What Makes This Song Great? "Runnin' with the Devil" VAN HALEN

[@seedofwonder]

Rick Beato doesn’t steal music. He teaches people to love it.

[@scottharrisohn6972]

His enthusiasm and talent continues to amaze.

[@seedofwonder]

@@scottharrisohn6972 He can only play everything and explain the theory.

[@Johnnydontdid]

PREACH! That's the truth. Any artist who cuts Rick off with silly copyright/licensing complaints is NOT doing his/her/their homework. I guarantee you Dr. Beato has increased sales for every artist covered in this series, even if only a little.

[@seedofwonder]

@@Johnnydontdid I can only assume the labels hate him for pointing out why current top 40 artists are hot garbage and costing them that way. But it's not his fault they churn out songs that no one will remember in two weeks.

[@Johnnydontdid]

@@seedofwonder TROOFED!

[@christianzafiroglu6705]

Michael Anthony is the most recognizable and pleasurable background vocal in rock. Plus he’s a great guy by all accounts.

[@ericpachosa4543]

Seen them 3 times and he never gets enough credit for his vocals!!

[@CidYoung-REALTOR]

I can’t remember where l read it, perhaps Rolling Stone way back in the Day, ( probably burned too many brain cells since then) but they referred to DLRoth as “Mickey Mouse with Genitals “ and as a young hornet female at tge time, l had to agree, because his stage presence was quite impressive the was he jumped around when he sang.

[@dank.6942]

Yes! Mike's playing is always so tight but his singing IS the Van Halen sound.

[@udsmall7306]

and his backing vox are actually deceptively hard to sing! He gets *way* up there! ⬆️🎙️😳

[@Jamesharris-lo9nn]

Roth was an amazing singer. Those iconic screams and yelps were incredible. He also had a cool, unique voice with good vibrato.

[@JScottHelms]

The more I watch Rick's videos the more I believe the internet was created for him to do this very thing.

[@markakin3742]

haha right on man...

[@johngumdoc]

Agree

[@deathofamailman]

agreed -- I think before the internet this level of teaching was really, really expensive

[@hv1461]

Yes. Him and people like him. Dr. Grande. Mathias Wandel. AVe. People with competence.

[@DeeEllEff]

@@hv1461 And would we be familiar with their level of competence without YT? Probably not. Without the Internet itself? Definitely not!

[@tphtgm]

Rip Eddie, never has such a guitarist inspired so many people around the world, even with just one song, you will be missed

[@harrykadaras9459]

EVH = 4EVER AWESOME. RICK BEATO = THE ABSOLUTE BEST AT DECODING AND EXPLAINING VERY COMPLICATED AND HIGHLY STRUCTURED MUSIC. IT'S MIND BOGGLING HOW HE NAILS IT EVERY SINGLE TIME NO MATTER HOW DIFFICULT THE PIECE. WE NEED A VIDEO ON WHAT MAKES RICK BEATO SO GREAT...

[@JuanIparraguirre]

@Richard Abbott None of them invented any device for guitar, EVH had three patents (just sayin')...Not only a game changer in terms of guitar playing but someone curious enough to innovate in terms of gear.

[@jaymoffitt1433]

I grew up with Van Halen. You will be missed

[@janfarkas8953]

@@StallionStudios1234 oh so no John frusciante then

[@janfarkas8953]

@@StallionStudios1234 true

[@chrisjung2482]

Mr. Beato, I have very rarely commented on a video on youtube but I can no longer remain silent. I am a 25 year old student about to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Audio Production. I can play drums, bass, guitar, and minimally keyboards. I feel grateful that not only am I somewhat educated on the musician side but the engineer's side as well. Even though this is my passion and I wouldn't want to do anything else, there are times where it can feel almost boring or me having lack of motivation. Being a prog rock and old school music fan of jazz, rock, and bands like Frank Zappa, Yes, King Crimson, and ELP you can imagine that there are not many people at my school that share the same taste. Most at my school are just into hip hop and rap. When I feel a lack of passion, I immediately put on one of your videos. The amount of insight you give from both sides of the business is astonishing. Once I watch one of your videos, my passion and motivation comes flooding back in. You give people like me something way more important than insight or knowledge. Simply put you have the power to "INSPIRE." It is inspiration that is the first step to someone changing the world. I very much hope to see you continuing to make video that inspire so many of us to keep fighting the good fight and not give up. I hope to one day becoming someone on your level sir. I salute you Mr. Beato.

[@scotthomberg141]

In his younger days, Dave's voice was absolutely incredible. I sure am glad I was part of the later 70's and 80's music., best years rock music. What an era for music!

[@rubenybarra7287]

Not only there couldn't be no Van Halen with out Diamon Dave but also the Legendary bass player Michael Anthony and his backup voice!🎸🎤

[@saracinosalvage6062]

So, I’m 48 yrs old. I’ve heard that song 10,000 times. Gotta admit, you kinda reintroduced me to that song. I’ll listen in a new way next time I hear it. Thanks man.

[@tednugentlives]

Listen to the Dave isolated vocal, found here on KZbin, it gives you a whole new set of ears.

[@guruzini1971]

@@tednugentlives goddamnitbabyiaintlyintoyayouknowimonlygunnatellyouonetime......ooooooyeah

[@ironmyno]

Same here Saracino

[@robcobi]

I'm with you man, Rick Beato has made me reevaluate so many songs! Remarkable content!

[@Jelsick]

That's exactly why I subbed Rick. He shines a new light on songs that you have heard dozens of times or more and makes you want to listen to them with a different perspective.

[@millthor]

Eddie is eternal. He will never die as long as there are people remembering him. I bet you in a few years from now he will be held in the same respect as we hold Bach, Beethoven, Mozart... not only he revolutionized the guitar, but he revolutionized music as a whole. RIP Eddie Van Halen.

[@DanielHBuchmann]

So fortunate to have seen him live. RIP EVH.

[@robbijohnson6983]

And he enriched our lives by doing so. RIP Mr Edward Van Halen. May he Rock In Peace 😢♥️🎸✌️🎶

[@rastapastrychief]

He had the gift of composition and unique style, same as the other musical giants, for sure.

[@cfx5000]

@John Miller He wasn't trained. He played played simply by ear.

[@coldwinter5710]

@@cfx5000 He was "trained" so to speak, had tons of lessons on the piano, but could never learn how to read music. He watched his instructors fingers on the piano & listened with his incredible ear. He won several piano contests in his youth. However, he was absolutely self taught on all the other instruments he played. Simply amazing! 💗🎶

[@medicocreguitarist4206]

I was in a Peaches Record Store in Tulsa OK and that intro came on the store's sound system. Everyone in the store stopped whatever they were doing and started looking around. NO ONE had ever heard anything like it. Total game changer.

[@brettoberry3586]

Besides being a great bass player, Michael Anthony's voice was an integral part of the Van Halen sound.

[@DinsdalePiranha67]

I saw VH in 2012 with Wolfie on bass. He did fine with the bass parts, but the backing vocals just didn't sound right.

[@TokyoBlue587]

Perfect backup harmonies

[@StudioDaVeed]

10-4 While Dave may have been the Screamer in studio; it appears that Michael does a LOT of it when they played live.

[@EthanC_09]

DinsdalePiranha67 Wolfie just can’t sing high notes. The new band is basically just two Eddie’s singing backing vocals.

[@wyattblackwood3927]

Michael Anthony never gets credit for his vocal contribution to Van Halen. Sad actually, because without him Van Halen really don't have that sound even with David Lee Roth back in the band.

[@TheABLAZN]

Sitting here after hearing of Eddie's death. Hard to believe we will never hear him play again.

[@frankbarnwell____]

Oh boy. Eddie's runnin with the devil. Is God head banging?

[@eeshsinger]

TheABLAZN Same man :(

[@billholt2198]

You'll have a whole library of legacy recordings to listen to over and over...that should ease the pain.

[@frankmartin9958]

@@frankbarnwell____ Eddie Is God

[@Akraphol]

It happened even I don't want it.

[@maufuentes]

Hearing Rick break down these iconic songs into their components and watching him enjoy playing the parts back is like seeing a master sommelier: explaining the theory, swirling the wine in its glass, drinking it, enjoying it as one of life’s pleasures and telling you what he feels.

[@boston_octopus]

Perfect, poetic analogy!

[@dawnemilstead462]

It’s nice to hear someone give Dave the credit he deserves, I’m tired of hearing people say he was a crummy singer, he was amazing and essential!

[@kimterry4239]

Absolutely

[@shantfack]

Truly excellent analogy!!

[@ceoa]

💯

[@kevinsbott]

Blows my freaking mind how good Mike and Alex sound even before Eddie kicks in with his magic. The isolated recording of Dave singing is amazing. Everyone is perfect here!

[@chrisjordan8789]

You can tell that they were a band that toured and played a LOT before even dreaming of getting into a studio and recording something. EVERYTHING is in the pocket, they play tight as concrete, yet the dynamic and the feel is outstanding! And then you play the whole Sh*t TOGETHER in the studio! You've got all those bleeds testifying it! Such a great band! Rest in Peace, Ed! Thank you for lifetime inspiration and making me wanting to play a guitar at the age of 15!

[@mperdue12]

Runnin with the Devil has always been my favorite Van Halen song and always takes me back to walking out of "The Music Store" our record shop when I first heard the intro. I was in 9th grade with my buddy Randy. We both turned around and asked the guy behind the counter who it was. We went home to scrounge up $7.95 to get that album. Agreed on joint custody and split the cost. Took it home and immediately copied it to, two cassettes and put it in the record archive for safe keeping. This is one of those times when I heard something I had never heard before.

[@OldManBadly]

Years late for this one, but I just want to say that part of the Van Halen magic was because not all of the players tried to lead the songs. Bass and drums are powerful but both are stay at home players providing an incredibly tight, deep, and complete support for the song so that there was place for Eddie and DLR to stand out. Even then, Eddie knew instinctively just how far to back down to create the space for the vocals and the vocal parts, and the vocal harmonies provide the support for DLR screaming and going over the top - while turning around and leaving plenty of space for Eddie to run the show at other parts of the song. The true power comes from the players doing their parts without being selfish, giving the space to others, and that drove the band for the first 3 or 4 albums solidly.

[@hermanhelmich]

Amazing bass playing? He’s even a better singer Very underrated

[@Peter-vl9fz]

Love that you said, "I could have picked any song off the first four albums." I would 100 percent agree with that. The first album I ever bought was Fair warning, I think I was 13. Ten trillion years later and I still love that album.

[@jaywronker7636]

Fair Warning kicks A$$. VH first album was my second record purchase at teh ripe age of 12. That album changed the discussion when it came to Rock at that time.

[@fredfabris7187]

It’s nice to hear someone give Dave the credit he deserves, I’m tired of hearing people say he was a crummy singer, he was amazing and essential!

[@gregoryandrews8481]

I agree. His vocal quality is so unique. Some of the writing Eddie did was tricky and Dave had to come up with melodies around busy guitar parts.

[@DinsdalePiranha67]

Dave isn't the best singer from a technical perspective, but what he did with Van Halen on their first six albums just flat-out worked. They were pretty good with Sammy Hagar, but they were GREAT with Dave.

[@kitekrazee]

Roth did well as a solo act.

[@mysticabooks2068]

Only Sammy Hagar fans attack Dave. Why? Because they know who was the better front-man...Dave, hands down.

[@geruto17760]

Yes, also because he WAS a great singer and people are disappointed with his recent performances. Old age for you!

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

The mighty VH.... The reason I play guitar in the first place. I was fortunate to have been there when it came out and we all immediately shook our heads in utter astonishment. Guitar took this great leap forward. The party was on.

[@jamesf3200]

In 1978 I was 11 years old. One day my friend's older brother brought home a record by this new group Van Halen. This was the first song I heard. Stunning. 40+ years later this record is still amazing. Thanks for the breakdown Rick

[@Manakel77]

Thank you so much for appreciating Michael Anthony. A Bass line is like woman's make up, the better it fits, the less you notice that. Being so rhythmic AND solid AND pushing AND doing backing vocals as he did, all at the same time ain't that easy.

[@ryanwiseman9141]

Enri Gladstone I'm a year late, but great analogy between makeup and good basslines! Good on you!

[@peterh1353]

A bassist is like a football referee. The less you notice them the better they are doing their job.

[@Three77Sparks]

Absolutely right about Michael Anthony. His backup vocals alone are an important part of Van Halen, but the opening of this song set the standard for 80's basslines.

[@tinyb69]

So he killed the bass?

[@crimfan]

Michael Anthony's bass parts are not busy, but they're really in the pocket. Until I played a lot of bass I didn't really respect how much work that is. Bass is an instrument defined even more by what you don't play as what you do.

[@tinyb69]

Nothing wrong with pocket bass players. More of a dig at the fashion over function bass players that seemed to proliferate in the 80's, especially in the LA hair band, and New Wave/Synth Band scenes. Your average bass players from the 60's and 70's seemed to really know their way around the neck, compared to players from the 80's, and even the 90's. I guess that's probably a pretty direct result of MTV, and marketing style over substance. I recall myself not getting prenty of gigs because I didn't look right for the band/music.

[@crimfan]

No argument that rock basslines got way simpler in that era. I'm not quite sure why, although there were some groups of the era that had more active bassists. It's kind of funny because at the same time funk and disco players were really making bass go a lot more complicated. Listen to, oh, Janice Marie Johnson's line from "Boogie Oogie Oogie" also from 1978 just as an example. I like some more movement and generally prefer bassists who were able to put more in their songs, although there's definitely a sweet spot in a particular band. I am more of a minimal player than some folks I used to play with and other folks often preferred that to busier bass. I suspect it's more that I was good at locking in with the drummer, which is, after all, the bassist's primary job. In the case of "Running With the Devil" the pedal point line was really great. It adds a subtle tension to the tune.

[@Three77Sparks]

So let me just clarify that I love Michael Anthony's bass playing. "Ice Cream Man"? He's got it. "Girl Gone Bad"? No problem.

[@mitchweiner]

DLR is an underappreciated singer. I always liked his vibrato!

[@RickGtr271]

I have so much more respect now after hearing Ed's tone and rhythm playing isolated. He is truly a real musician. Will there ever be another recording done so organically like this one these days? I can only hope.

[@wudangmtn]

This brings back memories. My friends and I were leaving work, and one of my friends had just bought a really nice new car stereo. This album had just come out, but I had not heard it yet. We all sat down in his car to listen to the stereo, and this is the song that he played first. With the surround sound of the four speakers, and the totally unique sound of the band, I was blown away. It gave me goose bumps. Lol!

[@TheBrightSounds]

Rick.... bringing out the simplicity.... Beato the hero.

[@hurtlockerr8661]

RIP EVH you will be missed !! I was 12 when I became a VH fan I’m so bummed that I’ll never get to see EVH play live again.. TY Ed for the great memories..

[@bethsnider9639]

"Without Dave, there is no Van Halen." A truer comment was never said. Like it or not, he was a crucial part of that mix! First band I ever saw live and Dave hooked me with the big, blue guitar intro in the spotlight for "Ice Cream Man".

[@megntx1]

AGREED! I have been saying this my whole life... and 'been laughed at and ridiculed. I feel SO vindicated... AND who is going to be ignorant enough to argue with Rick Beato?

[@blak1lyte]

DLR wrote all the vh lyrics to all the songs we LOVE! Without his voice, delivery&lyrics those songs would be dead. EACH original vh member was CRUCIAL&CRITICAL TO EACH SONG!

[@slayer-kq7hv]

Truth

[@AD-ui2pz]

This song and album was like an invasion of ROCK at a time when bell bottoms and Disco were about to be pushed the F out - the feel of the drums bass and EVHs iconic guitar sound was like a marching army assault feel - thank God I got to enjoy VH in its prime and see so many of the tours - legends !!!!

[@johnny3d962]

Van Halen single handedly saved Rock N Roll for me! I was a huge Kiss fan, until I heard Van Halen 1, loved everything about that record from the car horns on! Van Halen first record that's all it took, instantly hooked me, Kiss who? I liked Kiss for a time when I was young, then I heard Eddie's playing and that was a game changer. Eddie, and Van Halen as a whole was Everything to me from that point on. Van Halen was literally the soundtrack to my entire life, I've never ever not loved, nor have I ever stopped listening to Van Halen since I was 11 years old, and I'm 53 now. It hurts my heart to hear of my Icons passing, knowing I'll never have the privilege of seeing him live again. I am like an 11 year old kid all over again whenever I hear Van Halen 1. I've seen them live more than any other band, will never forget how blown away I always left a Van Halen live show. Peace be thine Edward Van Halen, you lived an incredible life, inspired many kids like me to play guitar, and provided us the soundtrack to our lives!

[@curtisprice9806]

David's voice is phenomenal right off the bat....perfect throughout!

[@jaycolognori4411]

Rick, I'm thankful for your takes on Van Halen. You're helping us get through this loss and enhancing his legacy. We will never hear a sound like his again.

[@MrJasonbushey]

Whenever I have a really hard work day or my ole lady is being crazy, I just find a Rick Beato video to cheer me up

[@IronHorsey3]

Have to say Rick, not being a musician doesn't stop the enjoyment of your effort. The opening you did here for "Running with the Devil" perfectly captures a moment so many of us share. It literally made me smile. Thank you!

[@MrROTD]

Michael Anthony does the best background vocals, often overlooked element of Van Halens sound

[@JDWDMC]

Saw them for the VHIII tour and Michael sang lead for the DLR & Sammy Hagar songs and totally killed them. He was awesome.

[@me-bk9er]

@@JDWDMC really?? he didn't sing for Sammy tunes or DLR tunes except Somebody get me a doctor. I saw the show twice and numerous videos from the tour.

[@JDWDMC]

@@me-bk9er This was NZ right at the end of the tour and Gary Cherone was on stage for about 20 minutes total. Things were obviously not going well.

[@me-bk9er]

@@JDWDMC jeez..I wish I could've been there

[@JerryT21]

You are 100%

[@robertzantay5923]

Rick, you continue to treat rock music as a serious subject and I want to thank you for breaking down how it was done, and why it worked. You are an informed, talented teacher of music production

[@iancosgrove]

Michael Anthony was the metronome for VH, an underrated bass player

[@abenickerson7470]

Rick, I had to come and watch both this and ep#62 tonight. Eddie has passed away from cancer, and it only seemed right to listen, watch and enjoy everything that made him an icon. Even my father was touched by his death saying "every time you call me I'll hear him play!" My ringtone on Mom & Dad's phones are Right Now and Eruption.

[@DarrenWaters75]

Van Halen was the loudest R&B group of 1978. They had that swing, as a group and as individuals. We were so blessed to have had the gift of Van Halen... Rest Well Sir Edward.

[@alfonsoalfonso9332]

Eddie Van Halen RIP 🇳🇱🇮🇩🇺🇸 🎸

[@treylem3]

Another one of my very favorite bands. I once met Michael Anthony in L.A., in 1985 when I was in the Air Force. At a resturaunt..., The Black Whale. That's my Michael Anthony story. Thanks for what you do Rick B.

[@MrGTO-ze7vb]

RIP Eddie..!! Thank you for the fun times down at Cabo Wabo with Sammy !!! Great memories for the rest of my life..!!

[@Stasiaflonase]

Eddie Van Halen brought a great, unique sound and talent to guitar playing. Those first 4 albums are amazing!!!!!

[@Nosmirk]

the first 6 matter of fact. Although Diver Down has some covers. There are a few killer originals on it.

[@laslalal8451]

Diver Down is actually a great record I don’t know wtf some people’s problem is

[@jimbeaux4988]

Oh that was fun! Van Halen came along and just DESTROYED all of us high school musicians. We were stunned to hear this record starting of course with this song. I remember marveling at how in tune eddie played this song.

[@RockinSG]

Yep- I thought about hanging it up when I first heard Eddie.

[@kendrickmartinmusic4751]

This is my new favorite series on KZbin for a whole lot of reasons!

[@Zaimejs]

It hurts me to watch how easily he can do Eddie's riffs and solos. Respect.

[@srkbear1]

Rick’s a stellar musician (and multi-instrumentalist)-although I must say that the musicianship on this particular track was fairly basic-including Eddie’s solo here. His tone was completely unique and novel on this one; it was a great opening track to establish Eddie’s sound (and Dave’s). But no one could have been prepared for what was to come on Eddie’s guitar after this track finished-the rest of the album was guitar insanity at that time. Many of his techniques had been around before this album, but nobody before him played them so effortlessly, with so much speed, intricacy, and pure fun. He made it look and sound so easy. Plenty of guitarists to come took off from his influence to play with even more intricacy and bravura technique-which is just a testament to how many people Eddie inspired to pick up the guitar.

[@edalder2000]

Here's the kicker about The Frankenstrat Bumblebee. When Dimebag Darrell was murdered on stage, Eddie Van Halen went to the funeral. Eddie took his original Bumblebee guitar and had it buried with Dimebag in his casket.

[@PANICBLADE]

"An original deserves an original." He said, after having only met the guy 2 weeks prior. Stand up guy if there every was one.

[@niceview369]

What a beautiful thing to do to show your love and admiration.

[@jerrychadwick3581]

True story

[@totc6196]

Pure Class dime had that falling down the stairs and landing in your feet thing as well. Dime was our van halen for my generation.

[@proto-geek248]

Dimebag was buried in a Kiss coffin.

[@noellegillies2874]

I was young and didn't know "you really got me" was a cover song. Then I discovered the Kinks and was absorbed into that. Love Van Halen harmonizing. Van Halen was always on the radio in 1980s southern CA.

[@jehormaeche]

Thanks Rick!! You probably don't know how important your work is for the rock culture and community. Fresh air and revisionism, all we need to fully understand and value our music.

[@demondik]

I really think Eddie's sound is the apex of "heavy" saturated guitar. I remember the first time I heard Unchained. WOW, my head almost exploded! The cool thing about the whole thing is that Eddie had his tone from the get go. He didn't have to come into his own, he already had it.

[@nathanbranson9149]

Yeah I feel the same way about "Unchained." That song is ridiculous.

[@cirenosnor5768]

He likely came into his own before the 1st record was made

[@nighttigercomics7323]

I'm not a musician but I love Rock n roll and heavy metal. You've helped take my love a step further as now I'm fascinated by the breakdowns and mechanics of the songs. I'm a new big fan over your channel and share every video with my heavy metal guitar playing son. He grew up in a household of 80's metal.

[@CoyoteFH]

And this is why I tease my more jazz-oriented friends by saying ”Van Halen is my favorite jazz-quartet”

[@tinyb69]

Swing Quartet.

[@kdehavenmusic]

CoyoteFH they are my favorite barbershop quartet

[@ccubsfan94]

@@kdehavenmusic Bumbadeeda bumbadeeda

[@jasonweinberg932]

Runnin’ with Be-a-toooooooooooo!

[@C_mao]

Dunt dunt duhh-nunt dunt duhh !

[@michaelandcolinspop]

Besides all the theory you discuss, your most important comment was, “These are guys that play with feel.” I’ve played drums for about 40 years, and Alex’s parts are some of the most difficult to get right because of his unique feel and sense of rhythm. He’s not one of the 230BPM metronomes that permeate the industry. He’s a guy that knows the space between notes is just as important as the notes themselves, like Gene Krupa did.

[@howardsteven2585]

Actually he plays more like a Heavy version of Clyde Stubbefield who was James Brown’s drummer.. listen to ‘The Payback’ and you’ll find the origin of the beat in ‘Runnin with the devil’.

[@howardsteven2585]

origin of the beat/feel*

[@sadasfasfsaf2742]

I am 15 and have been playing guitar for three years, for the first 2 I didn't really have any goals of tunes to play as such so I didn't practice that often, until about a year ago I heard Panama for the first time and heard the squawk of the harmonics and as soon as I got home I googled who was Van Halen's guitarist and up came Eddie Van Halen. 15 minutes later I was sitting staring at my screen after watching the 1986 live Eruption, just absolutely enraptured by his playing. From the guitar slapping from the Fair Warning to the melody of 316, this man was who I inspired to be. Watching his interviews and learning how he thought was unreal, how he didn't know any of the guitars rules, so I started making tunes of my own, with their own sound. I had just finished learning the intro to Mean Street before going to bed the other night, wishing I could just meet Eddie one day. When I heard the news of his passing, I just thought man, I'll never he this man play in the flesh, and he will never play anything new again. RIP to one of the greatest guitarists ever. Heroes are remembered, but legends never die.

[@coldwinter5710]

@Mike Davis...Well said! Not enough gets spoken about Alex's massive talent.

[@netrioter]

the sound for most this album (and this song) is actually from an Ibanez 2459 Korina Destroyer that he later ruined when he turned it into The Shark..he didnt use the Frankenstrat on this song. I got to see the very first show they did under contract with WB...1978 at the Aragon Ballroom.He hadnt modded the Ibanez yet and his Strat was actually white then. They opened for Montrose and Journey. My dad began to cry during Eruption. Neal Schon was freaking out too

[@fernandoreynaaguilar1438]

Many thanks for your memories

[@MinestroneOfSound]

My brother was fortunate enough to see Van Halen on their first outing n the UK in '78 supporting Black Sabbath. He always said it was the only time he ever saw Sabbath blown off stage. Not because it was the Never Say Die Tour or anything like that. Just that Van Halen, relatively unknowns, stepped on stage and stole the show with a killer performance. Wished I was there for that one. RIP Eddie.

[@da324]

@@MinestroneOfSound I saw them on the same tour in the states and I concur. They were young and hungry.

[@FrankPetersonIII]

I've also read that the opening behind the nut strum is actually a behind the bridge strum on that destroyer.

[@MS-ry9br]

I remember when this album came out. It was like a lightning bolt. Every song on it is good but several are great. And Running With the Devil is brilliant.

[@Effedup]

For me it was Atomic Punk. OMG did I bang the hell out of that track!

[@YAMISOOLD2009]

I love this series. We all know VH are great but it is so good to hear the nuts and bolts behind WHY they are great besides just their showmanship and attitude and sound.

[@erickgarcia7498]

Michael Anthony, one of the greatest rock bass players of all time!!

[@MM-rr1kp]

I remember this well, Im 4 yrs younger than you, and Van Halen "Van Halen" was a life changer as far as music went like the first time hearing Jimi Hendrix, when I heard Eruption for the first time it was a WTF is that moment

[@ZigbertD]

Never would have noticed what you pointed out about the chords formed by the vocal harmonies over the guitar chords in the chorus when they sing the word the word "DE-VIL". Once I listened for it, it sounds amazing. Your analysis of the songs in this series are incredible. It's valuable scholarship that should really be compiled and preserved.

[@johnnytruck2009]

This explains why Van Halen was who they are...... That was an awesome breakdown!! Thanks Rick!

[@scottharrisohn6972]

Rick can really play, wow.

[@leonardosalvadori4359]

One of the best KZbin series! I'd like to see an episode about Muse, they deserve It!

[@greysautumn398]

Leonardo Salvadori something from the first four albums please!

[@austinstrong9376]

Rick mentioned in the live stream about Queens of the Stone Age taking his video down that Muse would likely do the same thing.

[@kenmunoz8517]

Leonardo Salvadori Abso-fucking-lutley!

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

I remember an interview, I believe it was with Neal Schon and he was playing a festival back in 1979 and he made the comment about Eddie that all the other bands who were there were saying "...who is this guy?" and "...I am just glad I don't have to follow them as the next band when they're done..." or something to that effect. Van Halen and Eddie was just so radical and unprecedented back then

[@tubermier]

I feel like I finally understand how measures are assigned all those weird time signatures. This guy is a great teacher, and for all of you that play songs by ear, without knowing how to read the music, he can teach you how to play them right. Just hope he does a video on your favs. I'll be looking for some Al Stewart and Seals and Croft songs.

[@misfit2022]

Glad you mentioned Michael Anthony’s BV’s as very important but often overlooked. It is hard to believe this song was on a demo circa 18 months before they had it on the album. It is inconceivable that they found it difficult to get signed now but they did.

[@craigjensen789]

Interestingly enough, my oldest sister, who is a classically trained cellist, loves Ricks videos and she is oftentimes sharing his videos with me and we enjoy listening to Rick break down these great songs and share his insights and knowledge.

[@craigrobichaud2354]

Dude...INCREDIBLE breakdown of songs...very thorough...thanks for your time and effort!

[@backlineguy]

yes Rick, in these days of computerized recordings and everyone has the tools to record on a laptop, autotune, Pro Tools and the like, this is a shining example of the human element which is disappearing from recordings. Michael Anthony's incredible PERFORMANCE in the studio on this track...not to mention Eddie, Alex, and Roth...being able to hear the guitar 'bleeding' into Michael's bass amp mic is part of what makes this song great for me...the fact that these guys played this track LIVE and recorded it live...yes, there were over dubs, but the track begins with performances, and BUILDS on them!

[@tetheredintime5638]

Rick, thanks for keeping the rock flame stoked. Videos like this is what the younger generation need. Long live Rock-n-roll!

[@ericjohnson2543]

We may not get new music from Eddie since he's passed on, but we have albums, videos,, interviews, guest appearances, etc. that we can go back to. Eddie was here for a reason. He inspired, made music we all love, he took the guitar to a whole new level and left a legacy. Like other great musicians before him, he will be greatly missed.

[@CheetahSnowLeopard]

"I pretty much could have picked any song off the first four records." Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner!!!

[@billholt2198]

This came up on my suggested watches, probably due to EVH passing away this week. I LOVE how you break the song down, and point out the signature sounds and techniques that make the song what it is.

[@raysmetaltracks6782]

Damn Rick, this was F'ng phenomenal.... Felt like I was sitting across from an ol' buddy (albeit WAY more talented than any of my knucklehead friends) dissecting one of the all time greatest songs. This was just awesome - thank you Rick!!

[@renorailfanning5465]

I loved Eddie's playing while in Van Halen. He's my favorite guitarist but I don't try to play like him or play any of their songs. They are a BAND and their stuff works as an ensemble. This breakdown is a classic example of musicians playing together and creating magic.

[@johnpittscom]

It's hard to be a rock and roller and age with dignity.. Rick has done that.. and brought his years of experience to the web to share. Thank you Rick.

[@alexhart1327]

I love watching you deconstruct these amazing songs.. it gives me a feeling of the very first time I heard the song.

[@james.randorff]

54 minutes in, still not blocked. This is a good sign. 😃

[@tomharris5890]

I lov😮e the way you broke everything down Love VH they changed me for ever,I couldn't wait to see them live so me and my friends found out they were coming to Memphis a month before they came to Jackson, Ms, and we took a road trip 3½ hours to see VH before our other friends did,we didn't have tickets so we stood outside the pyramid I believe it was and we could hear the opening band I believe it was the Rockets can the security guard felt so bad for us he opened the door and said you guys go in enjoy the concert so we did and we were blown away couldn't wait to tell our friends when we got home how awesome Van Halen was live. Wonderful times!! We were only 15 years old!!

[@MaxPaws]

I’m stunned. What a brilliant break-down of a brilliant tune!

[@cris931609]

AWESOME! As a Van Halen fan I knew most of this, but it's great to have something to show when someone asks me why I love them. Also, if I remember correctly, Eddie didn't know about the panning reverb thing, until he listened to the record in a car with a broken stereo, and he hated it, because only the side with the reverb was working. "Imagine if someone listens to this with a broken side for their first listen, they wouldn't hear me!" Something like that. Wish I could find the source for this, but I got shit to do. Also, I love the freedom Dave had when recording, like that snapping and foot-tapping thing, or the famous "C´mon Dave, give me a break" with Ted in Unchained, or when he started early in Everybody Wants Some and it stayed in the final cut.

[@electric_gordon]

Man, what a legacy. Thank you Ed.

[@matt_b...]

Damn. You've turned Nostalgia up to 11 on this one. Love it.

[@jeffruebens8355]

Brings me back to 1978- my first year in a college dorm. A few guys spent $1,000 plus for powerful stereos to blast songs like this one. The trend toward using headphones to not piss off the Jebus freaks down the hall or on a floor above or below came later.

[@seabrook1976]

Never stop doing this.

[@christianbrasso8257]

Will always remember hearing Running with the Devil for the first time on a friend's turntable in 1978. That wall of sound shook the room! Loved the whole first album.

[@JJStetson]

Rick, I love ya man. “Running With The Devil is completely modal from start to finish. An E chord- but really it’s an E Flat, but I’m just saying for the sake of E’s (ease). A Maijor 3rd to a perfect 4th and on THIS chord when that’s happening, the vocals are saying this so we are getting THIS chord. It’s C-lydian or B-lydian over E to D sus 2” I don’t know what I’m more amused by: your brilliant phrasing or the look on your face while breaking it down. The irony of it all is that EVH would have no idea what you’re talking about!

[@johndef5075]

I thought a ufo was landing in my back yard the first time I heard Runnin with the devil....and that riff might be the best ever!

[@BBBri57]

Hahahaha me too!

[@hussard2062]

0:49 You can see Rick Beato's eyes light up as he gets the chills we all get from that bass line

[@chrisarias4055]

Best series on KZbin! Stop the blockers!

[@lawrencelitterini4973]

Your knowledge is incredible and you have a unique way of sharing it... beautifully done. God bless Eddie Van Halen.. your sound lives forever ... Thanks for the good times

[@dennisbartenbach]

There was a reason why I subsribed to you many years ago and your RWTD vivisection is a great example. You make everything seem doable and this is part of your genius, thank you. Eddie is gone, but his music lives on...

[@johnatkinson9501]

Just stumbled on Rick’s channel and love his analysis and passion. I’ll be binging on these videos for the next 24 hours!

[@joelikesguitar2166]

This like a documentary on individual songs, I love it. I learn something new with each new video. Please keep up the great work.

[@RickBeato]

I like your description. Thanks!

[@hookipaboy3412]

Mahalo nui loa Rick for your great video of Van Halen’s Running with the Devil my favorite VH song and I named my son Van Anthony!Aloha from Hawaii🤙🏽

[@wmg1958]

16:45 reminds me of Argent's "Hold Your Head Up. Great analysis and exposition. I always loved the economy of this song, not a wasted note, not overdone, just right.

[@michaeltaylors2456]

Eddie’s swing , or rhythm was the thing that made it all work for me, plus everything else you so succinctly highlight thank you sir. I’m The One exhibit A of the swing

[@raymondlugo9960]

Michael Taylors or Outta Love Again , those two breaks make happy every time

[@kenmunoz8517]

Michael Taylors YES!...👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@danielmedina8819]

I am 15 and have been playing guitar for three years, for the first 2 I didn't really have any goals of tunes to play as such so I didn't practice that often, until about a year ago I heard Panama for the first time and heard the squawk of the harmonics and as soon as I got home I googled who was Van Halen's guitarist and up came Eddie Van Halen. 15 minutes later I was sitting staring at my screen after watching the 1986 live Eruption, just absolutely enraptured by his playing. From the guitar slapping from the Fair Warning to the melody of 316, this man was who I inspired to be. Watching his interviews and learning how he thought was unreal, how he didn't know any of the guitars rules, so I started making tunes of my own, with their own sound. I had just finished learning the intro to Mean Street before going to bed the other night, wishing I could just meet Eddie one day. When I heard the news of his passing, I just thought man, I'll never he this man play in the flesh, and he will never play anything new again. RIP to one of the greatest guitarists ever. Heroes are remembered, but legends never die.

[@guyincognito320]

@8:42 That rhythm section is a woman's strut. A runway walk. It's the musical embodiment of swaying hips. Poetry. This is the hidden genius that is overlooked by almost all casual listening (and that includes me, till now). But this hidden aspect is always understood unconsciously, however-we just know a 'good band' or a 'good song' when we hear it.

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

Van Halen's music is so good, in part to Alex Van Halen's sorely underrated drumming, and his chemistry with Eddie. Alex just knew where to put rad fills. Man, I do love the backup vocals in early VH as well! Also Rick, I love how pumped you get about the music; makes me smile man!