Van Halen’s David Lee Roth reveals hidden secret behind Eddie’s guitar skills
During Van Halen’s early days, lead singer David Lee Roth had a clever strategy to keep lead guitarist Eddie Van Halen’s unique two-handed playing technique a secret. Roth would instruct Eddie to perform with his back facing the audience, ensuring that his distinctive method remained hidden from view. This tactic was revealed by former bassist Michael Anthony in a recent episode of the Get on the Bus podcast. Anthony disclosed how other musicians would try to eavesdrop by pressing their ears against the walls of the practice space to decipher Eddie’s innovative sound. He also recounted how during breaks, he would spot them lingering near the garage door, eager to unravel the mystery of Eddie’s playing style.
While Eddie Van Halen was known for his tapping technique, Anthony emphasized that this was just one aspect of his intricate playing style. Eddie’s ability to seamlessly blend rapid finger movements with slides set him apart from his contemporaries. His creative approach to the guitar was unparalleled and captivated aspiring musicians who were eager to learn from his groundbreaking style.
Anthony performed with Van Halen until 2006 when he was replaced by Eddie’s son, Wolfgang. Despite tensions that arose from the lineup change, there were signs of reconciliation before Eddie’s passing in 2020. Wolfgang expressed a desire to reunite the band on stage, hinting at the possibility of resolving any remaining conflicts between band members. Anthony reflected on his past differences with Eddie, acknowledging that if given more time, they would have likely reconciled and worked through their issues.
Looking ahead, Alex Van Halen has expressed interest in using technology to complete his brother’s unfinished music. Collaborating with guitarist Steve Lukather, they plan to sift through Eddie’s unreleased tracks, although a timeline for their release has yet to be determined. The anticipation of new music from the Van Halen camp continues to intrigue fans, offering a glimpse into the band’s enduring legacy and Eddie’s lasting impact on the music industry.