I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve seen Van Halen in concert. At this point I’m thinking it would be a bad idea for them to attempt a “reunion” and go out again. Why would I say this? I got to see Queen last year. Of course they were considerably before my time, but I really wanted to see Brian May play live. I love his playing. Unfortunately not having a singer on par of Freddy Mercury was a disaster to me. Plus they way they laid out the set list switching it up with Paul’s material was a major mistake too. It was a mistake for me to see that show. It deflated my fantasy of Queen and how brilliant they were.
To that end because I’ve seen Van Halen when I was little (albeit with Sammy) I remember it and it left a lasting impression on me. With such a solid memory of a show that I really enjoyed there is no way in hell that I would go see any tour they’d do now. I don’t want to ruin the perfection that was. Not to mention kicking out the original bassist?!? What the fuck was up with that?
I realize there’s not much that I can say about Eddie that most people don’t already know. He is certainly one of the most creative guitarists to have ever walked this earth. Not to mention one of the most musical as well. I do think that the progression from Van Halen I to their last disc with Sammy was a very natural progression from balls out rock to very mature songwriting power. I applaud that. It’s something any musician should strive for.
I realize that Van Halen was known for much more popular songs like Running with the Devil, Everybody Wants Some, Jump, Hot For Teacher, Panama, Love Comes Walking In, Right Now, Can’t Stop Loving You, and the list can go on… I bring you Cathedral. A lesser known song, not a radio hit. However as a budding guitarist it’s one of those songs that you listen to and go how the hell did he play that on guitar. Then you learn the secret behind the magic and say shit, I wish I could have come up with that.
Actually I know that I’ve utilized some of those guitar tricks that I’ve since learned from the likes of Eddie or Randy or numerous others that I loved while learning. I won’t end up boring you with the details of how he achieved the sound you hear, just know that it is not a synthesizer. It is a guitar. If you don’t have this song, why?
(** Disclaimer: If Eddie or his label want to school me on sharing the genius, then I’ll have to reprimand the audio to the CD and take it from the server. The post will remain to show that I appreciate the creativity that is Ed. **)