Eddie Van Halen - Phone Interview 1982

Eddie Van Halen
Phone Interview Ft. Jas Obrecht For Guitar Player Magazine
Louisville, KY
July 30, 1982
Chapters:
00:00:02 Introductions
00:00:54 Diver Down & The Critics
00:06:48 Recording Diver Down
00:12:01 Pretty Woman & Big Bad Bill
00:21:47 Cathedral, Secrets & Dave's Ego
00:28:01 Little Guitars
00:33:51 The Full Bug & Alan Holdsworth
00:40:22 Randy Rhoads, Secrets, Dancing In The Streets & Hang 'Em High
00:45:51 Songwriting & EVH's Riffs
00:51:04 Jump Demo
00:54:52 Touring, Studios, Space Cadets & Other Players
01:04:51 Warner Brothers, The Charts & Final Thoughts
Notes:
Guitar Player magazine charged Jas Obrecht with the task of interviewing EVH about the Diver Down album. Obrecht called EVH in his hotel room after the Louisville, KY performance and asked him about the tracks on Diver Down, but the conversation ranged beyond that one subject. When you listen, you can hear EVH rip both Roth and Templeman (thereby foreshadowing the band's breakup) and the band's relationship with Warner Brothers. For those of you that have the Best of Guitar Player: Van Halen issue (published in the mid-90s) or the original run of the interview in GP (circa late 82), you can follow the conversation as it progressed, but you can also hear the stuff that Obrecht edited out on the behalf of EVH; namely, all the comments that are critical of members of VH's inner circle.
The interview has the added treat of the inclusion of the a demo for Jump and a bit of EVH noodling on the guitar as he tries to explain to Obrecht how he pulled of the intro to "Little Guitars."
The quality here is the quality of a phone call. It is not like an FM interview, but it is easy to listen to and in some ways adds to the sense that you are eavesdropping on a private conversation.

[@sttarch5150]

"I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" . This is a huge rock star who gives a damn about people other than themselves. I just love Ed. Always will.

[@josephsdsu1]

Around 49:10 he asks, "Am I taking too much time?" He as capable of being so sweet. Rest in peace.

[@Bpjames]

@@josephsdsu1 Such a good point, since his death I"ve been listening to a lot of interviews and stories about him and that seems to be a common thread. Not only is he a guitar legend, but he was a kind hearted, generous and loving human being. I"m really glad there was a good guy behind that smile... makes me miss him even more.

[@jasoncarter6247]

So humble, he calls him back and even apologized for calling him back late!

[@Silvana716]

Awesome human being. People with less fame lose touch with their true selves. How lucky we are to have known him in our lifetime. RIP

[@mikenelson8409]

Me too.

[@dandiego7298]

“What city you in?” “Uh....” Life of a rock star. You’re missed, Eddie.

[@playyuh]

Rockstars are a thing of the past sadly . Once the 90's came it wasn't "cool" to be a larger then life persona anymore . We gotta bring that shit back .

[@paulineleslie-jackson5690]

@@playyuh don't worry rocknroll never really goes away. its the songs that people remember and Love

[@johnsullivan5525]

Dan Diego...."Im in Lou UH ville.Ya gotta say it like that. .they get pissed when you say Lou EE ville"

[@barnacle-]

John sullivan people in louisville sure do get pissed lol

[@JohnnyUtah15]

@@johnsullivan5525 lol, I laughed at that. Also ville has to pronounced like one marbles in their mouth.

[@kevinobrecht9439]

My uncle Jas interviewing the great Eddie Van Halen. The amount of cool stories he’s told me about interviewing guitarists is endless. He and Eddie were close buddies after Jas gave him his first interview

[@SixStringFiasco]

Your Uncle is the exact type of Uncle we all wish we had growing up. Instead we got bitter alcoholics that drive rundown Camaros..

[@johnmacbeth4148]

These interviews shaped a lot of young peoples lives , including mine . Great fan of your uncle jas work. Wonderful journalist

[@smallmouthguy2264]

I remember reading all these interviews when I was in highschool ,really got the impression Ed was a regular guy with regular problems like everyone else

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

I wish your uncle went at him about the Randy rhoads stuff, Randy sounded nothing like Ed. And he should have challenged Ed to say: ya he is doing stuff you're not doing, he does solos in one take and writes them out. He plays classical guitar...

[@CatchupGirl71]

What gets me about this interview is what a sensitive soul Eddie was. He was so deeply affected by certain aspects of this business as a person and human being. He was a beautiful soul. A lot of people he referenced who said or did hurtful things to him were obviously jealous of his gifts. It's very apparent. God Bless his soul. I love Eddie Van Halen.

[@NJ1810]

"I don't wanna bore the shit out of you", proceeds to play the first ever heard recording of Jump. Unbelievable.

[@uncletrick1]

I love that he’s not sure what city he is in.

[@ottodrone6173]

That actually happens often when musicians are on tour. I've heard several radio interviews and they have to ask their manager where they are.

[@erikatowle8695]

@@ottodrone6173 Seems funny to us but Im sure it's common, especially when non-stop touring.

[@alanjamesh.zamorano1677]

Spinal Tap moment

[@j_freed]

It's easy for us to laugh when we rarely face jet lag, travel fatigue and constant new sleeping quarters. It's confusing as heck.

[@mumbles215]

I did two tours as a sound engineer and it’s very easy to forget where you are. Happened to me in less than 30 days out lol.

[@johnmitchell4769]

This just shows what an incredible person Eddie was. Someone looking for an interview with the greatest guitarist on the planet and Ed takes his number so he can call HIM back! How many rock stars would do this? Eddie, you were such an amazing guitarist and a wonderful soul. The world is not the same without you. Thanks sharing your gift with us 🤘❤️🎸😢

[@jamesdean9781]

So true…”Is this a good time..I’m not interrupting anything am I?” Truly genuine and thoughtful of Eddie, he didn’t say or convey it in a condescending or arrogant tone at all. So real and down to earth all the time. God you’re missed Ed.

[@SalamiKing7]

He was one of a kind and just an amaizng soul. Also, one of the greatest musicians to walk the earth. Gutted I didn’t travel across the Atlantic to see them in ‘15. We miss you, Ed! ❤️

[@ricardobelmares6775]

we miss you so much,Eddie you inspired me till the date ,everytime i listen to ur music,i to pick my six string ,i sware!!!😮

[@jackbtlr17]

By then he'd already had a good relationship with jas he's been interviewing him since the 1st tour

[@Silvana716]

The beginning of Jump before maybe even Eddie knew it. Priceless.

[@stevej.1428]

The first ever recording of the Jump into. Nice.

[@bcancun123]

That tripped me out

[@kencree]

Eddie is gold in this interview. Really amazing piece of VH "Diver Down" history. And Eddie's playing guitar during the interview...really amazing stuff. At 51 minutes is the solo to JUMP. And the interviewer just letting Eddie think and talk, and not interrupting every second like everyone does these days.

[@psimp8871]

Apparently Eddie was a big phone guy. Howard Stern said EVH would call him all the time and just talk for hours and hours.

[@marinagase]

48:35 Eddie said, “Can I play you something?” Like...wow....🤩⚡️😍

[@raffleentry52]

The beginning of Jump before maybe even Eddie knew it. Priceless.

[@om4444]

He came in with the structure for the Jump bridge also. @@raffleentry52

[@indydude3367]

Eddie was the Eternal Teenager. Goofy, moody and brilliant. But always sincere.

[@erikatowle8695]

And that smile, he is mourned by so many💔🥺

[@mikenelson8409]

I fell in love with the guitar when I was around 8 years of age...I've had a lot of admiration for Eddie for decades not only for his musical abilities but I loved to listen to him talk tech or nerd-out on guitars, synthesizers, etc. I could listen to Eddie talk all day! I'm now looking forward to following Woofie and HIS music from here on...Love you Eddie! Rest in peace brother.

[@seagullpoet]

Great comment !

[@chrissimpson6701]

And those are the qualities that made him sexy as hell, and that smile, forget about it. My heart will hurt a long time for Ed.💔

[@TheRocknRollGhost]

Well said, friend.

[@Jackmc2112]

What a sweet guy. “Am i taking too much time?” Are you kidding me?

[@BartekEVH]

Yes. He was fantastic Guy. I can not thinking about this... He is gone.. :(((( I will love him forever.

[@bobravenscraft5376]

Its like No man I've heard myself play lol. Take your sweet time

[@hellrazor67]

I just stumbled upon this and WOW! I love this interview. It's 37yrs ago and I'm smiling like a little kid. Thank you!

[@kristinasativa]

😥❤RIP Edward.

[@kevinkinney5445]

I met Ed in 88' as an independent consoltant reguarding solid surfacing work done at his house in coldwater cyn. Checking out the bar top I noticed an Uzi on the sofa table. I asked Him, " Whats that for"? ..."Crowd Control" He said laughing. Really Cool Dude.

[@nymike06]

Too funny lol

[@BetrayerSlayerMusicTV]

Check out his story on Fred Durst. Ed'll fuck up up.

[@Marcus_C51]

Crowd control?! That is SO hilarious--great story! Thanks for sharing.

[@KeenanNeighbors]

Kevin I lived next door to Zeke Clark his tech at Woodman and Moorpark so we were 2 miles away and sometimes I would ride with Zeke to his house and I noticed some guns behind doors and Zeke said he has them all over the house, that is my kind of guy

[@humanbeing2420]

It's incredible that at this point in their career - pretty much the height of their commercial success - Eddie makes a point of calling this writer, from somewhere in Kentucky, after being up all night, to give him an interview...

[@jts400hp]

Says a lot

[@johnrambo7630]

This is incredible. I was taken back in time to the Diver Down days, what a trip! Listening to Ed talk about synthesizers, the early version of Jump...going back in time and looking into the future..wow! I think the best part was feeling how much Ed was into his music...just like the Van Halen fans are...really felt a bond with him. Ed loved the music as much as the fans did! We still love Diver Down, Ed.

[@Junkiescum]

Low key my favorite Van Halen album, it’s just so much god damn fun. I always play this first when I introduce Van Halen to a chick and it always does wonders lol. I owe Eddie for helping me get laid countless times using this album. But man this takes me back to a time before I was born and I’m still nostalgic for it.

[@Junkiescum]

Not claiming I’ve gotten laid countless times, Just that it has worked 90% of the time lol.

[@tenbroeck1958]

I was like 10 years old, and thought he was the greatest. All of the older rocker kids around where I lived loved VH. I still love VH and I'm 50 now! This is a great interview.

[@ottodrone6173]

The best rock n roll interview I've ever heard. Reminds me of talking on the phone with my band mates back then, talking shop and sharing ideas by phone.

[@Impalaman1968]

@Otto Drone ......you just said what I was going to post almost verbatim! That's both cool and kind of freaky! Get out of my head dude! Lol! R.I.P. TO EDDIE VAN HALEN!

[@nigelmikaele]

Eddie's a very down to earth guy, and also has a child like quality to him, and a huge heart. His music is just a consequence of all these qualities. Hope you get well and recover Eddie...

[@junkboxhero4825]

He's given away over 1000 guitars to music schools, not to mention all the guitars he's given away to fans and friends. He's also the reason why rock guitar didn't die.

[@legatomisterioso7]

100%, the only thing is that he is a very shy person which results in him not knowing how to express himself properly which makes him seem like a total control freak and a huge a-hole, especially when talking to other band members (see Roth in the 86 interview about Van Halen on his eat em and smile tour, and Sammy Hagar after he was kicked from Van Halen). He also because this doesn’t know how to handle situations, especially when he wanted to play with his son Wolfie, but instead of telling Mikey straight forward he lied about him and made up fake stories, which didn’t result in any good. Not saying what he did was right, but explaining why he thought it was right.

[@JimA-pp2nu]

shut he fuck up you pathetic sycophant

[@TheJpep2424]

LOL he didn't treat Mike like shit because he's shy. Ridiculous.

[@TheJpep2424]

LOL he didn't treat Mike like shit because he's shy. Ridiculous.

[@filthymcnasty08]

RIP Legend - thank you for sharing your gifts with all of us

[@NickNicometi]

Well said - though I'm 12 yrs younger, when I see Eddie interviewed, no matter his age, I just think, "What a good kid". The more I listen to him speak, the more I love him & miss him.

[@2kosher]

God, if only we heard this years ago we'd have more admiration for Eddie as a humble, down-to-earth, simple guy. Incredible, insightful interview! Best interview I've ever heard Eddie give! Incredible to also hear him talk about Randy Rhoads, hear the rough demo for "Jump," and Dave's ego! (And a lot of this was supposed to be off the record! Wow!)

[@mattscerpella5327]

yep. EVH is an alcoholic and later a drug addict. his personality became extremely jaded and bitter as he got older. Alot of addicts have alot of personal anger. but whatever. I've never gotten tired of VH 1-6. I can play just about every note on those records and still haven't gotten tired of his playing and music.

[@nymike06]

How can 24 people not like this? It's a great interview.

[@KeenanNeighbors]

That is DLR page and his 23 fake accounts

[@CoffinPrick]

Journey fans.

[@nymike06]

@@CoffinPrick I see. Thanks!

[@toker218]

Because people are clueless

[@smallmouthguy2264]

Little did many people know this is hall of fame shit right there!

[@Scottocaster6668]

How cool is this? Eddie's getting excited talking about guitar, how he got the noises on "Intruder" & had "House of Pain" and big trouble already written but we know those were on later albums. How down to earth and cool. It's like talking to your friend who made it big and telling you what he's been doing lately.

[@robertsmith-ux8ls]

Yup house of pain they had on the gene Simmons demo in 1977

[@rmartin7558]

Unchained, one of the most iconic guitar riffs of all time, written on piano? Unbelievable!

[@skunny00]

1:04:29 @Linda Niemkiewicz

[@harrisfrankou2368]

Yeah in the interview he moved it up and put it through his MARSHALL... Then made it guitar.

[@jts400hp]

Anyone ever tell you your resemblance to Mr Furly is spooky?

[@KeenanNeighbors]

R Martin Here ya go There is a little trivia about Unchained as it was being worked up Zeke said. @ 8 seconds in that flanger sound originally came from a beer bottle falling onto his keyboard after Ed swung around and the headstock sent the beer flying and bouncing along the keys. Zeke said Ed told him he liked the sound and tried to mimic it on his guitar and when he did he put it in the song

[@e.l.norton]

On the studio leaks that have recently hit, there is a bit of a VERY different version of Unchained that is much, much heavier and darker. It sounds so cool. Totally different riff and it kills.

[@bso6371gt]

Cant believe he is gone!!

[@kristinasativa]

Love looking at the photo as I listen. Miss you forever Edward. RIP❤

[@alanlund8922]

The guy's talent was off the charts, yet an down to earth and humble person. You are missed Ed.

[@niyois]

In so many ways, Eddie showed qualities which we should aspire to. His humility, being down to earth, being a loving father, showing great forgiveness. If he made some mistakes, I think we should remember that we all do too. Eddie, I hope to see you playing again, sometime in the next realms.

[@foreveralive6949]

You have to love how eager Ed is to try and demonstrate over the phone what he was doing.

[@jimfromoh8944]

I never knew Tommy Chong was a reporter back then.

[@td_gtr_plyr]

...huh...? ....huh? ...huh...?

[@brianschraeder2832]

Damn this conversation is gold. Thanks for uploading! He was loose as hell in that interview.

[@wallyramirez5527]

What a sweet sincere person... I’m so bummed.. Forever EVH❤️🎶

[@oldnikix]

No musician or pop star would ever provide such an interview today.

[@sandrasheppard1508]

There aren't any musicians coming out with great stuff today-

[@StarCityAudits]

Eddie seems to have a guitar with him literally everywhere he is. I love how he has it right there with him during this interview. He doesn't even realize how great he is here.

[@elonmust7470]

He does, how do you think he got so good?

[@kaleendavis8427]

@@elonmust7470 well said 🙂

[@madalomusic2097]

49:10 "Am I taking too much time?" Yeah, Ed, I really have to get going. One of the greatest guitarists in the world showing me something he wrote but I really gotta go.

[@erikatowle8695]

Moron!!😩

[@joaquindelarosa1215]

😅

[@chrissimpson6701]

He could have talked to me all damn day, he would have been like hey are you there? I would have nodded and said uh huh yep keep talking Ed. Will miss you forever Ed. So sweet and sexy, gifted and go e too soon, damn you cancer!

[@bjwhite6848]

could u get more down to earth!!!!!! ed was dammm saint man..god made him...he will be so missed!!!!

[@ZblockWoW]

This is one of the most amazing things on the internet. 🤩🤩🤩 If you liked this, listen to Noel Monk’s book!

[@magnuszetterqvist5936]

ZblockWoW great book!👍😘🇸🇪

[@briankehew579]

The Van Halen Rising book is incredible, too!

[@jojomcgee3430]

Noel's book is great! Can't believe any of them are to tell the tales!!!

[@lucabiolzi1767]

Yeah that book is pure magic! I listened to it twice in a row, then bought the hard copy as my way to say "thanks" to Noel for that pearl of inside information! 😉🔝👍🏻

[@KeenanNeighbors]

I befriended Noel on fb and the first 2 times we chatted I was nervous as hell because of him being there in the beginning since those were such special times. Other day we were chatting about how lucky we both were to have been there to see this band rise but then I complimented him for being such a good honest manager in a business where they are hard to find and he said to me ''You are a very cool dude Keenan...That is a real compliment Keenan. I thank you for saying that. Honesty is something that means a lot to me. And yes, I really do consider myself to be mostly an honest person. '' He goes on to say a lot more and I was very happy that he takes the time to chat with me. I have listened 3 times to his book and when I took him he said ''I like that Keenan'' cool guy for sure

[@midnightflyer7510]

Pure GOLD! I would have given anything to hear this back in the day! Causally talking about the techniques, effects and then debuting Jump over the phone is such a rare gift! I bet that keyboard track didn’t even have a name yet! I was that kid recording the album and sitting on my bed for hours on end with headphones on pressing rewind to try, mostly in vain, to reproduce his magic on my guitar!

[@MatthewReiser123]

...and trying to avoid accidentally recording parts of the commercial breaks? :-)

[@paulineleslie-jackson5690]

Yes I hate that when it happens and it happens a lot Lol

[@michaelbillypec]

He mentions Fair Warning took more time to make, to me that album is their masterpiece.

[@nirradyen-tolobaz3727]

"Fair Warning "is the DEFINITIVE showcase of EVH best compositions and sound.When EVH talks about Allan Holdsworth,mentioning how overlooked he was.It is true.Allan Holdsworth was in a group with drummer extraordinaire Bill Bruford and keys,violinist Eddy Jobson and bass Jeff Berlin ,called U.K.✨After the U.K. run ,he was 100% broke.U,K.was a fantastic jazz fusion outfit that was the critics choice ,but ,no money 💰.Allan H.in desperation sold his houseboat and mortgaged his property, to pay for his 1st solo album ;ironically titled "I.O.U". It was a great album and he always has top notch players .Nice of EVH 2 step in 2 help Allan when he recognized the talent of the Englishman guitarist.Allan Holdsworth was about 7 years older than EVH when he jammed with his, younger more commercially successful admirer.At this time Holds worth was continually in all of the music mags of the time and in mid 70s polls ALWAYS in the Top 3 (usually top!)If U have heard Holdsworth,U already know why EVH got off on his style.Thank U4 your time.Peace .✨🎼🙏🏼🎼✨🇨🇦

[@andrewharvey149]

I agree.

[@shawnhunt2332]

Of course the masterpiece - but I love Every thing they do.

[@tommccarron324]

Funny how I remember reading this article when it came out and now I'm hearing what was actually said. Pretty cool

[@evil6564]

26:00 "Yeah, you mean a cathedral... That's why I called it Cathedral" lmao

[@WoodstocKenny]

I couldn't help but laugh at the part where Eddie tells Jas not to say anything....."I swear I'll come over to your house and blow your ass away!" Lol!

[@thrashaddiction]

I Couldn't stop listening, really like how Ed Wants to keep the inside info on the Low yet we get to hear the real story anyway, great posting this, Thanks

[@TheNYJets15]

EVH was a music scientist...full of heart and passion - god bless him man!

[@jamesgomez753]

Jas was one of the first people to hear Jump... lol. And he recorded the moment. How insane

[@timprest8486]

Eddie is the electric guitarist who’s had the greatest impact on me. Had the magazine with this interview when I was ten. Listening to the actual audio is just surreal. Absolute gold.

[@scotwells7573]

Eddie's favorites off of the album were Cathedral and Secrets, my favs as well.

[@erikatowle8695]

Their beautiful 🎶🎸

[@deniseadams5110]

Mine too. Favorite solo, Cathedral. Favorite song, Secrets. Love his sweet soul. Just wanted to talk music. Think he was very lonely. Sucks being a genius and so creative. One of a kind. Our world got a little darker now he's gone.

[@handwiredbyme]

They are great same with hangem high and little guitars

[@Kix-86]

I love how Ed and the interviewer actually have a real, honest conversation. This is probably the longest interview with a rocker (over the phone, even!) you'll ever see. Man, they're both so lucky.

[@bshingledecker]

This is a gem. Thanks for keeping it, and posting it.

[@risenvideo8474]

Eddie is so upfront and honest. I love hearing him talk about music and how he explained how he played his songs. His life was his music and music was his love.

[@TommyLent]

51.00 - 54.30. Some of the best viewing ever on KZbin seeing the genesis of a huge single. Especially over the phone! :)

[@jamesdean9781]

”Is this a good time..I’m not interrupting anything am I?” Truly genuine and thoughtful of Eddie, he didn’t say or convey it in a condescending arrogant tone at all. So real and down to earth all the time. He stayed back (sometimes for HOURS) signing autographs and taking pics after their shows all the time too. God you’re missed Ed.

[@Zacsondy]

Hearing Eddie play a 12 string acoustic over the phone in 1982 is simply wonderful. He's just a guitar player like the rest of us. And happens to be phenomenal.

[@thevantagepoint3830]

I love this interview and Eddy was and still is awesome. The comments about Randy were a bit off because Randy had his own style even though he did the tapping thing...Randy had a unique mid rangey tone and he was big on classical music. Eddy is unique and more of a rock n roll, boogie and more of a major scale mode type player, and Randy was darker, metal / melodic minor mode...Eddy was a major influence on me and so many other players in various ways. With tone, phrasing rhythm and lead. I think in general Eddy was pretty versatile too. I don't think he sounded the same all the time or throughout an entire album. Most of my other fav players are that way too. Steve Stevens, Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, David Gilmore, Eric Johnson, Jake E. Lee, Alan Holdsworth, Jeff Beck, Paul Gilbert, Geroge Bellas, Jason Becker, Gary Moore....I think it would be great for a lot of these guitar gods to come together and make a record for homeless or cancer research...This interview is special because it takes us into Eddie's mindset of that era and to the album Diver Down...

[@5150pearl]

AMAZING ED IS SOOOOOO SWEET

[@robf6105]

Ed is playing the beginnings of "Jump" for the guy over the phone. Awesome.

[@Kix-86]

It's the keyboard solo to Jump at 50:00! It's literally a recording of a recording, the inception of the song before it completely shattered everyone's freaking minds off 1984! So cool!

[@67tomcat]

"Little Guitars" may be my favorite VH tune. RIP Eddie!

[@Toquelibre]

This is such a treasure to listen to. Wow!! Just shows how down to earth he was. Thanks for sharing!

[@ironz18]

I always heard bits of this interview through the years but this was like I was on the phone with Ed for an hour. I'm sure Dweezil Zappa would love to hear this too. Thank you for uploading an amazing conversation with Ed,made my day for sure!

[@frankrichards3089]

Very cool talking about Dweezil. This is great insight into Eddie's approach

[@franksteves924]

F'ing great listen. Ed is super cool and listening to him just having a very sincere conversation is just as cool as listening to Ed play.

[@2kosher]

Great analogy!

[@fredrichliebrich1462]

I miss Ed, but made his mark..... I will savor the flavor. I've lost several friends over time. I don't get over it. Tried, it can't be done. No one can replace his style. I miss him.

[@erikatowle8695]

I feel the same.. Been watching old interviews & concerts & damn, it makes it that more heartbreaking that he's gone! So bummed I never got to see VH in concert. God Bless 'ya EVH 🌹🎸🎙

[@jdexposure]

With death, no one gets over it. They get through it. Godspeed...

[@fredrichliebrich1462]

@@jdexposure I will do my best to deal with it.

[@paulineleslie-jackson5690]

@@jdexposure when you are dead you know nothing you are just asleep until God resurrects you (brings you back to life) Eddie will come back

[@fazole]

@@paulineleslie-jackson5690 But after this, comes the judgement. Heb. 9:27

[@michaellnbnj]

Never heard this interview. Thanks for the upload! Love you, Ed! You'll be missed but not forgotten.

[@petera.watters4459]

Love this interview. Totally reinforces exactyl why Eddie was my favorite!!!

[@lgmnowkondo938]

Secrets is a total hidden gem in the VH catalog!

[@raymondleury6541]

Agree fully. I love Diver Down, 💘...it has so many simple weird moments. This is a favorite, as well as Dancing

[@ohm8458]

....... glad I found this today,, it really helped ease the pain.

[@USAngel-dn8cx]

I’m still crying and grieving. Listening to this has made me happy but makes me incredibly sad, too. ✌️

[@ohm8458]

@@USAngel-dn8cx "Hang in there Angel... I feel the same!"

[@Heysupdan]

What a great interview! RIP Eddie ❤️❤️❤️

[@Guitarmike]

Unreal. I was at that show in Louisville and never heard this interview till now. Godspeed Edward.

[@laz288]

Jas Obrecht is a class act. He was one of the first to interview EVH when all the others passed in favor of Ronnie Montrose.

[@jeffturner6698]

"Can I play you something?" Are you kidding me?? Wow. That was the solo for Jump! What an amazing interview. Really lets us see/hear/ feel Eddies world... and how freakin cool he was. I know he could be a dick, we all can be. But damn, he was so approachable, open and unguarded in this interview. Im blown away beyond words. Thank you for sharing this.

[@davewielhouwer11]

"Speak two year old". Man i miss Eddie already. Saw him play live 5 times. He is/was a legend. Such a nice dude too. So glad he and Sammy we in touch and mended things in his last year of life. There will never be another Eddie Van Halen. The best

[@Babakati]

There are thousands of shredders out there that can play ANYTHING! But to be considered one of the ‘greats’ you have to be able to write good songs, that’s where EVH far outpaces RR. By the time VH got signed in 1977 Eddie had already 20-30 great songs in the bag.

[@scramick]

BINGO. RR fans don't get that plus RR had lot's of help with the writing thanks to Bob Daisley. Anything RR wrote prior to Ozzy was pretty bad. Shows who maybe wrote his songs.

[@russelledwardsedwards144]

You are exactly right most people dont get that . Great technical players are a dime a dozen. But what Eddie done you cant teach. You either have it or you dont.

[@Kroeber38]

Eddie is truly a genius! Thank God we have people like Eddie!

[@allsystemsgo8678]

Great interview with perhaps the best guitar player of his generation at his peak.

[@edwardz65]

This was the summer before my senior year of high school. I was just starting to play guitar and was a total VH freak. His passing has me revisiting the music and reminiscing a lot. This is such a cool snapshot in time. He was my first guitar hero, and I miss him a lot already. He’ll always be the guy in this interview to me, a funny, humble, extremely talented twenty-something that rocked the world and lit up every stage he graced with his smile and amazing music.

[@fireball7201]

I could listen to Eddie talk all night long!! Amazing guy

[@kaleendavis8427]

I've been listening to him for hours now.....on my day off🥰

[@MichaelDouglasSkewes]

That is the nicest thing he said about Randy in an interview, and it came out different in the article . Randy and Eddie were both popular in LA before VH got signed by Warnor Bros. It was never that Randy was copying Eddie. It was just each had their own fans ,and some people were obviously copying Eddie ,like George Lynch , Carlos Cavazo holding his pick like Eddie,why,who knows,he didn't do much tapping after he was in Quiet Riot, because he knew everyone would be on him to not be like Randy! That was a no win ,like Jake in Ozzy . But ,Randy was just getting to a point that he was doing his own thing ,like Eddie got to go all over the place, decades of tinkering ,he left behind a ton of ideas ,but anyway,it was nice for him to say what he did,but Randy tried to show he could do everything Eddie could do,and get going on showing what he could do. I never heard Eddie in Randy . But then,whatever, I like them both ,and knew them both. They were great guitarists and people,and now we don't have either . Oh well,no more guitar hero's!

[@stilllifewithguitar184]

@@Wisztrock It's difficult to imagine much more innovation, although if you listen to like Nels Kline solo work you can hear some cool stuff. Great new sounds and music are being made but maybe there's not a lot of innovation left to be found.

[@warrencantero]

2004 on the reunion tour I had the opportunity to work at the venue where they were playing and met him backstage, absolutely the humblest person I've ever met in my life. Took the time to talk shop with everyone from fans backstage to the local band who they insisted upon to open for them.The most down to earth individual. God bless and keep you forever...

[@Marcus_C51]

Oh man, that's fantastic that you got to hang with him for awhile. What an experience that must've been! I'm regretting that I never had the chance to. At least I have these interviews to listen to which is like being there in the room with him after a gig.-very cool!

[@janiterinadrum1627]

This is awesome. I’m 60 years old and I’m just listening to this interview. I was at that concert. I didn’t get front row but it was general with mission so I was about 10 people from the stage. I’ve seen them six different times once with Sammy the concert in Louisville he’s talking about was a great show. I hitchhike home by myself.

[@andylaw4988]

Lord above,there will NEVER be another Edward Van Halen!! He was quirky and subject to some I tense mood swings,it never undermined the man's passion and sincere commitment to his craft. Here he is ,arguably the biggest rockstar on the planet and he is genuinely worried he is interrupting an interviewer. His passion oozes through whenever he talks. R.I.P. Mr. Edward Van Halen. The world is a MUCH SHITTIER place without you!

[@darylwatson6152]

Totally love this. Pure guitar genius. The greatest ever

[@ricardoalon3826]

Eddie would take a cover and take it to another level, it's bitter sweet listing to this now.

[@seagullpoet]

A Mozart !

[@garykramermusic]

Really rad hearing the jump demo! So Cool!

[@sharonbailey1528]

An artist who was very modest and humble. Always spoke of his craft. Never exaggerated his craft. Just loved playing the guitar.

[@tammytaylor1657]

This is the closest I'll ever get to having an unfiltered conversation with a musical genius who happens to be a really nice guy.

[@FailingForFun]

honestly one of the best van halen finds ive ever come across.. holy fkn shit!

[@jefflincoln700]

What a genuine, sincere and polite soul! I was amazed that he called the interviewer back the next evening and actually asked if he was interrupting him. God given talent AND manners!

[@PhilThach]

This was completely awesome. I went to two shows on that tour so this means a lot to me.

[@Freemusicman100]

Early version of Jump! Wow! Interesting hearing him talk about Randy Rhodes too.

[@nycdrumz5529]

David Freeman interesting... but (I thought) a little surprising-in a disturbing kinda way... he basically wrote off a recently-dead guy as an ‘EVH rip-off’ and a guy who’s just playing EVH stuff, techniques, etc. Randy Rhodes was well on his way to being near the apex of rock guitarists. And I think Eddie had just gotten through talking about how shitty it is that Joe Perry and Ritchie Blackmoor both act ‘threatened’.

[@iresentdoingthis1550]

Its great to hear Eddie in these interviews, considerate with a polite almost childlike innocence.Thank you for these interviews and all the content of our King Edward. The Missus woke me up crying and for the entire day we couldn’t listen to a note of King Edward without the waterworks comin’ - so many good times with his music -it felt weird We found watching interviews with him and other kind folks like yourself paying tribute to Eddie makes it somewhat easier to bear. We literally had a day of intensely mourning. It might sound daft but Ed’s playing and attitude is hugely responsible for inspiring me to be the person I am. There’s a Bad Religion ( Punk Band ) Lyric that says it al “ Everyone you love leaves a mark on your soul, The world is a little less bright without King Edward Im fighting cancer and depression and its been especially tough with the news of Eddie’s passing but hearing all these wonderful tributes and reaction and the love and joy he brought and is bringing….makes it a tad bit easier Much love and respect! Thank you for honouring our King Edward. Eddie's music touched us so deeply because of his love for the instrument and the innovations he has done. To us, it feels like the brightest and best brother, Uncle, friend mentor you ever had is not in our realm anymore. You have Nothing but love from the rock/metal / guitarist community, respect for your tribute to EVH, Rock n Metal does not get the exposure and respect that other genres get. So, you are forever in the hearts of many a Rock / Metal / Guitar fan's hearts. Stay safe & all the best wishes to you. Watch this Video Interview and you'll see why we're hurting so much...The world is a little less bright without King Edward This is a brilliant interview if you haven’t seen it kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5OVZ3dul6eNeJo&ab_channel=Z%C3%B3caloPublicSquare most people don’t know the King Edward was a bi-racial half Asian / half white Immigrant and that his lifelong friends were the black kids who stood up for them when they came to the US. A definitive American Dream story. Eddie played the solo on Michael Jackson’s Beat it, re-arranged it so it sounded more ‘Rock’ and introduced Michael to a wider audience for free. Eddie buried Dimebag Darrell from Pantera with his original Bumblebee Guitar when Dime’s life partner Rita asked him to make a Copy Ed said “an Original deserves an Original” Vinnie Paul ( Pantera ) Dimebag’s brother says the last words his brother said to him was Van f+*in Halen’ their nightly ritual before hitting the stage. He gave Jerry Cantrell 5150 Stacks after touring with Alice In Chains and the last concert he went to was TOOL and a TOOL fan asked him to take a picture of the fan in front of Tool’s stage and he did, The fan had no idea who Ed was and Ed was chill with it. Frank Zappa loved and respected Eddie and got him to teach Dweezil who was obsessed with ED When Frank died Ed was THE 1st first to call with condolences and to offer any assistance. He did the same for Chris Cornell Guitarist Pete Thorn when Chris Passed He got Allan Holdsworth signed to Warner to introduce Allan to a wider audience He was the 1st to mod his guitars in such an extreme way chasing tone, Creating the Super Strat - Humbuckers in Strat style guitars, Waxing Pickups, Variac on his amp and did his first 2 albums with the original Fender Whammy which led to the creation of the Floyd Rose Whammy Bar. Les Paul Said Ed, him & Leo Fender are the only guys who know how to make guitars His 5150 Amp is still THE go to amp and sound of Modern metal, Gojira use the EVH 5150 His Rhythm Playing was funky, tasteful and rockin’ and his songwriting is the reason his loss is affecting grandparents, parents, kids and all ethnicities alike as Van Halen songs will live forever. He bravely and quietly fought cancer for 20 years Enjoy EVH kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmrVXoGuqr6msMk&ab_channel=Hazardteam

[@kevinkinney5445]

I'm still mourning day 8 AD EVH.

[@iresentdoingthis1550]

@@kevinkinney5445 myself and Millions of others feel the same way you do man, EVH was not just a revolutionary guitar player/songwriter and inventor but his music touched millions, he was a rare and bright star that we all were lucky enough to enjoy. Take Care & Stay safe

[@kevinkinney5445]

@@iresentdoingthis1550 thanks brother. And I thought I took it hard when Gary Moore died. What are we gonna do when Page or Gilmour or Howe leave ? Fuck !!

[@iresentdoingthis1550]

@@kevinkinney5445 No worries Man! Oh man! tell me about it, there's only so much the heart can bear. What's even worse is there isn't a slew of guitar greats or just awesome rock bands to soften the blow. We just have to enjoy them whilst they're still here and hopefully try to keep their music alive and hopefully turn on some new listeners to their magic.

[@kevinkinney5445]

@@iresentdoingthis1550 There was a musician guest on SNL last week, I didn't get His name, 3 pc band, black drummer playing them inverted, I had it on in the background, anyway He hit some riff and chorus that stopped me like a freezing draft giving me the chills of truth bumps. I actually felt hope deep inside telling myself "You're gonna like this one". So for what its worth?

[@miketaris5404]

This was so cool to listen to. Eddie is just the nicest, most down to earth guy. He had a huge heart . You could tell he really didn't care for people that treated others badly. It seemed part of his DNA to treat others with dignity and respect. He was so patient in this interview, really trying to take the time to explain his unexplainable process to the interviewer. What an amazing human being he was. One of the big insites I took away from this interview was when Eddie said "If it's something that I really want to do I won't give up until I can figure out some way to make it sound similar to what I really can't do" Most musicians put a time limit on how much they are willing to practice and invest in their craft. True innovators don't stop until they get what they are after. Thanks for all the music and for being such a kind, humble decent human being. RIP Eddie

[@namename5306]

Eddie was one in a billion, RIP, Eddie, you are already missed.

[@t.j.fuller9531]

No doubt Eddie is an awesome guy and down to earth. A lot has to do with Jas Obrect being one of the only trust worthy journalist who would print Ed’s interviews in good taste. Hence we get to hear a open and ready to talk Ed. Not having to guard his conversation. Killer post !!!!

[@LoyalOpposition]

2 days (Patrick Casey) just left a comment "Too bad the comments about Blackmore... wound up in print even after Eddie asked not to have it printed. can't trust anybody."

[@ChadEtchison]

Essential listening.

[@WhyTheHorseface]

Thanks so much for posting this. Incredible.

[@brentarnold2937]

Hearing a rough demo of Jump gave me shivers down my spine!

[@raywt3237]

looking forward to listening to this! (edit) well worth the listen

[@j_freed]

This is absolutely beautiful, thank you man I appreciate this.

[@chaosmusician]

Man, Big love for posting this. Eddie is a musical/creative hero. What a gift! This is a beautiful slice of rock and roll history.Many Thanks. VH.

[@dmarkj22]

Man this is fascinating. I love how Eddie’s true self comes through in interviews like this. I agree that he seems like a very nice and down to earth guy. Too bad drugs and alcohol messed him up.

[@e.l.norton]

Ed has always been a very sweet, down to Earth, nice guy. Always. When he bottomed out...that lost decade or so from the late 90s to mid-2000s, he was difficult for those who had to work closely with him because he was a mess. But, he has always been kind and generous to others. He's done SO much for other people that nobody will ever know because he is exceedingly private. Even when he was at his worst, that generosity was taken advantage of by some people because he was all messed up. But that part of Eddie never went away.

[@z-man4765]

When I heard what Ed did for Allan Holdsworth, I was as just as impressed with the guy as I was the first time I heard his gift of guitar abilities. Obviously not his only gift! My heart goes out to Eddie helping another “guitar wizard “ that was so good the industry was almost afraid of the guy! I recall hearing of Holdsworth (because of Eddie) And when he played the Troubadour Club in Las Vegas, it must have been around 1980-81,me and a couple local guitar players went down to hear him and I’ll never forget this site...in between sets, Allan came out to the bar area where the “Hip” local guitar community were mingling. No one even approached him!...or said a word to him.He sat by himself and played a Space Invader cocktail table video game! All the local “Hip musical types” stood around and no one even spoke to him and said “good show” “how are you” Nothing!! including myself! He was just SO good, people were, I think, afraid of him, definitely threatened by him.But that’s a week excuse!! It was kind of sad. I think Eddie could relate to how he felt.He spoke of the same treatment in the early days himself...Like they say,,, it’s lonely at the top! R.I.P. Eddie and Allan!!🤘🎸

[@karlimo4034]

Sorry, but what an idiot you were. Which I had that one of a kind opportunity to talk to someone as him.