Gene Simmons Praises Eddie Van Halen’s ‘Speeding Bullet’ Guitar Playing Skills (Exclusive)

[@rabe7217]

I have never in my life heard Gene Simmons put his ego in the back seat and, speak so sincerely and highly of anybody until now.

[@brianwagner9518]

you are so right R ABE great comment

[@urberstud]

Gene is genuinely hurt by this.

[@harrisfrankou2368]

I was thinking that.

[@zylok1920]

He was also like this about Eric Carr aka Fox

[@rhondathompson6942]

omg please gene love van halen that band was from his heart he work with van halen for along time gene is a good person

[@michaelpachuau3885]

Wow. Gene in such a different mood and zone here, so refreshingly honest and humble

[@studio-flash]

That's what hes like away from the camera..

[@colico14]

He rarely gets "out of character." This is one of those moments.

[@hinjurock]

He's always been honest. Humble, not often.

[@hinjurock]

@marquis de queensbury Dumb statement. KISS toured with many talented bands.

[@hinjurock]

@Bif Webster Really? Because Jesus said the opposite.

[@Reader-Copy]

Gene when he cuts the shit, is very real. He is so right about Eddie. R.I.P. Mr. Van Halen.

[@j_freed]

Chaim has a very thick shell but there's a side to this old bastard that's pretty real. He's just tough as hard snot most of the time and people judge him for that.

[@jackmomma7481]

It kind of makes you wonder if Gene's "shit" is mostly an act he puts on, or "thinks" he has to put on, as part of the KISS marketing... that's just a hunch on my part

[@ETFRP]

To be honest, this is the best interview I have ever seen Gene Simmons in, you can tell he had cried a bit before he went live, he truly gave a shit about Eddy & his honest and heartfelt responses give you an insight into Eddy and who he was. Good Interview & Such a loss, RIP EVH.

[@KingPepeLePew]

i think this is the first time i've seen Simmons not be a douche in an interview. RIP EVH...will be much missed for generations to come.

[@markabfalter7569]

Agreed - very honest and humbled - says it all

[@greasebob]

Agreed, very nice tribute by Gene.

[@dawnurban5122]

Gene is always himself, no bullshit. It’s real and deeply touched. Only one Eddie Van Halen! Always very happy with his guitar, a simple man.

[@hinjurock]

@Noble Failures So you wanted him to play boring instrumental music that only a handful of guitar nerds and prog geeks appreciate? Why the hell would he want to do that when he wrote great music that tens of millions of rock fans loved? Also, apparently you never listened to Fair Warning - it had some songs that were pretty far outside the usual VH mold.

[@markanderson7284]

Pure, open, and raw. The most sincere interview Gene has ever done.

[@rondeldebbio9219]

That's how Gene is.

[@jetcitysinatra7300]

Eddie being himself and not trying to impress anybody ended up impressing everyone. . . Rest In Peace Eddie.

[@ramomspears3884]

Well said

[@briansd2772]

COTD.

[@lilwing6969]

You said this so perfectly... Because Eddie never strives for the limelight... He just wanted to play... And play he did! What a true guitar God!

[@jetfromholland9638]

He was very down to earth, very Dutch, that way.

[@rhondaevans5435]

Well said.

[@robertallard759]

I remember that Gene Simmons contributed financially to get Van Halen's first album out. It was written in small letters, almost hidden on the inside sleeve footnotes.. Thanks Mr Simmons!

[@joe6096]

He basically got them going, helped them cut their first demos which were sent to Warner Brothers who picked them up after hearing them. You have to love Warner Brothers music. They signed Van Halen almost immediately and let them do their thing. No BS, no rules, no mandates, just let Van Halen be Van Halen. So many other bands get the shaft by record execs, but Eddie was able to write and record his tapes at home then bring them into the studio, and then once he built his own home studio WB just did the final mixing. True freedom.

[@tomseadon9965]

@@joe6096 I knew that Gene helped them in the beginning, not to the extent of the knowledge you shared, but Eddie and the band were so good that WB let them do their thing their way was not something very common in the music industry from what I heard throughout the years. Thank you for posting this, and if anyone ever deserved the freedom to do things their way it V/H! R.I.P. Eddie, you will be sorely missed! You’re such an inspiration to all of us Guitar players and we would never be playing the way we do now if you hadn’t come along and showed everyone what the guitar is capable of! And music aside, you were just a great person! You will never be forgotten.

[@OFR]

Not really true. Warner Brothers didn't need Gene's money to put out any records. And they didn't hear the demos Gene did, they saw them live then cut their own demos, which led to the signing and the first album. I think the band simply thanked Gene from trying to get them signed more than a year before. Congrats to Gene for trying to get them attention, but his efforts didn't work out. Thankfully Ted Templeman did see and sign them.

[@GORGOROTH42]

I'm pretty sure Dr Roth had more than enough money to help bankroll the band....not Gene..

[@Itelkner]

Man, I don't I've ever seen Gene express such sadness. R.I.P. Eddie.

[@rhondathompson6942]

he loved van halen he work very close to that band he believe in van halen its a band of gene heart

[@ShadovvV]

Except for when his mother died.

[@rhondathompson6942]

@Chest Rockwell who getting paid lord you people are disgusting bunch his closes friend dies and you got to say this

[@fretbuzz59]

@Mike Williams WTF you talking about? He's dissing Gene, the guy wearing a hat with a bag of money on it.

[@alphacentauri8083]

"Hi!...this is Gene Simmons....from KI$$"

[@jeffh7892]

I can’t understand how 101 people dislike this interview . This is a very sincere heartfelt interview by Gene. RIP EVH.😢

[@marcmcdonough8074]

Some people just suck bro, plain and simple.

[@crispy8329]

Cause some people are just miserable assholes!!!

[@james197091]

101 morons with no appreciation for REAL talent, they are likely fans of inferior garbage

[@jennygrapert8404]

Weird to here Simmons talk like he's not the most important part of his speech. He's actually a human being. And he's 100% right and legit about Van Halen. He has an important role in this... His pain is real. And I feel empathy for Gene Simmons. That's a new feeling upon this earth I guess. Thank you Gene, from the bottom of my heart.

[@mimosasoundstudios3891]

Nirvana fans probably

[@topjimmy77]

Normally when I listen to Gene, I’m rolling my eyes, right now, I’m wiping them. Rest In Peace Ed, I love ya.

[@mr198221]

Yup!

[@elvisparker4691]

Gene is a Good Human Being.

[@robtoc]

100% agreed with this comment!

[@VicM-xc9zb]

Really well said.

[@rhizomorph-music]

Kudos to Gene for striking exactly the right tone with this tribute. I would not have automatically figured he would do this with such humility. Thanks Gene.

[@pennysilvey8868]

Best tribute I’ve heard so far. Gene is such a sweetheart. He loved Eddie, & you can tell it in what he said here. Love this. Still in shock over his death.

[@steveg6035]

"I didnt discover Superman. He was already there". One of the more humble things Ive heard from Gene in decades. RIP Eddie. True Legend.

[@steveg6035]

@Bif Webster ok Chief

[@waqasnorris1497]

Say what you will.....gene puts on a show alot of the time. But in reality, he is one one the smartest, nicest guys in rock..

[@daveberswick5372]

The most sincere l have ever heard Gene.

[@atteljas]

I felt the same

[@Lerxstification]

Gene is letting his hat do the talking

[@jeffh7892]

Totally agree.😢

[@coolrocknroll]

He's human. He's read all the hateful comments about him on youtube. He can't have experienced that without being left feeling really shit.

[@vvvvel]

Real human being

[@footnotedrummer]

Gene's most humble interview of all time. It was nice to see him acknowledge that he was blessed to be able to simply see Eddie perform. The fact that he even says that "it's not even fair to say he was a friend", showed humility. That was nice.

[@RobRestoredMorgan]

Gene being this humble clearly shows how much he truly loved Eddie. Very touching & uncharacteristic of the Gene Simmons we all know & love.

[@chassegardee7694]

Weird to here Simmons talk like he's not the most important part of his speech. He's actually a human being. And he's 100% right and legit about Van Halen. He has an important role in this... His pain is real. And I feel empathy for Gene Simmons. That's a new feeling upon this earth I guess. Thank you Gene, from the bottom of my heart.

[@davidbakerscuba]

Yeah, this was the real Gene Simmons, not the public character of Gene Simmons. It was nice to hear him speak well of EVH.

[@pontiacfan76]

Should check out his homage to Chuck Berry.

[@shannonrichardson3405]

I thoughts exactly! R.I.P. Eddie!

[@tobygray497]

And you never will again...

[@johnsmith-bk4ps]

@@davidbakerscuba thats how gene got the hot blonde wife. she saw through all the bluster and found a decent human being haha

[@theanomalous1401]

I appreciate the fact that Gene gave answers that were honest, sincere, and carefully measured. The ET dude kept asking questions that Gene believed he was not qualified to answer. Yet the answers he gave were straightforward and appropriate. I can't speak for the KISS Army on the notion of Eddie playing lead for the band but, the decision Gene made was astounding and the respect I have for Gene has grown more than words can describe. #RIPEVH #RockOn

[@americanpatriots4868]

God bless Eddie Van Halen. He is a legend who will never die. Not since Hendrix has any guitarist completely re-written the rule book. The first time I even heard Eruption I was in shock. I just could not believe a human being could actually play like that. Forty years later, I still can't play Eruption. I thank Eddie from the bottom of my heart for the music. I am completely heartbroken. Thank you Gene for this heart-felt tribute. I hope he is in heaven now rocking with the greats!

[@danielmims8467]

Yup God bless evh

[@danielbrown3461]

Stevie Ray Vaghun was better than Eddie.

[@drummerboy61012]

Gene Simmons is human too..and is hurting from the loss of his friend EVH you can see it in his face and hear the emotions in his voice?..Just a huge devastating loss for the world of music..REST EASY EVH!!..mucho love n respect 🤘😎💪🥁❤

[@jamesbillet8954]

I am 55 and Van Halen was one of my most influential bands growing up. Bands in my opinion will never be at this Iconic level as long as I live. Rest in peace Eddie

[@megaduck7965]

How highly does this speak of Eddie when even Gene has nothing but good things to say about him . It’s really quite sweet to hear

[@thestoolsample9475]

Absolutely!!! It’s nice to hear nothing but respect from gene simmons. Rare

[@megaduck7965]

The stool Sample his friendship with Eddie obviously meant a lot to him . Very refreshing to see gene not playing Captain Hook all the time

[@JVMC_ZR1]

Legends recognize other Legends!

[@stephenlennartz3466]

"Family is everything," says Gene. Spot on. I'm blessed to play in a cover band with my son on drums. My other son comes to our gigs and sits in on a few songs. Priceless.

[@markmiller1683]

It’s nice to actually hear Gene talk about someone other than himself.

[@C_mao]

and he wasn't even trying to sell merchandise

[@sebastianquirogablanco975]

Wake up. The arrogance is a character, is all hype, all pretending. Do not be silly. This is the really gene Simmons.

[@darthphaser2991]

Its funny though because hes wearing a hat with a bag of money on it. 💰

[@sebastianquirogablanco975]

@Bif Webster from my humble point of view he always said he preferred a powerful chord than I bunch of notes like an angry bee, but that doesn t mean he underrated legendary lead guitarrists´way of playing.

[@andrewbintang4591]

@Bif Webster gene was talking about all the imitators, not eddie. before van halen got signed gene actually had alex & eddie van halen playing together with him on some future kiss tracks. gene wanted ace to play like eddie, but of course that was an impossible task.

[@marcmcdonough8074]

What an incredible memory from Gene Simmons about the transformational talent that EVH was and is. Had no idea he helped keep the band together for a few more years. Gave us the gift of 1984, and the anthem album of my younger days. God bless you Eddie and Gene.

[@evianbidet3553]

Dang, Gene is gonna make me cry! God bless Eddie and his family.

[@nachomagallanico]

Gene really pressing someone talks tons of the person who's he's talking about. Gene Simmons can be several things, many of them not pleasant, but at the end of the day he's a real rocker, a king rock legend, and he praising Eddie like this just can tell you about the respect the whole rock community has for this man. Some true legends unites us all, Ediie was one of them, if you're a rocker and you don't like Van Halen you just have bad taste my friend.

[@ChristinaC-fj3yu]

Well said 😘

[@culturemix637]

Completely agree

[@Sashaband]

never in my life have i heard gene talk like this, such a humble and heartbreaking interview.

[@finkboy66]

So nice to hear Gene put his ego aside and just talk about his friend

[@YAMISOOLD2009]

For Gene Simmons that was a humble tribute to Eddie. Thanks for that!

[@aquaticlife9251]

"I didn't discover superman. He was always there."

[@42lookc]

Now THAT was HUGE coming from someone who is normally so full of himself.

[@juanlayton2848]

😰

[@fivestring65ify]

Amazing statement coming from Mr. Ego.

[@Anthem-nd8sh]

There's no BS here folks...Gene is truly devastated by Eddie's passing. I am a huge Van Halen and Kiss fan and honestly did not know they were that close.

[@jeff19554]

gene discovered them. and got them setup with there first record deal.

[@albeam4765]

I'm a huge Fan as well named my daughter after a Van halen song . This is very hard Gene is really hurting didn't know he was so close with Eddie. Love the story's he's telling about the band..You can feel the hurt. The rock world lost a rock god. Thanks Eddie for the music I'll never stop listening. ❤🍻

[@asherdeangelo3268]

Gene produced their first album...

[@mck7646]

@Headwhacker Yep. Kiss were instrumental in helping Rush get their start in the U.S. when they toured together. Geddy Lee said they were the hardest working band around at the time.

[@CP-kb1du]

Your a Fan of both and did not know Gene and Edward were close ? wake up Gene helped out the band getting signed .....Eddie wanted to Join Kiss in the Early 80's .... go back and listen to your Taylor Swift sound tracks ...

[@wijnen1000]

I could feel Gene's sorrow...almost made me cry to hear all the positivity Gene told about him....very sincere words......

[@normabell3205]

We lost an Icon and a legend in his own right.. RIP Eddie Van Halen, you will definitely be missed...

[@musicalchairs777]

Man, Gene's being humble here, but KISS brought the rock concert experience to a whole other level and he was always about fostering talent. He helped so many iconic bands at the beginning of their careers. Good on ya Gene.

[@johnhammer6213]

What a wonderful tribute to Eddie Van Halen. I always love to hear about humble, beautiful people. Even with his incredible honed talent he sounds like he was a heck of a guy. Condolences to his wife, ex-wife and son who all loved him. RIP.

[@kezzbee4518]

Gene Simmons is correct when he talks about Eddie Van Halen playing the guitar like there is 3 or 4 guitarists playing at once, his 27th August 1986 solo is amazing, I wish I could have seen him play in person.

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

I’d have loved to see Van Halen live. I saw just about every other band I wanted to see. Saw Kiss 5-6 times in the 70s. Saw them on their first tour 1974! (and saw their reunion your 2000)

[@laurieanderson2502]

He was brilliant playing live. Saw him in 1984 on the Jump tour. Eddie was a class player..always with that smile . He always smiled! God speed Eddie. 💞🎸

[@massapower]

Great SIMMONS Interview on EDDIE VAN HALEN ( R.I.P. Oct, 6th, 2020 )

[@jefferylilly3846]

When gene says ur special ur fuckn special

[@mike1967sam]

Hey I'm 53 and a musician and KISS was the band that turned me on to Rock n Roll because when I started to get into music it was the disco era 1978, 1979 the Bee Gees and so on and when DYNASTY came out I discovered that there was actual music beyond Disco and then I bought DESTROYER and KISS ALIVE so thanks Gene for influencing me. You and Paul opened the door for me to discover Van Halen ... wow it was a trip and if not for Eddie I wouldn't be a guitarist. Eddie redefined how to play the electric guitar. RIP Eddie you'll be missed.

[@Rikalonius]

I love when Gene admits that its usually all about him, but with such great respect, he said, nah, this isn't about me, this is about this legend. Great interview, Gene.

[@juanpablomarin5463]

Eddie is an innovator like no one else! He took to another lever guitar skills!! Now He is in heaven playing guitar FOREVER!!

[@macleadg]

Juan Pablo Marin Teaching God to play, I’m sure...

[@juanpablomarin5463]

@@macleadg ♥️

[@bl6797]

Can you imagine him and Prince playing guitar together in heaven?!

[@bl6797]

Can you imagine him and Prince playing guitar together in heaven?!

[@juanpablomarin5463]

@@bl6797 ♥️🤘

[@killerdude35]

"Winners don't even know they're in a race. They just love to run."

[@tomodell2447]

Excellent. Good line

[@allencollins6031]

Good line

[@michaeltammaro482]

I like that!

[@DanielMartin-zp7ov]

I’m 16 and Van Halen is my hero, and I’m proud to say I will be trying to continue his legacy✊✊. Rest in power evh

[@davidkiefer9875]

This is a really cool segment from Gene Simmons... I have always been a big fan and admirer of Gene and he shows just how real, authentic and cool he really is....!Thanks Gene, the kind words of yours are so true and so appreciated... Eddie would be proud and humbled by your awesome words. Thank you...

[@sammyvh11]

I usually disagree with Gene but he's spot on with this. Rip Ed

[@Gigi-rk7dr]

Eddie must have been a very special soul bec I have never seen Gene give a more heartfelt, selfless interview on anyone. Says everything to me.

[@brookegoslin7638]

Touching how Gene Simmons speaks here about Eddie Van Halen really beautiful and deeply heartfelt ! ♥️

[@johnkatsoudas4767]

This is easily the best Gene Simmons interview I have ever seen,and I have seen many. Eddie Van Halen is not your ordinary celebrity. He has been a LEGEND his whole career, and he will always be. Gene saw Van Halen before they were signed and known. I am happy that he talked Eddie out of quitting his own band Van Halen. There is no Van Halen without Eddie Van Halen, even though the other members are extremely talented at their craft. Eddie Van Halen in my opinion is the greatest guitar player ever, and he changed the world on how guitar playing would be after Van Halen 1 came out back in 1978. Rest In Peace Eddie!! There will never be another guitar player to change the world like you did.

[@studio-flash]

Gene knows a good thing when he sees it or hears it..he got them into the studio...and produced them.

[@curtismoff]

And then tore up contract when he knew they were too big for him to keep. He could have robbed them and stayed in their pockets for a while He does have some humanity We love you Gene So cool to see you like this completely out of character showing us who you really are

[@studio-flash]

@Spiritualistic So do most people. When hes on his own, he is caring, funny, intelligent and more honest than most think..that's what people who know him say.

[@elvisparker4691]

Best Guitarist Ever : Eddie Van Halen Best Drummer Ever : Neil Peart RIP Gentleman

[@Neeko_Z]

niel peart, no way, show me a vid, link to what you are talking about

[@elvisparker4691]

@@Neeko_Z - I dont know what you're talking about ?? 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@zeudliget]

You don’t know too much about guitar players. Here is the two biggest Mike Oldfield David Gilmore

[@simonfleury6969]

Sandor Deak Gilmour

[@808Cruzz]

@@zeudliget uh what abt eddie for fuck sakes this man was a living legend n changed the game of guitar playing forever

[@jeffs5566]

I am 54 years old. If they toured in the 80's through the late 90's, I made an effort to see them, and most of them I did. I even chose to not go to a good friends pre-wedding reception because Motorhead was playing (which I did not know) 4 blocks from the hotel. I have NEVER seen Gene Simmons as somber as in this interview and I believe it is genuine. I have seen VH in it many evolutions (sans Cherone), hell I even tried to sneak out from CT to go to the US festival to see them. The irony to me after viewing so many of these interviewers (not all) is that a solid majority of interviewers have NEVER seen VH live. It is just another story. Genes words reflect what those of us who have had THAT experience know and feel....

[@zerkzy842]

Don’t be sad he’s gone, just be glad he was here

[@jamesbillet8954]

Thank you. You are sooo right. Just can't stop tearing up. He really was Iconic.

[@jennygrapert8404]

Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan,and only a small other group of men have ever rocked this planet the way they did and the music touched us to the soul may you rest in peace Van Halen thank you for all the wonderful years and the music you've given this world

[@billymusselwhite5256]

Amen to that 🙏

[@davidkleiner530]

Well said, he touched all of us in many ways. Every time I hear Cathedral now, I feel like it's the gods calling for his Ascension into the next world...

[@springfauna1465]

You're so right to say this!! I look back on my generation and I'm so grateful for Eddie and Van Halen being the music of it!!! It really was a privilege to see them in concert from the beginning!!! 💜🙏

[@davejohnson7583]

There are only two people that gene Simmons raves about more than himself prince and now Eddie Van Halen 🙏🏿

[@timholtzclaw8930]

Actually he was pissed at Prince because he did drugs.

[@CTROCK]

Prince really?

[@DavidDiMuzioLessons]

Many words of wisdom within this video.

[@TheMICMusicInspirationChannel]

...and a really lame hat.

[@cheriweber1900]

I like it!

[@70mjc]

Make It In Music not a single wise word was spoken

[@ryanbeedon5084]

That hat rocks! Love it Gene!

[@tomhatch2011]

Eddie is the reason I started playing. RIP Eddie

[@stockeetommy]

Respect to you Mr Simmons for your words. Eddie is missed already. R.I.P

[@shannonyoung5382]

I’ve never seen Gene Simmons so emotional & so humble. The respect & admiration he’s showing to Eddie Van Halen, is compassionate & relatable to so many EVH fans everywhere.

[@guyboisvert66]

Classy and very interesting comment by Gene Simmons. Gene and Kiss were the ones that every young (me at that time!) in the end of 70's - 80's knew. I remember buying the first VH record from Columbia record club, what a blast it was when i first listen to it!!! I bought almost all of their records 3 times: Cassette, Vinyl and CD! I still blast the VH music from time to time in my car. The thing i'll remember: A hard worker that twisted around the difficulties (no money, no equipment, etc), came with his own style and sound. RIP EVH. I'll add: I have the 1995 HDTRacks remastered collection: I hope a competent engineer will remaster it, it sounds flat and blurry. I'm an audiophile who likes high quality sound, i imagine what it would be to listen to VH music with the sound quality it deserves. With a better mix, it would feel much better like "we are there with them".

[@mariodriessen9740]

Never thought Gene Simmons would make me cry one day, but he just did. 😢

[@deancj1]

Eddie passing did the impossible..... Made gene simmons humble

[@YogijiClamzananda]

This is the best, most humble Gene interview I have ever seen. Usually, he is so up his ass, that is just who he is. But here you see a different side of the man. It reminds me of how he talked about RUSH. Love him or hate him, he has also left his mark on Rock N Roll and to hear him talk about EVH this way gives me a new respect for him. We will miss you Eddie, you were the maestro for an entire generation of rockers... I agree with Gene, take a kid, you son or daughter, a nephew, the kid down the street, or a student from your class and play them Eddie Van Halen. Long Live Rock. RIP Maestro !

[@bobespirit2112]

That was a truly moving and heartfelt tribute to Eddie the human being from Gene. 😢

[@chefscorner7063]

As many here have written, I was surprised at Gene Simmons lack of ego while talking about Eddie. All I can say, is I wish I saw them at the beginning of their fame, before the big time hit them and Eddie was still refining his sound. What a treat that would have been!!

[@kingramses6978]

Watching gene get emotional about Eddie got me crying 😭 RIP G.O.A.T. EVH

[@salortiz3528]

Gene can really be a down to earth person when he wants to. I like the way he should respect and talked good about Eddie.. Eddie Van Halen was truly one of the best guitar players in the world he will be missed but his memory will live on forever. God took him from us but he will never take his music and the memories

[@mitchmoris2455]

The thing that got to me was when Gene said get Gen Z kids to listen to Eddie's music because I am 13 and the only thing I listen too is old rock.

[@luvbasses5487]

Gene has humbled more over the years. Years back it was of course “all about me” but I see that waning a bit. Death is the one thing that’s going to unite us all at some point so...it’s good to practice some humble and recognize others before ourselves. I know it makes me feel better when I acknowledge others first. It’s a trait that’s going by the wayside in this faster paced world we live. The faster it moves, the slower I go. I have two speeds: slow, and slower. Smell the flowers once in a while....

[@yourallbrainwashed]

I saw gene change when his wife threatened to leave him on their reality show, and ever since then, he was humbled.

[@elvisparker4691]

@Bif Webster - He who exalts shall be humbled .... And the meek shall inherit the Earth Geddy Lee

[@elvisparker4691]

Gene is a Good Human Being - - - Dusty Hill - Jack Bruce - Terry Butler - Geddy Lee - Gene Simmons - Michael Anthony - Chris Squire - John Entwistle - Tommy Shannon - Paul McCartney - John Paul Jones - Leon Wilkerson - Roger Waters - Bill Wyman - Roger Glover Not Too Shabby 🎸👍

[@yourturn777]

@@elvisparker4691 😂😂😂 Gene Shoulda been first on tjis list! 😘

[@elvisparker4691]

@Bif Webster - Well Bif, I guess it was too difficult for you to figure out, so, I'll spell it out for you. That is a list of Good & Great Rock Bassists. I was responding here to a Bass Player...

[@richmoore3223]

Sincere and heartfelt,Gene stated it perfectly.Eddie's smile was as bright and electric as his music.Art is expressive,and VH could rock your face off,but it was fun.If you ever saw him play,he was having fun.Will always be my favorite.God bless Eddie Van Halen,and family.

[@Bazza5000]

It breaks my heart that Eddie Van Halen has passed away. I feel for his family, his brother, his kid, the Van Halen band, David Lee Roth, his wife, ex-wife, and the whole rock world.

[@arnaldo_AELS]

Gene Simmons is a Class Act - my condolences to him and RIP to EDDIE 🙏

[@berndcotman4656]

Im a KISS fan but Gene is everything but a class act🤣

[@shaynes.9773]

I wasn't sure when I clicked play if I was going to shut the video off in a quick fashion, but I am glad that I watched it. Gene did a classy, warm tribute interview about Eddie here. I am glad I watched this. I wasn't sure what direction Gene was going to go with this, but he kept his comments on topic, humble and made it completely about Eddie. Bless ya, Gene. And Rest In Peace, Eddie. You're gone too soon.

[@Tonysmithmusic]

we thought hendrix came from another planet, then along came eddie, jaw dropping guitar playing and he always looked like he was having a blast and it was so easy. rip

[@davidpearlactorteacherbizman]

Absolutely the best interview ever. I'm 57 I'm a bloomer I'm part of the same generation as Eddie and Jean. So it's great to see some other performers getting interview. I truly believe our generation was one of the greats. People born in the 40s 50s 60s really amazing Vines to grow up and I was lucky to grow up with kiss and Van Halen I saw Van Halen in 1981 and 92 I saw kiss and 79. I grew up with a lot of the great I miss Led Zeppelin but I saw Page and Plant in the firm and on their solo careers. Amazing times. Yeah absolutely the best interview since Eddie died Jean pretty much kept talking about how Eddie wasn't just a grade for a Chihuahua song guitar he was just a really nice guy that came out over and over again. And then everybody also knows of course what a great musician he was. Jean I've never seen him so humble. He's not taking any credit whatsoever he's just saying he was there at the beginning. So I guess you knew Eddie for about 44 years. That's a long time. Anyways amazing the interviewer had to be no more than 30 days but he was very sensitive kind asking all the right questions. Pretty much along with Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan Eddie is considered the best guitar player of all time as far as Innovation to go as he's probably exceeding Hendrix as much as I love Stevie Ray Vaughan put probably exceeded him Randy Rhoads was up there as well of course Alex lifeson Ritchie Blackmore Yngwie Malmsteen some of the other great guitar players out there just saw triani Michael Shank or my personal favorite of all time but nobody could match the impact that Eddie had on the world. Nobody only Hendrix had that sort of impact

[@frankbarnwell____]

Eddie's out of pain. I've been around and cared for cancer victims. the suffering is done

[@SuperNicko92]

Yes, I felt the same way when my mother died of cancer, dementia and stroke, no pain anymore, but she was old....But it`s like all the big ones dies to young. So many of them 💔

[@mck7646]

I wish I didn't hear about the details of his final days. Info leaked about Neil Peart too and I regretted reading about it. It's a horrible tragic thing. Just remember them for how great they were and impacted me on a personal level through their music.

[@knowmusicman157]

There is a theory that he probably got venereal disease in his throat from pleasuring women with his mouth HPV. Which causes cancer of the throat.

[@knowmusicman157]

@@Mr.Cedric7607 I'm a doctor. 35 years of experience. I guess you weren't ready, Ceddy.

[@joshuabrucemellis7933]

@@knowmusicman157 Bruce of Iron Maiden got Throat Cancer from that. I heard EVH had trouble giving up smoking though?

[@Mpren43]

Wow, what an interview! Gene is the real deal and was so very humble in this video. You could 100% feel his emotions and that he truly meant what he said. RIP Eddie. Thank you for being a part of my life. Your music was amazing and I'm grateful for the memories. Gene. Good shit brother. Much respect to you, your band (Kiss) and to the Van Halen family, thank you and I'm really sorry for your loss. Thank you!!!

[@siliconiusantogramaphantis2122]

I'm glad this interviewer knows a little bit about someone of Eddie's stature. Michael Strahan didn't seem to know who he was, they should've got someone else doing a piece on Eddie on GMA.

[@shavingdave1]

Great point!!

[@chaz951]

That's terrible Strahan didn't know. In his lifetime he had to hear VH hits somewhere. A band that is known worldwide. If your job is being in front of a camera you should do your homework! He had to practice before game day. Give me his job. Quit being lazy Michael& disrespectful. Give me a break don't know Van Halen. He's been living in the Outback or Iceland

[@aliciakenerley2119]

@@chaz951 They love Van Halen in Iceland and in the Outback & you're right! Why does he even have that job if he's too lazy to show respect where respect is due! I can live without pro-sports. I cannot live without music!!

[@billtrepkowski527]

It's Kevin Frazier. He used to be at ESPN. Nice to see someone step outside of the sporting world who actually knows something besides sports.

[@siliconiusantogramaphantis2122]

@@chaz951 to be fair to Strahan, I wouldn't expect Sean Hannity of Fox to know who legendary funk guitarist Nile Rogers is. They are both from different sub cultures.. it's like getting Hannity to do a piece on Tupac...but GMA should've brought in someone who knew a bit more about Eddie Van Halen to do a special report because this man was one of the greatest pillars of 80s Rock music.

[@romeo_scorpio]

I love Gene I don't care what critics say ,he says what his heart feels, and I really appreciate what he said at Chuck berry funeral..really beautiful and real.

[@ricksharpe4280]

Gene is correct, no other guitar player has turned heads since Jimi Hendrix

[@bigjohn3928]

SRV had special electricity. ...only other one

[@wesleyclark98]

I think you took it a step further than Jimi Hendrix play the keyboards to bass drums everything

[@jackaction7077]

I feel sorry for his brother Alex the most and I'm so glad Eddie and Van Halen has been a part of my musical life since the first album in 1978. See you in the next dimension brother!😎🚬♐⛎🔥

[@stephenhensley5631]

Gene talking humility, wow ! now I've heard it all.

[@MobiusBandwidth]

so right on. especially his last statement, above and beyond his skills, he was a beautiful soul. that's it man. the interviewer talked about Eddie's chops, but didn't mention his great songwriting ability, the band would not have taken off without catchy songs, which he wrote like he was just exhaling. and Gene's right of course, no one since Hendrix had such an impact, and it's really difficult to imagine anyone taking the instrument, or frankly, any instrument, further. Eddie figured out all the tricks there are, his gift to us. RIP.

[@nickgallucci8117]

when a GIANT walked the Earth ... Edward Van Halen

[@Ogscottyp]

Never hesrd Gene speak so humbled and fown to Earth. RIP EVH

[@brandonyankowski4319]

I was 12 when 1984 came out,Eddie was a bright spot in my life at the time

[@photographerjonathan]

It's hard to believe that Eddie is gone. I can still remember the first time hearing the first Van Hellen album. and I said to my brother. this is the next guitar hero. I would like Gene Simmons more if he was like in this interview more of the time instead of his usual self. It was nice to see him just be a human being instead of the shallow business man.

[@Cryptosifu]

I loved EVH. Two heroes of mine died in 2020. Peart and EVH. Every modern drummer and guitarist owe a debt of gratitude to these two legends.

[@elvisparker4691]

The 2 Best. Entwistle on Bass, the 3rd no. 1.

[@justhadrums]

a debt? gene's listening

[@nexuszone67]

RIP Eddie. Glad Gene was humble.

[@joeyklondyke4430]

You bring a conversation like that out a Gene Simmons So many people saying they've never heard him talk like that Not that it's pad But you realize how special Eddie was to drag down on the gene that real Nas Good for you Good for you Jane Simmons

[@imyourgodmachine]

Jimi and Eddie tied for the 2 best guitarists ever.

[@gjb134]

Wow. Death (and talent) even humbles Gene. Great stuff. R.I.P. Eddie

[@jaypfleghaar4251]

Thanks Gene for your heart warming thoughts on Eddie...can't stop thinking about that he's gone. Glad u were part of the history of bringing them to light. I just can't get over it. It was a dream to meet him and the band. Thanks Eddie you are the best!

[@Thedesertguy75]

Thank you Gene. Eddie is so loved and respected.

[@Lee-mx5li]

Excellent heartfelt interview Gene👍👍 really put Eddie in his much deserved position in the music industry, A TRUE "MUSIC ICON" and yet WHO WAS JUST LIKE ANYONE ELSE WALKING DOWN THE STREET.. a great eulogy 🎩🎩🎩

[@tesla-v2681]

I remember how Gene was always a big VH fan. People have to realize that Van Halen was rising while Kiss was on their way down. Through that time I always recall Gene giving nothing but monstrous accolades to Eddie and the rest of the band. That was a really nice tribute Gene gave there.

[@james197091]

Eddie never realised the enormous impact he had on the music and rock scene, so humble, clever and talented, he will be missed so much more than he will ever know, at least we have the music and the videos and the memories! RIP Legend Eddie!!

[@andybaldman]

What's even sadder is that 20 years ago, news like this would have stopped the world for a few days. Today, it's overshadowed by so much other bullshit, it doesn't even get the time and attention it deserves. It's buried under a hundred other horrible stories, none of which are anywhere near as important. What has this world become. RIP Eddie.

[@ToddSheetsExtreme]

Agreed. Maybe if he was a Disney star?

[@grahamhaynes7658]

To be fair Eddies passing was news across mainstream media in the UK who normally ignore anything Rock,that surprised me.

[@koshersalaami]

I’ve been around for considerably over 20 years and Eddie’s passing is definitely getting mainstream attention. It’s in news reports everywhere.

[@andybaldman]

@@koshersalaami It isn't about getting mainstream attention or not. My point is that once upon a time it would be the main story for a couple of days at least. Stories like this used to be all you'd hear about. And the only reason it's stuck around more than a day now is because of all of the celeb videos, which people are glomming onto. But the coverage for famous people dying used to be different, before we had all of this other bullshit in the world.

[@billpeek8266]

It took several days to really register, with the maelstrom of shit going on......it is such a devastating loss. Prayers to his family..........what a loss

[@mikework8557]

Genuine emotion from Gene which I find really moving. A touching and heartfelt tribute to the legend EVH.

[@mgkgamer87]

I loved Gene's eulogy of Eddie but also his input on millennials and what type of music the youth today are missing out on. Luckily I grew up on Van Halen. The best. 💙💥🎸💞

[@JohnBaldwin63]

Very humble review by Gene Simmons. Thank you for helping Van Halen get started. Kiss was my first real concert and saw them 3 times. I saw Van Halen 7 times.

[@GroovyBabyYeah]

Gene telling this guy Eddie wasn’t a red carpet guy was almost putting the celebs in their place lol

[@UberKrispy]

You hate yourself for worshiping the fame and money that they have

[@joe6096]

Thing about Eddie is he did everything for fun. He genuinely enjoyed every second of shredding his guitar, and then seeing the joy and fun it brought to the fans made him even happier. That's why he donated 75 of his own guitars to schools for music education. Many of them just wanted money, but he wanted to give kids the opportunity to just have fun with one of his guitars. So he found a program that would take his guitars and distribute them to schools. Right now there are kids in 75 schools around America learning their first E chord on an axe that Eddie Van Halen owned and played live on stage and on records. That gave Eddie more joy than the celebrity and fame.

[@SQ773]

Still in pain...Eddy & Alex born in Amsterdam The Netherlands 🇳🇱,my City,my Country..miss you Eddy...🙏

[@henryfrost8542]

Gene is such a nice guy, he has such a good heart. 🎶