First Reaction to Van Halen Eruption Guitar Solo

[@Scoot711]

I am among the fortunate to have witnessed this. This is when they were on the 5150 tour. I was 17 years old. If you all could've just felt the energy in that arena, it was absolutely one of the greatest things I have ever witnessed and experienced in my life. I'm 54 now and remember it like yesterday❤🤘

[@mhvh5150]

Seen =VH= 26 times since 1982 .... EVH forever...

[@zeretube]

Me too, with the Balance tour, it was so damn good! and all the band too

[@viola1]

Me too, same tour (5150), in Cleveland, Ohio. I was probably 16 or 17 too. It was amazing to say the least.

[@bradmorgan856]

Jealous. My friends and me watched this on VHS at least 500 times. We ate, drank and dreamt VH. I was 8 when this concert was filmed, so it was 89-90 before we devoured it. Still gives me chills.

[@Scoot711]

@@bradmorgan856 Particularly with good headphones on, turning this way up and closing my eyes, it takes me right back:)🤘🙏

[@ingobordewick6480]

One of the greatest guitarists ever. Nothing more to say other than RIP Eddie! We will never forget you and your passion.

[@sabina1118]

❤️

[@fredwerza3478]

One of? They called him King Edward for a reason. He was the BEST that ever played six strings.

[@andrewallen3826]

@@fredwerza3478 no Rory Gallagher was no.1.

[@fredwerza3478]

@@andrewallen3826 nobody knows who Rory was --- everyone in the world knew and admired King Edward

[@andrewallen3826]

@@fredwerza3478 because Rory didn't play sugar radio friendly music; he played the blues.every top guitarist sites Rory as the daddy.Jimi Hendrix called Rory no 1

[@adenauerlemos7926]

Eddie is the kind of genius who transcends his time. Like a Mozart. He wasn't even limited by the instrument he played, always coming up with ideas to improve guitars, as he did with Fender.

[@craigwood4342]

Dam right

[@titmusspaultpaul5]

Spot on. He was inventive and didn't just play scales (some are faster at speed scale runs but become boring and are not musical, let alone inventive).

[@commentfreely5443]

live without a net. i had it on VCR,

[@KnightOnBaldMountain]

It’s not hyperbole to make that comparison.

[@h2ofield]

Well, I'm in my 60's and have followed him since '77. I basically get a lump in my throat and tear up after the first couple of notes. My goodness, we miss him!!

[@ericdole1879]

So do I brother

[@kennethhirsh6660]

Me too- all dusty eyes watching RIP

[@uutooyu]

Kind of makes the fur rise my friend indeed always will and always has ! Rock on !

[@charlesmcwhirter1326]

Yep, I’m 3 yrs behind you, with the exact same mindset.

[@indydude3367]

I was a teenager in the 80's. Eddie was the coolest cat ever back then. Seeing VH in concert was like seeing Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and the Beatles in the same band. Eddie embodied sincerity, vitality, and pure joy. He was shy, polite, and a little crazy. He was at once a role model and a cautionary tale. I've never cried for any actor or rock star but I did for Eddie because he was so much more than that for me.

[@fredwerza3478]

Your words hit me right in the feels --- I have the same thoughts about Eddie and his effect on my 80's youth

[@electronicengineer]

I feel your sincerity through your words and I want to say that my personal relationship (in my heart and soul) with Eddie Van Halen is the same as you expressed. We lost a legend in October of 2020. The "clock stood still" in my mind on October 6, 2020. Fred

[@peterpiper7951]

Wow! You summed him up so well. Eddie feels like a super cool uncle I never got long to hang with but saw his exploits from afar.

[@nicoladisvevia]

Same with me!

[@raygamino6687]

I hear you. He’s the only person other than a family I cried for. He was such a big part of my life. Van Halen’s music is my soundtrack. I miss that dude. 😔🎸☝🏽✊🏽

[@AudiophileTubes]

I'm 61 now, but still remember clearly the first time I heard 'Eruption' on that first Van Halen album. It was other worldly, powerful, transcendent, etc. My head exploded!

[@michaeldineenSG2018]

This is the greatest musical talent in the last century. His creativity is so off the charts. I get chills and tears at the end. I've seen it live and up close. If you've never witnessed it live you couldn't possibly understand!!!

[@evh78]

I couldn't agree more! EVH was from another world

[@jayef10]

You think your so cool…I’m not jelly… 😒

[@OSheaShenanigans]

Imagine him and Neil Peart in the same band.

[@cherokeeman7140]

@@OSheaShenanigans Alex Van Halen is no joke either!

[@OSheaShenanigans]

@@cherokeeman7140 very true

[@geraiapowen2]

Notice how he always had a smile on his face! He lived to perform and bring the best sounds from his instrument.

[@Drinckx2]

I remember being mesmerised when, in 1978, I bought the debut album by Van Halen. The original version of this, Eddie Van Halen's showpiece, is the second track on that album, and it blew me away. It's one of the great heavy rock debut albums.

[@sabina1118]

Sounds like a great memory!

[@birminghamchris9377]

Hi Paul. From memory, the opening track on the album was Running with the devil, followed by the circa 2 minute track eruption..followed by you’ve really got me…the Kinks classic. It’s one of those albums where every track is quality. I saw Van Halen supporting Black Sabbath…before they were famous..dare I say they were nearly as good as Sabbath?

[@Drinckx2]

@@birminghamchris9377 A few contemporary accounts of that support slot with Sabbath suggest Van Halen blew them offstage. There were probably nights when this was the case, but I never saw that tour (unfortunately).

[@jindas4217]

I have heard the accounts (I wasn't born then) but yeah, that Eddie wouldn't face the audience and do his solos, and people were just blown away at what he was doing. and they also weren't able to see it.

[@mrbamfo5000]

@@birminghamchris9377 I used to listen to Running with the Devil every night on my way home while still in high-school in the 70s. 8 track no less.

[@seanfh11]

I saw him live in 1988 Monsters of Rock tour. Hearing him perform Eruption in a stadium with over a hundred thousand people was a experience to say the least. R.I.P. Eddie Van Halen

[@michaelshields7777]

I saw him when Monsters of Rock came to Spokane, WA. Smallest city on the tour but the concert was amazing! Eddie's guitar solo was incredible!!

[@kellyf8864]

I was at the opening show at alpine valley!

[@AZ-kr6ff]

Same tour, Oxford Plains Speedway in Maine! I went for Metallica, but was a VH fan also. Torrential rain poured down on us on and off all day with a giant thunderstorm during the Scorpion set with lightning strikes halting the show several times for 30 minutes or so over and over again. The crowd was drenched and getting PISSED and ROWDY at all the delays. The moving swells of the bodies began growing bigger and bigger coming in waves through the crowd carrying us 15 feet in one direction, then a pause, then back in the other direction like we were an angry ocean during a storm. I was 15 and I won't lie, that was a little scary being packed so tight and just being caught in this moving sea of bodies. I remember only being able to take these tiny quick steps in various directions to keep up. Feet and ankles all colliding with each other, stepping on each other's feet, and being afraid of tripping and being dragged under. A promotor came out on stage and attempted to calm the crowd. When he realized he was failing to do so and getting boo'd and middle fingers and F-yous, he stupidly said "well, your not going to get your money back so..." That was the wrong thing to say. The crowd started ripping up the beat up speedway track and bombarding the stage with fist sized chunks of pavement, sending everyone on stage running for cover. It's hard to remember exactly, but I think they sent every security member out into the crowd, dozens of them in yellow rain ponchos, all banded together like Roman soldiers or something. These were BIG dudes, most of them. This actually kind of broke the crowd up a bit. They were grabbing people kinda randomly I guess, and dragging them out of the crowd. Then people in the crowd began getting pissed and regrouped and started fighting security, haha. It was quite a melee for a bit, but eventually it settled down a little and Scorpions came back out and finished their set. Metallica was awesome. Played nonstop even with some lightning. VH was good. Their pyrotechnics we're drenched, so there was none of that, but Eddie was awesome to watch, obviously. Man, such fun memories. I didn't intend to write anywhere near this much but got carried away I guess. Hopefully someone will enjoy reading it.

[@maryannturton9830]

I was at Monsters of Rock also in 88 in New Jersey!🤘

[@gunterluber7882]

R.I.P. Eddie. You took guitar playing to a new level. Greetings to Jimi, Rhandy and Gary in guitar heaven

[@Gr8Buccaneer]

if Jimi had that equipment,what would he had shown us? R.I.P. Eddie

[@HEAVYMETALmovie1981]

Amen

[@godbluffvdgg]

LOL..no he didn't...There were about 10000 guitarist in that era that were easily as good and most were better...I know; I was there...

[@ianjones2731]

@@godbluffvdgg The 10000 were there BECAUSE of EVH you talk utter shit and that 10000 would agree with me %100

[@zedleppelin3519]

@@godbluffvdgg stfu man, no need to throw shitty hate comments, you can´t deny that he was great and really creative, he found new stuff on an already widely explored instrument and had an incredible energy on stage, not everyone can do it. also, name some of that 10000 guitarists, i´m interested

[@Dennis-lx2jp]

I saw Van Halen four times.Twice with David Lee Roth and twice with Sammy Hagar. The first two times he played this riff with a guitar Eddie called the Frankenstrat.The second two times he played this with his 5150. All four times it sounded a bit different and he would add things. It was like watching the modern day Beethoven! It was awesome!!

[@jeffdavis6715]

What 2 tours did you see with DLR?

[@ricomusap614]

I saw them at the us festival in 83 And Hollywood bowl 2916

[@alaindesforges]

Once in a generation, a virtuoso comes along and completely chances the scene. Eddie was it. Tapping aside, which was revolutionary, were his crazy dives. He used that whammy bar like nobody else, and could coax sounds from his instrument that were truly insane. RIP Eddie. We lost a true legend.

[@fredwerza3478]

I'm so happy somebody finally acknowledged Eddie's genius use of the whammy bar!

[@alaindesforges]

@@fredwerza3478 I know, right!? I mean, he was such a genius... He is 99% remembered for the tapping, but come on! He made that whammy bar his bitch! lol

[@fredwerza3478]

@@alaindesforges well the tapping will always be his calling card --- but he could make that whammy do cool things --- they should rename it the "Eddie Bar"

[@DecapitatedPlaythings]

The first time I saw this it LITERALLY made me become a musician and seek a degree in music. I now get to travel and play in front of wonderful people because of this one moment in time. I can't thank Eddie Van Halen enough for that gift. Peace Sabina..

[@jeffdavis6715]

First time I seen this, I was at the show😅😅😅😅. I was at both nights of recording.

[@DecapitatedPlaythings]

@@jeffdavis6715 Oh that's just not right!!! LOL.. Lucky SOB...

[@danfoss1535]

Yeah but Jeff, you just wanted to get high and keep listening, you didn't get a PhD in music did you ? ( Same here)

[@dw5150dw]

The greatest rock guitarist ever .my absolute hero...saw his last tour in new Jersey flew from England to see it and cried through his solo 😢 👏 watching him again ...waited 20yrs to see again

[@garyglass7406]

He is sorely missed. RIP GOAT!!

[@ClifHaley]

I love how this entire thing isn't like one long "song" of a guitar solo but is performed in specific, individual movements like a musical or orchestral performance.

[@kellyf8864]

Eddie was one of my guitar hero’s growing up. I spent countless hours trying to learn Van Halen songs. He really was at one with his instrument. He built most of the guitars he played. His talent and passion are what made him great!

[@mikebonafede5481]

I am so blessed to have attended every Van Halen tour back to the first album. It amazes me how many people watch this live cut, and their brains all feel the same rush. God Bless Eddie!

[@joehartmann9353]

The late great Eddie Van Halen 🎸! His music will live forever!

[@sabina1118]

❤️🙏🏻

[@autojohn-pu1vf]

@@sabina1118 I grew up on Van Halen, Heard Eddy do that solo live in '76(&'15) and a bunch of times since then on the Tube... and I have never heard that version, that was refreshing listened to the whole thing TY👍

[@DerekRayburn]

I was 8 years old the first time I heard Eruption. Now, 45 years later, it breaks my heart that he is gone. He was the most dramatic part of the sound track of my life. He was the inspiration behind all that I am. He made me feel unique even when I know millions of others have been and are still affected by his genius. I am so lucky to have seen Van Halen live 5 times. It always brought tears to my eyes to watch him play his collection of solos that most call "Eruption" now-a-days (the original Eruption is a wild but short solo on the Van Halen debut album, track 2). Research him, watch the documentaries, listen to the albums, it will change the very fabric of your soul. I could see it in your eyes, you felt it. It's a spiritual experience. R.I.P. Edward Lodewijk Van Halen.

[@shannonmcdonald6959]

Derek, It sadly took his passing for me to realize how much he meant to me. 8 months before his death, my wife asked me what I wanted for my Birthday. My choices were, The new Charvel, or an EVH watercolor reprint worth a 1/4 of the price of the guitar. No hesitation. EVH print. I was in a meeting with my CEO , I got a text from my Sis telling EVH had passed. I lost my shit right there in the meeting. I came home, started going through all my stuff, and realized I had carrying aroud EVH posters for 40 years!! Started listening to Van Halen tracks and playing guitar. Never knew how many VH songs I knew. He has always been with me wether I realized it or not. Now, I'm still broken that he's gone.

[@IheartDogs55]

I lived a life of deprivation. I'm 67 on this date, 10.26.2022. This the first time I listened & watched Eddie Van Halen perform "Eruption." I wept through most of it. I get energy, solace, joy & sorrow from music. Some pieces bring me to ecstasy, where it feels like the music has become part of me. So much great music was hidden from me. Barriers that did so much damage, that stifled my spirit. I weep tonight because the power of music has liberated a small piece of me. I have more freeing ahead of me. That gives me hope.

[@tomdulle1707]

Watching this reminds me how much we miss Edward Van Halen. Anyone who ever saw Eddie Van Halen play live will remember the experience the rest of their life.

[@kevinkiley6503]

Eddie’s solo gave you goosebumps, and it always brings tears to my eyes; the amount of passion Eddie had for music and his unlimited creativity was truly special. He was one of a kind.

[@mikej70]

Great quirky version lucky to have seen him 1984 and the reunion tours to the end

[@gregkozier5229]

He was a true master. Glad I saw him live, back in 1980.

[@robertstinnette1926]

He lets the guitar speak for itself. The guitar knows this guy and welcomes him.He was one with the guitar. A true Legend.

[@Thunder_1977]

RIP King Edward! I've heard this solo or at least parts of it were part of his warm up backstage before the show until somebody told him "Man, you GOTTA do this on stage!"

[@philking6444]

I love to see the reaction of people who are hearing this for the first time. I was hooked the first time I heard this. And I only had the less than 2 minutes of the album. I have seen this live 4 times. And my reaction is still the same. It has been almost 2 years and I still can't believe he is gone. Hope you enjoy this. Long live Ed.

[@scottromesburg7935]

I watch some of these just to see the reactions and opinions of others. I was fortunate enough to see this tour...the energy, the magic, the passion....you experienced a fraction of all of that. I'm glad you didn't stop the video like others. You did texts instead. That was cool. CHEERS! \~/ \~/

[@scottfromboston4957]

You are one lucky motherfucker man, I was born in ‘94 so I wasn’t alive to experience this musical history. You guys really did have the best music in the 80s, after that, it all went downhill I think after nirvana.

[@sherieads1298]

Eddie was at one with his guitar. Like, it was an extention of his arms. He once said, "It's all about the music." He played the piano as a child, winning competitions and never able to read a note. He bought a drum set. His brother bought a guitar. He couldn't get a good grasp on the drums. One day he picked up Alex's guitar and Alex has been on the drums ever since. His brother was the drummer in Van Halen. I believe he was happiest when he played. He was a legend who many have tried to copy. What a feat that would be. He was humble, caring, funny, and a master of this instrument. An inventor, innovator, and he donated instruments to children. I miss everything about him. My Guitar Hero. When he passed, I bought a guitar. I try to play, but no one will ever play better, with more passion or devotion than King Edward Van Halen.

[@RollieFingers59]

I was there for this performance. The band was on fire and Eddie’s solo was simply amazing as you can see. The energy was incredible

[@markn3936]

Legendary.

[@johnreyes195]

I was honored to have met Eddie VanHalen. In 1997 when I was 30 .we met in the parking lot of guitar centers in Hollywood. He acted like just a normal guy .dress code was cut off army pants. Cut off t shirt. Thongs on his feet. Gave me a strong hand shake. Smiled and said check out my new wolf gang guitar it's coming out soon. Gave me a Frankenstein guitar autograph. As I stood there trying not to pee .he just smiled and walked away. God bless you Eddie VanHalen. I'm 55 and still have that guitar. It still sounds awesome. I own a piece of rock history. I may be old but at the beginning of this band I was there. The 80s was an amazing time to be alive and young 🙌 ❤️

[@birminghamchris9377]

Eddie Van Halen…a true guitar maestro, sadly no longer with us. This track is only around two minutes on the album ‘Van Halen’…live it’s longer and far superior. Sammy Hagar on vocals, who replaced Dave Lee Roth. Eddie provided the excellent guitar work on Michael Jackson’s Beat it. This is musical gold and genius and fabulous to watch…what a great song choice. Sabina..the concentration and awe was etched on your face..an absolute delight.

[@sabina1118]

It was like nothing I’ve ever seen before!!!

[@module79l28]

This isn't a longer version of Eruption, as you probably know, it's Eruption, Cathedral and Spanish Fly mixed with Mean Street's intro and some improvisation.

[@birminghamchris9377]

@@module79l28 I’ll be honest, I didn’t know that…thank you for the clarification.

[@Metal_Auditor]

@@module79l28 don't forget "316," although it didn't get that name until about 5 years later.

[@paulnickl7569]

@@Metal_Auditor Don't forget Ed named that after Wolfie's birthday.

[@forloop5150]

saw the 5150 tour at the Texxas Jam. I was hanging onto the front barricade for my life just to watch EVH up close. To this day that is the best solo I have ever seen. Thank you EVH, forever the King.

[@FreeDonaldTrump1]

I love watching new people watch this video. I tend to tear up once or twice every time I see it because it’s still so weird to live in a world without Eddie Van Halen. Eddie was the 70s and 80s and every decade after!

[@mrmurphy8609]

I use to watch him play this many times from up front. Always shaking my head in amazement. Now I watch this with tears in my eyes RIP Edward

[@shawnmcmillan1294]

Thankfully I was privileged to see VH multiple times. Eddie's solos were without a doubt MAGICAL! RIP Eddie 🤘🤘🤘

[@davidoconnell1680]

Oh yeah. And you're right, the passion was in his reactions. Always had a smile on his face, just flat out loved what he was doing.

[@Kalevra75]

I really love how there's so many reactions to this solo. It's from Live Without A Net, a live recorded show from New Haven, CT, USA. From the 5150 Tour, 1986. Ok, so a few things here. This solo takes place about half way through the show and he's drunk off his ass. He admitted this was a very unhealthy way of dealing with his stage anxiety, but yes, professionally drunk off his ass here. Also, if you take a second look, he's playing most of the solo with his eyes closed. The cigarette had the best seat in the house. And all of the segments he played were either solos from previous records, or pieces from songs from previous albums. With exception of the very beginning, which was later turned into "316" years later on the For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge record. 316 is his son's birth date. Eddie is/was a rock god that sat slightly apart from the rest of the guitar gods pantheon. May he rest in peace.

[@defhoez449]

You forgot to mention he was also high off his ass on blow too...but nobody was as smashed as Al was. This solo is also pieced together from 2 different nights as well....but still a world changing guitar solo nonetheless

[@tonycrabtree3416]

New Halen, instead of New Haven, Connecticut. Hilarious touch from the video.

[@cdiracingnet]

I believe this night it was New Halen.

[@tonycrabtree3416]

@@cdiracingnet Yeah, it's literally on the DVD. They scratch out Haven and write in Halen.

[@cdiracingnet]

I have the VHS somewhere.

[@MrKoladge]

I was at that concert!!!! It NEVER GETS OLD.....

[@ComputerLearning0]

When Eddie and Alex's family immigrated to the USA they greatly complimented our country when they became Americans, and the world was all the better for it. Eddie's passing was a huge loss to us all. As such, the Van Halen name and their contributions will never be forgotten. Much respect from the United States of America.

[@tbc5150]

I saw Van Halen live for the first time on this tour, and he played a similar solo, although he varied each night. I was mesmerized. I was standing in the second row, so i had a great seat. I remember watching the solo and caught myself with both hands on my face with my mouth wide open. I couldn’t believe what I was watching in front of me. The hair stood on my arms. I’ve watched this particular solo probably 500 times in my life - and that’s not an exaggeration. I’ve watched it dozens of times since he passed two years ago. I miss him. He was one of a kind.

[@Mr.Ekshin]

When Eddie and Alex Van Halen were teens, their parents bought a drum set for Eddie, and a guitar for Alex. They both started learning on those, but every time Alex would go out, he'd come home to find Ed playing his guitar. After a while, Eddie surpassed Alex on guitar, so Alex started playing the drums instead.

[@ATLTomcat]

I saw Van Halen in 1993 in Atlanta. It was my only time to see him and wished I had seen him more but timing just did not favor me. Anyway, I am glad that I got to see him then. I'm in my 60's as well and will never forget the concert in Atlanta, Georgia. There will never be another EVH and he has set a very high bar when it comes to solos from him. I'm sure he will give a Grand Master Performance in heaven one day when it is all said and done here in Earth. Rest in Peace Eddie. You are with our Ultimate Rock God and our Lord. May you play with the angels.

[@jcmusic5150]

Oh man, this brought tears to my eyes and goosebumps all over watching this again and watching you seeing it for the first time. Me and my best buddies / band members used to watch the Live Without A Net video over and over back in the day (late 80s). It was like the bible for us. Eddie pretty much taught me (and a lot of other people) how to play electric guitar. So much passion and energy. So inspiring. A bunch of unbelievably talented musicians cranking out great songs and having so much fun. It was completely infectious. Words can't say how much I love this solo and the whole live concert. Lovely to see you bring it to life again.

[@pctips4all]

Excellent reaction!! You are superbly genuine and you are great at doing these. Thanks!!!!

[@chriscollesano8463]

I saw this live. He will always be the best he reinvented the electric guitar. There will never be another one like him

[@tillman40]

Eddie said that Alex Lifeson was better

[@markavell7111]

I was at a Kegger in Denver in 1978 and Duffy put this album on and said Everyone listen!! First time we Heard this. It just was released. It Changed my Life. I'm 64 now and still play a Stratocaster. RIP Ed. We Love You.

[@gregsulman8659]

What can I say Sabina. WOW! I have just witnessed a new level of guitar playing. Thank you Sabina💖

[@jony3775]

This exact solo is the reason I have been playing guitar for the past 35 years in bands. I saw it at a friend’s house who had a VHS copy on a huge stereo and it changed my life forever..! Mind. Still. Blown.

[@Starriddin]

You need to watch Stevie Ray Vaughn's "Texas Flood", probably the greatest blues guitar soloist. But, NO ONE can top Eddie Van Halen, ever!!!!!

[@davidoconnell1680]

Great reaction 👏. Eddie was truly amazing. Making the guitar sound like a violin and a cello is insane. He was trained in classical music so no surprise there. I'm 3 years younger than Eddie and had the privilege to grow up with these guys in socal. Saw them play before they ever got a record contract or open for anyone, i was sold. RIP Eddie. You just watched the greatest Rock and Roll guitar player that's ever lived. Period!

[@johnnybickle4116]

I watch every reaction video to this legendary performance from Ed. I do not watch any other reaction videos. This one is different isn't it.....This is one of the most beautiful works of art any sentient being could experience. Your reaction is exactly why i watch every one of these

[@mikeshaffer4912]

Eddie was just a face melting, incredibly skilled guitarist. Also, from what I understand, a very humble and cool person in real life. The second live concert I ever saw as a kid was Van Halen on their 1984 tour. My mom and I went to the show. At one point, don't remember what song they were playing, I was a second grader at the time, but Eddie walked to the side of the stage where mom and I were seated, saw my mom and I dancing and smiled that smile, nodded to us and played a little run on his guitar. Eddie nodded to David Lee Roth in our direction and Dave smiled and said: "Alright, mom!" cheering on my mom. Then they both ran to the front of the stage and kept playing. It was an incredible show and an incredible experience.

[@defhoez449]

I haven't enjoyed watching this solo THIS much since the first time I watched it back in the mid 80's when it came out...just watching you discover the joy and genuine wizardry of Eddie made ME feel like a kid again. I suddenly felt the same goosebumps you did. I LOVE vids like these when people discover and enjoy VH as much as I do. Thank you for making feel that again!

[@sabina1118]

My great pleasure ❤️

[@jamiemcbride4226]

The first time I ever heard this was when I was 17 1978 and my buddy put this record on the turntable and said get ready to be amazed and i said whatever dude like a smart ass 17 year old does and i was amazed and blazed

[@defhoez449]

@@jamiemcbride4226 I remember being woke up by my dad and his buddy one night back in '78 (I was 7)....I sat quietly at the top of the stairs in our house while they both drank a bunch of beers and listened to some music. My dad's friend, John said "hey Mike...I brought this record over for you to hear...you won't believe this band...the guitar player is just AMAZING and plays this unbelievable guitar solo...its just him playing this solo....check THIS out"...*needle drops* and suddenly he cranks it up...its Eruption...and I couldn't believe that one guy was playing something like THAT! I thought to myself...*I wanna play guitar like that someday!!* I'm STILL waiting for that day to come...lol but seriously, I was a fan from that moment on. And learned how to play guitar and keyboards because that's what the great king Edward does....and ALWAYS did it with a smile on his face

[@jamiemcbride4226]

@@defhoez449 hey my friend i really enjoyed reading your story brought back a lot of good memories and Eddie van Halen he set the standard with their very first album and he motivated thousands of us to pick up the guitar hard to believe 45 years have come and gone but somethings never change i still love to crank up van Halen and i still jam on the guitar only now my wife will yell turn it down grand pa instead of my mom peace

[@electronicengineer]

@@sabina1118 I also really enjoyed watching your reaction to the great EVH. Thank you for sharing with all of us! Fred

[@mikecfi]

I was lucky enough to see this live. Watching this brings me back to that day. I was blown away. Glad I could finally see how he created that violin like sound using the volume knob.

[@jeffdavis6715]

I was at both nights

[@techguyMD]

That segment is one of the best. He never used to do "Cathedral" from Diver Down live so seeing him perform it is amazing and frankly one of the hardest to pull off. Taping the strings and then using the volume knob to make it sound like a violin... amazing.

[@tse90723]

I've seen the man 5 times live. Watching you reactions to what the rest of us already know was priceless. A couple times you said, "goosebumps". Watching Eddie play brings tears to my eyes. A true PHENOM!

[@chris61670]

You have to get into the albums starting with the first from 1978. That self titled album just blew people away..They have some really good ones with a blues tone..In each album there is clearly a statement..

[@MrJetplanemusic]

All one has to do is look at the smile on his face as he is playing and you realize that he is having the time of his life doing what he loves. And that bliss just transfers to the audience who then have an equally good time watching him. The perfect performer/audience connection.

[@judya8392]

The greatest guitarist of all time!! Noone comes close to EVH. R.I.P Eddie.

[@cherylkadel7963]

I saw him live as well, they’re first headlining tour back in the late 70s. Absolutely nothing comes close to EVHs sound. Amazing, one of a kind talent. Genius. Simply a genius is what he was. RIP Eddie, truly a sad day in music when he left us.

[@RyneMurray23]

Eddie's actual brother is the drummer Alex Van Halen. They both grew up learning classical piano, and I feel that helped their musical abilities a lot. 🔥🔥🔥

[@terrylandess6072]

Don't forget the part where Eddie got a drum set and Alex got a guitar - that didn't last long :)

[@jasonbates2687]

the drummer is Eddie's brother? his actual brother? gtfo

[@fredwerza3478]

Eddie actually started out on drums --- a lot of people don't know this about him!

[@peterrimac3408]

I have been listening to Van Halen since the early 80's and this sole for years, it never gets boring and seeing other people's reactions, he was special.

[@Rdeboer]

If you want another crazy Ed Van Halen live moment then check out his solo from 'Summer Nights', from the same live concert featured in this video. It's especially impressive because the 'Eruption' live thing was something that Ed sculped and honed over many years and countless performances, but Summer Nights was fresh material and Ed pulled an astonishing solo out of the bag.

[@mickdestiny6542]

That and the solo for 5150 too! He didn't let the cameras get in the way of his creativity at this show. He stepped up to the plate like no one else.

[@robertholsapple2901]

I have seen him/them in concert 4 times in my long life. It was an honor for me as a guitar player myself.

[@yvindjenssen7254]

Eddie Van Halen is one of the best guitarplayers of all time. He didn't invent fingertapping, but he sure perfected it! To this day, there are still guitarteachers studying his techniques and teaching them to new players! The most impressive thing about this performance, is that he was drunk out of his mind here, and he still played to perfection, in front of thousands of people! :D Van Halen is the whole band, and it is named after Eddie, (who you just reacted to) and Alex Van Halen, who is the drummer. They are brothers and founding members of the band. :D And you are right, the chemistry of the band is off the charts. You really see that with Sammy Hagar, the lead singer, and Eddie in this one! :D Great reaction Sabina. I love watching your reactions and the way you analyze what you react to. You are doing a great job! :D

[@vinniedixon1140]

If you thought Eddie was drunk off his mind in this performance you should watch Slash in far worse states in 1980's & 1990's with Guns N Roses lol

[@heybuddy32]

Welcome to the club Sabina. Your life has now been forever changed! EVH "IS" the GOAT of guitar gods! You have now experienced something that many of us have known for decades. I was fortunate to grow up during the early years and he always done good! RIP Eddie!

[@darylhightree3857]

I just wonder if people realize that he was playing like this in the 70's long before people like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, SRV , Randy Rhodes,and the like ever hit the stage. They were out there somewhere but Eddy paved the way and they all took something from him!

[@terrylandess6072]

Um, yeah . . . . I played in several bands while in school and after graduation - that was in 1976. So I was well aware when Van Halen busted out. I believe he is the one responsible for people learning the 'air guitar'.

[@kyles5513]

Steve Hackett of Genesis was tapping in 1971. On the song Return Of the Giant Hogweed.

[@knightfall9394]

@@kyles5513 steve hackett wasnt branching out with technique into different area’s and expanding on it like ed and all the other guys that came after ed

[@kyles5513]

@@knightfall9394 I know. All I said is he was tapping before Eddie was. Most people think Eddie invented tapping.

[@tillman40]

And Eddie looked up to Alex Lifeson who Eddie said was the best ever

[@YTjndallas]

Van Halen was my first concert at age 14 in 1981. Dallas, Tx. Reunion Arena.

[@patrickriley195]

There is nobody better than Eddie

[@enescuvirgil8444]

Yes,yes,yes.There is no other guitar player,evan Page,like him.

[@dustinmoritz6634]

I have listened to this hundreds of times and it is still just as amazing! R.i.p. Ed!

[@RebeldryversGarage]

Some musicians can play wonderfully. Then others, like Eddie, pour their soul into their instrument.

[@fredwerza3478]

His guitar was literally an extension of his body, his heart, and his soul --- many people have said this about him

[@stevent425]

I have seen Van Halen no less than thirty times and had front row seats at least ten times, it feels like I was at a live show again. Wow.

[@poppycock6572]

I was 15 and saw the "1984" World Tour... which was in '83 when I saw it. I was there for the sound check as my mom worked at the venue. We were about to go home after the sound check... get ready, eat and go back to the show. I was waiting in a hallway and Eddie & Alex walked past us! They saw how we looked at them and they stopped and talked with us. They asked if we had something to sign and we didn't. Eddie said hang on a sec. He came back with two bottles of Heineken and a silver paint pen and signed "EVH/1984". He said "And you better not drink em!!!" Alex said it was nice to meet us and that he hoped we enjoyed the show. Wow.

[@videogeekin]

Edward Lodewijk Van Halen was born in Amsterdam on January 26, 1955, the son of Jan van Halen and Eugenia (née van Beers). His father was a Dutch jazz pianist, clarinetist, and saxophonist. The family eventually settled in Nijmegen, Netherlands.

[@jackw467]

I love that you included your thoughts onscreen, allowing us all to listen to the performance.. thank you 😊

[@staffanhesselback9653]

First heard them on radio in 1978 from where this is from. Then i saw them live in Stockholm on Monster of Rock in 1984. So iI was one of a lot of people that jump to their song Jump, it was amazing. And David Lee Rooth on vocals. I saw Motley Crue and AC/DC at the same concert.😊 mind blowing

[@redtesta]

RIP Eddie. One of a kind. Made the guitar talk. Lost him in 2020. Got to see Van Halen twice when i was younger. Insane.

[@johnobrien5150]

I have seen many versions of his guitar solos live…I first saw Van Halen in 1979 and never missed a tour til their last one in 2015.

[@michaelbertram4401]

I totally understand your reaction. I saw this on VHS at a friend's house when I was 17. It inspired me to take up guitar. Still get the goosebumps now 30 something years later.

[@billysmith5075]

I so enjoyed watching this reaction .This girl seemed like she was into every detail kept mentioning passion creativity etc.No stopping to interrupt. Kudos to her really enjoyed it .I actually was a young teen just learning to play when the first Van Halen album came out .RIP Eddie changed guitar playing and a pioneer also .

[@jackfunk5765]

Lets get in the way back and go the year 1978. you had smoke on the water as the hardest most insane thing you would ever hear. you had pat boon and Sony and shair and the carpenders as the face of rock and roll on TV. and one afternoon it all changed. this changed rock music forever. went from pat boon to screaming guitars in less than 24 hours. I remember standing there in my room with my mouth open and saying what the hell was that. I called the raido station to get them to play it again. they did. over and over. still to this day can't get enough of it.

[@bjones2229]

When this was released I was a teenager living with my parents and I was so mesmerized and tried to emulate what I was experiencing, standing in front of the tv with guitar in hand. I must have watched it 100+ times. Eddie Van Halen has always been my inspiration for playing guitar. I love seeing someone's reaction to hearing Van Halen for the first time. I've watched a few VH first timers on youtube and see the same thing I experienced, amazement.

[@ferjam7489]

From "Live Without a Net" , New Haven Connecticut. My absolute favorite. Thank you again Eddie.

[@brovold72]

Wow this totally takes me back to experiencing it for the first time myself -- MTV aired it a few months before I turned sixteen. Was really life-changing. Thank you thank you.

[@lawrenceashworth7668]

I’ve probably watched it over a 1000 times in my life and I still get chills ,!,!

[@mazarao1973]

No one like him. Master GOD of GUITAR ... Rest is just rest .. EVH Forever !!!!

[@timetraverler1709]

I seen them in live tupelo Mississippi many years ago. I will never ever forget that night. Amazing 🎸

[@goddukee]

He draws you in,, ya can't stop watching. What he could do with a guitar will never be matched

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

My favorite of his. The master of the instrument that few will ever get to be. The GOAT of the electric guitar and my personal hero. R.I.P. Maestro EVH

[@gipbwok2008]

I read that Eddie started taking classical piano lessons at about 5 and he won a few prominent kid competitions when he was still a pre-teen, so he had a tremendous musical background which gave him the tools to be so creative on guitar. Supposedly he didn't learn how to read music, at least for the first few years he was taking lessons, and fooled his teacher by memorizing how the teacher player the song, which developed his ability to remember a huge repertoire of songs and intricate leads when his band was breaking into the business and gigging. Not only does he play difficult and catchy leads, but he writes really catchy pop songs as well. He's my favorite musician.

[@kevinhazlett7303]

I was at this concert this is August 27th 1986 New Haven Coliseum in New Haven Connecticut! This was so amazing and incredible! I had awesome seats! This kicked ass! So loud in there so awesome!

[@charlesspardello3979]

Live 1984 Providence R.I. so happy Sabrina this was caught on tape for you Eddy loved making Rock and Roll fans happy

[@beatmet2355]

I’d love to go back to’93 at their show and relive it like I’d never heard it before.

[@jimmartin2112]

Had forgotten just how amazing Eddie is Live. I was blessed to see him!

[@kdm71291]

The most innovative guitarist since Jimmy Hendrix....he liked to see what kinds of sounds he could make the guitar do....he took some established techniques and expounded upon them...and developed some of his own. He did something like this, a variation, at every show........in fact, each member had a solo segment during every show...that was their thing. He, and the band, Van Halen, in general, were a gift to all of us, and I was blessed to have seen them live three times....and it wasn't enough! RIP, EVH!

[@danallshaw1131]

I came late 1982. I was floored when I heard the first 4 Van Halen albums. We will miss you, Ed.

[@johncullen7540]

Ed wasn't just virtuoso, he was a grounded man, being both a loving father and husband as well. His compositions expressed the song and emotion that was his spirit, and carried the legacy of his family forward into the future. God bless you EVH. 'Till we meet again.

[@darinhall4912]

I was front row BC Place Stadium Vancouver...He sat right in front of me at the edge of the stage and played 5 minutes non stop before getting up and moving to the other side of the stage...This was before he created this epic solo...What i witnessed was a work in progress at the time, but truly a mind blowing experience and later became his signature solo played in front of millions of people world wide.

[@brentfleenor6530]

It was incredible watching you experience the very same emotion I had when I heard Van Halen for the first time, January 1979. And have been a fan ever since!!! Please, keep posting your awesome videos!