The Johnny Beane Podcast

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we’re getting ready for a major moment for Van Halen fans! The wait is almost over. The complete TEDxFargo conversation featuring Alex Van Halen, David Lee Roth, and artist Robert Vargas premieres online tomorrow, giving fans their first chance to see the full, much-talked-about event. The conversation, titled “Beyond Boundaries: How Human Experience Informs Art and Music,” was filmed on July 30 during TEDxFargo’s 2026 “CHARGE” event in Fargo, North Dakota. Here’s what makes this premiere especially significant: 🥁 Alex Van Halen and David Lee Roth together on stage 🎤 Their first on-stage appearance together since Van Halen’s final concert at the Hollywood Bowl on October 4, 2015 🎨 Artist Robert Vargas joins Alex and Dave for a conversation about art, music, life experiences, and the creative process ⏳ Van Halen fans have been waiting more than six weeks to see the complete conversation 📺 The full TEDxFargo video premieres tomorrow! I’ll have the official TEDxFargo video pinned in the comments section, so be sure to check it out once it premieres. What are you hoping to hear from Alex Van Halen and David Lee Roth? Join us in the comments and let’s talk about it! #VanHalen #AlexVanHalen #DavidLeeRoth #RobertVargas #TEDxFargo

🎸 On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we talk about Bernie Tormé’s turbulent eight-gig stint with Ozzy Osbourne following the tragic death of Randy Rhoads. After Randy’s death in March 1982, Ozzy Osbourne was devastated, but the Diary of a Madman tour still had to continue. Bernie Tormé was brought in to help finish the remaining shows — and it became one of the most difficult periods of his career. 🔥 We talk about: • How Bernie Tormé ended up joining Ozzy’s band after Randy Rhoads’ death • Stepping onstage with Randy’s guitars, pedals and amps • The emotional pressure of trying to replace one of rock’s greatest guitarists • Why Tormé felt he couldn’t simply play like Randy Rhoads • His relationship with Ozzy during one of the darkest periods of Ozzy’s career • The infamous story of Randy’s pedals seemingly turning on by themselves • Why Bernie ultimately walked away after only 7–8 shows • How Brad Gillis eventually stepped in and helped Ozzy continue the tour • Bernie Tormé’s place in the history of Ozzy Osbourne and Randy Rhoads 🎸 Was Bernie Tormé the right guitarist for Ozzy after Randy Rhoads? Join the conversation in the comments, and thanks for watching Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV! #OzzyOsbourne #RandyRhoads #BernieTorme #HeavyMetal

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we’re checking out Gibson and Epiphone’s bold new Miami-inspired electric guitars! 🎸🌴 Gibson is bringing the Miami vibe to the Gibson Garage Miami with eye-catching Miami Blue and Miami Pink finishes on models like the Les Paul Special, Les Paul Junior Double Cut, and SG Standard ’61. Epiphone is going even bigger with Vice City Pink, Vice City Blue, and Bumblebee Yellow, giving models like the Explorer, Flying V, SG Standard ’60s, and Les Paul Custom a serious ’80s-inspired look. We’ll also take a look at the Gibson Custom SJ-200 Art Deco, exclusive MESA/Boogie gear, and other Miami Garage exclusives. Which one would you want to play? 🎸🔥 #Gibson #Epiphone #ElectricGuitar #Guitar

🎸 On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we talk Steve Lukather! The Toto guitarist looks back on an extraordinary career working with some of the biggest names in music — including Eddie Van Halen, Michael Jackson, George Benson, Ringo Starr, Joni Mitchell and Quincy Jones. 🔥 Some of the highlights: • 🎸 Eddie Van Halen — Lukather recalls the first time he heard Eruption, meeting Eddie in 1978, their friendship, and how they supported each other throughout their careers. • 🥁 Ringo Starr — Touring with Ringo and becoming close friends with one of his childhood heroes. • 🎤 Michael Jackson & Quincy Jones — The story behind Lukather's guitar work on Beat It and Human Nature, including Quincy’s advice to turn down the distortion. • 🎶 George Benson — How Lukather helped write Turn Your Love Around, which became a massive hit and earned him his first Grammy. • 🎹 Joni Mitchell — Working on Wild Things Run Fast and Dog Eat Dog, and what it was like walking into a studio with one of his musical heroes. • 🎼 1,500+ albums — Lukather reflects on his incredible career as one of the most prolific session guitarists in music history. “I’ve had an extraordinary life. I’m one lucky guy.” — Steve Lukather What a career. What a player. 🎸 #SteveLukather #EddieVanHalen #Toto #TalkingGuitars

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we take a look at a fascinating new guitar collaboration that brings together legendary guitar builder John Cruz, formerly of the Fender Custom Shop, and Chinese guitar brand Farida Guitars. Cruz has unveiled his first guitar design with Farida — the JC-1, a vintage-inspired S-style guitar that combines classic looks and tones with some interesting modern features. And there's a lot to talk about! 🎸 The Farida JC-1 🔥 Designed by former Fender Master Builder John Cruz 🇨🇳 Cruz's first guitar design with Farida Guitars ⏱️ 273 days of development went into the JC-1 🎸 Vintage-inspired S-style design 🌳 Two-piece alder body 🍁 Bolt-on Canadian maple neck ✋ John Cruz's custom "JC Comfy C" neck profile 🌹 Rosewood fingerboard ⚪ Olympic White finish 🐢 Tortoiseshell pickguard 🎨 Light relic finish inspired by how vintage guitars naturally wear 🎛️ Modern Features The JC-1 isn't simply a vintage-style S guitar. It features three custom-wound single-coil pickups, developed by Cruz and the Farida team, designed to deliver a '60s-inspired sound. The control layout is particularly interesting: 🎚️ 5-way pickup selector 🔊 Master volume 🎛️ Master tone 🔀 Blend control for combining neck and bridge pickups That blend control allows players to mix the bridge and neck pickups in positions 1 and 5, giving the guitar some tonal options you wouldn't normally get from a traditional S-style setup. 🛠️ John Cruz's Approach Cruz says building a great guitar starts with the wood. He personally weighs body blanks and even taps on them to listen for their individual characteristics. His philosophy is also heavily focused on the player. "I am a guitar builder but I am also a guitar player." For Cruz, playability is at the heart of the instrument — the guitar needs to be something a player wants to pick up and play every day. 💰 Only 60 Being Made Farida reportedly plans to produce just 60 JC-1 guitars, making this a very limited run. The guitar has been suggested at around $1,989, which is an interesting price point for a high-end, relic'd instrument designed by a former Fender Master Builder. 🤔 The Big Question Could this be a sign of where the guitar industry is heading? What happens when a world-class American guitar builder teams up with a Chinese guitar company and gets the resources to build the guitar he wants? Would you buy a guitar like the Farida JC-1? That's what we're talking about on this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV! #JohnCruz #FaridaGuitars #GuitarBuilder #TalkingGuitars

🎸 GUITAR CENTER IS BUILDING ITS OWN GUITAR! On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we’re talking about Guitar Center’s new Guitar Labs project — and they’re now ready to put their first prototype into the hands of real guitar players! 🔹 Guitar Center has been developing its own guitar line for nearly a year 🔹 The project has been shaped by feedback from guitar players 🔹 The first prototypes are now ready for real-world testing 🔹 Testing will take place at Guitar Center’s Westlake Village, California office 🔹 Player testing is scheduled for late September and early October 🔹 Participants will have to leave their phones outside the testing area 🔹 Testers must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) 🔹 Guitar Center says it wants genuine players and honest opinions 🔹 Influencers and brand representatives can still reach out, but may be involved at a later stage 🔹 Guitar Center CEO Gabe Dalporto says the goal is not simply to make copycat products So what is Guitar Center actually building? 🤔🎸 And what will this first prototype look and sound like? We’ll be talking about it on Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV! 🎸 Rock. Riffs. Real Talk. #GuitarCenter #ElectricGuitar #GuitarLabs #TalkingGuitars

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV 🎸 We’re talking about an incredible and emotional story involving Eddie Van Halen and Jason Becker. Jason Becker recently looked back at his bittersweet first meeting with Eddie — and revealed just how much Eddie did to support him during one of the most difficult periods of his life. 🔥 On this episode: 🎸 Eddie Van Halen was asked to do a satellite linkup with Jason Becker — but Eddie refused unless he could meet Jason in person. ❤️ Jason recalls their emotional first meeting and Eddie’s affectionate reaction. 🎸 Eddie brought Jason a guitar — then became emotional after realizing Jason was no longer able to play it. 📀 Eddie loved Jason’s Perspective album and reportedly pushed Warner Bros. to release it. 💰 Jason says Eddie helped secure a much-needed advance — and also privately helped his family financially. 📺 Eddie and Jason appeared together in a PSA for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. ❤️ Jason reflects on Eddie’s generosity and says he believes Eddie would be proud of the nonprofit he and Serrana co-founded to help people living with ALS. And there’s more Van Halen news! 📖 Alex Van Halen has announced a limited-edition book simply titled Van Halen. The release includes a 7-inch vinyl record featuring “Glitter,” a previously unreleased demo from 1974, along with a Collector Edition featuring a clamshell case and additional Van Halen memorabilia. Was Eddie Van Halen one of the most generous and caring people in the guitar world? And what do you think about Alex’s new Van Halen book and the release of “Glitter”? 👇 Join the conversation in the comments — and make sure to subscribe to Johnny Beane TV for more Van Halen news, stories, history, guitars, and exclusive conversations! 🎸 Rock. Riffs. Real Talk. #EddieVanHalen #JasonBecker #VanHalen #AlexVanHalen

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we have some incredible Van Halen news to talk about — including the first official release of one of the earliest Van Halen recordings ever made! 🎸 “GLITTER” — THE EARLIEST VAN HALEN RECORDING? Today, we’re delighted to reveal what will feature on the exclusive 7-inch picture disc accompanying the VAN HALEN Collector boxed set. The record will feature “Glitter,” a previously unreleased Van Halen demo from 1974. Here’s what makes this recording so special: • 🎸 Recorded in 1974 — “Glitter” captures Van Halen at the very beginning of the band's story. • 🤘 The original lineup — The recording features Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, David Lee Roth and original bassist Mark Stone. • 🔥 An historic recording — “Glitter” will reportedly become the earliest Van Halen recording ever to be officially released. • 📀 7-inch picture disc — The recording will be released exclusively with Alex Van Halen’s signed limited-edition VAN HALEN Collector boxed set. • 🎨 1984-inspired artwork — The picture disc features artwork based on the band's iconic 1984 tour design. • 🎙️ Alex Van Halen spoken-word recording — The record will also include a specially selected spoken-word recording from Alex, taken from his interviews with Genesis for the book. ⚡ 40 YEARS OF “ERUPTION” We’re also looking back at another monumental moment in Van Halen history. September 8, 1977 — exactly 40 years ago — Eddie Van Halen recorded the legendary instrumental “Eruption.” The recording date was uncovered by Van Halen biographer Greg Renoff through his extensive interviews with Van Halen producer Ted Templeman. Here’s what happened: • 🎛️ Eddie was working through his guitar solo for an upcoming Whisky show. • 👂 Ted Templeman heard Eddie practicing and famously asked, “What the hell is that?” • 🎙️ Eddie explained that it was something he did live as his guitar solo. • 🚨 Templeman immediately wanted to record it: “Shit, roll tape.” • 🎸 Eddie didn't initially think the solo would even be included on the album. • 🥁 Eddie, Alex and Michael Anthony quickly recorded the track. • 🔥 Eddie later recalled playing it only two or three times, with the take that “seemed to flow” being chosen. • 🤯 The finished recording introduced the world to Eddie's revolutionary two-handed tapping technique, along with his incredible use of harmonics, tremolo bar techniques and rapid-fire picking. • ⏱️ “Eruption” runs only 1 minute and 43 seconds, but its impact on guitar history is enormous. • 🎸 Even Eddie wasn't completely satisfied with his performance. He later said he felt there was a mistake toward the top of the solo and believed he could have played it better. • 🎶 Despite that, Eddie recognized that the recording sounded completely unique — almost like a classical instrument. From a previously unreleased 1974 demo featuring the original lineup to the recording of “Eruption” in 1977, this episode takes a look at two incredible moments from the early history of Van Halen. #VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #Eruption #AlexVanHalen

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we’re talking about KISS recording new music — and Tommy Thayer confirms the rumors are true! 🎸 KISS has recorded a brand-new song written by Paul Stanley. 🎤 Tommy Thayer confirmed the band is working on new material behind the scenes. 🔥 Thayer says the new song is “great,” but isn’t revealing many details yet. 💿 It’s still unclear whether the new music will become a full KISS album or standalone singles. 🤘 KISS retired from touring in 2023 after their final show at Madison Square Garden. 👀 Despite the end of touring, Thayer says there’s still a lot happening with KISS. 🎭 Potential KISS avatar shows and other future projects could keep the band’s legacy moving forward. ⚡ Tommy Thayer says KISS wants any new music to feel special and have a reason for existing. So, could new KISS music actually be on the way? And what would you want to hear from KISS in 2026? #KISS #PaulStanley #TommyThayer #KISSArmy

🎸 On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV… Randy Rhoads was constantly compared to Eddie Van Halen—but Randy wasn’t interested in competing with Eddie. He was struggling to find his own voice as a guitarist. In a 1981 interview, Rhoads openly talked about the pressure of being expected to constantly improve: • 🎸 He admitted he sometimes found himself doing things Eddie Van Halen did during his live solos. • ⚡ He said the comparison and pressure made it difficult to develop something completely original. • 🧠 Randy wanted time to step back, experiment, and create something nobody had done before. • 🎓 He even envisioned eventually stepping away from the spotlight and returning to school to focus on classical guitar. • 🔥 Despite his incredibly short career, Randy Rhoads became one of the most influential guitarists of his generation. Randy wasn’t trying to be Eddie Van Halen. He wanted to be Randy Rhoads. And that raises an interesting question: What might Randy have created if he’d had more time? #RandyRhoads #EddieVanHalen #GuitarLegends #TalkingGuitars

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we’re talking about the upcoming re-release of Van Halen’s final studio album, A Different Kind of Truth! Originally released in 2012, A Different Kind of Truth featured Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, Wolfgang Van Halen and David Lee Roth and marked Roth’s first original Van Halen studio album since 1984. 🎸 Van Halen – A Different Kind of Truth Reissue October 23, 2026 from Rhino Available on CD and 2LP 180-gram vinyl Double gatefold vinyl package Limited crystal-clear vinyl available at participating independent record stores and Rhino.com Lacquers cut by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering Originally debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 Features songs including “Tattoo,” “She’s The Woman,” “Blood And Fire,” “Stay Frosty,” “Big River” and more We also talk with Michel Schinkel, who was in the Netherlands for the special Alex Van Halen ceremony on September 1, 2026. Alex was honored as a Knight in the Order of the Netherlands Lion, one of the Netherlands’ highest civilian honors. The ceremony took place at Radboud University in Nijmegen, the Dutch city where Alex and Eddie spent part of their childhood. Michel gives us his firsthand account of what the event was like and what it meant to be there for this incredible moment in Alex Van Halen’s history. What do you think of the A Different Kind of Truth re-release—and what does Alex Van Halen receiving this Dutch honor mean to you? #VanHalen #AlexVanHalen #EddieVanHalen #DavidLeeRoth

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we’re talking about some incredible news involving legendary VAN HALEN drummer Alex Van Halen! Earlier today, Tuesday, September 1, Alex was awarded the royal decoration “Ridder in de Orde van de Nederlandse Leeuw” — Knight in the Order of the Lion of the Netherlands. In a short interview after the ceremony, Alex said: "My cousin organized most of this. But I'm very grateful. I think institutions like this are important in people's lives because it adds a dignity and a gravity to what we do. Whether it's actually deserved or not, that's another question. But we can live up to it. That's the whole thing, is you gotta have something to live up to." 🔹 Alex received the highest civilian knighthood of the Netherlands in Nijmegen, the city where he and his brother Eddie lived before their family moved to the United States. 🔹 The honor recognizes outstanding achievements in areas including the arts, science, sport, and literature. 🔹 The 73-year-old musician received the decoration at Radboud University, presented by Nijmegen mayor Hubert Bruls. 🔹 After the ceremony, Alex spoke about the honor, saying he was very grateful and that it gives people something to “live up to.” 🔹 Alex and Eddie were both born in Amsterdam, while their father Jan was a musician and their mother Eugenia was born in Indonesia. 🔹 In 1962, the Van Halen family moved to the United States, settling in Pasadena, California — where Alex and Eddie would go on to change rock music forever. 🤘 🇳🇱 A remarkable honor for one of rock's greatest drummers — and a proud moment for the Van Halen family. #AlexVanHalen #VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #ExclusivelyVanHalen

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we uncover an incredible piece of rock history — The Who’s supposedly lost recordings were hiding in plain sight! 🎸 For years, The Who believed the original master tapes for The Who by Numbers were gone. But musician, keyboard tech and recording historian Brian Kehew discovered them sitting at Sunset Sound in Hollywood — a place nobody had thought to check. 🔥 Here’s what we cover: • The incredible discovery of The Who’s original The Who by Numbers multitrack tapes • How more than 50 years of Who history survived at Sunset Sound • Pete Townshend’s original demos and previously unreleased material • The expanded The Who by Numbers reissue • The early mix of “Imagine a Man” featuring Townshend’s vocals • How Brian Kehew became a musical detective uncovering lost recordings • Pete Townshend pulls out of Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival due to injury • Townshend’s recovery and his hopes of eventually performing with Eric Clapton • Townshend confirms that working with Roger Daltrey and The Who again is in the works 🎸 And related to Crossroads 2026: • Guitar Center unveils its Crossroads 2026 collection featuring limited-edition Eric Clapton and John Mayer guitars • A recreation of Clapton’s legendary Blind Faith Telecaster • An exclusive PRS Silver Sky that John Mayer will play at the festival • Limited-edition Martin guitars, including a $25,000 Eric Clapton 000-42 Brazilian • Special-edition Ernie Ball strings and more Crossroads gear A lost piece of The Who’s history wasn't lost after all — it was sitting in plain sight. 🤘 #TheWho #PeteTownshend #EricClapton #CrossroadsGuitarFestival

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we dive into an incredible piece of guitar history: Kirk Hammett bringing early Metallica material to his guitar teacher, Joe Satriani! 🤘 As Metallica were working on the complex and ambitious arrangements that would become …And Justice for All, Kirk turned to Satch and asked the master, “What do you think I should play over this stuff?” And according to Satriani, some of those ideas were seriously weird! 😳 • 🎸 Kirk Hammett was one of Satriani’s final students • ⚡ Metallica were pushing their songwriting in a completely new direction • 🧠 Satriani used music theory to give Kirk different options for his solos • 🔥 Kirk took that knowledge and turned it into his own style • 🚲 Kirk once rode his bike 25 miles each way just to get to his lessons with Satch! • 🎶 We also look back at Satriani’s other legendary students, including Steve Vai, Alex Skolnick, Larry Lalonde and Rick Hunolt. It’s a fascinating look at the connection between Joe Satriani and Kirk Hammett — and how guitar lessons helped shape one of Metallica’s most important albums. Who knew that some of the early ideas behind …And Justice for All were being brought into Joe Satriani’s guitar lessons? 🤘 #JoeSatriani #KirkHammett #Metallica #AndJusticeForAll

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, our friend G. Buchnoff joins us to show off an incredible piece of Van Halen history — one of only two bass drum resonant heads used during the 1995 Balance Tour! Featuring the iconic jester clown walking a tightrope across a circus ring, this incredibly rare piece was discovered through a Alex Van Halen auction. We talk about the drum head, the Balance Tour, Alex Van Halen’s incredible drum setup, and the story behind this amazing piece of Van Halen memorabilia. If you love Van Halen and rock music, you’re in the right place! 🤘 Like, share, and subscribe to Johnny Beane TV for more Exclusively Van Halen! #VanHalen #AlexVanHalen #BalanceTour #JohnnyBeaneTV

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we’re talking about a newly unearthed Beatles recording that reveals something fascinating about one of their most iconic guitar riffs! 🎸 “Day Tripper” almost didn’t have its legendary guitar riff! A newly released “Day Tripper (Songwriting Work Tape)” gives fans a rare glimpse into John Lennon and Paul McCartney developing the song at Lennon’s home in Surrey. • 🎶 The demo already features much of the chords, lyrics, and harmonies — but the famous guitar riff wasn’t there yet. • 🎸 The iconic riff was added later, with George Harrison playing it on the final recording. • 📝 Lennon maintained that he wrote the riff, along with the vast majority of the song. • ⏱️ The finished version of “Day Tripper” was recorded during an intense eight-hour studio session. • 😂 The work tape even captures Lennon and McCartney laughing and working through the song together. • 🇺🇸 The song drew inspiration from American soul music. • 💿 “Day Tripper” was released alongside “We Can Work It Out” in December 1965. • 📀 The upcoming Rubber Soul Special Edition includes 24 early session recordings, including previously unreleased takes and home demos. • 📅 The expanded Rubber Soul is set for release October 2. It’s an incredible behind-the-scenes look at how The Beatles turned an unfinished idea into one of rock’s most recognizable guitar songs! What do YOU think — would “Day Tripper” have been the same song without that iconic riff? 🎸🤔 #TheBeatles #DayTripper #GeorgeHarrison #Guitar

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we’re talking about a brand-new signature pickup set from Tom Morello and EMG — bringing the legendary tones of his iconic “Arm the Homeless” guitar to guitar players and modders everywhere! 🎸🔥 Morello’s favorite pickup combination, used in his famous guitar for decades, is now available as a complete set for the first time. 🎸 The Tom Morello EMG TM Set: EMG 85 in the bridge — delivering growl, bite, sustain, and plenty of power for massive riffs and solos. EMG H in the neck — a humbucker with a surprisingly classic, almost single-coil-style character. The pickups feature the classic EMG logo, matching the vintage ’80s look of Morello’s originals. This is the exact pickup pairing that helped define the sound of his legendary Arm the Homeless guitar. Morello says the combination has made audiences “bounce up and down” for more than three decades! From Rage Against the Machine to his incredible solo work, Tom Morello has always approached guitar tone differently — and this pickup combination is a huge part of that sound. The EMG TM signature set is available now! What do you think — would you put the Tom Morello pickup combo in your guitar? 🤘 #TomMorello #EMG #RageAgainstTheMachine #TalkingGuitars

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we’re talking about Stage Tour, the spiritual successor to Guitar Hero — and the confirmed setlist is already packed with huge tracks! 🤘 Created by many of the same people behind the original Guitar Hero franchise, Stage Tour is set to launch December 10, with more than 90 playable songs and tons of collectible guitar gear. 🔥 Some of the confirmed tracks include: 🎸 Extreme – Get The Funk Out 🤘 Slipknot – Psychosocial 🎤 Mammoth – The End 🎶 Muse – Starlight 🦇 Ghost – Square Hammer 🔥 Metallica is coming to the game 🎸 Weezer – Island In The Sun ⚡ Paramore – For A Pessimist, I’m Pretty Optimistic 🎵 Red Hot Chili Peppers – Dani California 🤘 Mastodon – The Motherload 🖤 The Cure – Just Like Heaven 🎸 Radiohead – Just 🔥 Bad Omens – Just Pretend But there are some BIG names missing so far — including Van Halen, DragonForce and The Beatles. And with Wolfgang Van Halen’s Mammoth already included, could we eventually see a Van Halen track added? 🎸 THE BIG QUESTION: What ONE song absolutely HAS to be added to Stage Tour? Drop your pick in the comments! 👇 #TalkingGuitars #GuitarHero #StageTour #GuitarGames

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we celebrate 40 years of Van Halen's legendary LIVE WITHOUT A NET! On August 27, 1986, Van Halen took the stage at the New Haven Veterans Memorial Coliseum in New Haven, Connecticut, during the massive 5150 Tour. The performance was filmed and became one of rock's most iconic concert home videos. This was Van Halen's first tour with Sammy Hagar, capturing Eddie Van Halen, Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony and Alex Van Halen at an incredible moment in the band's history. 🔥 40 YEARS AGO TODAY — AUGUST 27, 1986! • Filmed at the New Haven Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Connecticut • Part of Van Halen's 1986 5150 Tour • The second night of Van Halen's two-night New Haven run was used for the concert film • The previous night's recording reportedly suffered from audio problems • The original home video was approximately 90 minutes long • LIVE WITHOUT A NET was released on November 24, 1986 by Warner Reprise Video • It was originally released on VHS and LaserDisc • The video was later released on DVD in 2004 with 5.1 surround-sound mixes • The original video featured the new Van Halen lineup with Sammy Hagar on vocals and guitar • The songs were rearranged for the film rather than presented in the original performance order • "You Really Got Me," "Dreams," "Good Enough" and "Wild Thing" were omitted entirely • Eddie's guitar solo and other brief moments were edited • "Best of Both Worlds" originally included part of Robert Palmer's "Addicted to Love"; that section was removed from the home video • The 1986 MTV Video Music Awards aired "Best of Both Worlds" and "Love Walks In" as one continuous clip, illustrating the different sequence used for the home video • The performance featured memorable solo spots from Alex Van Halen, Michael Anthony and Eddie Van Halen • Eddie's guitar solo became one of the signature moments of the film • "I Can't Drive 55" was another highlight of Sammy Hagar's role in the new Van Halen lineup 🎸 CONCERT CONTINUITY & EDITING: • During Eddie's guitar solo, his cigarette disappears after he throws it away, then mysteriously reappears behind the nut — a classic continuity error • During "I Can't Drive 55," Eddie's Kramer 5150 broke a string. He switched to his Steinberger 5150 to finish the song and then used it for "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" 🎬 ORIGINAL LIVE WITHOUT A NET TRACK LIST: There's Only One Way to Rock Summer Nights Get Up Drum Solo — Alex Van Halen 5150 Best of Both Worlds Bass Solo — Michael Anthony Panama Love Walks In Guitar Solo — Eddie Van Halen I Can't Drive 55 Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love Why Can't This Be Love Rock and Roll The complete concert was longer than the original home-video release, and the 2026 5150 Expanded Edition includes additional audio from that historic August 27 performance, including previously unreleased "Good Enough" and "Wild Thing." 📀 HOME VIDEO & 2026 RELEASE: • Originally released on VHS and LaserDisc in 1986 • Re-released on DVD in 2004 with Stereo, Dolby 5.1 Surround and DTS mixes • The 2004 DVD contains a hidden Easter egg: a short, silent clip from Guster's "Amsterdam" video, accessible through the DVD's VTS files on a computer • The 2026 5150 Expanded Edition includes the concert in HD video on Blu-ray Forty years later, LIVE WITHOUT A NET remains one of the greatest snapshots of Van Halen in the 5150 era. Eddie, Sammy, Alex and Michael were absolutely on fire that night. 🤘 Were you watching LIVE WITHOUT A NET when it first came out in 1986? What is your favorite moment from the video? Let us know in the comments! #VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #LiveWithoutANet

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we talk about the first time Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top saw Eddie Van Halen perform live — and why the experience completely blew his mind. 🤯 Billy Gibbons was blown away the first time he saw Van Halen live in the late 1970s. 🎸 Gibbons had already heard the first Van Halen album and quickly realized Eddie was doing something completely different. 🔥 He praised Eddie’s incredible speed, hammer-ons, ferocious riffs, and technical ability. ⚡ Eddie’s two-handed tapping became one of the defining techniques of the guitar revolution that followed. 🎶 But here’s the amazing part: Billy Gibbons had actually experimented with tapping years before “Eruption.” 📀 While recording ZZ Top’s Tres Hombres in 1973, Gibbons accidentally discovered the technique while demonstrating a bass part to Dusty Hill. 😮 Dusty’s reaction was essentially: “Do that and do it again!” 🎸 Gibbons later acknowledged that Eddie Van Halen took the technique to an entirely different level and helped make it a standard part of rock guitar. ❤️ Gibbons also said Eddie genuinely enjoyed playing, even when delivering some of the most ferocious guitar work imaginable. 🤘 From Gibbons and Eric Clapton to Joe Satriani and countless other guitarists, Eddie’s arrival changed how an entire generation approached the electric guitar. So who really transformed tapping into a guitar revolution — and did Eddie Van Halen simply take an existing technique and completely reinvent it? #VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #BillyGibbons #ZZTop

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we talk about former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony joining Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening onstage Saturday, August 22, at Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, California! Anthony and Bonham teamed up for two legendary songs — Van Halen’s “Runnin’ With the Devil” and Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.” 🎸 What Happened? Michael Anthony joined Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening for a special guest appearance. The pair performed “Runnin’ With the Devil” by Van Halen. They followed it with Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.” Anthony and Bonham previously shared the stage in Sammy Hagar’s The Circle and the Best of All Worlds Band. Fan-filmed video of the performance was uploaded by Todd Norris / MusicVault on YouTube. Jason Bonham left Hagar’s band in 2024 and was replaced by Kenny Aronoff. Bonham later explained that he had to step away while caring for his mother following her stroke. In 2025, Bonham said he was initially upset about his departure from Hagar’s band, but still expressed his love and respect for Sammy, Michael Anthony and the years they spent together. Bonham and Anthony have remained close, with Bonham saying they speak every week. Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening features vocalist/guitarist James Dylan, bassist Dorian Heartsong, lead guitarist Akio “Mr. Jimmy” Sakurai, and rhythm guitarist/keyboardist Alex Howland. Bonham originally formed Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience in 2009 as a tribute to his late father, legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. The band later changed its name to Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening after the Led Zeppelin camp requested use of the “Experience” name for an archival project. Jason has also performed with the surviving members of Led Zeppelin on several occasions, including the legendary 2007 Ahmet Ertegun tribute concert at London’s O2 Arena. 🔥 What a combination — Michael Anthony playing Van Halen and Jason Bonham playing Led Zeppelin! QUESTION: Would you want to see Michael Anthony and Jason Bonham team up for a full Van Halen/Led Zeppelin tribute show? #VanHalen #MichaelAnthony #JasonBonham #LedZeppelin

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we take a deep dive into David Lee Roth’s controversial 1988 album Skyscraper—and why Billy Sheehan believes Roth could have been hailed as the “genius of the century” if the gamble had paid off. After leaving Van Halen in 1985, Roth assembled an incredible lineup featuring Steve Vai, Billy Sheehan, and Gregg Bissonette. Their 1986 debut, Eat ’Em and Smile, was a massive success, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and establishing Roth as a major solo rock star. Then came Skyscraper. Instead of simply repeating the formula, Roth pushed toward synths, programmed beats, keyboards, and more dance-oriented sounds, while still featuring Steve Vai’s explosive guitar work. 🎸 Billy Sheehan on the Risk Sheehan says Skyscraper may have been caught between two worlds: 🤘 Rock fans weren’t necessarily looking for dance-oriented sounds. 🕺 Dance fans weren’t necessarily interested in a rock band. 🎹 Roth was deliberately experimenting with a very different sound. 🚀 If it had completely worked, Sheehan believes Roth would have been celebrated as a musical genius. 🎲 Instead of playing it safe, Roth took a major creative risk. And Sheehan respects him for it. “If it would have been successful, then Dave would have ruled the world.” 🎧 Why Skyscraper Felt So Different Sheehan also remembers the recording process being dramatically different from Eat ’Em and Smile. Instead of the band creating the record together, Skyscraper was assembled piece by piece, with more programmed and sequenced elements. That difference is especially obvious on “Just Like Paradise,” one of Roth’s biggest solo hits. Steve Vai later explained how the song was built around keyboards and sequencing, with his guitar parts added afterward—including a solo from an earlier demo that ultimately became the version used on the finished record. 🔥 The Big Question Was Skyscraper a brilliant creative move that was simply ahead of its time—or did David Lee Roth alienate both the rock and dance audiences he was trying to reach? And would you rather have seen Roth stick with the Eat ’Em and Smile formula, or are you glad he took the risk with Skyscraper? #VanHalen #DavidLeeRoth #SteveVai #BillySheehan

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we take a look at Charvel’s brand-new Pro Plus Dinky DK24 models—four metal-focused guitars loaded with serious firepower, including Seymour Duncan Nazgul pickups, Floyd Rose tremolos, stainless-steel frets, and killer new finishes like Zombie Fade. Charvel has expanded the Pro Plus Dinky DK24 lineup with four new models designed for speed, precision, and heavy music. While these guitars are built for shredders, the pickup and hardware combinations make them especially interesting for modern metal players. 🔥 What’s New? 🎸 Three HH models feature Seymour Duncan Nazgul bridge and Sentient neck humbuckers. ⚡ The HSS model uses a Seymour Duncan Full Shred TB-10 at the bridge with Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 single-coils. 🤘 Two HH models come equipped with Floyd Rose 1500 Series double-locking tremolos for dive bombs and extreme whammy-bar work. 🎯 The HH HT model features a Charvel HT6 string-through hardtail bridge. 🌳 The hardtail is the only model with an Ash Dinky body; the others use Basswood. 🏁 All four guitars feature 24 stainless-steel jumbo frets. 💀 New finishes include the seriously metal Zombie Fade, along with Amber Tiger Eye, Crimson Eclipse, black, white, and other options. 💰 Prices range from approximately $1,199 to $1,399, putting these models in an attractive mid-price range. These are also significant as the first new Charvel models released since the death of company founder Wayne Charvel. His influence on the Superstrat and modern custom-guitar movement continues to be evident in guitars like these. Which one would you choose—the Nazgul-loaded HH with a Floyd Rose, the hardtail, or the HSS model? And would YOU take the Zombie Fade finish? 👇 #Charvel #GuitarGear #MetalGuitar

Mike Dirnt Is Selling Green Day’s Most Iconic Tour-Worn Gear! 🔥🎸 Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt is selling a collection of iconic guitars, basses, amps, clothing, and stage-worn gear through his official Reverb shop — and some of these pieces have serious Green Day history behind them! 🎸 Highlights from Mike Dirnt’s Collection: 🔥 Basses that were actually burned on stage during Green Day’s Nimrod and Warning tours 🎸 American Idiot-era Fender Mike Dirnt Signature Precision basses 💥 An “unintentionally smashed” Gibson Grabber bass 🎶 A signed Fender bass used on the Nimrod album 🔊 One of the first Ampeg SVT-810 cabinets Dirnt bought with his first Green Day paycheck — and used on the Dookie tour 🎛️ Mesa/Boogie amps and speaker cabinets with thousands of touring miles 🎸 A 1962 Fender P-Bass in Fiesta Red from Dirnt’s personal studio collection 📺 Clothing worn in Green Day videos including “Wake Me Up When September Ends” and “Oh Yeah” 👕 Tour outfits from the American Idiot, 21st Century Breakdown and ¡UNO! eras Dirnt says he’s collected countless guitars, basses and amps over the years because each instrument can inspire a song. Now, after years of recording and touring, he’s ready to pass some of that history on to the next generation of players and Green Day fans. 🔥 The Mike Dirnt Reverb shop goes live September 9! Would you buy a Green Day bass that was actually burned on stage? 🎸🔥 #GreenDay #MikeDirnt #BassGuitar #GuitarCollecting

Brad Gillis Recalls the Bizarre Scorpion Incident With ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we dive into one of the strangest backstage stories from Night Ranger’s early days on the road with ZZ Top. After briefly joining Ozzy Osbourne’s band following the tragic death of Randy Rhoads, guitarist Brad Gillis returned to Night Ranger and immediately found himself touring with some of rock’s biggest names, including KISS and ZZ Top. Gillis remembers how warmly both legendary bands treated Night Ranger—but one ZZ Top tour produced an unforgettable backstage incident involving bassist Jack Blades and a tiny scorpion. 🦂 The Scorpion Incident Night Ranger was touring with ZZ Top during the band’s early years. Billy Gibbons frequently hung out backstage with the younger band. During one show, reportedly in New Mexico, Jack Blades left his coat or shirt on a chair. A baby scorpion apparently crawled inside the clothing. After the show, Blades put the garment back on—and was stung by the scorpion. When Gibbons heard what happened, he reportedly asked if it was a small scorpion. When Blades said yes, Gibbons warned: “Those are the most poisonous.” Blades was taken to the hospital and successfully treated. The scorpion was captured and eventually preserved in a glass display. Billy Gibbons reportedly turned it into a bizarre souvenir for Blades, complete with a message wishing him mercy! 🎸 From Backstage Pranks to Rock History What makes the story even more memorable is the friendship between the bands. Gillis says ZZ Top essentially took Night Ranger under their wing when they were still a new group riding the success of “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me.” More than 40 years later, Night Ranger and ZZ Top are still sharing stages, making Gillis’s memories of the band—and especially the late Frank Beard—even more meaningful. It’s one of those incredible rock-and-roll stories that sounds completely made up… until you hear it from someone who was actually there. What would YOU do if you put on your jacket and got stung by a scorpion backstage? 🦂😂 #TalkingGuitars #JohnnyBeaneTV #BradGillis #NightRanger #ZZTop #BillyGibbons #JackBlades #FrankBeard #ElectricGuitar #GuitarPlayers #RockAndRoll #ClassicRock #GuitarHistory #RockHistory #OzzyOsbourne #RandyRhoads #KISS

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we take a look at an incredible Van Halen moment from the Guitar Center Drum-Off finale at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles! On Thursday, August 20, Michael Anthony, legendary bassist of Van Halen, joined powerhouse guitarist Phil X and drummer Kenny Aronoff for a live performance of Van Halen material. The chemistry between these three musicians was absolutely electric—and hearing Michael Anthony back on stage delivering that unmistakable Van Halen sound is something fans won’t want to miss! 🔥 Michael Anthony + Phil X + Kenny Aronoff 🎸 Van Halen material LIVE 📍 Fonda Theatre — Los Angeles 🥁 Guitar Center Drum-Off Finale — August 20, 2026 Watch the performance, share your thoughts, and let us know: Would you have wanted to see this lineup perform a full Van Halen set? #VanHalen #MichaelAnthony #PhilX #KennyAronoff

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we dive into the incredible story of how Eddie Van Halen encouraged Lita Ford to get back to work and launch her solo career after The Runaways. After The Runaways broke up in 1979, Ford stepped away from the rock world and even took a job at a department store. But Eddie wasn’t about to let her stay there for long! 🔥 Here’s what happened: Lita Ford started her professional career at just 16 years old with The Runaways. After the band split, she went through a period of isolation and stepped away from music. Ford eventually began working at a department store while wearing her old Runaways gear. Eddie Van Halen came over and called her out for not doing anything! Eddie’s encouragement helped push Ford back into rehearsing and pursuing music again. After struggling to find the right singer, Lita decided to sing herself—despite not considering herself a vocalist. Her 1983 debut album, Out for Blood, wasn't the production she wanted, but she refused to give up. Ford went on to become one of rock's most respected female guitarists and performers. Lita Ford's story is a great reminder of how much Eddie Van Halen encouraged and inspired other musicians—sometimes simply by pushing them to believe in themselves. 🎸 Did you know Eddie Van Halen played a role in getting Lita Ford back into music? #VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #LitaFord #TheRunaways

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we’re talking about a very cool tribute to one of rock’s most legendary albums! 🔥 Billy Sheehan is celebrating the 40th anniversary of David Lee Roth’s Eat ’Em and Smile in a unique way: 🎸 Sheehan has reunited with Ray Luzier of Korn and other musicians to record 4–5 songs that were considered for the original album but never recorded. 🎶 The project is nearly finished and could be released within about a month. 🤘 Sheehan is also re-recording a couple of songs that appeared on the original Eat ’Em and Smile. ⭐ The original lineup featured David Lee Roth, Steve Vai, Billy Sheehan and Gregg Bissonette. ❤️ Sheehan describes his time with Roth as “the most amazing time of my life” and says the Eat ’Em and Smile tour was beyond anything they imagined. Released in July 1986, Eat ’Em and Smile was Roth’s first solo album following his split from Van Halen—and it remains a landmark record for fans of guitar, bass and ’80s rock. 🎤 Would you like to hear Billy Sheehan’s new recordings of the unreleased Eat ’Em and Smile songs? Let us know! #VanHalen #DavidLeeRoth #BillySheehan #EatEmAndSmile

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we’re talking about Jacob Deraps, the Van Halen-obsessed guitarist who has become the face of the latest EVH Wolfgang Special guitars—and his uncanny ability to capture the spirit of Eddie Van Halen. 🎸 Why is Jacob Deraps getting so much attention? 🔥 Eddie’s influence is everywhere — Deraps has spent years obsessing over Eddie Van Halen’s playing, tone, feel, and technique. ⚡ The Eddie factor is REAL — His playing has impressed countless Van Halen fans, with some calling him one of the closest players they’ve ever heard to Eddie. 🎥 The new EVH Wolfgang Special promo — Deraps wrote, recorded, and performed the track featured in the guitar’s promotional video. 🤘 A dream come true — Deraps was flown to California to work with EVH Gear on the video and called the experience an absolute honor. 🎶 More than an Eddie clone — While you’ll hear unmistakable Van Halen-inspired touches—including tapping and Floyd Rose tremolo work—Deraps brings his own modern sound and songwriting into the spotlight. 🎸 The new Wolfgang Special — The guitar features a basswood body, arched top, quartersawn baked maple neck, Floyd Rose tremolo with EVH D-Tuna technology, and Alnico 2 humbuckers. 💥 Price: $1,499. What makes Jacob Deraps especially interesting is that he isn’t simply trying to recreate Eddie Van Halen. He’s taking the influence of one of the greatest guitarists ever and using it as a foundation for his own identity and style. And when it comes to honoring Eddie while still moving forward, that's a pretty impressive combination. Is Jacob Deraps the closest guitarist you’ve ever heard to Eddie Van Halen? 🎸🔥 Let us know what you think in the comments! #VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #EVHGear #JacobDeraps

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we pay tribute to Frank Beard, the legendary drummer and longtime backbone of ZZ Top, who has passed away at 77. 🥁 Frank Beard: The Beat Behind ZZ Top Beard joined ZZ Top in the early 1970s and became an essential part of the band’s signature sound. His rock-solid Texas shuffle helped drive classics like “La Grange,” “Tush,” and “Cheap Sunglasses.” He was instrumental in bringing Dusty Hill into the band, completing the classic ZZ Top lineup with Billy Gibbons. ZZ Top’s breakthrough came with albums like Tres Hombres, Fandango!, and later the massive Eliminator. Beard remained behind the kit through more than five decades of recording, touring, and rock ’n’ roll history. ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. After Dusty Hill’s passing in 2021, Beard and Billy Gibbons continued carrying the ZZ Top legacy forward. Frank Beard may not have had the famous beard—but his drumming was every bit as recognizable as the band’s riffs, guitars, and Texas boogie. 🎸 RIP Frank Beard. Thank you for the groove, the music, and more than 50 years of ZZ Top history. #ZZTop #FrankBeard #RockMusic #TalkingGuitars

Ritchie Blackmore’s Emotional Deep Purple Reunion: “Smoke on the Water” Brings It All Back! On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we dive into an incredible rock history moment: Ritchie Blackmore’s emotional reunion with Deep Purple! 🎸🔥 After more than 33 years, Blackmore stepped back onstage with his former bandmates to perform the legendary “Smoke on the Water” at Jones Beach near New York. 🎸 Why This Reunion Was So Special: Ritchie Blackmore hadn’t performed with Deep Purple since 1993! Blackmore says the idea was his, because he wanted to show fans that there were no hard feelings. He told Guitar Player that he felt it could be the last time the band members might see each other. His wife, Candice Night, helped connect him with Ian Gillan, who reportedly responded, “It made me smile.” Blackmore returned to the stage with Ian Gillan, Roger Glover and Ian Paice. He brought out a Stratocaster he had used in the 1980s and played through a 50-watt amp. Blackmore admitted he hadn’t properly played a Strat in about 30 years! He kept his playing simple, letting Simon McBride handle much of the main riff before Blackmore stepped in for his own fills and solo. Blackmore described the moment as incredibly emotional, comparing it to old soldiers from the same army getting back together. 🤘 And Then There Was That Moment… During the performance, Gillan put his hand on Blackmore’s shoulder while singing, and later Blackmore grabbed Gillan’s wrist and placed his hand on the guitar. Afterward, Gillan welcomed Blackmore back, calling him “the founding member, the great legend, the immortal Ritchie Blackmore.” That’s rock history. From the classic Mark II lineup to decades of separation, clashes, reunions and everything in between, seeing Blackmore and Deep Purple sharing the stage again was something nobody knew if they would ever witness. Was this the greatest Deep Purple reunion moment in decades? Would you like to see Ritchie Blackmore perform with Deep Purple again? Let us know in the comments! 🎸 Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV — guitars, rock history, gear, interviews and the stories behind the music! #RitchieBlackmore #DeepPurple #SmokeOnTheWater #GuitarNews

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we’re talking guitar strings, legendary guitars, and one very cool piece of Night Ranger history! 🎸 Guitar Center’s Top 5 Best-Selling Electric Guitar Strings Guitar Center analyzed sales data from more than 300 stores across the U.S., along with its online business, to reveal the electric guitar strings players are buying the most. 🥇 Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 10–46 — The longtime industry standard takes the top spot. 🥈 GHS GBL Boomers Light 10–46 — A surprising second-place finish with their bright, snappy tone and pronounced attack. 🥉 D’Addario NYXL Light 10–46 — The premium NYXL set beats D’Addario’s more affordable EXL series. 4️⃣ DR Strings PHR10 Pure Blues Medium — A wildcard pick featuring a vintage-style round core for a warm, punchy tone. 5️⃣ Elixir NANOWEB Light — The only coated strings in the top five, offering longer life while maintaining a traditional feel. And there’s one interesting thing they all have in common: 10–46 gauge. Ernie Ball may still be king, but the GHS Boomers taking the silver medal is definitely one of the biggest surprises on the list! Then, we take a trip back to 1989 and the famous Guitar World cover featuring Night Ranger guitarist Brad Gillis and his custom 1985 Hamer S-style. Gillis was famously devoted to his 1962 Fender Stratocaster, “Bubba,” so it took a special guitar to get him to put it down. Paul Hamer built the custom Hamer for Gillis, and it featured similarities to Bubba, including PJ Marx pickups and a wireless switching system developed by Gillis’ brother. So why did Brad choose the Hamer for that famous Guitar World cover? His answer says it all: “I was just stroking Hamer, to be honest!” 😂 We also look at the interesting story behind the guitar, the magazine’s original identification mistake, Gillis’ Hamer Scepter, and what eventually happened to the famous 1985 Hamer. What strings are YOU putting on your guitar—and which guitar would you rather own: Brad Gillis’ Hamer or “Bubba”? #GuitarStrings #GuitarCenter #ElectricGuitar #TalkingGuitars

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we read a fascinating story about Ritchie Blackmore, Deep Purple, and one of the most unexpected influences behind the band’s 1984 reunion. Blackmore recently reunited with Deep Purple onstage for the first time in 33 years, joining his former bandmates at New York’s Jones Beach Theater for “Smoke on the Water.” It was an incredible moment for a guitarist who had spent decades away from the band he co-founded. But Blackmore’s first Deep Purple reunion in 1984 had a surprising connection to another legendary group — The Police. After leaving Deep Purple in 1975 to form Rainbow with Ronnie James Dio, Blackmore eventually saw an opportunity to bring the classic Mark II lineup back together. And according to Blackmore himself, part of the reason was what he felt was missing from the rock scene at the time. Speaking to Metal Hammer in 1987, Blackmore bluntly explained: “Everyone was playing like the Police. And can I state here that I hate the Police?” The timing is fascinating. The Police were at the height of their success following their massive 1983 album Synchronicity, while Blackmore felt there was a gap in rock music for something heavier, rawer, and more aggressive. As he put it, “There just wasn’t a band playing that earthy kind of rock.” Blackmore believed Deep Purple could fill that void with their hard-driving, blues-based sound — music he felt didn't have the polished sheen dominating much of the rock world. And he was right. In 1984, the classic Mark II lineup returned with Perfect Strangers, giving Deep Purple a remarkable second chapter. Blackmore remained with the band until 1993, when he left again. Now, more than three decades later, seeing him back onstage with Deep Purple makes this story even more fascinating. So, what do you think — did Ritchie Blackmore have a point about the state of rock music in the 1980s, or was he just being Ritchie Blackmore? #RitchieBlackmore #DeepPurple #ThePolice #TalkingGuitars

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we take a fascinating look back at one of guitar history’s greatest secret supergroups — Biff Baby’s All-Stars — and an incredible story involving Eddie Van Halen and Albert Lee! 🎸 Albert Lee reveals Eddie Van Halen was reluctant to play “Country Boy” with the group because he didn’t think the song fit his style. ⚡ Eddie reportedly told Lee, “I can’t play on that!” 🤘 Lee’s response? “Yes, you can — you can do all that tapping!” 🔥 Eddie went on to prove, once again, that he could step outside his comfort zone and absolutely crush it. ⭐ Biff Baby’s All-Stars featured an unbelievable lineup of musicians, including Albert Lee, Eddie Van Halen, Steve Morse, and Steve Lukather. 🎶 The group played secretive, informal gigs under a strange name, often attracting packed crowds who had no idea which guitar legends might show up. 🏟️ One legendary performance took place at NAMM, a show that fans and musicians continued talking about for years. 📼 Sadly, the group never recorded an official album, leaving only a handful of rough bootleg recordings documenting these incredible jams. It’s another amazing glimpse into Eddie Van Halen’s musical curiosity, versatility, and willingness to jump into styles outside his usual territory. What do you think — would you have loved to see Eddie Van Halen, Albert Lee, Steve Morse, and Steve Lukather jam together live? #VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #AlbertLee #SteveMorse

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we travel back 40 years to August 12, 1986! 🤘 Longtime Van Halen fan and drummer Kurt Ekstrom attended his very first Van Halen concert that night—a show he still remembers vividly four decades later. Kurt, a longtime admirer of Alex Van Halen, has written extensively about drums and gear for Not So Modern Drummer and has even appeared on the Drum History Podcast discussing Alex’s legendary setup. Now, 40 years later, Kurt shares his incredible memories of finally seeing his musical heroes—and especially his drumming hero, Alex Van Halen, live for the first time! 🥁🔥 40 years later… the memories are still loud! #VanHalen #AlexVanHalen #ExclusivelyVanHalen #JohnnyBeaneTV

How close can you get to owning a true Eddie Van Halen-inspired masterpiece? 🎸🔥 On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we take a look at the incredible EVH Custom Shop Wolfgang HH guitars available through Sweetwater — battle-scarred, collector-grade instruments designed with Eddie’s legendary, well-worn guitars in mind. From the heavily relic’d striped finish and lightweight basswood body to the sustain-rich bigleaf maple, quarter-sawn maple neck, bird’s-eye maple fingerboard, EVH Wolfgang humbuckers, Kill switch, Floyd Rose tremolo, and D-Tuna, these guitars are loaded with the features that make the Wolfgang unmistakably EVH. But the big question is: Is this the ultimate Wolfgang for an Eddie Van Halen fan and collector? We take a closer look at what makes these Custom Shop guitars so special and why they could be some of the most impressive EVH instruments Sweetwater has ever offered. #VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #EVHGuitars #WolfgangGuitar

NEW MXR FLANGER/DOUBLER! 🎸 The original MXR Model 126 Flanger/Doubler rack-mount unit was released in 1976 🎸 Want to grab one of these pedals? Use my affiliate link—it won’t cost you anything extra, and your purchase helps support Johnny Beane TV and keep these shows going! https://amzn.to/4xDwrHV On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we check out the brand-new MXR Flanger/Doubler — a modern pedal recreation of the legendary original MXR rack unit! This all-analog pedal brings classic ’70s and ’80s studio textures into a pedalboard-friendly format, with plenty of control for creating your own sounds. 🔥 FEATURES: • All-analog flanger and doubler effects • Authentic bucket-brigade devices • Flanger mode for sweeping jet-engine motion and metallic resonance • Doubler mode for thick, layered tones, chorus, and slapback-style effects • Manual, Width, Speed, Regen, and Mix controls • Two LEDs display instantaneous delay time and modulation activity • Invert switch for unique hollow, airy, or punchy textures • CV In/Out for synths, sequencers, expression pedals, and external control • Line Level switch for handling hotter signals • Designed for vintage tones and experimental soundscapes From classic swirling modulation to thick studio doubling and completely wild textures, the MXR Flanger/Doubler gives you a serious amount of control. 🎸 We take a closer look at this brand-new pedal on Talking Guitars — only on Johnny Beane TV! #MXR #MXRFlangerDoubler #GuitarPedals #GuitarGear

🎸 TALKING GUITARS: DID D’ADDARIO USE AI TO FAKE A GUITAR STRING DEMO? D’Addario has finally admitted that generative AI was used in a controversial promo video for its NYXL HD electric guitar strings — after initially denying it. Here’s what happened: • D’Addario initially denied using AI in the demo • The company provided a Logic session to back up its claims • Guitarists noticed major differences between the session and the final track • D’Addario later blamed AI mixing and mastering tools • LANDR even weighed in on the controversy • D’Addario has now confirmed that Suno Studio was used to regenerate the original track • The company says, “We got this wrong” and apologized • D’Addario also acknowledged that deleting criticism from its social media was a mistake • The company says employees and creative partners will now have to disclose generative AI use 🎸 But does this change the way you look at D’Addario and its products? We talk about the entire controversy on Talking Guitars — Johnny Beane TV! #DAddario #GuitarNews #AI #GuitarCommunity

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen, we dig into a Rolling Stone article highlighting 22 different versions of one of Van Halen’s most iconic songs — from the original 1984 recording to live performances with David Lee Roth, Sammy Hagar, Gary Cherone, Mitch Malloy, Roth solo, Sammy Hagar & Michael Anthony, Wolfgang Van Halen at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert, David Lee Roth with Foo Fighters, and Roth’s 2026 performance with Teddy Swims! Then we jump into the Zeke Clark Collection at Backstage Auctions, which ends TODAY! We're talking Eddie Van Halen studio-used guitars, amplifiers, stage-used picks, crew passes, crew shirts and tons of incredible Van Halen history. Plus, David Lee Roth played Sturgis last night, and we check out the photos! We also take a look at an unreleased Eddie Van Halen photo from Diver Down, recently released by photographer David Bertinelli as a limited-edition fine art print. https://www.davidpbertinelli.com/ And just posted: Alex Van Halen shares a photo of a Van Halen debut 8-track — could it be from his car? All that, plus more Van Halen news and hanging out with the chat, right here on Johnny Beane TV! #VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #DavidLeeRoth #SammyHagar #Panama

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we’re going back to the legendary 1978 Black Sabbath/Van Halen tour—and one of the craziest stories ever told about David Lee Roth and Ozzy Osbourne! 🔥 Ozzy disappeared. 🔥 Tony Iommi confronted David Lee Roth. 🔥 The FBI and police got involved. 🔥 Black Sabbath even considered canceling the show. 🔥 And then… Ozzy suddenly walked into the hotel lobby wearing his pajamas! So where had he been? According to Roth, Ozzy had mistakenly used an old hotel room key, found the matching room number, kicked out the housekeeper, climbed into bed… and slept for nearly 18 HOURS! 😂 And somehow, David Lee Roth was getting blamed for the whole thing! This is one of the wildest stories from the legendary 1978 Van Halen and Black Sabbath tour—and a perfect example of just how crazy those early Van Halen days could get. What do YOU think really happened to Ozzy that night? 👇 #VanHalen #DavidLeeRoth #OzzyOsbourne #BlackSabbath

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we dive into Gibson's exciting announcement that the fourth Gibson Garage is coming to the Las Vegas Strip in 2027! Could this become the ultimate destination for guitar players? Forget the late-night wedding chapel—how about waking up with a Custom Shop Murphy Lab Les Paul instead? 🤘 We'll discuss: 🎸 Why Gibson chose Las Vegas for its newest flagship location 🏙️ What makes this 9,000-square-foot Gibson Garage the biggest and boldest yet 🔥 The first-ever Les Paul '59 Experience 🎵 Hands-on access to Gibson, Epiphone, Kramer, Mesa/Boogie, Maestro, and KRK gear 🎨 A dedicated Acoustic Murphy Lab Collection Room featuring Gibson's incredible aging process ⭐ How this new location builds on the success of Nashville, London, and Miami 🎤 Why Gibson says this will be much more than a guitar store—it's a complete music experience Is Gibson creating the ultimate guitar destination on the Las Vegas Strip? Join us as we break down everything we know and what it could mean for guitar players and collectors around the world. #Gibson #GibsonGarage #LasVegas #TalkingGuitars

David Lee Roth's Skyscraper Broke Up His Band? Billy Sheehan Reveals What Really Happened! On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we dive into the story behind David Lee Roth's Skyscraper and why bassist Billy Sheehan says it marked the end of the magic. After the massive success of Eat 'Em and Smile, Roth's all-star band—featuring Steve Vai, Billy Sheehan, and Gregg Bissonette—seemed unstoppable. But behind the scenes, everything changed. We'll discuss: 🎸 Why Billy Sheehan says Skyscraper "felt stiff." 🍻 How the fun, collaborative atmosphere of Eat 'Em and Smile disappeared. 🎙️ Why recording the album one musician at a time changed the band's chemistry. 🚪 The real reason Billy Sheehan decided to leave David Lee Roth's band. 🎸 Steve Vai's reaction to Sheehan's departure—and why he stayed. 📉 Why Roth's solo career never reached the same heights after those first two albums. 📰 Plus: David Lee Roth's recent tour cancellations and Sammy Hagar's response. Was Skyscraper the beginning of the end for David Lee Roth's legendary solo band? Join us live and share your thoughts in the chat! #VanHalen #DavidLeeRoth #BillySheehan #SteveVai

Join us on this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV as we're joined by Paco and Sergio from Top Jimmies, Puerto Rico's tribute to classic Van Halen! Top Jimmies bring the energy, the attitude, and the music that made Van Halen legendary—performing the classic songs that keep fans singing and dancing all night long. We talk about the band's history, their love for Eddie Van Halen and the music of Van Halen, what it's like performing these iconic songs live, and how they keep the spirit of classic Van Halen alive in Puerto Rico. You'll also hear from Sergio Blass, who first rose to fame as a member of the iconic Latin pop group Menudo, before becoming part of Top Jimmies. It's a fun conversation that connects two very different chapters of his musical career. Whether you're a fan of the David Lee Roth era, the Sammy Hagar era, Eddie Van Halen's incredible guitar playing, or simply love classic rock, there's something here for every Van Halen fan. 🎸 Follow Top Jimmies: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Topjimmies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/top_jimmies If you enjoy Van Halen interviews, rare stories, guitar talk, gear discussions, and conversations with musicians from around the world, be sure to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to Johnny Beane TV. Ring the notification bell so you never miss a new episode of Exclusively Van Halen! What is your favorite Van Halen song to hear performed live? Let us know in the comments below! #VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #JohnnyBeaneTV #SergioBlass #TopJimmies

On Part 6, the thrilling finale of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, legendary guitar tech Zeke Clark wraps up this incredible series with an unforgettable collection of Prince memorabilia, rare rock collectibles, and amazing stories from his career working with some of music's biggest legends—all from his current Backstage Auctions event. The episode begins with more stories about the Dunlop Cry Baby Wah pedal that was personally gifted to Zeke by Eddie Van Halen, followed by 2012 Eddie Van Halen guitar picks, Taylor Swift Fearless-era guitar picks, Dunlop Taylor Swift picks, and Alex Lifeson's 2007 Rush Snakes & Arrows Tour guitar picks. The spotlight then turns to Zeke's years working with Prince, featuring an incredible collection of Love Symbol and Love God guitar picks, New Power Generation picks, rare backstage passes, VHS tapes, floppy disks, and personal items hand-stamped with Prince's famous Love Symbol stamp—something only Prince himself possessed. Zeke also shares the story behind creating the iconic silver foil Love Symbol guitar pick stickers, a detail Prince loved and personally approved. The Prince collection continues with New Power Generation European tour denim shorts, a matching denim jacket, and an extraordinary custom 1994 Monaco World Music Awards airbrushed jacket, featuring Prince's portrait and his famous microphone gun artwork—a true one-of-one piece of music history. The finale also explores an incredible variety of memorabilia from some of rock's biggest names, including Pearl Jam, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Black Sabbath, Metallica, James Brown, Guns N' Roses, KISS, Mr. Big, Vixen, Great White, White Zombie, Korn, Linkin Park, Alter Bridge, Eric Clapton, Alice in Chains, ZZ Top, Cheap Trick, Ted Nugent, Jack White, Glen Campbell, and many more. Also featured is a rare 1990s Aerosmith Rocket Cargo Crew Nike fleece jacket—one of only 20 ever made—along with additional Aerosmith memorabilia, country music collectibles signed by artists including Faith Hill, Clint Black, Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, and Dwight Yoakam, plus a special Eddie Money autographed collection gifted to Zeke by Eddie Money's estate. From Van Halen and Prince to rock, metal, country, and beyond, this finale showcases an incredible lifetime of memories and one-of-a-kind collectibles. Every item has a story, and Zeke Clark was there to live it. Don't miss the conclusion of this remarkable series, and be sure to check out the current Backstage Auctions event to see these amazing pieces of music history. #VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #Prince #BackstageAuctions

On Part 5 of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, legendary guitar tech Zeke Clark continues exploring his extraordinary current Backstage Auctions collection, showcasing more rare Van Halen memorabilia and sharing the incredible stories behind each historic item. This episode features an outstanding collection of For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge and Right Here Right Now tour memorabilia, beginning with a 1991 Spectrum Philadelphia/Electric Factory concert shirt, embroidered For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge crew polo shirts worn by Zeke at special events like the NAMM Show alongside Eddie Van Halen, and a remarkable assortment of Edward Van Halen stage-used guitar picks from the 1991–1992 era. These rare tortoise, pink, and yellow picks feature Eddie's signature and the iconic Van Halen Rings logo, with many carrying humorous custom messages. Zeke also shares a rare 1991–1992 Total Access Mexico backstage pass issued exclusively to him, a collection of Michael Anthony guitar picks spanning 1991–1993, and three custom 1992 Cabo Wabo backstage passes. He even reveals authentic Van Halen bootleg concert T-shirts purchased outside venues during the band's Mexico tour—shirts that security tried to confiscate, but Zeke managed to save as unique souvenirs. The collection continues with a rare 1993 MCA Concerts Canada baseball jersey, Right Here Right Now VIP and Access All Areas laminates, additional European tour guitar picks, official crew shirts, and one of the rarest pieces in the entire collection—a crew-made "Just Spank It" T-shirt, inspired by Van Halen's Spanked. Featuring custom artwork of the band and the unforgettable "1-900-GET-SPANKED" design, this legendary shirt is an incredible piece of Van Halen tour history. Also featured are a luxurious 1993 Right Here Right Now UK/Europe crew bathrobe, a lightweight Van Halen crew gift briefcase, and a rare laminate from Van Halen's legendary 1993 Whisky a Go Go performance celebrating the band's 15th anniversary, where they filmed the live video for "Dreams." Rounding out the episode, Zeke showcases more Michael Anthony guitar picks from Van Halen III, Chickenfoot, Mad Anthony Express, and Sammy Hagar's Best of All Worlds era, along with an original Dunlop Cry Baby Wah pedal personally gifted to him by Eddie Van Halen. He also shares never-before-seen personal photographs from the 5150 Tour, giving fans another unforgettable behind-the-scenes look at life on the road with Van Halen. Every item has an incredible story, and Zeke was there to experience it all. If you're a Van Halen fan, collector, guitarist, or lover of rock history, this is another can't-miss episode packed with rare memorabilia, exclusive stories, and priceless memories. Be sure to check out the current Backstage Auctions event to explore these amazing pieces of rock history. #VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #ZekeClark #BackstageAuctions

On Part 4 of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, legendary guitar tech Zeke Clark continues exploring his remarkable current Backstage Auctions collection, sharing even more rare Van Halen memorabilia and the unforgettable stories behind each piece. The episode begins with an in-depth look at the Seymour Duncan humbucker pickup that was owned and used by Eddie Van Halen, followed by an incredible collection of stage-used EVH guitar picks from the OU812 era and beyond. Zeke also showcases rare 1988 Monsters of Rock memorabilia, including a Texas World Music Festival backstage T-shirt, beautifully embroidered Monsters of Rock Summer Tour crew shirts featuring Van Halen, Scorpions, Dokken, Metallica, and Kingdom Come, and several hard-to-find local crew shirts with the famous "OI812" print on the back. The stories continue with an OU812 Japan Access All Areas laminate, where Zeke shares an unforgettable behind-the-scenes story about the band's arrival in Japan. He also reveals the history behind the legendary "Hamsters of Rock" T-shirt—how it was created, why he got into trouble because of it, and how it later appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine with Guns N' Roses. Also featured are several custom Van Halen crew laminates, a Van Halen crew fleece jacket issued to Zeke, additional tour apparel, and an extremely rare set of custom 1988 Van Halen crew guitar picks, including one with the band's manager's last name accidentally misspelled. Zeke tells the hilarious story behind that unforgettable mistake. Rounding out the episode are For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge Tour message guitar picks, additional backstage laminates, and even more incredible artifacts from Zeke's years working alongside Eddie Van Halen. Every item has a story, and no one tells those stories better than Zeke Clark. If you're a Van Halen fan, collector, guitarist, or rock history enthusiast, this is another must-watch episode packed with rare memorabilia and firsthand memories. Be sure to check out the current Backstage Auctions event to see these amazing pieces of rock history. #VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #ZekeClark #BackstageAuctions

On Part 3 of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, legendary guitar tech Zeke Clark continues the tour through his incredible current Backstage Auctions event, sharing even more unforgettable stories behind some of the rarest Van Halen collectibles ever offered. This episode features an amazing collection of 1986 5150 Tour memorabilia, including an original 5150 concert shirt, an OU812 World Tour sweatshirt, and a wide variety of stage-used Edward Van Halen guitar picks from both the 5150 and OU812 tours. Zeke also reveals an incredibly rare 1986 misprint EVH guitar pick, along with white, black, and red stage-used picks that were actually played by Eddie on tour. Zeke shares the hilarious story behind his own custom "Goonga the Creator" guitar picks—a nickname given to him by Eddie Van Halen after the band watched an Eddie Murphy comedy special together at 5150 Studio. It's a fun behind-the-scenes story that only someone from Eddie's inner circle could tell. The collection also includes a prototype 1986 Texas Jam Van Halen T-shirt featuring the unforgettable slogan, "We have the peanut butter, Van Halen has the jam," along with a rare TAG Heuer watch personally owned and worn by Zeke, complete with a VH 5150 engraving inside the case. Also featured are Jam Productions local crew sweat shorts worn by Zeke during Van Halen tours from 1986–1991, displaying the iconic Van Halen Rings logo, plus a Seymour Duncan humbucker pickup that was owned and played by Eddie Van Halen during the 1987–1988 era. Every item has an incredible story, and Zeke was there for all of it. If you love Van Halen history, rare memorabilia, and behind-the-scenes stories from Eddie Van Halen's legendary career, you won't want to miss this episode. Be sure to check out the current Backstage Auctions event to see these amazing pieces of rock history. #VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #backstageauctions #ZekeClark

On Part 2 of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, legendary guitar tech Zeke Clark returns with another incredible collection of rare Van Halen and Prince memorabilia from his current Backstage Auctions event. Zeke shares the fascinating stories behind an autographed 5150 vinyl LP signed by Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony, and 5150 Studio engineer Ken Deane. He also reveals an amazing collection of rare VHS tapes featuring Van Halen music videos, live performances, interviews, Cabo Wabo footage, Pittsburgh recordings, and other never-before-seen treasures whose contents are still waiting to be rediscovered. Having also worked closely with Prince, Zeke takes us inside another chapter of music history with a stage-used tambourine from Prince, 30 hand-stamped black Love Symbol white guitar picks personally stamped by Prince himself, and stories from his time helping develop the iconic Love Symbol era. The Van Halen history continues with Edward Van Halen's personal Fair Warning Access All Areas pass, one of Eddie's original 1978 first-issue signature guitar picks, Alex Van Halen's early Regal drumsticks, studio inspection vinyl LPs spanning 1978–1988, a Diver Down Access All Areas crew pass, 1984 stage-used guitar picks from both Eddie Van Halen and Michael Anthony, and never-before-seen personal photographs from the 5150 Tour. Zeke also shares the story behind a remarkable Farm Aid sweatshirt that Eddie Van Halen actually tried on before the band's historic first performance with Sammy Hagar in September 1985, along with rare late-'80s Van Halen pins and even more one-of-a-kind collectibles. Every item has a story, and Zeke was there to live it. If you're a Van Halen fan, collector, or rock history enthusiast, this is another episode you won't want to miss. Be sure to check out the current Backstage Auctions event to see these incredible pieces of rock history. #VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #ZekeClark #BackstageAuctions

Part 1 - On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we're joined by the legendary Zeke Clark, Eddie Van Halen's longtime guitar tech, for an incredible behind-the-scenes look at his current Backstage Auctions event. Zeke takes us through some of the rarest and most historic pieces from his personal collection, sharing the unforgettable stories behind each item. Highlights include Edward Van Halen-owned and used Marshall amplifiers, the Silvertone amplifier heard on "Finish What You Started," Marshall cabinets that Zeke personally wired with speakers, and the fascinating history behind them. He also showcases two Kramer guitars he built while auditioning to become Eddie's guitar tech—one with a maple neck and one with a rosewood neck—which later served as studio backup guitars for Eddie Van Halen. The stories continue with an Eddie Van Halen-gifted Rolex Submariner, an ultra-rare Van Halen logo ring presented to Zeke by Eddie (with pyro legend John Watkins being the only other known recipient), and the EVH Dunlop Signature Phase 90 and EVH Signature Flanger pedals that Eddie personally gifted Zeke years after they worked together. If you're a Van Halen fan or collector, this is a once-in-a-lifetime look at rock history told by someone who lived it. Don't miss Zeke's incredible memories, the stories behind these legendary artifacts, and be sure to check out the current Backstage Auctions event! #VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #ZekeClark #BackstageAuctions

Today was the filming of the highly anticipated TEDxFargo CHARGE conversation featuring Alex Van Halen, David Lee Roth, and renowned artist Robert Vargas. This is a behind-the-scenes look at a historic moment as these legendary figures come together for a conversation that Van Halen fans—and music fans everywhere—won't want to miss. The complete TEDxFargo talk will premiere on the official TEDxFargo YouTube platforms in just a few weeks, where it will be available for everyone to watch. What are your expectations for this conversation? Let us know in the comments below! Be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications for more Van Halen news, updates, interviews, and exclusive content right here on Johnny Beane TV. #AlexVanHalen #DavidLeeRoth #TEDxFargo #VanHalen #RobertVargas