Eddie Van Halen: The Complete 1979 Interview (HD Audio)
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- čas přidán 7. 01. 2023
- To outsiders, Eddie Van Halen seemed to be sitting on top of the world in December 1979. The first two Van Halen albums had gone platinum, the band had just wrapped up a massive world tour, and he’d been widely proclaimed one of the best - if not the best - guitarist in rock and roll. But behind the scenes Eddie had rapidly discovered that fame had its price. He was irritated with manufacturers who’d cloned his trademark guitar, with big-name players copping his techniques, and with journalists misrepresenting his words.
A few days after recording the third Van Halen album, Women and Children First, Eddie called me at home to see how I was doing. When I mentioned I was working on a Guitar Player magazine article on do-it-yourself guitar kits, he volunteered to give me his insights into building guitars. Since he was largely responsible for the trend’s popularity, I accepted his invitation. Two days later, on December 29, 1979, we had the conversation heard here. Eddie offers a wealth of insight into his homemade guitars, and then shares his feelings about some of the harder lessons he’d learned on and off the road.
I hope you enjoy this unique recording, and be sure to check out the other historic Van Halen interviews on the Talking Guitar CZcams channel. To help us continue producing podcasts, please hit that donate button and send some cheer our way: paypal.me/TalkingGuitar.
For more interview podcasts and guitar-focused articles, visit jasobrecht.substack.com/. Thanks for listening! #vanhalen #eddievanhalen #edwardvanhalen #jasobrecht #talkingguitar
Historical document, imagine having a recorded conversation of Mozart or Beethoven for anyone to listen to..
Eddie wasn't just a guitar wizard. He was a gear wizard as well.
Genius
No one took the physics of a guitar and amplifiers… not until Ed got in game. It was little minor components of a guitar that no one paid attention to before, and that was what Ed put his money on - exploiting the finer details that makes the instrument perform
@@jackmomma7481interesting comment
@@jackmomma7481100% accurate. He really was light years ahead in all ways. He looked at the guitar and amp almost as though he was looking at a Wright Flyer but picturing an F-22 in his mind's eye. It was this mindset of "This is what it is. But, can it BE? Maybe if I try this..." The definite mind of a genius and inventor. And, he couldn't have cared less about destroying stuff. Oh, well. THAT didn't work..That's what made him so cool. Fuck it. What next?
He was an absolute genius.
46:17 "that'll be a good way to start the 80s" - what a prophetic quote in hindsight ❤
We've all read pieces of this interview over the decades; this is the first time actually hearing it - and hearing it in its entirety! And frankly, it's a treasure. THANK YOU JAS!!!
For sure
Phenomenal ❤
The most incredible guitarist interview I've ever heard.
He was freaking 23/24 years old here. Unbelievable for a kid to be this knowledgeable. He was definitely a savant, prodigy, etc...
Yes he was, but I like to think it was also his training as a child as well to put him that far ahead of anyone, plus having a brother close in age to play with makes for competitive edge, for example Stevie Ray Vaughan was playing at 12 so good it blows your mind, and I think that was because of Jimmy Vaughan his brother who was in famous bands at the time. Do you remember Ned Ryerson from the movie groundhog day? The one who gets punched in the face by Bill Murray? Well in real life he went to school with Stevie Ray Vaughan and they had a band in highschool, and made a record, it was srv first studio recording at 12 years old, I can't remember the name, but you can Google it to find it, and it's on CZcams as well.
This interview is great because of the era, and the guitar parts company, from Lynn Ellsworth, Wayne charvel, Grover, Kramer, wormoth, Floyd rose, and all the players of the exotic woods guitars, and hot rodded out axes. I love how Eddie tells about the backstage stories from Nugent to derringer, Winters, and those little insider baseball facts from him are priceless history.
Crazy how he says we break even touring and we make the money on selling the album..now it’s the opposite, they make money on the touring and barely break even on the album…miss this guy, VH is definitely my favorite band. Rest easy Eddie 🎸🎼
Yeah that and merchandise
exactly , people just stream the music now , and thats why ticket prices are crazy now
It's because of the Internet now
Ed’s love of music and the guitar went from playing backyard birthday parties to the world’s largest stadiums in a short period of time. Self taught and highly disciplined he went on to influence the world. Eddie wasn’t fixated on money. He was all about the music.
Eddie and Alex Still living with Their Parents, Awesome
He never did seem to care for being famous or Hollywood or flashy rich. He and his brother both stayed tight with the family. I know they had knock down fights but stayed together. They bought their parents a house in the Beverly Hills area that was bigger than his home.
Valerie said in an interview that when they met and started dating in 1980, he was still living with his parents. I mean, not a lot of reason to get into a big mansion when you're in the road most of the time. Besides, the band was over a million dollars on debt to warner brothers after the first tour was over. By 1979 they were just starting to pay it off. None of the band members were really swimming in money in 1979 or 1980. Yeah, they had a lot of cash advances but all that still has to be paid back. Truthfully, probably not until Diver Down would you say these guys were rich. And obviously 1984 catapulted them even father.
Frankly it makes him look even more real and down to
@@daviddigital6887 it also comes off as immature and him being the boy in the bubble which he never grew out of
@@MrOctober44 Well 1. As someone already said they were pretty much only home for at most a month before heading on the road again, so what was the use of getting a big house you wouldn't be in? 2. Also already said, they were not only in a bad contract that racked them up over a million in debt but the money they made from the 1979 tour was only like $80 in royalties at the end of it for each member, so you can't really buy a house with that, even in 70s housing market lol
3. Eddie also told Valarie his mom wanted him and Alex at home because she still didn't think they're fame and music careers would last and expected they'd have to go back to school eventually. And going by the stories of what a taskmaster she was, they probably didn't find it worth arguing, lack of money to move out aside.
I miss Edward Van Halen every day. But his music and great interviews - treasures like this - are just a sweet reminder that he never really left. And he never will. His musical genius and legendary guitar playing and technique will live forever, along with his music. Love you Eddie! Thank you for posting this! Amazing.
Me too every day xxxx thanks Rita
Me too. I think about him just about every day.
Jas, thank you for releasing this to the public. It's a beautiful interview chocked full of Edward's original ideas. What a beautiful gift! ❤🖤🤍🎸👑
Right? I’m not a tinkerer myself but it’s so freakin cool listening to him talk about all of it and makes me appreciate him even more so. I mean his playing was definitely him and original but then you get to peek into his thought process and just blown 😂. Peace ✌️
That’s what set Ed apart. He was not only a great player ,,, he was an innovator!
@@horsepowerqh That's what makes these interviews gold! him explaining his innovations in detail. just fantastic to listen to him
24:48 : “I’ve got pretty good ears, I guess…” - the most massive understatement in the entire history of music.
What I love about these tapes is Ed just being real. You could always tell he was holding things back in later interviews because that's what you have to do. It's nice to hear him being 100% honest with no filter. Saying shit that any of us would have said in his shoes. Thank you for sharing this!
This interview is such a gem, all of these tapes together is like the Beatles anthology for Eddie, but better. You have my utmost respect of your journalism and your character for bringing these out - cheers
Thanks for including the specific dates for this conversation…it really helps narrow down several things. On all the Roth albums, the instrumental portions were generally recorded and finished before Roth’s vocals and the backing vocals were recorded later. I believe the final vocals with final lyrics for ‘Women and Children First’ album were recorded in January and February of 1980 with the album finally being released on March 26, 1980, but almost all if not all of the instrumental tracks were completed by around December 13, 1979 or earlier as Edward says here. “Could This Be Magic?” was recorded after January of 1980.
Holy sh*t this like gold!!! After all the time to have the full audio of this from the is absolutely crazy. This is like if we had audio of Beethoven talking about music. Thank you!!!!
This is like finding the Rosetta Stone of EVH guitar building. Holy shit is this awesome.
The Ultimate Guitarist RIP 🙏🏾
Greatness is measured by the number of people you influenced and how you are compared to your peers. By this measurement EVH is the GOAT of Rock guitarists 😊
That is very true . Nobody has influenced more people than Edward .
Hendrix
@@markpalavosvrahotes5575 no one plays in the style of Hendrix today... All modern rock guitarists are derivatives EVH :)
@@romgtr Would you put guys like George Lynch and Malmsteen in the same class as Eddie? I’m just curious.
@@markpalavosvrahotes5575 I like Lynch but he's overrated. Malmsteen is right up there with Eddie interns of being a new prodigy but he stayed at the same level and his songs are so so. His high point was the 1st couple of Rising Force albums then the rest are the same. With Eddie it wasn't just the tapping it was the entire package, attitude, looks, song writing, style, not to mention the saturated guitar tone that everyone from Nuno to Satriani to Vai emulate til this day.
I'm no guitar player but sure nice to spend time with Eddie, learning about his gear. Thanks for posting.
Yep its awesome.. We are like a fly on the wall listening to all these interviews..
My dad gave me this magazine when I was a kid. So glad I still have it.
It's cool to hear the actual audio. Nice upload.
I had the issue I don't know what happened to it hold on to it.
“You got my home phone number, right?” Yeah I talked to your mom a couple of times…That it is just so great ❤. Thanks for posting!
“Yeahhh, gimme a buzzzz”
Ed was an innovater in every sense of the word. Brought so much to the instrument and music in general.
I’m losing my mind right now! I’m 14 again but I’m hearing it instead of reading it. Right on Jas.
Thanks for sharing this. You two had a nice rapport. I still have the April 1980 copy of your cover story. I was fortunate to see VH at the height of their power in June 1979 and June 1980. Long Live THE KING!
What a great interview, if you liked Eddie before... you will like him even more now.. it was just like spending an afternoon hanging out... Thanks for posting! EVH!
This is pure gold. I had the magazine and remember reading the article as a teenager. The fact that Eddie could open up and trust what you'd print and what is confindetial in a time where the vultures were circling to steal everything they could from the guy speaks volumes about you. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Well said.
Great interview, Eddie is inspiring; its pretty clear that the music business slowly killed a lot of good people and musicians in one way or another, or drove them crazy
Because the tribe runs the music biz, just like hollywood.
Man this brings tears to my eyes. Eddie was the biggest influence on me going up and hearing this is gold. He sounds so humble and down to earth which makes me appreciate him as a person and as musician even more. Thanks Jas! RIP Edward.
He was definitely one of the best if not the best ever. Nothing is more US Rock n Role than Van Halen.
Yep,you’d think that would shut up the anti immigrant crowd
Absolutely!
@@ledaswan5990 Its a little different today..Millions upon millions are coming over illegally and none are musicians I can guarantee you that.
@@daveyboy8907Most of those immigrants coming in now will end up working on farms to harvest the food that you eat every day. Others will be working on your roof in 110 degree weather to repair it after a storm damages it. Most of those immigrants will take the hard jobs that Americans don’t want to do.
You are probably incorrect in saying that you guarantee that none of them are musicians. I would bet a few of my paychecks that some of them are.
But while you’re at home practicing your guitar trying to become the next Eddie Van Halen, most of those immigrants are working hard, trying to make a better life, so that one day, their children also will be able to sit at home and practice an instrument.
Thank you for this great piece of history
That was the best Eddie interview I’ve ever heard, just an amazing rapport between you two! Kudos
Thanks, Jas! I still have my copy of the original magazine that I bought when I was 15.
Oh this is the famous April 1980 interview!! This is why I use Plexis today. Thanks, Jas.
I lost my magazine, but still have the cover! A 13 yr old at the time had no resources for old Marshalls. Call-waiting didn't exist yet haha
I love listening to this. I almost feel like I’m a part of the conversation. Great stuff 👍🏻
These are by FAR the best Eddie interviews I have ever heard.
Incredible! Each interview is a Master Class in Musical Genius and a peak behind the curtain, in the wizard's own words.
Great interview.nice to hear his voice alive.He is so missed.R.I.P. Edward.
More please! That was great. Makes me miss EVH!
Amazing! Thank you for releasing this. 🤜🤛
This is a treasure. Thanks for releasing it....
Thank you for posting Jas!! This is priceless!!
This is precious. Thank you so much for this.
I think I have read most of the print that resulted from these interviews... But it's a real treat to be 'in the room' and get the unvarnished unedited version.
I've been a fan my whole life. I devoured every interview I could LONG before I ever picked up a guitar.
What is most striking to me revisiting Eddie in this depth is how much he penetrated my consciousness about music.
I think Eddie Van Halen honestly is my primary music teacher despite only meeting him once briefly.
I miss him every day
I really appreciate you releasing this Jas! Thank you!!!
This is just so valuable. Thank you for posting this.
Thank you so very much for sharing this interview!
This was incredible!! Thank you!! Can’t wait for the next one!! RIP EVH 🎶🎸
So good- thank you for sharing these!!!
Obviously Christmas is not over. Thank you 👍
Priceless! Thank you for sharing this interview.
I have this interview, read it a shit load of times, fuckin cool to hear it!! 🤘
Thanks for uploading this Jas! this interview was outstanding!
this is great! Thanks so much for sharing!!!
This is just incredible! Thank you Jas!
What a truly great interview - serious thanks, so grateful.
Dude.....This is GOLD. Thank YOU!!!!
This is guitar gold! Thanks so much Jas !
just awesome and real thanks so much for this!
This is fantastic, amazing to hear Ed in this much detail. Thanks
Jas... THANK YOU FOR THIS! Sharing now!
I don’t think I could say anything here that hasn’t already been said, but I have to throw in my two cents and just say thank you for sharing this with the world. Like most everyone else here, I grew up reading excerpts from this interview over the years. To hear him as such a young man actually saying all these things… wow. What a gift. Thank you for posting this. Thank you Edward, for all you gave us. I hope to see you on the other side.
Absolutely priceless interview
Museum worthy
Thank you so much!!
This channel is so important for rock history. Love love LOVE Ed’s chats with you. Thank you so much for sharing!
This is so cool! Thanks a million for posting this.
Thank you Jas. I read this interview when I was younger way too many times.
Pure gold! Thank you for this.
Great way to start off the new year! Thanks for making the effort to share this recording with the rest of the world. Happy New Year, Jas.
There is so much gold in this interview. Wow. Thank you for sharing Jas!
Thank Jas love your interviews
Thankyou for sharing this Jas. Just amazing to listen to. I feel like I am on the phone with him myself. Thanks again bro.
This is awesome. Thank you Jas.
Thank you so much for this interview it is the number-one interview I've ever heard that Eddie has himself what a great gift to us guitarist
Well that was just absolutely WOW! Hearing the little “Whoo!” right at the end of the interview, I guess you thought so too? Thank you for making it available…
😎🙏🏻
Thank you for sharing Jas! This is gold. Love the story about the H.O.G. I used to live in Syracuse and drove there quite.
Thanks a million man!! You made my weekend with this treasure! What a great interview, I could listen to Eddie talking, sharing his thoughts, insights and ideas forever! Right after recording WACF, my absolute favourite VH album! 😍🔝🤩💥🤘🏻🎸
"That'll be a good way to start the 80's," he says. Wow. He had no idea. Outstanding stuff.
Thank you, Jas! This offers incredible insight into Eddie's perspective on such a wide array of topics.
On
So good…!!!! Thank you for posting and in do so, pulling back the veil that hid the truths EVH (back then) was reluctant to share with the public. After hearing Eddie’s side of the story, we understand why. 😎👍
🎸
What a great interview. Great to listen to you both being very real. Nice conversation. He sounds like a really nice bloke.
Thank you for this!
This was awesome! Wow. I have been aware of Eddie since 1984. Read all the (edited) interviews etc. etc. This was pivotal. Like if he went on JRE. I walked away feeling like I knew him a lot better. And yeah he was who he said he was. Just a normal guy who loved playing his guitar. Down to earth. One of the bros. This is priceless. Thanks Jas. .....
Fantastic! Thank you so much! 🙏🏼
So young here @ 24 but he learned and thrived through the years. RIP K-EVH
I was 1 year old in 79. Wow 44 years ago damn Eddie you still you still shred that neck pick hand tappimg the hell out of the frets notes just. Fly out of his hands and soul love you Eddie
Thank you, JAS, for sharing this interview with EVH. Mr. OBRECHT, I will forever associate your name with GUITAR PLAYER magazine. Eddie was honest and authentic. Some of EVH's statements could be interpreted as arrogance. However, Eddie wasn't arrogant; on the contrary, Eddie spoke from the heart as the sensitive musician that he was. EVH was a beautiful, talented and creative soul. May his soul rest in peace.
Absolute love this,, thank you for sharing
Wow! I remember READING parts of this interview in the magazine back then, and the words Eddie speaks here are EXACTLY the same as what I remember reading! The fact that the interviewer kept this recording, and now that we’re in the 2020’s+ after his passing, I hear Eddie’s voice saying those exact words I read way back then… just surreal!
This generation will never know the joy and elation we older players placed on those monthly magazines, and how much we read those interviews OVER and OVER again until the words were embedded in our brains. Even 40 Years later!!!
Wow, what a flashback!!
And at 36:00, he talks about a guitar he wants to be “made….” …foreshadow, the Wolfgang. And now Wolfie’s guitar looks like a reinvention of the 335 that Eddie loved and mentions here?? Prophetic words become reality.
Wow... freaking time machine from Ma Bell.
I was 10 years old and getting ready to watch horror movies on Saturday night. Little did I know what was really going on.... I love EVH... R.I.P.
Just BRILLIANT. ….THANKS Jas .
Dude thank you very much for this piece its so beautiful to here Ed talking freely like 2 pals sharing ❤ very special for me personally to hear as ed's the reason I began playing in 1981 im 54 now and have been inspired ever since xx God rest his soul a simple kind person who played like a God
Fantastic stuff Jas!!
THIS IS GOLD THANK YOU......
I'm really loving these Eddie tapes, this is so special.
Very cool interview.. Eddie rocked
I've heard parts of this interview before. This is what I call the original interview! It's got all the information that we know and love about Eddie but actually hearing it in real life. Such a great piece of History musically and for guitar itself! Such a great interviewer and such a great professional was Eddie. All the information is the information that we know already if you're a guitar aficionado. Thank you very much I'll be back to listen again. Eddie was such a monster guitarist and luthier! 🤘
Thank you for this treasure
As a guitar player, I wouldn’t dare play a guitar painted like Ed’s unless I could deliver Ed’s style.
Brilliant 👏 thank u for sharing!!
I remember reading a Guitar Player interview with Ed from around '81 or so and he talks about playing a 335 when they did high school dances and shit, he said the band would throw drum sticks at him, telling him, "You ain't Roy Orbison!" But he said he loved 335's, that he could "haul ass on those things" Would have loved to seen that.