Unfortunately Eddie passed in October 2020. He was the most creative and absolutely the greatest guitarist I have ever seen. His rymth and timing was unmatched. It's hard to believe that he created Eruption in 1978. He built his guitars from parts off other brands of guitars. There will never be another Eddie Van Halen. RIP. We miss you Eddie.

He didn't raise the bar on guitar, he put it in a different galaxy. He changed everything on the electric guitar. The face and astonishment you show during the solo is how all guitarists felt when they heard and saw him. By far the most creative guitarist of all time - the GREATEST all around! On top of that, all their songs (Van Halen) were bangers - how weird is that? There will never be another one like him. All guitarist agree on that - no doubt about that! Great job on your reaction - one of the very best brother!

It's an amalgamation of several Van Halen songs he's crafted into a giant solo. And he takes liberties with the entire thing because he's played it a million times. RIP, King Edward

I was lucky enough to see both Eddie Van Halen and Stevie Ray Vaughn play live. Two of the all time greatest guitar players.

Sammy Hagar was the vocalist of Van Halen in the later versions. Eddie Van Halen is the lead guitarist. One of best. R.I.P. Eddie!

Eddie read the book... re-wrote it... flipped it upside down and then played it backwards... he changed the way people viewed the guitar. R.I.P. Eddie

Remember how much you loved the guitar solo in MJ's "Beat It," well that was Mr. Eddie Van Halen. :) Being a teenager in the 80's was the absolute best!! Amazing hit songs by many artists every. single. week. (unlike today's "music").

Trust me at this point in his career what he was capable of was no secret everyone knew

the original Eruption started as a warmup exercise he would do before taking the stage at each concert, they decided to put it on the debut album in 1978...

He was ALWAYS smiling. Rest in Paradise Edward.

That might be the best description of his talent that I've ever heard...that "he's the closest thing to a wizard that we've seen" Perfect. RIP.

This guy was the greatest guitarists of all time he is one of my heroes I love Ed’s sound RIP

The sound he created on Van Halen's first albums in the late 70's was even named...the brown sound. He was the greatest! RIP King Edward. ❤🤍🖤

And he did all this after playing an entire concert, I love how effortless he makes it look RIP Eddie gone to soon

Yes they are there to see him, but this is from a concert. They are there to see the entire band which is named after him and his brother Alex. Van Halen

Thank you for sharing your reaction to Eddie! He was like a child with a new toy when he played the guitar. He played with such joy and gave the people what they wanted! Miss you Eddie!

The guy on the drums is Ed's brother Alex. Ed started out as a classical pianist as a child. He had to sit on a phone book to reach the keys. In his adolescence he moved to drums. To pay for his drum kit he took on a paper route. While he was throwing papers Alex was mastering Ed's drum kit. After realizing Alex was better on Ed's drums than Ed was, Ed moved to guitar and was the best guitarist in the world. Unfortunately he passed a few years ago. But his music plays on. His last words to the public before he died was "Keep playing". The guy doing the intro is Sammy Hagar (front man for the band at the time). Sammy is also an accomplished guitarist and one hell of a vocalist.

Considered the greatest guitarist in the history of modern music, in terms of style, technique and innovation. Self taught on guitar, classically trained with his brother Alex (on drums), and had riffs for months. Gone yet not forgotten, there will never be another Edward Lodejwik Van Halen.

When it comes to stamina I think in those days nicotine, Jack Daniel's and cocaine were to blame... Those guys didn't care about being mortal as long as their legacy was immortal. RIP Eddie and thanks for the goosebumps. 💙

That wasn't Eruption, it was a compilation of many solos across many albums, including Eruption.

If you listen carefully, you hear the classical music (Beethoven, ect) he grew up to playing. He has a son, Wolfgang, who also plays the guitar. It's an experience just watching Van Halen play. May he RIP. *Quit smoking, smokers 🚭❤️

Eddie truly changed the guitar world back in the 80's. He was a "once in a lifetime" talent.

This is his solo he liked to just get up there and explore his limits with his solo they were great in concert

Eddie sadly passed away a little while ago. RIP Legend EVH

Eddie had a “solo” track on each album. This is the compilation of them. Eruption is the most famous but I like Cathedrals.

I love that Eddie Van Halen is referred to as "This Guy" the entire time. I am happy that his music will live on forever through this type of exposure. Best and first concert that I ever went to.

If you watch it again. The lighting changes with the mood of the solo. Ed will always be king.

Eddie’s last recorded record was 38 notes per second. To this day, no other guitarist has ever come close to achieving that goal. The closest was 27 notes per second by a flamenco guitarist playing Maleguena. Eddie is and forever will be a legend in music. RIP. 🤘

Eddies son Wolfgang is no slouch either... Eddie iirc is credited for the tap method on the guitar, his dad is a Dutch jazz pianist, clarinetist, and saxophonist... he did not read music but was a master at improvisation

I remember in 1979, my 6th grade music class, on Friday's you were allowed to bring in music for the class to hear, one song per student. So someone brought in VH1 and put the needle down on Eruption. I couldn't believe it was a guitar, it sounded like something from outer space. That Christmas I got my first guitar. 44 years later I still play almost everyday and all weekend. Thanks Eddie.

Congratulations! You just got to watch the GOAT. RIP EVH

Ahhh Eddie Van Helen!!! All the girls lived him. He just passed away in the fall of throat cancer. His son Wolfgang plays

He was 65 when he died in 2020. He had cancer, but what killed him was a stroke. His son Wolf (Wolfgang) played with Van Halen until 2020, when his dad died.

Eddie was so intoxicated during this solo he didn't remember it when asked about it in an interview. Can you imagine how good he was sober?

He built a guitar he called the frankenstrat that was a Fender Stratocaster body and neck with Gibson internals pickups etc. He also put a variac on his Peavey 5150 guitar amps to get what became affectionately known as the brown sound.

I live in Shreveport Louisiana where Eddie Van Halen met Valerie bertinelli in 1980ish. She and her family lived here so once they married Van Halen kicked off tours and played lots of shows here so they could visit her family. I saw them three times back then and they were phenomenal. Sadly Eddie died of throat cancer aged 65 in December of 2020.

Nice video, thank you, from all us heartbroken. He is missed by many but loved by all.

I was there...1986....right hand of the stage on the floor....two night show.....no clue how we got back to the hotel....Peace!

I saw him do this in Calgary Canada back in the 90s. It was fricking magical!!! RIP Eddie - we lost him a little while ago. He inspired COUNTLESS guitarist both new and already in music. Pure creativity.

Now that you know he has passed on - watch his incredible son play this. Eddie taught him well!!!

I saw Van Halen in a backyard party in West Covina in 1974. Though from what I remember, a lot of the set was covers, my future ex-wife and I both knew they were going to be something. A couple of years later I saw them at Gazzarris on the Strip and yes, we were right!! I've seen them maybe15 times and each one was better,

I completely concur regarding the confidence of performing and "I already did the work" mentality. I think it goes a step or two further, in that this is not just what he does, it is literally who he is. The man's brain uses the language of music to define his environment. There is a line from "Good Will Hunting" that fits as Will is describing to his girlfriend what it is like to be a genius. He basically says it's like how Beethoven saw the piano. He didn't see it like other people, when he sat down, he just "got it." That's Eddie and music, too. If you do some background work, you will see all sorts of different effect stuff and sound equipment Eddie pioneered. My point is that he doesn't even consider the possibility of a performance issue. He probably did a better version of this sitting at home fucking around on a Saturday afternoon.

I'm old-school. The way your eyes lit up so cool. Like Christmas

I'm so glad I got to see this Live in 1986 will never forget this RIP EVH

I wish I could go back and hear thos for the first time again. I remember exactly where I was. In my 1964 impala with the tape frigging blasting. I listened to it over and over and over

Eddie is the reason why I started playing guitar. He created his guitars, amps, etc. Was a genius. No other guitarist can say that.

I hung out with Van Halen before they were discovered. Eddie was THE nicest guy. His playing was unbelievable from the jump. RIP sweet soul ❤

Sadly, he should still be alive but all those cigarettes had a big part in him dying way too soon. Seeing him play live for the first time somewhere around 1979/80 blew my mind, even though I'd heard the first album. What's crazy is how much his son sounds just like him when he plays his Dad's old songs. If you want to see guys who are in that same guitar wizard category, check out Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Buckethead, just to name three.

the rock-metal era of the late80s into the early 90s was an amazing time for great guitarists, Eddie Van Halen, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Mark Knopfler, Brian May, Vito Bratta, Joe Perry, Richie Sambora, Nuno Bettencourt, Vernon Reid and Slash,and probably a ton more I am overlooking

Welcome out from under the rock you've been living under... Even Soviet Russians blinded behind the Iron Curtian have heard this song before. WOW!

RIP Eddie Van Halen, what a master on the AX! Simple awestruck!

This is an amalgamation of solos (songs) from almost every album they recorded, but he has added riffs and translations throughout. But he passed away in 2020 of cancer. He is arguably one of the best guitarists ever.

Greatest EVER. I was privileged to see Van Halen 4 times. RIP Eddie, you are missed.

This was New Haven, CT in 1986. Eddie was a true trailblazer fueled by cigarettes, blow, and pure genius. His style and technique influenced many of today's guitar gods. He passed away from throat cancer in 2020.

Ten years after. I'm going home live Woodstock

Thats Sammy Hagar. AKA the Red Rocker. He has his own stuff before and after this. He's awesome. I'm a guitarist. Smokes in the strings is the norm for smokers. Check out Randy Rhodes. He's very awesome of a guitarist to.

Bro you just witnessed somebody who revolutionized the way guitar was played and lit a fuse under the asses of millions of kids to play !! RIP EDDIE V H

His talent is unparalleled. Plays so many instruments. And he is always smiling! RIP Eddie. He makes his own guitars!

It started as a warm-up routine and fans heard it and loved it and it grew and evolved from there, it's never played exactly the same way. Steve Vai is another amazing guitarist. There's a scene in the movie "Crossroads" where Steve Vai duels Ralph Macchio on guitars, Ralph is faking his part (very well though), and Steve actually plays both parts. You can find the video on KZfaq, make sure you watch the longer version so you don't miss any of it. Steve has a hell of a history, you should read about him. Another song to check out is "Cliffs of Dover" by Eric Johnson, another great guitarist.

Always amazing, the king! My all time hero! You were the greatest of all time. Showing them how it's done in heaven. Love ya Eddie!!!! RIP

Sammie Hagar who introduced EVH is a guitar legend in his own right. He considered Eddie, as most do, the G.O.A.T.

I was lucky enough to see good ole Van in concert 36 long years go. He was incredible.

He was the King, I was lucky enough to see him in his prime several times starting from 1979.

For another vibe guitar masterpiece try Roy Clark doing Malaguena.

One of the GREATEST! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻 RIP 😥 🙏

These guys use to fill stadiums 🏟

Eddie was a True God on Earth,and we were so blessed and grateful to have been alive at the same time in history as the Greatest Guitarist the World Will Ever See!!! Rest in Paradise Eddie and Thank you for sharing your Talent with us mere Mortals!!

Eddie Van Halen, he could blow your mind and put a smile on your face at the same time. RIP Eddie.

ROFLMAO. I play guitar 😂 you had me Rolling 🤣 this guy is in my DNA

I was lucky enough to see Van Halen in Philly in the late 70's and early 80's. They were incredibly talented and personable. Sadly, Eddie died of cancer recently.

If you play acoustic you need to hear Eddie play Spanish Fly, Studio version is on Acoustic. and is crazy!!

Eddie Van Halen was the king of the electric guitar for a couple decades. Nobody could sound like him. Just an iconic sound. Very creative and spectacular player. Lots of great songs. I've seen him live several times. First time was in New Haven where this footage was shot in 1986.

Seeing Eddie play this live was just electric! He always looked like he was having so much fun. He had a wicked grin that just drew you in. It's really too bad people couldn't get their stuff together and give him the tribute concert he deserved.

I saw VH every Dallas show. Once, they had to cancel, so they came back to Big D and did a free show on the outskirts of downtown at the Westend. Over 100,000 people showed up. Luckily, I was a DJ for the station sponsoring it, so I got to be close and safe! Last time I saw them, we paid (for charity) to sit in the stage…about 10 feet from Eddie. He, and Sammy, smoked all our cigarettes. We didn’t mind lol. Eddies son, Wolfgang Van Halen, could play that at 15. Wolfie has a great band now, Mammoth. That was what VH was going to name their band. Wolf plays every instrument on the album, produced it, everything. Watch the Mammoth video, Dont Back Down. I think it got a Grammy for it!

He never took any lessons, so there was no one to tell him what he couldn't do with a guitar. I love that he did this mainly so the band could go backstage and have a break, and he kept the audience wired that entire time.

5150 tour. Saw them Oct 86 in San Antonio. BTO opened up for them. Sammy Hagar had a great solo career before being picked to replace DLR. Saw VH on their 1984 tour too. I remember this solo the stadium went wild. RIP Eddie.

They have a ton of great music in their catalog.

was lucky enough to see Van Halen at Manchester Apollo in the UK . I was deaf for three days after but it was worth it. after eruption I was expecting girl you really got me to play

It is said, that this was his warm-up routine before the show until somebody told him something like "Man, you GOTTA do this on stage!" RIP King Edward! I'm pretty sure you've heard a Van Halen song before but didn't know the band, at least "Jump" or "Panama" ;-)

I think this is Eddie just being Eddie. It might have started out as a song but I think he adds to it as it pleases him! My favorite parts of it are when he's in the zone! when he has his eyes closed and is just playing what he feels! Great reaction!

Eddie. Eddie. Eddie. 2020 was one of the worst years in Rock 'n Roll history. We lost Eddie. I'll never forget driving and hearing the news of his loss when my son called and told me. Absolutely unbelievable loss in the guitar and rock world. May he rest easy. Simply an incredible talent. Miss him.

Most of what you hear is EVH stringing together and improving bits and pieces of several different "solo" types of pieces he created on different studio records that VH put out over the years. So in concert instead of playing just "the latest album solo", he would improvise and string them together so that fans got to hear a little bit of them all. When VH1 was released in 1978, it changed rock guitar playing FOREVER! He was a master and creator of a style all his own which has NEVER been duplicated...and many have tried...but there was only ONW EVH! RIP EVH

Eddie Van Halen,the MOZART of guitar!🎸🤘👊🤯

I was at this very show....in New Haven Ct....I lived up in the Hartford area, Eddie was my hero back then. It was my first time seeing him and I enjoyed every single note he played that night

The guy that came out and talked at the very beginning was Sammy Hagar the lead singer of Van Halen. First started listening to him when he was in Montrose. And his own band Sammy Hagar. He also has circle and chicken foot as a bands

The introduction was made by THE Red Rocker, Mr Sammy Hagar. He was lead vocalist after David left the band. The story I have heard is the Van Halen parents gave Alex a guitar and decided to give Eddie a drum set. One day Eddie came home to find brother Alex on his drums. To get even, Eddie picked up his brother's guitar and started playing with it. The rest of the story is music history. Eddie would often play guitar with his back to the crowd. He did this so no one could see how he made the sounds that he created. RIP Eddie.

Got to see Van Halen in Raleigh NC when Sammy was the front man. Amazing show and it was great seeing Eddie and Alex do their solos live. Incredible performers.

Mind Blown!!!

Saw Van Halen 3 times in the late 70's and early 80's. All with David Lee Roth.

Fantastic reaction, your final remarks are SPOT ON.

I saw Van Halen on this tour and they were indescribable! I’m so glad I got to see Eddie live. I saw them on the 1984 tour also. One of my top two bands.

The only other person that I've heard that made this solo soumd spot on, was The Dooo haha he nailed it

One of the best guitarists, ever! That’s who he is.😊

This performance is now 40 years old this year!! Man, has it aged well!

Now that Eddie's gone I feel so fortunate that I saw him live in the UK and this performance brings back memories as it was from about the same time

This version is from the Live Without A Net VHS/DVD. I still have the VHS.

This is from the late 80s. Eddie sadly died in 2020. It was a big shock to the rock world.

“Nothing he’s done so far seems that complex” *hold my cigarette* 😂

It was the 70’s……. They were all smoking something 😂😂 I was a teenager in the 70’s and had the pleasure of seeing these guys live back when they were new. We all knew we were witnessing the evolution of the guitar, it was such a special time in music.

Music back then was stacked with talent. From steely dan to van halen. Massive talent era. Very hard to compete back then