Exclusively Van Halen: Eddie Van Halen’s Joyful 1991 Interview with Jas Obrecht. #vanhalen 7/15/25

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen, we share Jas Obrecht's world debut of one of Edward Van Halen’s happiest, most memorable interviews. On that special morning — May 20, 1991 — Edward was on top of the world. He was celebrating the birth of his son, Wolfgang… his relationship with Valerie was strong… and he had just finished mixing For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, Van Halen’s first album in three years. The interview took place in the control room of Edward’s expansive 5150 home studio. The console was a perfect snapshot of his world — cigarettes, tools, bottlecaps, a bowl of guitar slides, and Motley Crüe and Led Zeppelin CDs scattered around. “Before we do the interview,” Edward said, “I want you to hear the new album.” He cued up an advance CD of For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, showed Jas the volume slider, and with a grin, said, “Hope ya like it,” before walking out the door. When the album finished, Edward returned, flipped a switch, and lit up two massive rooms behind the control room window — one filled with his guitars and amps, the other with Alex’s drum setup. Right then, Jas and Edward launched into the wide-ranging interview you’re about to hear. https://youtu.be/pG7e5crFnpE?si=R8MfBwPC_X8JNMQL Listening back after 34 years, Jas was struck by how joyful, relaxed, and full of life Edward sounded. This is the Edward Jas will always remember — and now you’ll get to hear him that way too. The black-and-white photo of Edward is by Jon Sievert. Portions of this interview appeared in Guitar Player magazine’s August 1991 issue. If you’re into hard rock and heavy metal guitar, check out Jas’s Talking Guitar interviews with Edward — plus conversations with legends like Angus and Malcolm Young of AC/DC, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Joe Satriani, Vivian Campbell, and Ratt’s Warren DeMartini and Robbin Crosby. Don’t forget to subscribe — there’s plenty more coming! Special thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for filming the intro and enhancing the sound of the original 34-year-old master tape. For over 230 more blues-, rock-, and guitar-focused podcasts, interviews, and articles, visit Talking Guitar at http://jasobrecht.substack.com. PLUS — We also highlight a rare [NEW] Van Halen Live in Long Beach 1978 Super 8 Film release! https://youtu.be/5yYMMQy2Fkk?si=kfkMcSNDa__7ZMS2 #VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #EdwardVanHalen #JasObrecht #TalkingGuitar #NikHunt #GuitarPlayerMagazine #exclusivelyvanhalen #johnnybeaneTV #ForUnlawfulCarnalKnowledge (And thanks for the shout-out, cousin Jas!) Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4906555367489536