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
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
Steve Vai on how he joined David Lee Roth’s band – and Roth’s desire to “beat Van Halen”
In 1985, Vai was recruited to join Roth's post-Van Halen band – and the singer had lofty ambitions for his new project
Eddie Van Halen’s #1 Kramer guitar surfaces for sale – and is expected to reach $3,000,000 at auction
The early 1980s custom build, which was played on tour and once owned by Mick Mars, ushered in a watershed moment for Kramer and the guitar industry
This guitar prodigy plays Eddie Van Halen's legendary two-hand tapping part – with only one hand
Filipe Rosset has been blowing minds with his insane handspan
Wolfgang Van Halen welcomed Alter Bridge into the hallowed halls of the legendary 5150 Studios to record their new album
Eddie Van Halen’s iconic studio recently opened its doors to Mark Tremonti, Myles Kennedy and co
