The Truth About Eddie Van Halen's Beat It Guitar Solo

Michael Jackson’s hit single “Beat It” took the King of Pop in a new direction, as he had never quite done a rock and roll song before. So, to ensure the best result, Jackson made sure to get help from one of the greats of the rock genre - songwriter and guitarist Eddie Van Halen.
At first, Van Halen found it hard to believe that Michael Jackson wanted to work with him. But once he realized it was the real deal, he laid down one of the most iconic solos in music history. And that wasn’t the only thing he did for the song. Let’s take a look at the truth about Eddie Van Halen’s iconic “Beat It” guitar solo.
#VanHalen #Truth #Music
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[@GrungeHQ]

It's hard to even imagine this song without Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo.

[@JohnDoe-rt4jz]

I have listened to all different genres of metal music since 1997, I am only 36 LOL. But this solo in this song is absolutely in my top five favorite solos of all time, hands down. RIP EVH 🤘

[@deborahmargarettunney224]

0

[@sandramcfaul3857]

That is true Grunge Eddie played on the Twister soundtrack

[@gabrielszarose5640]

@@JohnDoe-rt4jz Stunning solo work.

[@JohnDoe-rt4jz]

@@gabrielszarose5640 I absolutely agree 🤘

[@PsYcHoTrOn0410]

First time I heard "Beat It" on the radio I knew immediately it was Eddie playing the solo! The tone of the guitar, the notes & how they were played...Couldn't be anyone else!

[@patl9404]

I knew it to, there is no mistaking his tone, he the best ever,and a great human being RIP Eddie

[@tonyjones1560]

Yeah... I was like, "This is Van Halen!" Everyone said I was crazy and I said, "If that's not Van Halen, it's a total clone because it sounds just like him!"

[@DaveWestGuitar]

Oh yeah. Eddie’s playing is very identifiable. Lots of guitar “gods” are missing that. I’m not even an EVH super fan, but he’s no joke. Even the ever-popular Steve Vai said only a fool tries to compete with Edward Van Halen.

[@XxSEETH3RxX]

No you didn't

[@flstudiocodemastersejayrag6544]

I always thought slash from guns🔫 & hot 🔥 smoking 🚬🌬️💨💨💨💨roses🌹 had something to do with it. But I'm glad I found out the truth🎸...

[@JGM-zr1tv]

One of the most creative guitar solos ever. Fits the theme of the song perfectly.

[@truthseeker5642]

It’s unfathomable how absolutely perfect this solo matched the song! Only divine inspiration could have created this.

[@ArmenChakmakian]

The “iconic riff” is the guitar part you hear throughout the song. That part was played by Steve Lukather. Google him. His main gig was Toto, but he played on a ton of music in the 80s and 90s. He played guitar on this entire album. Eddie Van Halen played the guitar solo in the middle of this song. Added 4/22: He’s also been touring with Ringo Starr over the past few years. Find Rick Beato‘s interview with him on here. It’s a great interview! He talks about playing with Michael Jackson and working with Quincy Jones.

[@thedronedownunder3919]

We all know that. This post is about EVH's 'free' guitar solo.

[@orproject87]

Thats right LUKE !!!

[@fndrkFanClub]

That s right. He also recorded the bass on the record track

[@sludge8506]

Luke wrote the music for eddie’s solo.

[@saedm2359]

I heard the toto guys were involved with human nature one of my favourite songs

[@EazyE5150]

Ed played the solo. He didnt play the riff. But, Ed definitely re arranged the song. He said it and Quincy statement backs it. Eds amazing at song arrangement. One of his feats I dig the most about him. 13 number 1 hits on guitar and piano. 75 million records sold worldwide. Rest in Peace Ed

[@davidlopez7378]

But maybe he helped make the riff

[@windowgirl7300]

U said it all!!

[@JohnPrepuce]

@@davidlopez7378 - Steve Lukather

[@stevejose9630]

The strumming sure sounds like eddie,but if Steve ok....Steve is a very good guitarist too..his most famous solo on a slow ballad with toto,I forgot the name " nothing stays the same"???

[@stevejose9630]

@@windowgirl7300 hi cutie,u in nyc?

[@rangerwhite5165]

I read Dave Lee Roths autobiography ages ago, "Crazy From The Heat". A great read, particularly about how the industry works. I remember him saying when he heard this, he thought, "that sounds like Ed". They were all doing their solo stuff back then. That solo is in my top 3, with Comfortably Numb and Hotel California. It's just sublime playing that fits into the song perfectly. RIP Eddie and Michael.

[@casualcarolinafishing5835]

I knew it was Eddie the very first time I heard Beat it. My friends thought I was crazy, but I told them there's no mistaking that sound if you're familiar with it.

[@lonesometinman3147]

No mistaking it was Eddie Van First time I heard it

[@maryanncampbell3422]

Hey, if you listen long enough, you can recognize any guitarist's style of play. Eddie Van Halen was simply the best.

[@kiyoma]

Yeah all the tapping, harmonics, whammy bar and tone itself. That's Eddie right there.

[@reddevilxt716]

@@kiyoma absolutely!

[@sludge8506]

Same thing for Diamond Dave.

[@beverlybassitt9479]

He will be sadly missed the man was awesome!

[@travishamilton223]

He really is my dear

[@rafaelcarmany463]

Don't smoke. I guess The Amazing EVH did not get the memo - even though it says it on every pack of cigs!!

[@flashy5150]

Only Eddie would give his talent for "FREE". He's no legend, he is all around us, watchin and waiting.

[@mattwhite9823]

That was real Noble of E.V.H, too do Beat It for free for Michael Jackson, He really was a Classes Guy and a Great Guitarist, R i p, Eddie V.H.....

[@gishmoe3088]

According to Steve Lukather, Eddie was supposed to get paid but never was. Eddie got over it.

[@jacsig]

@@gishmoe3088 According to Zak Wylde, Eddie was paid. 1 million dollars.

[@MetalizedButt]

Pretty sure they credited him after thriller made it big

[@troutix8905]

A half a dozen of beer is not free

[@joemango3253]

Come on Eddie how could you think nobody would know it's you playing anybody can tell it's you playing come on you're the greatest guitarist ever with your own sound if they put you in a room with 10000 guitar players playing at the same time playing the same song and blindfolded me I could walk right past everybody and walk right up to you you're amazing Eddie rest in peace going to miss you

[@Jagger-Tyr_13]

Cause Eddy wanted to distance himself from Michael's pedophilia. He clearly knew something and he didn't share it with the rest of us. That's why he didn't want it to be credited. Cause Van Halen was breaking up, and this was the only solid gig Eddy had outside of a failing band.

[@craigpatterson6225]

Two Legends looking down on us ...... Smiling and hoping we'll do better with the next musical talent ! Michael Jackson and Eddie Van Halen .... Rest in Heaven ❤️🙏🏾 You two helped people dream of who they really wanted to be . ❤️🙏🏾✌🏾

[@thomaspartington9719]

This completely disregards all the work done by Steve lukather who actually wrote the riff and played the bass part, all Eddie did was play the solo

[@LuzMaria95]

I agree. 😕

[@ricardof9394]

True.

[@adam-hp6qt]

Michael wrote the bass part

[@ProofCare]

@@adam-hp6qt Facts. The Fact is MJ Wrote, Composed & Co- Produced Beat it. There is even a demo where one could see MJ beatboxing the whole song including the Instruments too. But the strange thing here is nobody is talking about that.

[@cedric1138]

That's just the way life goes tho, some get the breaks, others don't

[@RonaldReaganRocks1]

Don't forget Steve Lukather! Along with Quincy, he came up with the iconic central riff of the song. Eddie just rearranged some of it and provided the (blistering) solo. It was a team effort, like most great music.

[@aaroncurtis6194]

You got it bro'!

[@TheBent139]

It is like 20 seconds of EVH and the rest is Steve. But such is the world.

[@ΣωτήρηςΓκλαβάς]

I read somewhere a different story. Eddie recorded several distinct parts of the solo. It was Steve Lukather that actually binded the parts together, giving birth to this masterpiece. No wonder this solo was never reproduced to its last detail by EVH in any live concert.

[@saedm2359]

👏🏾

[@henkhrtr2268]

Who gives a f for someone that isn't special. Pff.

[@bradypeake4447]

Shows how much a good guy he is didnt want to get paid just wanted to make music...

[@andythomas706]

Oh! Really???

[@hockeyman2274]

I learned awhile ago that there was another phenomenal guitar player on that tune. Steve Lukather of Toto played most of the song. EVH did some arranging and played the solo. if you never listened to Lukather play you're missing out. The guy is an incredible talent.

[@Aariyan096]

Thank you. I always wondered if it was another guitarist because I always heard of EVH doing the solo. SL is very talented too. They make me love the song even more 🔥🔥

[@IamRaloPib]

I'm glad someone finally said it...

[@bobvanderwoude7157]

Also, Toto’s drummer Jeff Porcaro (RIP) played on this song. The guys fromToto were all over this album.

[@BeeBumper]

Hold the line Rosanna seriously he is on that track?

[@Omar_E11]

Yeah it's hilariously ironic that this video has "the truth about" in it's title but it got some facts wrong.

[@Jord20VT]

No no. Eddie played just the solo. Steve Lukather (of toto fame) played the main riff and even bass parts

[@Aariyan096]

Thank ya🔥🔥

[@Minivanmusician]

I heard this, as well.

[@ethanwelk2736]

Paul Jackson Jr. played the riff. Lukather played the bass and the lead guitar.

[@davidolsen9425]

That’s correct. Steve Lukather played the guitar rhythm parts and bass and he and Jeff Porcaro rearranged the song to fit the solo. And it was Lukather that hung up on Jackson and swore at him when Jackson called him to get involved on the Thriller album.

[@selassie]

I think the main riff was something MJ said he took from Tito. The solo is totally bonkers to this day, some of the stretches Eddie pulled off with his speed and note choices are unmatched.

[@mattd6086]

I first heard of this song when my piano teacher told me Eddie VH was doing a song with Michael Jackson. I couldn't believe it. It felt like a sell out or a betrayal. Then I heard the song and had to admit, it was pretty awesome. One of the guitar magazines later named it guitar solo of the decade. It was that good.

[@gregdahlen4375]

wonder if ed was stimulated by working with someone outside his box

[@maddennation2943]

So did you realize you were an idiot?

[@AC-mp7cx]

how the hell is that a sell out. MJ is the goat.

[@timotheewilliams9086]

​@AC I know RIGHT 😂, I guess he didn't know or forgot how much a mega-hit Off the WALL album was before Thriller 🤣🤣🤣

[@petefaders]

He only played the solo. Steve Lukather played the rest. Also, he didn't re arrange the whole song, just the music under the solo.

[@ricka5959]

He did re arrange the song. He actually ruined the master tape by splicing it. Steve Lukather explains how Jeff Porcaro was able to create a click track with the vocal track, that was on a separate tape along with the VH solo. They were able to re-record the entire song and salvage the first generation vocals and guitar solo, that Quincy Jones wanted to preserve.

[@derekwilliams5149]

that is correct... only the solo part... steve lukather and the late jeff Pocaro get no credit for saving that track... and the knocking is the sound of Michael beating a drum case and boxes because there was no drums.that was later ..also the guitar sounds like creaking door in the first note.. the whammy bar down to up on the note..that s Ed

[@ricka5959]

@@derekwilliams5149 Cool, never heard that about the knocking.

[@derekwilliams5149]

correction before the guitar you hear this knocking what that is is Michael was beating on I think cardboard boxes or a drum case to keep the beat. because remember there was no drums before Jeff came in.. remember Luke talking about this that Jeff had to try to listen to Michael playing this drum beat on boxes or something.. that was the beat so that's what you're hearing on the record.. But Eddie's beginning guitar sounds like a door creaking open a little bit

[@petefaders]

@@ricka5959 He cut the tape to change the music under the solo. That's what I've heard. I doubt Eddie would rearrange the whole song, that's just unrealistic. He specifically wanted the 3 chords that are in the verse to be the music under the solo, instead of just the one root chord that was there. Cutting that is all it takes to ruin the time code track and have to create a new click, which Pocaro did manually listening to the vocal with some click bleed.

[@michaelcuff5780]

Both artist are sorely missed! RIP guys!

[@lynnquin8565]

Two legends, whose like will likely not be seen again. Of all the musicians and artists I've loved over my life, I'd choose Michael Jackson. The first time he appeared on Ed Sulivan, I, as a teenager, was floored. Rushed out the next day to my local music shop in hopes I'd find it. One of my top favorite songs to this day is 'Beat It' and a major reason is Eddie Van Halen's solo. When I found out it was Eddie playing that magnificent solo I loved the song even more. I may be an old lady of 69 but I've always known great music when I heard it. Rest in peace, Eddie Van Halen and Michael Jackson.

[@tomomalley8674]

I still can't believe he's gone.

[@xendava7217]

That solo is an absolute classic.

[@msanchez1680d]

When I first heard this song I was a little kid and didn't know nothing about Eddie Van Halen but the solo was so great that it was my favorite part of the song, years later I knew more about Eddie and when I figured that it was him playing the solo of this song I almost fell of my chair, he's a genius!

[@adam-hp6qt]

Great song written by Michael, and amazing solo by Eddie.

[@acdcjavier22]

Amazing solo? It is one of the worst solo ever

[@outofsense]

No mention of the broken string? I think that is a very cool part of the history. You can clearly hear that something happens during the last seconds of the solo. EVH broke the high E string and continued to shred on the B string. That's why it sounds like he's climbing during the last notes and bending for his life to reach the highest note in the end. And they kept the take.

[@Kyrelel]

Nah

[@TONYLAZ1960]

Not only Eddie Van Halen but Steve Lukather too played in the same song

[@brandisify]

Hey, any chance you could tell me how to pronounce Lukather?

[@brandisify]

Is it just how it looks? Perhaps thats a better way to ask

[@francescolavilla271]

Another great guitarist

[@JohnSmith-oe5kx]

@@brandisify LOO-kah-thur

[@KillerMcDiller]

Why didn’t they mention Steve Lukather? He did all the rhythm guitar/bass parts on Beat It. Eddie did 2 different solos but the main riff is all S.L.

[@optimusprime9200]

Yeah man.... it wasn't just EVH, Steve also did a great amount of work on this song then went to help in another Michael Jackson hit number "Human Nature" with other members of his band Toto. I believe it's one of the Pocaro brothers.

[@chrismulwee4911]

Eddie Van Halen IS credited on the album. On the linear notes for "Beat It" is says Featuring guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen. So I don't know where you got uncredited from.

[@jamesweldon9726]

That’s what I thought. It was never a secret that EVH played the guitar solo on the song. It was all people talked about.

[@mercedes7811]

MJ even thanked Eddie and Valerie on the album credits.

[@chrismulwee4911]

@@mercedes7811 Yes. Valerie was one of the backup singers on the song. She was credited as Valerie Van Halen!

[@windowgirl7300]

@JW KenCo Correct!!

[@JohnSmith-oe5kx]

Probably on a reissue

[@PR_GTR]

Two legends RIP MJ and EVH will miss you 😔😔🤟🤟🙏🏼🙏🏼❤❤ class 1984

[@derekjensen3361]

The knocking sound was actually the result of the way Eddie started the solo. He depressed the tremolo bar and hit his first note then brought the bar up to raise the note. Depressing the bar on a trem like that can create noises that can be heard through the guitar amplifier. Thanks for the video! :)

[@DannyRayMilligan66]

actually, I remembered reading that the knocking was Michael Jackson banging on a guitar case with a drumstick, and the liner notes actually credit him with doing that. Since there's nowhere on the album that sounds like that EXCEPT that piece before the Beat It solo, then I tend to believe that this is the credited part.

[@ata5855]

wow, no. not this at all

[@Kyrelel]

Utter nonsense

[@rockstarimotski]

You could at least mention that Steve Lukather played the main riff and bass on this track 🤟🏻

[@greatwhite66]

Steve Lukather, during a musical essay I attended to, told another story about the solo creation (he and other Toto members were involved in Thriller recording): they need a EVH solo, so Steve, being Eddie's friend and neighbour, asked him for the favor and went to his home with a tape recorder; Eddie listened to the song once and improvised the solo, but wasn't satisfied with the result, however Lukather told him the solo was fine, with no need to take it again, so the solo was one take only, and recorded on a tape! (There was another guy who accompanied Steve to Eddie's, but I don't remember the name, maybe he was Quincy Jones :D)

[@rlarla6827]

Actually this sounds way more believable.

[@SPNKr16]

@@rlarla6827 That explains the tone, because from the beginning to the end of EVH's career none of his solos or tones were EQ'd/mastered/mixed like that. It's a very, sorta, pop rock sound compared to the goliath that is on the first 4 VH records. That almost boombox sound within a completely polished song is not how EVH would have mixed it. Imagine it in hi-fi ala VH1...

[@robinlmorgan1]

He also played on the Twister soundtrack.

[@SuperBoomshack]

And did the soundtrack to The Wild Life

[@ShootYourRadio]

That was Van Halen. Human Beings.

[@SuperBoomshack]

@@ShootYourRadio And also Respect the Wind

[@ShootYourRadio]

@@SuperBoomshack ahhh. Missed that one.

[@ShootYourRadio]

@David Booker yeah.... Didn't know we were splitting hairs. That's a whole other topic haha.

[@erikgour3475]

Everyone knew it was Eddie. Here's the rub to take away from this. Whether you like M.J. or not, it just shows how much influence he had on the music world, because at that point in Eddie V.H's career, I don't think there's anyone else that could have commanded his time. Yeah, he was that big, but so was M.J. Really cool collaboration. Definitely historical

[@madridalv]

what a humble, generous and authentic human. cant express how much of a legend he is. rip.

[@sludge8506]

How many guys did he fire?

[@hey__bre1]

I love them both! MJ and Eddie Van Halen Rest In Peace! Beat it is on repeat in Heaven! 😎😎🎸🎸❤️❤️🎵🎵👑👑 the truth is that his guitar solo was totally AMAZING! I have always loved that solo. And that’s where I first recognized Eddie Van Halen! ❤️every time I listened, always knew it was him!

[@emmanuelking9988]

My favorite part of Beat It was Eddie's part...that was what made the song for me. RIP Eddie 🎸

[@terrymiller111]

Eddie on Michael's song, and Stevie Ray on Bowie's song were EPIC early 80s guest appearances.

[@robertashton8069]

The knocking is EVH rapping his knuckles on his guitar. Trust me, who else would dare?

[@Vinjerrylee]

The best 20 seconds of the song...and id have to say top 5 alltime best of his guiter solos....Miss ya Ed

[@Blackcuda]

According to Steve Lukather who played the rhythm guitar, Eddie did cut up the master tape and rearrange it for his guitar solo and MJ loved it! Also Steve said Eddie did get paid but never went to the Union office to pick up his check, and didn't know he needed to.

[@LuzMaria95]

That sounds right.

[@joetravieso3542]

Eddie said he didn't get paid....I believe him....

[@shawnhumphreys9261]

We’ll miss you Eddie...great ERA, I grew up listening to this guy...true ICON gone...end of an ERA....RIP EDDIE

[@1altruisticsoul]

This also shows the true artistry and I'm not one to respect entertainers as an icon... But this shows the true true talent of Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson their diversity there willingness to look for tools and use them. Good going guys.

[@AC-mp7cx]

MJ was built different. I dont like Quincy tho

[@sludge8506]

Luke said Jones was always looking for crossover hits.

[@robbob5302]

I was thirteen Thriller came out. And this song was the first time I ever found myself "jamming" on the guitar solo. That was the moment I got it.

[@johnc3084]

And give Steve LUKATHER credit as well! He's rarely mentioned but he contributed so much to that whole album and beat it.

[@RK-de5wg]

You should’ve played a section of his solo in your video! For crying out loud he passed away!

[@michaelcarmean4906]

💥 Greatest Pop Star ✅ Greatest Guitarist What a Combination... RIP 💥

[@htucker7767]

It was Steve Lukather who hung up on Michael Jackson 3 times...and Steve also worked on the arrangement with Quincy and Michael after Eddie had finished his part.. Check out Steve's interview on the Music of Hall of Fame channel

[@funkemofo]

Iconic EVH solo! However, MJ’s super engineer Bruce Swedien did all the actual editing and all other guitars are Steve Lukather from Toto.

[@AC-mp7cx]

MJ the biggest star

[@donaldemmert8539]

So true.he was easy to be around..when I met him he reached out to shake my hand.and asked if I was doing ok.super nice human being

[@selrayitsantos5029]

Steve Lukather of toto needs more credit!!

[@patrickgill9728]

agree!!

[@Anton680x]

Correct

[@bebo5558]

Hey, Quincy left it all in the song, he and Michael had final say so!

[@imaprinta]

I just found out recently that members of Toto were the backing band in studio. Steve Lukather can be heard playing the lead guitar riffs. A lot of talent went in to making that song.

[@AR-ii3ly]

I thought Lukather played the riff while Van Halen played the solo. Also, as much as EVH’s solo on Beat It is one of the greatest ever, I think Lukather could have done just a good job.

[@guitarman7169]

Touché' A R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@thematt5325]

Jeez. They’re really beating this story to death.

[@nickknight5543]

Every hard core Van Halen fan knew it was Eddie the first time they heard that solo.

[@erice3933]

To hear Lukather tell it, Eddie kept hanging up so Quincy asked Lukather to call him because they were good friends. Eddie's chopping meant he cut the tape and they couldn't rsync it with the 2nd tape. So Toto drummer and guitarist had to go back into the studio and record new drums, lead, and bass guitar parts.

[@Camaink1]

What about Steve Lukather!?

[@ss_whole]

I think you meant Eddie was shocked to see Thriller out paced Diver Down album seeing how both albums came out in 1982. By the time 1984 came out Thriller had sold over 32 million albums world wide, even in Eddie's wildest dreams he couldn't have thought 1984 would have sold half that many copies, in fact 1984 took 15 years to sell 10 million copies as it was certified "diamond" in 1999 (10 million sold).

[@Farashaash]

RIP legend we'll always remembered your excellent job of music..

[@rustybearden1800]

I saw Michael Jackson's "Victory Tour" in 1984 at the Dallas Fort Worth show at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Irving Texas (twice, to be exact - I was so blown away by the performance that I immediately "scalped" tickets for the second sold out show) Van Halen also happened to be in town for a concert at Reunion Arena and I remember agonizing over whether or not to buy tickets for their show or do the MJ concert. Well, I went for the Victory Tour show and witnessed history that first night. We were sitting in the packed out stadium, impatiently waiting for the show to start when we noticed a commotion at the rear floor entrance to the seated area - there was a bit of a ruckus and jostling and then, led by a massive security detail that parted the crowd, the entire Van Halen band lineup entered and made their way through an increasingly excited crowd, stopping and signing autos and high fiving fans. Eventually the band settled into prominently positioned seats along the front row of one of the forward sections of the front stage area seats. The whole audience were just murmuring with disbelief as to what just actually transpired. Little did we know that we were about to witness one of the rarest moments in pop/rock history. The crowd settled in, the stage lights came up and the Jackson Brothers and Michael hit the stage like an atomic bomb dropping, exploding and culminating in a mushroom cloud of Michael stopping midshow, chatting with audience and his brothers and acknowledging Van Halen in the audience amidst a roar of applause and whistles. Michael then invited Eddie onto stage for a little "surprise", erupting into "Beat It" and featured Eddie playing his now iconic guitar solo. People were bowled over with astonishment and excitement. If there would have been a roof on the stadium it would have exploded and floated away. To my knowledge, this was the only time that Eddie played the solo live with Michael in front of a public audience. True story. And I was lucky enough to have witnessed it. Amazing! Motivated me to buy a second set of tickets for the second show the next night. One of my most memorable concert experiences amongst the hundreds, if not a thousand live shows. Saw David Bowie a month later at Reunion Arena on his "Serious Moonlight" tour. And Thomas Dolby on the "Flat Earth" tour, and Elton John and The Eurythmics and The Pretenders and Billy Idol and Cyndi Lauper and Phil Collins (solo, with Plant and later with Genesis) and Robert Plant and Stevie Ray Vaughn and Glenn Campbell and Neil Diamond and Simon and Garfunkel and The Police and Eric Clapton and Stevie Nicks (all separately, of course - however Phil Collins did play drums for Robert Plant on the "Big Log" tour which conducted rehearsals in DFW for a week). Wow, what a time to be alive and going to live concerts!

[@polygaryd]

That is sick. I'd kill to see that show.

[@PastTime777]

Eddie was seen walking through the airport with Michael's entourage on the way to record the solo. Many knew it was him. The memory left behind is worth more than any money he could have made. When you are gone, the memory is what remains, not money.

[@jehjeh37111]

Just an FYI, also on the song was Steve Lukather and Jeff Porcaro from Toto. Fellow guitarist Steve Lukather recalled, "Initially, we rocked it out as Eddie had played a good solo-but Quincy thought it was too tough. So I had to reduce the distorted guitar sound and that is what was released."

[@Maxx61]

The main riff that Luke wrote actually went on to inspire other guitarists. Check out the beginning to Vinnie Vincent's "Animal" and you'll immediately hear a familiar joint.

[@mrdeeds72]

Wonderful story about the rock and pop legends coming together.

[@AC-mp7cx]

MJ is a rock legend too

[@bigshow1616]

We will be deciphering the genius of Ed for generations. EVH is the unstoppable force that crushes the immovable object. He is missed.

[@chrisw4997]

Rest in peace Eddie Van halen and Michael Jackson.

[@vagabond4113]

Imagine having a guitar style that is so unique that people can recognise it straight away. You'd feel so blessed 🎸

[@andythomas706]

Right Place Right Time! Technological advance allowed him to do what he did 'Live'. If he'd tried that with the sort of gear Hendrix had on stage it would have been an incoherent mush of noise.

[@edsnotgod]

Lil Wayne and Eddie

[@truthseeker5642]

The solo is unarguably the most incredible ever played in history! Period. Incredible!

[@ricorico33]

Eddie played just the solo. The rest of the guitar was played by Steve Lukather, another music guitarist genius like Eddie.

[@nocap4874]

When someone smiles while playing guitar, EVH is the person that I remember first. RIP Legend

[@ReneAlexisPenalozaMunoz]

The knock sound is something Eddie used to do on his guitar. A very common thing amongst flamengo music players also.

[@elspoocho4637]

yep obviously

[@ReneAlexisPenalozaMunoz]

@@elspoocho4637 the story about him knocking on the studio door while drunk is just gibberish

[@elspoocho4637]

@@ReneAlexisPenalozaMunoz lol, I wasn't being sarcastic, I was just agreeing

[@chronalcactus9258]

I love that he didn't want them finding out and then proceeded to play the most eddie van halen soli ever written

[@CP-kb1du]

Inside the Album Sleeve Edward Van Halen and Valerie are thanked , Legendary Human Being Edward was ... his solo made the track #1

[@nedhill1242]

Actually Eddie wrote the solo with Lukather but was not available when they actually recorded the song for the album so Lukather played it and reworked it for Quincy Jones. He played on many of the songs on that album as did Jeff Pacaro. The guys from Toto are actually some of the greatest studio musicians of all time. They were the band for Boz Skaggs’ huge album! And some of them often worked with Steely Dan.

[@rlarla6827]

Come on. Did you ever LISTEN? to it? Even Lukather himself leaves no doubt that Ed played the solo. Lukather recorded the rhythm guitars.

[@nedhill1242]

@@rlarla6827 Luke did a lot more than that. He wrote pretty much everything but the solo and I think even help rewrite some of that. I’ve heard numerous interviews about how all of that was developed. A couple of the stories contradict themselves.

[@BrockLanders]

I always thought that “Beat It” was the first actual real 80’s song even though it officially came out in 1982. It sounded totally different from all of the 70’s music that leaked into the early 80’s, and it influenced everything that came after it. And I think “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was the first official 90’s song even though it came out in late 1991/early 1992, because it sounded nothing like the hair-metal from the late 80’s that leaked into 90’s (and it obviously also influenced everything that came after it).

[@johnsonmark65]

beat it(the single) came out and reached #1 on billboard hot 100 in '83.

[@v-town1980]

Actual real 80's song? Hardly. You need to learn a lot more about music from 1980-'82.

[@roach2go]

Back in the day it was easy to tell. Evh has a distinct sound when he solo'd

[@Guitar387]

The solo van Halen played was masterful iconic and perfection.

[@Magnum_Opus_Music]

💯

[@lvalledor3440]

Good thing they showed clips of Bill & Ted because I read the "Rufus" character in Bill & Ted was originally considered for Eddie Van Halen

[@davidsthubbins176]

Wow, I had no idea he was uncredited on the album. First time I heard the song was on the radio in 1982. The DJ introduced the song then added something like, "and you're not going to believe this...with Eddie Van Halen on guitar!" I guess the secret was out.

[@gregjosephson]

True .. BUT Steve Lukather invented the powerful hooks that made that song pop even more. Steve wrote 'Beat it' in my book ! I credit MJ for the brilliant notion of getting VH and Lukather on the same job. This was a masterpiece work!

[@jediflip_313]

I was 33 years old when I found out Eddie Van Halen play the solo for Beat It

[@jowyong6769]

Of course I've heard the song countless times but today was the first time I really heard the solo. Was awestruck and wondered who the heck played such an epic solo on a mj track...hell, it sounded like EVH himself 🤔 Turns out it actually was... the grand master's style is instantly recognisable to this very day 🎸

[@gowwar491]

Many elements missing in the story... check Steve Lukather’s inputs

[@MaxFury_Official]

yeah, the narrator says "riff". The riff is Steve Lukather's the Solo is EVH. So could be a bit misleading. But whatever. It's for nerds to know such facts. Like us.

[@daniellejulien715]

@@MaxFury_Official I have to echo this; I believe Edward tried to take credit for Lukather's input...

[@chriscastillo4275]

I thought he was the hook portion but couldn’t remember if it was him exactly or another super pro, so I went to the comments lol

[@christopherpayne3530]

I was at the show at Texas Stadium in 1984 when Eddie came on stage and played Beat It with Michael. Van Halen was performing the next night at Reunion Arena which I was at that show too and it was Dave's last U.S. show before he left the band

[@wolfpack9958]

I've got Eddie's solo from "Beat it" as my ring tone.

[@RaffaeleAngius]

Something doesn't add up here: "1984" was released on January the same year. Thriller has been published on November 1982, according to Wikipedia. According to the same source, "Beat It" was released as a single in early 1983, a year before Van Halen's album. Maybe I'm missing something, but I can't understand how Beat It could have possibly outpaced any of the Van Halen's albums (the one before was Diver Down, April '82).

[@rrdream2400]

there is so much wrong with what is said in this video

[@RaffaeleAngius]

@@rrdream2400 could be. As I am not historian, I just did the math. But if you get that wrong, I’ll hardly would take the rest as a fact...

[@rrdream2400]

@@RaffaeleAngius I thought the same, Thriller came out 2 years before 1984, the time line does not match up.

[@jaytabac6525]

for sure - how would a Michael Jackson song ever make it to #1 without an Eddie Van Halen guitar solo.

[@PotrzebieConolly]

😄great sarcasm

[@HomerDaMan]

Had no idea how much he changed the song. Figured he had a part. Knew it was him when I heard it the first time. There was no doubt!

[@flashinthepan1]

Im confused I heard the guitar player from ToTo was helping make the sound too!

[@muthemaori5899]

Me:looking at guitar Guitar: don't even think about it

[@devinthierault]

"Dave you were out of the county, Al you weren't around, Michael you offered to sing back up vocals and I said no."

[@chefscorner7063]

By Eddie not asking for monetary Compensation, just shows us all that he wasn't in it just for the $$, but for his love of playing. Even when he was having deep Addiction Issue's, he was always smiling and trying to include the audience on both sides of the stage. Best look at Eddie doing this ,IMHO is the Live Video of Eruption. He starts on one side of the Stage and while playing goes to center stage and ending up on the other side without missing a beat and looking totally relaxed and having fun as he returned to his starting point. The only entertainer that lost their life to early (I guess it's always to early) which caused me to cry when I heard the terrible news. R.I.P. Eddie..

[@rancherogt8037]

Not sure his band mates let it slide his secret collaboration with Jackson, didn't help the rift between the band and David Lee Roth, which led to Dave recording solo and ultimately to the band breaking up. I mean R.I.P Eddie, but for him to go and do whatever he wanted and to restrict other band mates from outside projects was BS Dave had a right to be upset.

[@georgetalleyii5085]

Damn. Mystery solved Even tho his ass cheeks was showing I loved David Lee with the band and still say they fell from grace with Sammy Haggard.

[@rancherogt8037]

@@georgetalleyii5085 lol not sure it was that big a mystery, Dave wanted to do side projects,even a movie staring himself that was in development. Eddie and the band was against outside projects. Then Eddie goes and does Beat it arguably that one song was probably better and higher quality then anything Dave woulda worked on. Humbly I have to disagree the band fell from grace under Sammy, they fell on Van Halen 3 with Gary Cherone on vocals that albums trash. True Van Halen is with Dave, Sammy is most definitely Van Hagar. But doesn't get enough credit, he's highly underrated his career with Montrose, his solo work, Van Halen, back to solo, Chicken Foot he has consistently put out great work. And by the mid to late 80's Dave voice was shot and not sure how relevant they could stayed with him with the changing musical landscape of the early 90's Sammy kept them on top and relevant till the mid 90's. Only Van Halen 3 in 1998 and Eddie's long battle with cancer starting in 2000 what side tracked the band.

[@windowgirl7300]

@@rancherogt8037 "Beat It" wasn't really a "side project." It was a favor done for Quincy. "EDDIE" made it clear he couldn't take money for it. He didn't receive credit until the 2nd pressing. Lee Roth was trouble right from the beginning- he wasn't going to last.

[@georgetalleyii5085]

@@rancherogt8037 I do like songs with Sammy, I wanted to state that. But the third lead singer, that's new to me also.

[@rancherogt8037]

@@georgetalleyii5085 you don't hear about Van Halen 3 and Gary Cherone from Extreme fronting Van Halen cause if they could erase that album from everyone's minds they would, do youself a favor don't seek it out lol

[@jvnktube]

Funny, they once asked Eddie how it feels to be the best guitar player on the planet and he answered: "Jeez, I don't know.. You'd have to ask Steve Lukatner" Ofcourse Luke said the same about Eddie because they we're really good buddies but still a fun story imo :)

[@blackphillip8486]

Grew up listening to MJ and Van Halen and didn't know that was EVH on the track until around '07, and I was born in '80, smdh. 😂

[@LuzMaria95]

Lmao 😂

[@windowgirl7300]

R U joking?!

[@mariai9549]

@@windowgirl7300 even Helen Keller could hear it was Eddie. VH

[@faelreklaw8837]

Steve Lukather wrote the riff AND he was the one couldnt believe Michael called and cursed 3 times no 4. Quincy called and said that was rly Michael and want you. Search Steve lukather about Michael Jackson, Eddie Van Hallen.

[@jokerbox_official]

EDDIE wasn’t drunk when he was in the studio...and he did get paid.....a case of beer.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

They will be missed

[@johnogo7886]

Yeah Eddie Van Halen the man that made the Legend because it’s takes a Legend to make a Legend!!!

[@archangel3386]

Eddie didnt make Michael lol

[@thenotorioushussle5633]

@@archangel3386 right

[@NotDecided420]

The knock is Eddie hitting his pic against his pickups to make sure they're on. He then launches into the solo. I've seen people who know it that well, that they do the pick tap before the solo too.