EPISODE · Dec 18, 2024 · 20 MIN
Exclusively Van Halen: Mike Rutherford's Recording Sessions with #EddieVanHalen Revealed! 12/18/24
from The Johnny Beane Podcast · host Johnny Beane
https://www.youtube.com/live/CsAEnZv3hvA?si=fWnQ6d6TKoUMJ3ra Mike Rutherford's Secret Tapes: Lost Recording Sessions with Eddie Van Halen Revealed! In a stunning revelation for the guitar world, Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford has disclosed that he secretly recorded several songs with Eddie Van Halen during the late legend's prime. This news comes on the heels of former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony's comments that Eddie’s son, Wolfgang Van Halen, is safeguarding a massive archive of demos. “We recorded every idea we had,” Anthony explained. While Alex Van Halen earlier this year released the final song he worked on with his brother before Eddie’s passing in 2020, Rutherford’s revelation hints at even more unheard Eddie Van Halen recordings than fans ever imagined. Speaking with My Planet Rocks, Rutherford shared that it wasn’t his guitar playing that first caught Eddie’s attention but rather an unlikely aspect: his voice. “Eddie heard a song from my second solo album, Acting Very Strange [1982], which I sang,” Rutherford recalled. “He called me up and said, ‘Will you do some writing?’ My voice, of all things!” The collaboration brought Rutherford to Los Angeles, but he quickly found himself out of sync with Eddie’s nocturnal creative process. “I brought some gear and went to his studio,” Rutherford said. “Eddie told me, ‘Come over about 1:30.’ And I thought, ‘That’s perfect, just after lunch.’ But he meant 1:30 a.m.! He started at night and worked through the early hours. I just couldn’t do it.” Despite the late hours, Rutherford took the opportunity to work with Eddie. “We had some sessions. We wrote songs. Bits and pieces,” he revealed. Surprisingly, Rutherford has yet to revisit the recordings. “I’ve got two boxes of cassettes. I’m not sure I’m mad enough to go through them!” he admitted. “Eddie was an incredible player, and we had a great time, but working through the night wasn’t my style.” Rutherford, now preparing for a UK tour with Mike + The Mechanics, noted that late-night sessions often didn’t yield productive results. “You’d show up the next day and think, ‘What was that all about?’” Eddie Van Halen’s collaborative spirit extended to many other artists, as Alex Van Halen has also revealed. Earlier this year, Alex shared that the Van Halen brothers attempted a project with Chris Cornell and even considered an Ozzy Osbourne-fronted Van Halen lineup, though both ideas ultimately fizzled. While Rutherford’s tapes remain untouched, the prospect of lost Eddie Van Halen material continues to fuel excitement, adding another layer to the legend’s enduring legacy. It’s the ultimate Van Halen show on YouTube, so hit that follow button for more! “Exclusively Van Halen" is the ultimate destination for all things Van Halen. Step into the world of rock and roll legends as we delve deep into the history, music, and trivia surrounding one of the most iconic bands of all time. Join us as we explore Van Halen's storied career, from their electrifying performances to the making of their timeless hits. Get to know the band members, their inspirations, and the stories behind the songs that have rocked generations. But that's not all – tune in for exciting giveaways where you can win exclusive Van Halen merchandise and more. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering the magic of Van Halen, this show promises to keep you entertained, informed, and rocking out from start to finish. Get ready to jump into the world of "Exclusively Van Halen" and experience the music like never before. We talk all things Van Halen!
What this episode covers
https://www.youtube.com/live/CsAEnZv3hvA?si=fWnQ6d6TKoUMJ3ra Mike Rutherford's Secret Tapes: Lost Recording Sessions with Eddie Van Halen Revealed! In a stunning revelation for the guitar world, Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford has disclosed that he secretly recorded several songs with Eddie Van Halen during the late legend's prime. This news comes on the heels of former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony's comments that Eddie’s son, Wolfgang Van Halen, is safeguarding a massive archive of demos. “We recorded every idea we had,” Anthony explained. While Alex Van Halen earlier this year released the final song he worked on with his brother before Eddie’s passing in 2020, Rutherford’s revelation hints at even more unheard Eddie Van Halen recordings than fans ever imagined. Speaking with My Planet Rocks, Rutherford shared that it wasn’t his guitar playing that first caught Eddie’s attention but rather an unlikely aspect: his voice. “Eddie heard a song from my second solo album, Acting Very Strange [1982], which I sang,” Rutherford recalled. “He called me up and said, ‘Will you do some writing?’ My voice, of all things!” The collaboration brought Rutherford to Los Angeles, but he quickly found himself out of sync with Eddie’s nocturnal creative process. “I brought some gear and went to his studio,” Rutherford said. “Eddie told me, ‘Come over about 1:30.’ And I thought, ‘That’s perfect, just after lunch.’ But he meant 1:30 a.m.! He started at night and worked through the early hours. I just couldn’t do it.” Despite the late hours, Rutherford took the opportunity to work with Eddie. “We had some sessions. We wrote songs. Bits and pieces,” he revealed. Surprisingly, Rutherford has yet to revisit the recordings. “I’ve got two boxes of cassettes. I’m not sure I’m mad enough to go through them!” he admitted. “Eddie was an incredible player, and we had a great time, but working through the night wasn’t my style.” Rutherford, now preparing for a UK tour with Mike + The Mechanics, noted that late-night sessions often didn’t yield productive results. “You’d show up the next day and think, ‘What was that all about?’” Eddie Van Halen’s collaborative spirit extended to many other artists, as Alex Van Halen has also revealed. Earlier this year, Alex shared that the Van Halen brothers attempted a project with Chris Cornell and even considered an Ozzy Osbourne-fronted Van Halen lineup, though both ideas ultimately fizzled. While Rutherford’s tapes remain untouched, the prospect of lost Eddie Van Halen material continues to fuel excitement, adding another layer to the legend’s enduring legacy. It’s the ultimate Van Halen show on YouTube, so hit that follow button for more! “Exclusively Van Halen" is the ultimate destination for all things Van Halen. Step into the world of rock and roll legends as we delve deep into the history, music, and trivia surrounding one of the most iconic bands of all time. Join us as we explore Van Halen's storied career, from their electrifying performances to the making of their timeless hits. Get to know the band members, their inspirations, and the stories behind the songs that have rocked generations. But that's not all – tune in for exciting giveaways where you can win exclusive Van Halen merchandise and more. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering the magic of Van Halen, this show promises to keep you entertained, informed, and rocking out from start to finish. Get ready to jump into the world of "Exclusively Van Halen" and experience the music like never before. We talk all things Van Halen!
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Exclusively Van Halen: Mike Rutherford's Recording Sessions with #EddieVanHalen Revealed! 12/18/24
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