THE GUITAR SHOW with Eddie Van Halen

Taped on September 15, 1985. This interview was, let's just say, "Eddie Being Eddie."
Other full-length videos from this series are available in their entirety on our Vimeo site for $2.99 at The Guitar Show Series/Christian Roebling Productions. They include Les Paul, Jimmy Page, Danny Gatton, Joe Pass, Michael Hedges, and many others.

[@leebatt7964]

You have to remember Eddie had a HUGE problem with alcohol back then, he is obviously drunk here. I know I have been an ass plenty of times when drunk. He has since quit drinking, had a child, battled cancer, had a hip replacement and seems to have grown to be a thoughtful, respectful person. I met him back stage in Montreal last year after a show during which someone stole my jacket. Eddie took off his hoodie and gave it to me to wear home. We had never met before. He's a good guy.

[@tomasrusso2285]

" if i can do it, anybody can do it" well geez ed, i'll keep trying

[@GROOVY846]

Damm Eddie had one of the best hairs in the day...that look is the shit!!

[@conorgiangreco7839]

If there was ever anybody put on this earth with the sole purpose of playing guitar, Eddie Van Halen is that person.

[@richardkeltr0n149]

Eddy remained drunk for the next 26 years.. And still nailed every solo. Go figure.

[@utooberblooper]

i had a friend that was the same,brilliant guitar player pissed drunk or straight but he didn't have the direction or song writing ability.he could solo flawlessly at any given moment,then in a drunken stupor , completely disapeer for a few years.

[@TwistedMatter]

You nailed it! He has always struggled with social anxiety. The spotlight is painful and he just wants to play and hides behind the guitar. I'm not sure he even knows that he is a guitar genius.

[@totophi]

The smoker you drink, the player you get.

[@sblizz95]

Eddie's such a badass. Can you really imagine going to numerous interviews and being asked the same questions twenty times? Get real, if I were him I'd go to my interviews half in the bag too.

[@darthvaydr]

In my opinion, Eddie Van Halen is the absolute best guitarist ever. I’ve been a fan of his work since 1983 when I was 13. Rock on, Eddie! You’re the best!

[@MrArad4]

my man is most definitely high or drunk or maybe both in this interview. but it did put a smile on my face!

[@tommyarmour68]

It's cool to see him young, and playing around. Still a kid at heart. Gotta love him!!!!

[@TheCommentator353]

even when he's high or drunk he can still pull a mean solo

[@kennethgarza4564]

In all fairness I would like to say that I met Eddie and Michael and Alex in 88 i was a big fan in total awe of them it was after the last show of monsters of rock and they were the nicest most down to earth guys.

[@jellydoughnuts87]

i can't believe how clearly he speaks while that high

[@xsited1]

Did anybody think that one of the most influential, original, and talented rock guitarists of our time would be normal?

[@davidruth6552]

that somebody that he saw was the legend Jimmy Page

[@Cobblepot101]

Page came too my mind when he said that.

[@MerkinMuffly]

I don't think I ever saw Eddie to an interview when he wasn't wasted or concert for that matter.

[@tommyhendo]

Outside of him being stoned, he said something I always thought, Jump is Panama, only on the Piano

[@alexsaro68]

Just one of the best guitar players ever!!!

[@future4you]

This is why a lot of artist do not do interviews. He just does not have the room for the formalities. I think he has given enough of his soul to the world. Nothing more is needed!

[@kimblers]

Drunk, high or not Eddie is consistent. He has always prefered non-finished oiled necks instead of painted or varnished

[@Clefty09]

I almost cried when he said nobody would spend the time with him to teach him anything. LOL

[@Jcthejedi]

Eddie is being a clown. If I never heard of Eddie I wouldn't want to be a guitarist. It's nice to see Eddie smile, it also puts a smile on my face. :)

[@carlosbenitez530]

[@bjthefox6817]

Damn, Eddie is so adorable.

[@nobodyhome7334]

THATS OK EDDIE , I WAS BAKED ON THAT DAY TOO

[@1251wire]

Congratulations to every guitar magazine editor and interviewer in which an EVH article/interview was published, and I have read most of them since May of 1984 GFTPM with EVH on the cover and countless others, I had no idea what writers and editor's had to proof read and edit in order for me to enjoy a cohesive EVH interview. Thank you again. Hang em high !!!

[@JIMJAMSC]

B A K E D During the 70s,early 80s you stood out if you were not. Some people danced to disco,some giggled alot and later pigged out.Some just slept through it all. This guy wrote eruption,reinvented the guitar and VH became the biggest band in the world.Now 30+ yrs later I am glad they are still with us.

[@marchristiansen]

The funniest part is watching the guy from Kramer guitar wishing Eddie would give a straight answer.

[@autizmo2963]

I've never heard him speak before. He's so cool

[@cripps78]

he was so blasted during this interview

[@vickivogel5856]

EVH totally adorable. :)

[@Jcthejedi]

He's all shy and whatnot wanting the camera to turn off well it's nice to see Eddie smile.

[@Conquistador2112]

I love Eddie, he was amazing, when he first come in nobody sounded like him truly an innovator.

[@XidiotX]

it seems he is a happy guy. always smiling.

[@GILR8]

To alpha1shadow: I agree with you. I went to school with a guy who's Dad suffered from alcoholism. My Friend wrote ED Van Halen a deeply personal letter regarding the problems he had with his Dad, & Ed Van Halen Wrote Him Back! He would not let me read it, but He did show me Ed's Signature. It was the "real" deal. Ed is a very humble, & giving person when the spotlight is not on him.

[@zakk6505]

Eddie van halen you are the man!

[@KostaMavro1]

this is so heavy and amazing not everyone understands how amazing this is

[@Kimchi203010]

lol when he starts tapping the interviewer looks amazed

[@xXXPrinceAlbertXXx]

People need to give Eddie a break. A lot of the great musicians have been known to be shy and nonsocial introverts. There's even a theory on how many of the great inventors/innovators of the world portray autistic symptoms. I think it's a gift, and as Dave once said when asked about Ed's awkwardness compared to his charismatic attitude: "You have to have your yin and yang." Not everyone is good at everything, but Ed sure is damn good at what he does best, and that is, play guitar.

[@KJezza]

Love Eddie when he's a bit hammered.

[@zorpleglyphics1001]

Eddie speaks with his guitar. When he tries to talk through the vapor, he's gone. Gotchya moments, while wasted.

[@stratorarious]

This is how you can act when you have tons of money and don't have to take any shit...

[@robertcouch9021]

This interview always make me laugh, Rock In Peace Eddie

[@stephenchavura8456]

That was a lot of fun

[@Mistergibsonsg1]

There a few guitarists that can play faster than eddie but there is no one more musically clever than him. And he did it with the cheapest shit. It's all in the hands.

[@pillsareyummy]

Eddie was a genius, don't let the drugs and alcohol fool you...

[@Vaporvice84]

As a VH fan, as well as someone who doesn't have time to read the comments on a video that has nearly half a million views, I'll just say this. For anyone complaining about Eddie's behavior: Do not blame someone for their past faults if they've learned the error of their ways. Eddie himself sure has. Oh, and the new album ROCKS!!!

[@UnivegaSuperSport]

A guy like Joe Satriani able to give an intelligent, humble, entertaining interview that respects himself, the interviewer, and the fans.

[@andrewvanrhoberts]

Wow what a paradigm shift from the 80's and now. Holy shit lol

[@QuinnGuitar]

There is only one Picasso. There is only one Edward Van Halen.

[@JohnnyBeane]

Now this is awesome! Thanks for posting!

[@Buelligan88]

He's lit.

[@joshuagerthoffer2321]

Thats what I call a class act. Rip you nice man.

[@diane825]

♥.♥ he was so hot

[@jabberwock11]

Are you kidding? That was the best interview ever. LOL!

[@GraphiteBlimp27]

At about 5:46 when he mimics "somebody do this years ago" it was Jimmy Page. Two of my favorites :D

[@karhaztamientraz]

Eddie was in the moon in that interview

[@Superjet113]

Cant believe all these whiners... He was fucked up and being sarcastic. It was all in good fun. As said, Eddie is a genius.

[@sandracatheryn4438]

I love this guy, best guitarist ever!

[@oilynose]

Not sure if I should laugh or cringe. So I'll just laugh.

[@johnscottreardon]

Exactly how I feel.

[@MoeGreensRightEye]

Definitely cringe

[@YodaVanGrindey95]

Kramer Guitars are some of the best Guitars I've ever played, Eddie for Kramer back in the 80s was what Les Paul was for Gibson!

[@faithycoins]

6:18....the "New" thing!! Fucking awesome!!!!

[@mrmacfuc]

eddie being eddie... the man's a legend to me, no matter what! my childhood resembled quite much of his.. at 6, playing piano for some years and learning to read notes.. now, in my 20's I've forgotten that long lost skill. however, still like to play my superstrat lefty ibanez and keyboards :D

[@scooter1161]

Smoke another joint eddie!!!!!!!!!!

[@rweghg3]

Eddie was & maybe somewhere deep down still is the sweetest guy in the world..It's beyond strange how this world fucks with people, or fucks up people..

[@HarryPalma]

OMG! I love eddie's smile!

[@skullkap1]

My favorite guitarist , for sure!

[@louielouie22]

Damn smokes. RiP

[@LukoHevia]

Such a cool guy... Such an awesome guitar player...

[@BarriosGroupie]

Eddie's drunk, he thinks he's being funny. But he's a genuinely warm human being, and that shines through here

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

yes this is edward van halen drunk and one should never do interviews drunk!

[@Thunderdad974]

I would say more being stoned as balls. lol

[@beeceee151]

Eddie is way shy and hates interviews or playing on stage without drinking. I believe he is sober now. 10/14. Not saying years of alcohol abuse is right, but it seems it does help him play in public. Most awesome hard rock guitarist ever. Saw him live with Van Hagar in '88. A fuckin' machine!

[@youssrashahi7000]

You are one of the luckiest people on Earth....

[@kdm71291]

I've seen VH 3 times: Once with DLR in '82 on their Diver Down tour, on their first tour with Sammy (5150) and again on the Monsters Of Rock tour at the LA Colosseum in 1988. Great shows! And yes...the last time I heard, Eddie has been clean for some time now and he seems to have adjusted...enabling him to play.

[@beeceee151]

Eddie is an ultimate guitar beast drinking or not. It is all amateur night to him.

[@ZIGSVIDS]

Smashed again Ed..

[@markmnorcal]

The real Edward. Great interview. The interviewer is even in a little not sure what to to think shock. What substance? Or just the rock-n-roll.

[@Ricken2022]

uggh ..i could never be around somebody like that....

[@dreadzeppelin85]

I think Eddie is just being a genuine human being...

[@indivumsBBQ]

The icon for this vid of Eddie's face cracks me up everytime I see it LOL!

[@JoseFuentes-fn3dl]

Eddie was just trying to be funny. There are much worse artists with mean intentions!

[@7thdimensionalbeingsareimp230]

Eddie is a comedic genius! 🤣🤣

[@donnydnation]

Who still believes that the lead singers were the problem children of Van Halen?

[@Porkykls123]

his thing isnt talking. its playing guitar.

[@thefruitdealer4970]

"Thanks for sitting here with us" lol

[@jonathanpeters9271]

Wow what a modest, down to earth guy

[@robertcool160]

WOOWW finally i get to see eddie playing Keytar!:D

[@SmittyHeWasNumber1]

Eddie was chatting with me before he got on the tour bus very well and was very succint and detailed in his answers about the past few years, but when I asked him about 1985 he made groaning noises and his head tilted back and some drool came outta his lip. His handler whisked him away and said , " he appreciates your support" .

[@WomackPhotoKCMO]

The 80's.....the 80's.....

[@MRCVideography]

I support when Eddie says that he isn't blown away by any guitarists at that time because everyone was trying to do what he was doing. Only if Eric Johnson or Buckethead were around.....I think Eddie would be blown away with their style!

[@bklmsoul]

THANK YOU

[@bakersfieldmusicnow]

a soul that hurts....great player.!

[@benrogers4758]

I have tears in my eyes watching this --- never been so ashamed of EVH ;-(

[@jenhasken]

Drugs n alcohol dumb people down yeah it's hard to communicate verbally and all that - what's amazing is what he did on guitar both live & in studio when he supposedly was drinking around the clock etc. that it was so tight and good is truly amazing.

[@RunnerNoe]

Man you're freakin right! Love him in this video he's funny!

[@eekleefeld]

Man, what was it like for the host to even do this interview?

[@bgandjsco1]

@cobias Ive been a fan since day one and I must say that as much fame and recognition as the band got it should have gotten more,especially in the early days,where they were basically ignored by the mainstream media,and the old guard was threatened by them.As far as eddie ragging on other guitar players,its not like these other cats have been very nice to him.Ive never really heard clapton or beck say anything flattering.Personally i THINK HE BLOWS THE OLD GUARD AWAY INCLUDING HENDRIX

[@FarmerFrenk]

Eddie said himself that he didnt have anything in the form of a social life during his teens, he was constantly playing guitar. So i guess your right

[@vantheman5586]

I could party with that dude!

[@SketchierTrout]

2:43 best response to a question I've ever heard hahahaha😂😂

[@wuwei5150]

now he's with fender

[@zzzthaoster]

eddy is such a goof ball...how did he ever become so good, it must just be his thing

[@CubeJockeysChannel]

Great comment. Absolutely great.

[@bigvaleri]

he is goooonne