds of an eight ball after a gig. The 80s, bands, I really miss Eddie, so interesting with such a modest ego. How could that be 40yrs ago, makes me sad.

[@patriceriedel2181]

Thank you for sharing....Eddie's gift and passion shined though everything he did. He appreciated all things and his humility and smile is contagious. God bless Eddie 💔 Thankful to be a fan. Many many concerts 🎶

[@k.gspianoworldjourneyschan437]

Thanks steve! Im greatful for your letting us into the interview. 🎸😞🎼🤘

[@januarypresley]

Thank you for this. This was so great to listen to.

[@steverosen6276]

Hi, Black Metal Candy. You're very welcome. I'm happy it resonated with you.

[@alexmalmstrom7299]

Thank you so much for sharing this interview with all of us here.✨👌😉👍👍👍👍🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@robertshanks3674]

this interview is pure gold...like nothing ive heard before. tks much for sharing

[@RememberTheGreatsSports]

Great stories and tribute Steve, your a legend yourself in the business.

[@iamdansimons]

This has been an evening with Steve & Edward. An evening well spent. Thanks for sharing Steve. If you have more of these, and it won't put you in trouble, it would be awesome to share the experience.

[@buddyringo21]

Awesome to have the privilege to hear this conversation! Thank you for sharing! RIP Eddie 🍻🎸🎶

[@t.j.fuller9531]

Steve , you know I’ve heard a lot of the other interviews. It’s great that Ed liked you so well to open up the way he did , so we could all learn so much about the guy that inspired many of us to become musicians. So for that we / I thank you Steve !!

[@steverosen6276]

Hi, Thomas: That is really nice. When I interviewed Ed, I thought he was being extraordinarily honest with me and was digging deeper into his own psyche with his answers. Now I know he was. By reading comments like yours, now I know he was. Thank you.

[@bcancun123]

This is an amazing interview thanks for sharing

[@steverosen6276]

Hello, Jan. Nice of you to say that.

[@SlapMehhh]

eddie was a great podcast guest back in the 80s haha, thanks man

[@C.Brown5150]

Thank you for sharing this with us all.. It's been a pleasure to have had the chance to listen on the conversation with your self and Mr. Van Halen. Again, thank you !👍 He will definitely be missed and he will forever hold a #1 spot within the hearts of us all. He was as real as it gets, no glam , no big head , just wanted to share with the world , his love of music and those around him. Thank you Mr. Van Halen , for allowing me to have had the pleasure of hearing and watching you enjoying that thing you did so well.. R.I. P. 🙏

[@144wychwood]

AAAAHH! good 'ole 80s.This is real trip down memory lane. The release of new Van Halen LP always meant new Ed Guitar World interview with Steve Rosen.

[@steverosen6276]

Hey: That's a nice thing to say. Thank you.

[@Shred64]

Wow, thanks so much for releasing this!! What a pleasure to listen to. Took me back to reading the actual Guitar World interviews when I was in high school. If you were ever able to release an EVH biography, would be amazing.

[@paulc9434]

Thanks Steve. Thanks for bringing us this piece of treasure of your work. Thank you for letting us listen in to the genius that wrote the soundtrack of my youth. Rest in peace Edward.

[@steverosen6276]

I'm glad you liked it.

[@CECDOG69]

Great video Steven, I grew up in Arcadia cali, with van halen, quiet riot, motley cruel, eauolgy, smile, all of them, WATCHING UR VIDEO, I CRIED THE WHOLE TIME, TY FOR ALL UR WORK!👍

[@vanshipman]

I remember reading this interview when it came out....Those were the days man. Getting anything regarding Edward was like getting a Christmas present. Pre-internet... the flow of information was just so different. You appreciated things like this so much more then. I hate to sound like the old man that I am, but it’s true. Steve got the majority of the big stories with Edward and did such an incredible job. It seems like it was hundred years ago, but in some ways like it was just yesterday. Thank you Steve for making this available, along with all of the other great stuff you let us in on. 👍🏻 You’re easily my favorite music journalist my friend. R.I.P. EVH Forever the GOAT 🙏 🎸

[@marcbuehre7660]

Thanks for sharing this Mr. Rosen ! I used to work in retail and Eddie used to come into the store a few times , and he was the nicest , coolest guy to talk to .....While everyone else was freaking out around me , he actually talked to you if you'd just relax & Listen to what he had to say .....He did mention that as far as guitar players go , there is no one who is better or greater than anyone else , Hendrix , Clapton , Page, he said that They are All Great in their own way , All of those Amazing Players are Great Unique . It's like comparing apples to oranges..... And That was his words , verbatim. He Will be Sorely Missed .....

[@charlieferrari9025]

Steve and who ever else reads this, Google Thinking About The Years by Haywire.It's a special song that gives honor to Ed's memory and it will help you cope with his sad demise.We love you Ed.❤️🎸💔🌹✝️☀️

[@coinslotsandjoysticks2572]

Be thankful you have those memories to cherish, thousands of people would love to have done it and couldn't

[@marianneboss5443]

Love your music. I am definitely not much of a music connisoir... Just like what I like. However, even I could realize your exceptional style and talent. My son, Chris, adored you from the age of 15 .. I was 20 years older. I feel we both grew up with you and feel so grateful to have been a very small part of your journey. You were so loved and appreciated ....you were one of a kind and will be so missed but your awesome music will live on forever. God bless and thank you.

[@Za7a7aZ]

Yes...thanks for sharing your connection with Eddie. The only connection I have with him is that I live in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. His first record was one of the first records I ever bought and am still trying to play eruption. The world has a hole in it since he passed away..

[@LogixFive]

Amazing. Thank you for giving us a backstage pass to the best guitarist of all time. 💙

[@reneguzman720]

Thank you for this great and historic interview👍👍🙏

[@steverosen6276]

I'm happy you're happy, Rene.

[@staceyroberts3468]

I sure enjoyed listening in on this convo! So much better than any interview I’ve ever heard w him. Just two dudes chatting and being totally honest. I loved how him and Sammy got along in the beginning. They both spoke so highly of each other and were so close

[@coinslotsandjoysticks2572]

Absolutely, ed was a truly genuine and loving person. One of the most good hearted people you could ever meet

[@CoachingChaos]

Steve, thank you so much for sharing all of this. Back in the day I read all the Van Halen articles I could get my grubby little mitts on ... GW, GP, GftPM, etc., and recognize many of the things Eddie is saying here as what ended up in some of your articles. I know it had to have been unbelievably remarkable to be so close to him during those years. I'm sure Eddie leaving us struck you rather hard; my sympathies. Many of us didn't know him, we were only fans or guitar playing wanna-bes (raises hand), but we loved him so much and still can't believe he's gone. RIP Edward Van Halen 💔

[@xTheFly]

Over the years I've read and heard so many things about VH from 1985-86 and what happened. None of it has been crystal clear. Listening to this clarifies a lot. I love this band from it's beginning and all the way through. Listening to Eddie, he just sounds like an everyday normal guy but nothing could be further from the truth with how talented the guy was. Thank you so much for posting this interview.

[@jimmycrabtree-tb6jc]

It is so incredible to get to hear this!

[@mikeshaffer4912]

This is a fantastic video! Thank you for the stories. The one time I got to see Van Halen live on tour was in Boise, ID on their 1984 tour. Even though I switched to guitar later, seeing that show was part of the reason I took up band and drums when I was in grade school band.

[@NickNicometi]

That's effin cool!

[@steverosen6276]

I appreciate it.

[@mbach1187]

thank you for sharing these/ so cool to see how laid back he was as well in these interviews and honest

[@steverosen6276]

Welcome. Edward was in a good place in '86. He was happy.

[@robintaylor485]

This is a fascinating and fantastic interview with EVH.

[@Diggerdog2nd]

Thanks so much once again Steve for sharing one of your experiences that gives us one more connection to someone that for me has been a part of my life since I was 13 & I'm 55 now. If you can still have a hero at 55 Eddie has always been mine & inspired me to start playing guitar 41 years ago. Gonna be weird with out EVH out there somewhere in the world.

[@steverosen6276]

You're welcome.

[@michaelandmelanieasby4378]

55 here also.....love this interview man.

[@pumpkinpuna4087]

I just now watched the music video of Wolfgang's tribute to his pops Eddie ....omg !!! It's absolutely beautiful !!!! He added home videos from his childhood and an absolutely beautiful voicemail at the end. The song is called Distance !!! RIP EVH

[@johnmilazzo]

omg. Thank you. Thank you Thank you for sharing this!! 1986 was the best Van Halen year ever! (IMO)

[@billbranch1403]

Such a great interview...I am HUGE Ed VanHalen fan. I would give,do or pay anything to sit and talk with him. He touched so many people in some way. I cried when I got the news. RIP Brother

[@blackiegohard]

You could take all the interviews E.VH has ever done, with the exception of his love life & fatherhood, put them all together and you have this. This is what everyone has wanted too know and learn about his journey as an accomplished musician and taking the music and craft seriously. No matter how high or low, he had his shit together and knew exactly what he wanted for himself and the future of their band. 100% MUSIC.

[@lorzs1270]

thank you Eddie, Alex, Dave, and Mike, you got me through high school and college............Passed my CD's on to my son and nephews.

[@chad00023]

absolute greatness thank you so so very much for this and god bless

[@chad00023]

please add any blurps you can even if its non-sense my van halen story started in1979 as i worked as a cook for dennys the new busboy (dave) heard me jamming to Michael Jackson and dancing the moonwalk and said "hold on" tossed me a tape of VH and changed my life---true story. long live EVH

[@matthalo89]

Great interview. Eddie was always a great interviewee. I will say this, that phone ring @ 43:16 took me back. I haven’t heard one of those old dial phones with the cord that stretches across your house in ages.

[@steverosen6276]

Thank you. Interesting comment about the phone!

[@zigzagbigbag]

I was waiting for the Rockford Files theme.

[@michaelshawn2946]

That was cool, thank you for posting this...R.I.P EDWARD. .

[@steverosen6276]

Thanks, Michael.

[@thomshere]

New subscriber here and wanted to tell you how great this interview is! This is by far my favorite Eddie van Halen interview so far and look forward to your other videos. Thank you so much for putting this up. I can't wait to get the book!

[@msw812]

I could sense the air got awkward when the effort to explain to Eddie how monumental and virtually religious his existence is to a vast sea of fans and budding guitarists around the world. That took amazing guts, I believe, to go there with Edward… while knowing his response would be a dry well of words. Ed’s humbleness is like an earthquake. The ability to create musical pieces and tunes that has that great of appeal to mega masses is like having a key to the soul of countless individuals. Having that kind of power and just being a “regular ole dude” is truly incredible. Thank you Steve Rosen for interviewing Ed as a professional, and as a true fan as well.

[@gigitonsvajv]

Well said.

[@rudymora8848]

Eddie Van Halen, a LEGEND. LEGENDS LIVE FOR EVER! RIP EDDIE.

[@supermantra3437]

I was to meet EVH on may 9 2012 My 45th yet the trip was a long journey and i missed it. Then July 5th 2015 there he was it was surreal. Miss you Eddie,, Way to go Steve

[@dougstranko7800]

Great interview. Thanks for sharing.

[@steverosen6276]

I'm humbled.