Exclusively Van Halen NEWS: #EddieVanHalen on the guitarist who mirrored his notes. 10/17/24

https://youtube.com/live/p3sMg29xXtk Any guitarist who's been around long enough has dealt with their share of imitators. It’s inevitable that someone will borrow their style, and while it can be frustrating, the true mark of a great guitarist is staying ahead of those who try to follow in their footsteps. Although no one could quite replicate Eddie Van Halen’s groundbreaking style, he once called out a session guitar legend as one of the biggest copycats he’d ever encountered. It’s hard for any guitarist not to be influenced by Eddie. While tapping had been around in some form before him, Eddie perfected it, using it to craft entire musical passages. There were glimpses of it on Steely Dan records, but when Van Halen dropped ‘Eruption,’ it was like watching someone reinvent the guitar in just two minutes. Suddenly, the same old blues licks weren’t going to cut it anymore—Eddie had raised the bar for everyone. The session scene, though, had already started exploring different musical directions. Steely Dan, for example, had top-tier jazz and fusion musicians, but Rick Derringer was making waves on the rock side. While he was known for his hit ‘Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo,’ Derringer was also celebrated for his standout work with Edgar Winter, particularly the iconic lick in ‘Free Ride.’ Despite his own skills, Derringer couldn’t resist drawing from Eddie after seeing Van Halen on tour. But instead of just being inspired, he started outright copying Eddie's moves. According to Eddie, Derringer would go onstage and replicate his solos note for note, saying, “Rick Derringer opened for us last year, and he did my exact solo. The next night, he does my solo again and ends the set with ‘You Really Got Me,’ just like we do. So I told him, ‘If you keep that up, you’re not opening for us anymore.’ And I kicked him off the tour.” Even Eddie knew the game. When Van Halen opened for Black Sabbath, Tony Iommi noted that the band had borrowed some of Sabbath’s licks, making their music sound even darker and heavier. Derringer copying Eddie’s style was a sign of the changing times. Guitarists who clung to traditional blues riffs were being left behind, while Eddie Van Halen had set a new standard, pushing the guitar to uncharted territories. If players didn’t adapt, they risked fading into obscurity. “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! #vanhalen #johnnybeaneTV #eddievanhalen #exclusivelyvanhalen #SammyHagar #DavidLeeRoth #evhgear #kramerguitars