RIP Van Halen

The first time I heard Eddie’s guitar playing, it was coming through the radio in my little studio apartment and I actually had my guitar on. I was practicing and listening to the radio and all of a sudden, “Eruption” [from Van Halen’s 1978 self-titled debut album] comes on and fills my apartment and not only was my breath taken away and my heart pumping out of control, but I was so happy that someone had arrived who was going to really do it.

I guess I felt like being on the road with a disco band and going through the punk scene, that the guitar was a little bit under siege and all of a sudden this savior comes and he’s got the right hand of doom and incredible musicianship, but it’s all with a smile and a swagger. It’s all rock and roll. It was just so good. My faith in music was renewed once again just from hearing him play. Every time I hear his guitar playing, I feel the same way. It always takes my breath away.

VIA/BILLBOARD
Read full story here:
https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/9461439/joe-satriani-remembers-eddie-van-halen/