Man how I miss Eddie so much. Not only was he the best ever, but you can see how much he just loves to play...

The Mighty King Edward Van Halen. RIP to the greatest. Thanks for this reaction! Bottoms up!

There was NOTHING like seeing this live and up close. Being able to feel the notes hit you, vibrate up from the floor through your body. So many great memories. I'll never stop missing him.

Absolutely the greatest rock and roll guitar player ever. RIP Eddie. Love your reactions.

Been playing guitar for 35 years. This was a big part of it 🎸

This is precisely why Michael Jackson asked Eddie to play guitar for him on the song Beat it! RIP King Edward....

The smile on his face and the astonishment on yours are both, priceless. Great choice!

There never be another Edward Van Halen!

I always love watching the reactions of people who have never seen/heard this performance; it reminds me of the amazement and joy that I felt the first time I saw it. Eddie was an immense talent, a great showman, and that grin of his was infectious; in fact, I grinned quite a bit while watching y’all’s reactions. 😀 Great video.

Class of 86 here myself! And yes, Eddie was the Goat!

I absolutely love watching people's expressions first time listening to the guitar king. Only thing better would be seeing them watch it live in person. Fantastic RV and thank you

Haha - at 6:20 I instinctively picked up my glass to sip, just as you guys did. Cheers!

he played the guitar like a dam violin what a magician.

I saw this concert and sat with the band backstage after the show. I sat next to Eddie and ended up with his navy blue bic lighter afterward. Great guys amazing show! RIP Eddie, you were the best!

No one could ever convince me that "Eruption" is not the perfect name for a song where the musician goes absolutely *volcanic* I mean, really, how many people have noticed that Eddie was even tossing his picks out to the audience even while he was playing? Not only that, but he built most of his guitars (including the one that he played in this video) with his own hands.His guitars must have gone to heaven with him because he certainly played the hell *out* of them.

I was at the two concerts where they filmed this from "live without net" at New Haven CT.....I miss them....I was there. I read he was not happy with this performance....to our ear....it was perfect.

Eddie did this every night and he was drunk as a skunk for this performance, so his best? I mean, he was pretty damn consistent. Also, Hendrix was amazing. However, no one ever heard anything like Eddie when he hit the scene. He was an innovator in so many ways.

8:00 was insane skills,I can play but still don't know how he did some of that,crazy.

Eddie is always imitated but never duplicated. We’ll never see another one like him ever. RIP EDDIE.🎼🎸

The bit at 11 minutes is certainly a contributing component to crowning him king

Thank you for reacting the way you did. Not pauses, just feeling while listening to EVH. Good job you two. And the commentary afterward!! Haha entertaining as hell. Y'all got yourself a new subscriber.

King Edward!! The greatest and most incredible guitarist that has ever lived.

The King❤💣💣🤘.........miss you man❤😢

Seen both Van Halen and Van Hagar.....loved them both.....and amazing shows.

I enjoyed watching the both of you. The true mindboggling response seing his skills. I enjoyed, keep it up going! I'm Dutch, I drink, use and do what ever the fuck I want!

My fingers hurt just watching Eddie play 😊😊

All his solos were amazing, but this is one of the best that had a high production video. Was amazing to watxh live.

RIP to the GOAT! Miss him for real! I saw VH 4 times no one will ever come close live.

You guys are fun! Eddie was possessed for this solo.

I was in the front row for Monsters of Rock when they went out with Sammy, and my friend and I were treated to that lovable & goofy EVH grin, when he looked RIGHT AT US during a solo. RIP, Maestro. BTW, the part at 9:25 is called "Cathedral," from the unfairly slagged Diver Down album.

You had it right the first time....Best solo EVER

Other guitarists used the two handed tapping technique. Eddie supposedly was first introduced to it by his childhood friend, Terry Kilgore who learned it while taking lessons from Harvey Mandel. But Eddie was such a guitar savant, that he created his own style of doing it and taught himself just from that one suggestion from a childhood friend.

There have been very few utterly unique people over the centuries... Leonardo da Vinci, Beethoven, Einstein,Steven hawking and then came EDDIE VAN HALEN...need i say more.

Came to America as a child. Couldn't speak English and never learned to read music. Couldn't afford equipment so he built his own. I sent a link to a great interview

EDWARD!!!

This is the greatest guitar solo in the history of rock music. That is why people have been requesting to see this performance in New Haven.

Just say thank you you just witnessed the goat everybody else can shine in that Eddie's the goat no questions asked.

Saw VH live back in '83. Eddie and his brother Alex(on drums) were originally from Amsterdam, Netherlands. He is also ranked 8th in Rolling Stone Magazine's top 100 gutarists of all time

EVH is the reason I play guitar. He made such a huge impression on me when I was young. It's cool seeing you get to experience his talent

Eddie was asked to solo on Micheal Jacksons' song Beat It. Eddie asked the producer to make changes to the middle section and recorded two solos for the song. When Micheal came in, he warned him what he had done before playing it for him. Micheal's reaction was 'Wow, thank you so much for having the passion to not just come in and blaze a solo, but to actually care about the song, and make it better.'" Eddie did it for free and wanted to avoid any credit. All he asked for was a simple payment of a case of beer and a promise that Jackson would teach him a few dance moves so he could introduce them in his subsequent shows. Thriller became the biggest-selling album of all time, and everyone recognized Eddie's style in that solo. He couldn't stay anonymous. (I believe he had promised his bandmates he wouldn't take any solo gigs outside the band.) Both Kings RIP.

Someone below mentioned that he did the guitar on Michael Jackson's Beat It. They had to bring in better speakers cause he caught the one's they had on fire. He rewrote the song and did it all for free.

Nice reaction and editing. Well done. So true about the open mouth when in deep concentration. We saw her checking out his finger skills.

I was fortunate enough to see him do this 3 nights in a row. As good as this solo is (and yes it is great) there was 2 other band members doing solos as well, and they were great as well. In my 45 years of going to concerts this show in particular still ranks in my top 3. Just for your own enjoyment check out the whole show live without a net. RIP EVH!

Not only did he write this, but also built the guitar 🎸

And to think that he was totally shit faced drunk for this performance and he never could remember ever doing this performance even once. That is how incredible Eddie Van Halen was.

I was front row on right side of stage. Anytime this genius came to town everybody went to see him if not for him there would have been no Van Halen brother Alex plays the drums fantastic great drummer Michael Anthony on the bass singer is Sammy Hagar replaced David Lee Roth Edward Van Halen was God's greatest achievement on this planet he changed the whole scene of music. He has now taken the crown from Elvis as the greatest rock and roll musician ever rest in peace good friend say hello to my mother and father keep giving those guitar lessons to Jimi Hendrix every Monday

Rest in greatness Eddie.

He was just pure magic. And people saying there's only so many sounds you can get out of guitar. Eddie: -Hold my beer... 🤘😂

Eddie Van Halen was an original. One of the top Rock guitarists ever. Jimi Hendrix has been my all time favorite since 1967. Yeah, yeah I know I'm old but I digress: Here are 2 songs that I highly recommend: "House Burning Down is Jimi at the top of his game both with the guitar and his studio production. And it was recorded in 1967! So was another song called "Come On (Let the Good Times Roll)" Both of these are on Jimi's finest album, "Electric Ladyland" which is on KZfaq. Again, Highly recommended. 👍

Steph & Jay U guys need to react to Van Halen's Panama Music Video. U guys will enjoy that one.

Sammy must've been watching The Sippingtons because he even told ya'll, "He was going to sit back and have a cold one!"

The greatest rock musician ever!!!!!

Edward Van Halen,the Mozart of guitar!🎛🎸

Eddie = The King

Top 5. Saw them in 1985. The year I graduated!!!

Man he is great! RIP Eddie 🙏

I'm glad you bro said it from the start. I love you. JS😊

I snuck into my sister's record collection " Oh this looks cool !" . dropped the needle and a week later was begging my dad . I want a guitar , I couldn't believe that a human was playing that on guitar .Two years later in 1981 I went to a see Van Halen . My jaw dropped !! . Eddie played so effortlessly , inspired and with joy .All of us inspiring guitarist ourselves , To us , He was the pinnacle !! Thankful that I was able to see Eddie play from 50 feet away . It was divine

🔥🔥🔥🔥 far out , Van 💥💥💥💥😳👋💞

Great reaction, you guys have a new subscriber 👏 i think its important to note that Eddie was never sober Onstage back in the 80's. I dont say that as a slight...i say it because it makes his performance even more impressive. I've been a guitarist for 32 yrs myself and i can say that this is still my favorite solo, period. From anyone.

Eddie changed the game 👍 RIP 🐐🤘🤘

Eddie does the solo on Michael Jackson’s Beat It .

Eddie was the most innovative guitarist since Jimmi Hendrix….his idea was to see what he could make the guitar do! EVH was one of the greatest guitarists ever…meaning that this is one of if not the greatest solos ever…that’s what people mean, I promise you! He was always the ultimate focus of the band, when I comes down to it! Again, I’ve watched dozens of channels react to this and it never gets old!

Stanley Jordan covering Stairway To Heaven will blow you're mind!!!

he did this performance 100's of times. I've seen VH live 3 times and every time was unreal. Eddie even said he didn't even remember this performance. He was probably drunk, which makes it even more incredible. :) as a guitarist, I remember thinking... I'm so thankful to be alive to see this guy. it's like being able to say, yeah, I saw Beethoven live, it was cool. I mean it was historic. Back in 1981, I was like this guy is unbelievable and people were like, yeah whatever. nobody has come close to him since. yeah, there are better guitarist technically, but none with the creativity of EVH. I loved Hendrix. he was a pioneer, but honestly, Eddie was the whole package. His Rhythm skills are just as amazing. I swear he's was not human!

The majority of his innovative techniques and improvisation came from his not being able to read sheet music. So he HAD to get creative with his playing. I'm learning guitar myself, and if I get even 1/4 as good as Eddie Van Halen I will be a happy man.

A proper drink for a great song

I have watched a LOT of reactions to this and this one has by far the Greatest intro of them all...Show's you respect the music as well as the musician and as a HUGE Eddie fan I Thank You for it...

Also rearranged the music and played for Micheal Jackson... Beat It recording. Took no credit or money. Didn't want the band to know, but everyone knew it was him playing. He later played live with Michael. There's video online

❤❤ Thank you

The GOAT

Thanks for highlighting EVH! He’s the one that inspired me to pick up a guitar. Interesting fact/rumor……Eddie has no recollection of playing that solo. I’ve seen them with different singers, the main factor of the music is EVH.

R.I.P. to the greatest guitar player ever...

"he necked that guitar" LOL 🎉 love y'all ❤️

RIP Eddie!🎸🎶🎵🎶

If ET ever comes to Earth and asks "what is this rock and roll guitar solo we keep hearing about?". This is what we should show them. It does not get any better. Not just Eddie's best but the best ever.

You guys are funny as F. Love you guys! Hella cool dude and sweet ass lady. Great channel.

The best of all time. EVH.

Great reaction to a great guitar solo and great guitarist 🎸 RIP Eddie. 🙏

I'm sippin on one of my favorite beers . Pike brewery (Seattle Washington). " Kilt lifter scotch ale".

Back in the 70's when Van Halen were a local band from Pasadena, Cali... they were just a band of kids who wanted to play music and party. Eddie Van Halen had been playing guitar for years and was becoming a master of the instrument by 1976 when Gene Simmons of Kiss saw Van Halen perform at an L.A. club... Simmons met w/ the band and Eddie recalled Gene offering them to get a record contract and asking for their manager, and they went, "What's a record contract? What's a manager?" 😂 Eddie would often do his guitar tricks w/ his back to the audience because he didn't want other guitarists to rip off his techniques in the local scene... Gene helped Van Halen record a number of demos and showed them the business of the music industry, but the band was passed over for months... they were finally signed in 1977. When Van Halen were recording their first album, Eddie Van Halen would get in the studio and 'warm up' w/ this explosive guitar solo, and the producer heard him and asked what it was... Eddie just explained it was his warm-up routine that he used on stage to introduce himself at shows. The solo was recorded and had instruments added to it, and was named 'Eruption' on the first Van Halen record. The first radio single by Van Halen in 1978 was a Kinks cover - "You really got me"... which had 'Eruption' as the intro, and it shocked listeners. Fans were immediately obsessed w/ pulling off 'Eruption' on guitar (which was just a part of the extended live guitar solo here)... Eddie Van Halen changed guitar playing forever w/ that debut album by Van Halen and they became superstars in America by 1980 as hard rock music came back w/ a vengeance after years of disco music. 1986 was Eddie Van Halen at the peak of his skills on guitar... and it was sad to see him in later years, because of alcoholism and drug abuse, his guitar skills had deteriorated by 2004... The last years of Van Halen being active (2007 to 2015), he was just not the presence or executioner on guitar that he had once been. Perhaps he was just too gentle a soul to be exposed to fame and fortune... But Eddie Van Halen will always be one of the greatest guitarists in rock history (R.I.P)

I may be bias because I grew up with these guys in socal. Saw them play before they ever got a record contract or open for anyone. And I have mad respect for Jimmy and Stevie but you just watched the greatest Rock and Roll guitar player that's ever lived. Period! RIP Eddie.

Great reaction.

I LOVE YOU 2 SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!! =P....and talk about the singer's break...he said every guitar solo...is when he would be back stage, with a groupie gettin' it on...

My favorite guitarist goes back to another era of music. My favorite guitarist is Elmore James, who made recordings from 1951 to the time of his death from a heart attack in 1963. James played an electrified acoustic Kay guitar, with ongoing, continuous groundbreaking guitar sounds that changed music in the UK and the US. Elmore James was DECADES ahead of his time. Check out his 1960 song, “Something Inside Me” (the 5 minute version). The guitar work is utterly fantastic.

Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page, were his main influences, he always said! But also Ritchie Blackmore and Allan Holdsworth! He really had his own style! He was an inventor, piano player, composer, inventor of gear, a very gifted person! A Down to earth guy, humble and a sharing person! Of course a big influence for all guitar players and an entire industry, that followed his ideas and solutions, in sence of improving the electric guitar, amps and stuff! Rest in peace Eddie Van Halen! You will be missed forever!❤💎🤘👏

I love your channel! Keep it up 😊

I love yall so much❤

Interesting you said "warm up" Eruption was a warm up exercise he would do before every concert, then in '78 they put it on the debut album - this one in '86 is one of the best all around versions of Eruption, it showcased all the different styles and techniques Eddie had mastered, all the while making and experimenting with guitars, pick-ups, and amps to get the sounds he was looking for. A true innovator and changed the way guitars are played today, a new way of writing music had to be developed for the things he did on a guitar... There are many great Guitarists in many different genres, that being said - People that weren't just great guitar players but were also innovators and should all be considered "greats" Chuck Berry - Hendrix - Clapton - Stevie Ray Vaughan - BB, Albert, and Freddy King - David Gilmour - Angus Young - Buddy Guy - John Lee Hooker And of course Eddie VanHalen, to understand more about Eddie, there is an interesting interview done with Eddie at the Smithsonian Institution that is very informative.... RIP to All that have come and gone and left their art behind for us...

Alot of people will tell you to watch other guitar greats amd this ans that. After seeing this though, none of them..and I mean none, will floor you like this one. Edward was so diverse. That guitar made so many different sounds using so many different techniques that everybody else you watch will look somewhat normal. Eddie was not normal. Jimi, SRV, Clapton all played somewhat similar. No one played or plays now like Edward. Greatest ever by a mile

That is probably the most valuable guitar in the world. I assume his son now has it. It would sell in the millions if it went up for auction.

I watch this video with y'all two or three times a week. Y'all get it. Love y'all.❤

Yep ! At times it is like classical music

Just found y'all for the first time, great reaction, I graduated a year ahead of this. You have Eddie Van Halen, Stevie Ray Vaughn then everyone else. If you watch the next song after this, he starts breaking strings and has to change guitars.

You'd like Jimmy Hendrix too! Great guitarist.

now that's making love to that guitar....they became one

If you like and appreciate drums, check out his brother’s drum solo from the same concert.

Hew can be copied - but never truly duplictaed - he wrote all this and came up with all these crazy techniques!! RIP Eddie we miss you big time...

RIP , EDWARD VANHALEN ,

Dig it*..The King of the electric 6 string..E.V.H