Edward Van Halen was the guitarist and lead songwriter behind the band that bore his name: Van Halen. Eddie’s technical and melodic prowess – most famously his iconic use of the two-handed tapping technique – sparked an arms race in the 1980s rock scene, birthing the shred guitar movement.
Van Halen was also renowned for his tonal innovations and famed for relentlessly modding and, later, designing his guitars and amps – notably, the Frankenstein guitar, the Peavey 5150 amp, and the Peavey Wolfgang – before establishing the EVH brand. He passed away in 2020, but is widely regarded as the greatest electric guitar player of his generation – and, arguably, of all time.
Latest about Eddie Van Halen
Steve Stevens on why he never felt the need to compete with Eddie Van Halen
Both Van Halen and Stevens worked with Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, but the Billy Idol guitar slinger never felt the need to compete with Van Halen
Wolfgang Van Halen stowed his dad’s most legendary guitar in his car as a precaution during the LA wildfires
Wolfgang was recording his latest record as the wildfires threatened 5150 Studios, but all he could focus on was keeping his dad’s most prized gear safe
Wolfgang Van Halen explains the variations in EVH’s trademark technique – and shows you how to play them
The multi-instrumentalist delivered a Mammoth tapping masterclass as he demonstrated how to play one of his new singles, The End
Wolfgang Van Halen took a gamble when he decided to cover his dad’s songs – and it paid off
Wolfgang has only performed a few Van Halen tracks live since his dad passed – and he was all too aware of the risks that came with them
How Eddie Van Halen led to Les Claypool picking up the bass – and how he nearly joined Kirk Hammett’s band
The Primus bassist and Metallica lead guitarist attended the same high school – and very nearly ended up in the same band
Carlos Santana on soul singer phrasing, the spiritual essence of playing and “visitations” from B.B. King, Miles Davis and SRV
Single-cuts are like merlot, solos are like grapefruit… the inimitable, peerless Carlos Santana shares stories from his legendary career and insights from the cosmos
Sammy Hagar believes David Lee Roth’s story about being visited by the ghost of Eddie Van Halen
Roth seemingly tried to troll Hagar with his comments, but Hagar isn't letting it get to him
David Lee Roth trolls Sammy Hagar over his ‘ghost of Eddie Van Halen’ claims
The Red Rocker claims his former bandmate’s ghost showed him a lick in a dream, and he used it to write his latest single. Now Roth says he’s been paid a visit, too
