Just curious about the VH DLR thing

[RobRR]

Personally I think EVH is great. He laid the foundation for rock today... he did things that were unheard of at the time. He was a pioneer, and is still around. Is he the BEST? Well, thats totally subjective.

It all comes down to this: Noone is the best. Period. Theres really no way to classify an artist as "the best" or "the worst" because theres always going to be someone who loves it, and someone who hates it. You cant please all of the people all of the time, and thats really the bottom line. There is, however, popularity. EVH happens to be one of the most popular guitarists of all time... you cant change that.

Like him or hate him, he influenced MANY generations of artists and those influences still shine through today. Are there faster or more technical players out there? You bet your ass! Will anyone every achieve the popularity of EVH? I highly doubt it.

You reach a maturity level as a musician when you start to realize that it's all about artistic freedom. One mans treasure might be anothers crap, but art is all speculative. It doesn't make it good or bad, just different.

Thats one of the greatest quotes Ive read in a long time, and its true to boot. Recently, I came to the realization that Ill never be what some would call an "amazing" guitarist. I may never be able to pull off a run of insane sweeps up and down the board... but you know what? Thats ok, because not everyone can. Im done being so hard on myself because of this. Because in the end, it takes alot more than crazy speed and skill to make a record that will stand the test of time.

[scotty]

I guess your question was if anybody else disliked or did care about VH as you do. I am sure there maybe but I don't see them chiming in as of yet.

[nsubulysses]

I like Van Halen but I think they kind of suck. I like them because they're a gimmicky band that is fun to listen to, not because they're some amazing ultra-talented musicians that rock my world. As far as I view VH, they're an 80s rock band with some catchy stupid songs. Hot for Teacher? Come on, I mean, that's fun to listen to, but whatever.

Bengal, stop calling everyone "young." Just because you're old doesn't mean that everyone that's young is stupid. Do you really want to be that guy?

The reason he started this thread was to openly be like, "Yo, I don't think VH is that great. Does anyone else see that?" Debating and arguing on a messageboard??!!??! The world's gone mad!

[diablomozart]

eh...everyone is entitled to their opinions...its just on the internet too many people seem to think everyone should share their opinion and if they think it sucks everyone else should too...im cool with the fact eak dont like van halen...lots of people dont (otherwise theyd be selling 36-100 million copies of cds instead of the sales they have...lotsa people in the world)...same goes for any other artist as well....its not about eddies contributions to guitar playing but simply one persons opinion of the music he made...if we all liked the same things everything would sound exactly the same and that would be boring...just as eak is not trying to force everyone else to not like vh nor should anyone try to force him to like something he doesnt...freedom of choice and opinion...its a wonderful thing ya know...d.m.

[thetroy]

ps - There are threads exactly like this about "growling vocals" every few months or so. He did not act without precedent

[Soap]

eakinj?
Do you play guitar?
If so, learn Ed's spanish fly, the intro to mean street and the intro to women in love, note for note playing along with the song,
then and only then will we talk. Many here can, self included,
can play those pieces mentioned and they weren't an easy task,
they were quite an accomplishment.
Learning Ed's stuff made me a much better player.

Opinions? Who cares, if you don't play guitar in my eyes you have no right to form a musical opinion regarding any guitarist.
Your a troll and you know you are, and no you don't seem to be cool.
Sorry its how you presented yourself.
You presented yourself a jerk and so a jerk you are.
Sorry I call how I see em. Your a jerk of a troll.

[Bengal]

Bengal, stop calling everyone "young." Just because you're old doesn't mean that everyone that's young is stupid. Do you really want to be that guy?

I didn't CALL him anything. I GUESSED. There is a difference...

I said that because it made sense to. If you lived through it, and watched the impact he had as a guitar player, you would see the importance of what he's done. Would there be any '80's guitarists without the first Van Halen album? Sure, but it wouldn't be the same...

And I'm not old, I don't consider 38 old. And I never said anyone young was stupid. But I really touched a nerve with you. You must have some of those issues. Don't take it out on me...

EDIT: Don't know why I bothered to explain it to you. You're a troll in the worst sense of the word...

[~K~]

Well see the flip side or the argument could be made here as well. Name calling etc in response just encourages the behaviour.

I grew up on country western, The first cassette tape I bought in 72 was Jim Croce (Still love his music to this day), First time I saw Kiss on TV I was hooked, my first 8 track was Destroyer and my 2nd was the 1st Boston Album. I love Shania Twain and Toby Keith's music as well as Queen, Sabbath, Megadeth and most of all Ozzy. I was never a VH fan and i really hate death metal ..

with that said you don't see me look down on the stuff I hate. Just because I don't like it doesn't mean it sucks and most of all why does my opinion matter ......

my tastes are probably waaaay off from most of you but we all have one thing in common .. we are in love with the same form of expression.... no matter how it appeals to us it is still art ..

[hippietim]

Carlos Santana sucks. Eric Clapton is overrated. Def Leppard sucks. Steve Vai is god. 'Nuff said.

[semagic]

eakinj... thank god you weren't trying to start a fight...

my .02 is even though i'm not a huge fan of his... jimi and eddie changed the way we look at the instrument. that cannot be overlooked.

[horns666]

ED/VH did their job long ago, and planted the seed that took root in Rock music as we know it. Whether you love/hate VH..you can't deny his influence and innovations in music, guitars, gear and amps. This is enjoyed by ALL without realizing it.

If you own any modded amps/guitars, manufactured gear such as locking trems, custom pups, Peavey, Marshall, Soldano, VHT, Bogner, Jackson/Charvel, Ibanez, ESP..ect. this is due to the wake of EVH clones, wannabes and even VH player haters has demanded.

Ask yourself, who are your favorite players, who was theirs, what gear did they use, what gear do you use..You will discover something related to Ed. Players like Randy, George and Steve Lynch, Friedman, Becker, Hammet, Vai, Satch, Mustaine, Zakk, Dime, Yngwie ect..and establshed players such as Iommi, Blackmore, Schenker, Beck ect..learned or took something from Ed, and some were his influences. That snowball never seems to stop, and when you think it does.. products such as the D-Tuna, improved MXR version of originals and more gear soon to be born ...all by his influenece.

Whatever your intent, your musical existence was influenced by him somehow.

See, no "insults" or emotions required . Many just don't see the big picture..that's my job.

As far as the DLR / VH re-union. I'm not interested without MA. I'm glad that Ed is "healthy". Dave is back in the camp. Sammy will always do fine with or without VH..If ALL four real members VH were touring..I'd go. I can't support something I don't condone. That's a disappointing thought I don't wish to pay to see..

Bill Z Bub

[SEEGERMANY]

my tastes are probably waaaay off from most of you but we all have one thing in common .. we are in love with the same form of expression.... no matter how it appeals to us it is still art ..

Being one of the older farts on this forum, I remember when the manager of a music store played me a demo that was sent by the Van Halen camp. When I heard Running With The Devil, Eruption, and Jamie's Crying, I was hooked bigtime. The power, the rawness, the overall fresh approach to rock, made me forget disco and chasing poon! If that's not influence, I don't know what the fuck is!

[danastas]

Being one of the older farts on this forum, I remember when the manager of a music store played me a demo that was sent by the Van Halen camp. When I heard Running With The Devil, Eruption, and Jamie's Crying, I was hooked bigtime. The power, the rawness, the overall fresh approach to rock, made me forget disco and chasing poon! If that's not influence, I don't know what the fuck is!

All those songs were great. I admit to losing interest after/during 1984. Panama and Jump were huge turnoffs for me.

But while I initially thought EVH was the major force in the band, I've now developed a real appreciation for DLR.

I disagree with Eakin who thinks they are just some schticky 80s hair band. Listen to DLR, the guy has incredible timing. Yeah, he just sounds like he's fucking around with his yells, but he brought some scat into hard rock. A very unusual singer. Even crap songs like Hot for Teacher have his talent on them. His opening lines to that song are priceless, and perfectly timed.

[Spivonious]

I agree, VH has some fun songs, but Eddie is not the guitar god he's made out to be. He brought some new techniques to the forefront, nothing more, nothing less. It's like Hendrix; he brought the guitar to the forefront of the band. Yes the guitar solo existed before Jimmi, but no one did it to the extreme he did. I may not like their music too much, or even think they're that great on guitar, but I have to give them respect for coming up with something different.

And to go along with Tim's post,
Jimmy Page is sloppy, Eddie can't play without tapping, and Satch's tone sounds like a hive of angry bees.

[horns666]

I agree, VH has some fun songs, but Eddie is not the guitar god he's made out to be. He brought some new techniques to the forefront, nothing more, nothing less. It's like Hendrix; he brought the guitar to the forefront of the band. Yes the guitar solo existed before Jimmi, but no one did it to the extreme he did. I may not like their music too much, or even think they're that great on guitar, but I have to give them respect for coming up with something different.

And to go along with Tim's post,
Jimmy Page is sloppy, Eddie can't play without tapping, and Satch's tone sounds like a hive of angry bees.

You have some vaid points..

They were at the right place at the right time with the right vision..like Hendrix, Ed and Yngwie..they were just good at what they did. They were the entire package far as sound, style and showmanship..with the talent to convey their unique charisma...that was over the top that made them stand apart from so many. All had good songs and musicians supporting them.

Page, Hendrix, Iommi, Halen, Vai and Stach ect have stood the test of time because good writing and songs are timeless..popular trends are not, they become dated pretty fast. What was "cool" in 1985 sounds like a cheezy Rocky IV soundtrack..

Those players were doing something right.