Five guitarists who think Eric Clapton is completely overrated
Controversial opinions.
Eddie Van Halen
Credits: Far Out / TIDAL
Eddie Van Halen was one of the most influential guitarists in rock history, whose innovative playing style transformed hard rock and heavy metal.
Born in the Netherlands and raised in California, Van Halen co-founded Van Halen with his brother Alex in 1972 and quickly became renowned for his technical brilliance, lightning-fast solos and groundbreaking two-handed tapping technique.
His instrumental showcase ‘Eruption’ changed the course of guitar music, while albums such as Van Halen and 1984 helped establish the band as one of the biggest rock acts of all time. Beyond his musicianship, Van Halen was a gifted inventor and gear enthusiast whose custom guitars and amplifiers shaped the sound of modern rock.
His influence continues to inspire generations of guitarists across the world.
Eddie Van Halen News
The 1960s singer Eddie Van Halen always wanted to work with: “I’d like to make a record”
The perfect musical foil.
The one guitarist who left Eddie Van Halen dumbfounded: “What the hell is this”
“Interesting stuff in there.”
The 1984 song Gene Simmons considers the height of hard rock: “There’s nothing better”
The height of hard rock mastery.
The 1978 single Eddie Van Halen never wanted to release: “I was really bummed”
Taking things in the wrong direction.
The singer who “sucked the life” out of Van Halen: “We’re from different planets”
Making music a chore.
The 1984 song Eddie Van Halen knew his band hated: “Nobody wanted anything to do with it”
The right song for the wrong crowd.
The one guitarist Eddie Van Halen and Slash agreed was the greatest: “My hero”
The best kind of teacher.