R.I.P. for a V.I.P.

    -Thank you Eddie for the memories, of which there were so many. You performed for and entertained millions around the world. You influenced a numerous amount of people to pick up and learn the guitar. You gave your 100% heart and soul into every piece of music you ever made. And it showed. And the world appreciates and loves you for that. You will not be forgotten. Rest In Peace.- 

Eddie Van Halen's very last show, Hollywood Bowl October 4th, 2015

    Most people know Eddie Van Halen as the guitarist for the rock band Van Halen. He was that and so much more, he was an actual guitar virtuoso. Not many make it to that level of distinction. He was there.

    Raised in Holland with a very musically talented family, Eddie was established as a prodigy early on. He was able to play every instrument flawlessly, self-taught. It came natural to him. From the money he earned from his paper route, he bought his first drum set. Later he found his groove playing the guitar. 

    He didn't just play guitar, he revolutionized it with the two-handed tapping technique. He invented his own guitar when he combine a Gibson and a Stratocaster to create the Frankenstein Guitar, 'Frankenstrat'. He held patents on his ideas. Eddie was not only a musical genius but an actual bona-fide genius. 

    At one point in time, throughout his illustrious career, the number one and number two albums, according to Billboard magazine, were albums that he played the guitar on: Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' and Van Halen's '1984'. That fete was unprecedented.

Eddie's pick, front, with VH wings logo

Eddie's pick, back, with autograph- 5150

     I was fortunate enough to see him nine times, eight concerts and one appearance. Three of those nine times were pivotal in Van Halen's history. One time I shook his hand at a club in NYC, another time I got his guitar pick from his dressing room one night, Nassau Coliseum. I safeguarded my three backstage passes from over the years. They are a treasure to me. 

1- VIP laminate from their very last show at The Garden.
2- Catering Staff BSP (Meadowlands)
3- Working Pass for MTV Music Awards 

    September 2nd, 1984- This is the end. I was there. The last time the four original members would play together ever again. They broke up after this show in Germany. 

    September 4th, 1996- Almost 12 years to the day, they reunited at The MTV Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall. I was there for that too. They were making an appearance and presenting an award. 

    January 5th, 2012- A surprise show, at Cafe Wha? This was for the press and invited guest to announce their new tour. I got in, escorted through the back door, (an absolute miracle, never give up hope). There was no room to move. I couldn't see because I was behind a wall of speakers but I could hear it just fine and I could crouch down and look in between the speakers and see them or I could pop my head around the speakers to see the stage. 

    The show ends and the band is escorted out the same back door I entered through to waiting limos. It was a scene outside, Bleecker street was shut down! Security whisked them away so fast, his was the only hand I got the opportunity to shake on their way out. 

Eddie, thanks for the reminiscence. This cradle did rock.