After three decades of performing sold-out concerts and selling millions of successful albums, Van Halen are recognized as one of the most resilient and hard-working rock acts to emerge from America. In 1974, brothers Eddie and Alex quit their classical piano lessons to take up guitar (Alex) and drums (Eddie), although after Alex outperformed on the drums, they eventually switched. Taking influence from Eric Clapton, Cream and Led Zeppelin, they started a band called Mammoth in their hometown of Pasadena, where they met singer David Lee Roth and bassist Michael Anthony. Mammoth hit the L.A. scene, and within a few years they became one of the top-billed acts rocking the clubs, fans packing into the smoky venues to witness Eddie’s perpetually evolving and unique guitar style.

Considering a name change, frontman Roth suggested they change their name to Van Halen. Their big break came in 1978 thanks to Kiss bassist Gene Simmons – after witnessing their dynamic stage presence, he financed a recording session for them, and legend has it he also tipped them off to label Warner Brothers. Van Halen’s fame came during the birth of MTV, and their big hits “Jump”, “Panama” and “Hot For Teacher” saw constant video play throughout the 1980’s – in fact, their influence has been so profound these hits still see airplay today.

Wild frontman David Lee Roth helped galvanize Van Halen’s electric stage presence with his gymnastic performances and party attitude. Known for his high kick – jumping up and performing the splits mid-air whilst touching his toes – Dave Lee Roth changed other bands’ outlook on image and performance. His husky voice combined with high-pitched screams contributed to Van Halen’s distinctive sound.

Perhaps the only guitarist to equal – if not surpass – a frontman’s popularity, Eddie Van Halen took rock guitar to dizzying new heights. Using his homemade “Franken-Strat” guitar, Eddie experimented with his technique, developing two-handed tapping, hammer-ons and pull-offs, often turning his back to the audience as to not give away his secrets. The legendary instrumental “Eruption” on their debut album was a showcase for Eddie’s talent and skill, fans expecting to see it performed during every set. After gaining significant fame in the guitar world and fine tuning his set up, Eddie released his own signature guitar, the Ernie Ball Music Man. His combination of heavy riffs, intricate solos and lively stage presence are the lynchpin to Van Halen’s sound.

Influenced by his father from a young age, Michael Anthony started playing the trumpet, later taking a keen interest in rock. As a teenager Michael looked to the guitar to further his interest, and since all of his friends played either the guitar or drums, he decided to take up the bass. Although left-handed, he plays a right-handed bass. Being a connoisseur of Jack Daniels whiskey, Michael had a custom bass built and Jack Daniels agreed to do the graphics. Not only known for his thunderous bass lines, he is also responsible for the keyboards and melodic backing vocals, another key ingredient to the Van Halen sound.

Alex Halen’s interest in music started with the flamenco guitar, however, after playing on Eddie’s drum kit and picking it up faster, he stuck with drums whilst Eddie switched to guitar. Alex’s powerful and dynamic style are as intrinsically recognizable as his brother’s guitar sound. He uses the term “brown sound,” which he says is linked with Eddie’s sound and the ‘warmth’ of his snare drum. Combined, the brothers’ talents and skills form Van Halen’s instantly recognizable sound.

Van Halen are an extremely technical band, every member a highly talented musician. Eddie’s years of experimentation and self-taught skills are fast and hard to recreate. His intricate tapping technique including hammer-ons and pull-offs take a lot of practice to execute with clarity, however, if you have the determination to succeed and put in as much practice as Eddie did as a kid, you may reach that high standard. What ever it takes…

Keep Rockin’!!!