George Lynch Reflects on Eddie Van Halen’s Impact and Legacy

Memorable Performances in Southern California

In a recent interview with Tommy Colletti, owner of The Music Zoo, legendary DOKKEN guitarist George Lynch reminisced about witnessing VAN HALEN perform in Southern California clubs during the mid-1970s. He recalled a particular show at the Golden West Ballroom in Norwalk, California, where he saw UFO share the stage with VAN HALEN. Lynch noted, “It was somewhat dramatic, because I don’t know if UFO knew what they were in for. And I love UFO — we all love UFO — but they got their ass kicked. I mean, they came up, and I don’t think they were ready for that.”

The Paradigm Shift in Rock Music

Lynch emphasized the revolutionary impact Eddie Van Halen had on rock music in the late 1970s, particularly through his innovative guitar techniques like two-handed tapping. “There was a paradigm shift in the music universe,” Lynch explained. “To see it up close and personal as it was happening… it was mind-bending to see that in person. It was just insane.” This transformation inspired Lynch to practice rigorously, pushing him to elevate his own guitar skills.

Early Days of Eddie Van Halen

Reflecting on Eddie’s early performances, Lynch shared, “I’d seen him when he was playing with a Les Paul through a Bandmaster or Bassman. And then the Music Man and all that period. He was still amazing.” He highlighted how Eddie’s sound evolved over time, noting that his earlier style was influenced more by Eric Clapton, which made it unique compared to the iconic sound he later developed.

Influence of Terry Kilgore

Lynch credited Terry Kilgore, an early friend and inspiration to Eddie, for influencing his sound during VAN HALEN’s formative years. “Terry was in REDDI KILLOWAT… I thought Terry was maybe even better than Eddie. I think Eddie kind of took a lot of the stuff… because they were friends,” Lynch remarked.

Personal Reflections on Eddie Van Halen’s Passing

In an emotional reflection on Eddie’s death in October 2020, Lynch expressed how it deeply affected him and fellow guitarists. “That hit me personally very hard… As we get older, obviously, we’re seeing people go away and pass. And that’s just normal.” He acknowledged the profound loss felt by many in the music community, especially given the personal connections he had with Eddie.

Behind the Scenes with Eddie Van Halen

Lynch shared anecdotes that revealed Eddie’s personality, describing him as “incredibly shy” and an introvert who preferred to play guitar in private. Despite his quiet demeanor, Lynch recalled moments of camaraderie, particularly during the “Monsters Of Rock” tour. He detailed how Eddie generously offered him gear when Lynch faced issues with his equipment, showcasing his kindness as a headliner.

A Memorable Guitar Lesson

Lynch also recounted a touching moment when Eddie gave his son a guitar lesson. “He gave my son a guitar lesson… That was pretty cool. Who does that?” This gesture highlighted Eddie’s warmth and willingness to nurture the next generation of musicians.

Learning from Eddie Van Halen

In a previous interview, Lynch admitted to feeling a sense of jealousy towards VAN HALEN’s success but emphasized how they all strived to keep up with Eddie’s groundbreaking style. “We were all trying to play catch up… I thought, ‘Man, how can I get that tone?'” Lynch explained how he was influenced by Eddie but sought to incorporate those elements into his own unique sound.

Conclusion

George Lynch’s reflections on Eddie Van Halen paint a vivid picture of a transformative era in rock music. From their early performances to personal anecdotes, Lynch captures the essence of Eddie’s influence and the profound impact he had on guitarists worldwide. As the music community continues to mourn his passing, the legacy of Eddie Van Halen remains an enduring source of inspiration for musicians of all generations.

FAQs

What was George Lynch’s relationship with Eddie Van Halen?

George Lynch admired Eddie Van Halen and considered him a significant influence on his own guitar playing. They shared a camaraderie, particularly during tours and performances in Southern California.

How did Eddie Van Halen change rock music?

Eddie Van Halen revolutionized rock music by introducing innovative guitar techniques, such as two-handed tapping, which significantly influenced many guitarists and the overall sound of rock music in the late 1970s.

What personal memories did Lynch share about Eddie Van Halen?

Lynch shared several personal anecdotes, including how Eddie offered him gear during a tour and gave Lynch’s son a guitar lesson, showcasing his kindness and willingness to support fellow musicians.

How did George Lynch feel about Eddie Van Halen’s passing?

Lynch expressed that Eddie’s death hit him hard, as it did for many in the music community. He reflected on the personal connections they had and the profound impact Eddie had on his life and career.