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Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen
Get a completely new look at guitar legend Eddie Van Halen with this groundbreaking oral history, composed of more than fifty hours of interviews with Eddie himself as well as his family, friends, and colleagues.
When rock legend Eddie Van Halen died of cancer on October 6, 2020, the entire world seemed to stop and grieve. Since his band Van Halen burst onto the scene with their self-titled debut album in 1978, Eddie had been hailed as an icon not only to fans of rock music and heavy metal, but to performers across all genres and around the world. Van Halen’s debut sounded unlike anything that listeners had heard before and remains a quintessential rock album of the era.
Over the course of more than four decades, Eddie gained renown for his innovative guitar playing, and particularly for popularizing the tapping guitar solo technique. Unfortunately for Eddie and his legions of fans, he died before he was ever able to put his life down to paper in his own words, and much of his compelling backstory has remained elusive—until now.
In Eruption, music journalists Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill share with fans, new and old alike, a candid, compulsively readable, and definitive oral history of the most influential rock guitarist since Jimi Hendrix. It is based on more than 50+ hours of unreleased interviews they recorded with Eddie Van Halen over the years, most of them conducted at the legendary 5150 studios at Ed’s home in Los Angeles. The heart of Eruption is drawn from these intimate and wide-ranging talks, as well as conversations with family, friends, and colleagues.
In addition to discussing his greatest triumphs as a groundbreaking musician, including an unprecedented dive into Van Halen’s masterpiece 1984, the book also takes an unflinching look at Edward’s early struggles as young Dutch immigrant unable to speak the English language, which resulted in lifelong issues with social anxiety and substance abuse. Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen also examines his brilliance as an inventor who changed the face of guitar manufacturing.
As entertaining as it is revealing, Eruption is the closest readers will ever get to hearing Eddie’s side of the story when it comes to his extraordinary life.
When rock legend Eddie Van Halen died of cancer on October 6, 2020, the entire world seemed to stop and grieve. Since his band Van Halen burst onto the scene with their self-titled debut album in 1978, Eddie had been hailed as an icon not only to fans of rock music and heavy metal, but to performers across all genres and around the world. Van Halen’s debut sounded unlike anything that listeners had heard before and remains a quintessential rock album of the era.
Over the course of more than four decades, Eddie gained renown for his innovative guitar playing, and particularly for popularizing the tapping guitar solo technique. Unfortunately for Eddie and his legions of fans, he died before he was ever able to put his life down to paper in his own words, and much of his compelling backstory has remained elusive—until now.
In Eruption, music journalists Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill share with fans, new and old alike, a candid, compulsively readable, and definitive oral history of the most influential rock guitarist since Jimi Hendrix. It is based on more than 50+ hours of unreleased interviews they recorded with Eddie Van Halen over the years, most of them conducted at the legendary 5150 studios at Ed’s home in Los Angeles. The heart of Eruption is drawn from these intimate and wide-ranging talks, as well as conversations with family, friends, and colleagues.
In addition to discussing his greatest triumphs as a groundbreaking musician, including an unprecedented dive into Van Halen’s masterpiece 1984, the book also takes an unflinching look at Edward’s early struggles as young Dutch immigrant unable to speak the English language, which resulted in lifelong issues with social anxiety and substance abuse. Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen also examines his brilliance as an inventor who changed the face of guitar manufacturing.
As entertaining as it is revealing, Eruption is the closest readers will ever get to hearing Eddie’s side of the story when it comes to his extraordinary life.
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First published October 5, 2021
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About the author
Brad Tolinski
176 books6 followersBrad Tolinski (born 1958) was the editor-in-chief of Guitar World Magazine for 25 years (1989–2015). He also served as editorial director of NewBay Media's music division, which also includes Guitar Aficionado and Revolver magazines. He then moved to Harris Publications as the editorial director of special projects, and then became editorial director of special projects for AMG Parade in New York City.
Currently he is a writer and author of several acclaimed books, His most recent release is 'MC5: The Oral Biography of Rock's Most Revolutionary Band,' out October 8, 2024.
Currently he is a writer and author of several acclaimed books, His most recent release is 'MC5: The Oral Biography of Rock's Most Revolutionary Band,' out October 8, 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
September 11, 2021
5 Rockin' stars!!
I remember going to an evening high school event back in the late seventies where an amateur band was playing "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" from the debut Van Halen album. This is one of my favorite Van Halen songs to this day, along with another tune from their first album, "Jamie's Cryin'". I probably first heard about them via my older brother who is a lead guitarist himself and was in a band at the time. While I've only been a casual Van Halen fan having bought the first album and a later one with Sammy Hagar as the lead singer, I was intrigued enough to find out much more about Eddie Van Halen. All I knew about him before reading this book was that he had customized his own guitars, built his own recording studio on his home property, married actress Valerie Bertinelli (with whom he had a son named Wolfgang), and that he died of cancer.
Well, I was barely hitting the 20% mark of this book and I just had to call my brother to discuss what I had digested so far about Eddie's construction of his iconic guitar known as the "Frankenstrat". You see, my brother currently owns 14 guitars and I hear all the time the details of his dissatisfaction with subpar guitar parts and his journey in customizing these guitars to his high standards. He also does this for my son who has a band and his own recording studio. Anytime my son or a band member busts something on their guitars or needs a modification, my brother loves to perform the work on their instruments. But back to Eddie, my favorite part of the book is when he describes in detail how he purchased an ash Strat body for 50 bucks- rescued from the bottom of a pile of "seconds", and for another 80 bucks an unfinished maple neck. Normally a Strat body would have 3 narrow Fender-type pickups and these areas were pre-carved out for them. However, Ed preferred a standard humbucking pickup, and chiseled out a wider area for this. This change improved the guitar's bass response, sustain and output. After some other customizations, Eddie performed a custom paint job. He spray painted the body in acrylic black, then wrapped some masking tape in criss-cross fashion around it and further spray painted it in white acrylic. This resulted in the iconic "Frankenstrat". Once the group Van Halen was famous this design was hijacked and copied by various guitar companies, which inspired Eddie to eventually put to market his own authorized versions. Eddie was very proud that his innovations in guitar design found his "Frankenstrat 2" (a replica of the first version) on display in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. I began to perform internet image searches of this guitar while my brother and I were talking, because he was well aware of this iconic guitar, and described how Eddie used steel ring screws in his custom made guitars so that guitar straps just wouldn't come loose. He would also use guitar straps made with clasps you find on laptop case straps. I can't tell you how many times my son's guitars have had the metal thingy come out that guitar straps hook onto. Eddie had a certain guitar sound in his head he was going for, and because he couldn't find it in any particular guitar, he made his own. Later on when Van Halen was on tour, other famous guitarists would ask to try out his rig...like his homemade pedalboard. However, whoever tried it out could never duplicate the amazing sounds like Eddie produced from it, because it had more to do with Eddie's guitar playing. As Eddie said, "There was Ted Nugent playing my guitar through my pedals and amp. He thought I had some secret weapon in there, but he just sounded like himself."
I was keenly interested in the last third of the book when Eddie's son Wolfgang proved to have the musical gene, and became Van Halen's bassist at the age of 15. What an exquisite/poignant experience it was for both of them to go on tour together. Eddie was incredibly proud of him. Wolfgang recently released his own solo album, and he recorded all the instruments himself. Like his father, he is multi-talented. The band's name is Mammoth WVH (Van Halen's original name was Mammoth, until they were forced to change it because another band owned the name. Original Van Halen singer David Lee Roth suggested they use their own last name for the band....Van Halen). I also got very choked up reading Wolfgang's announcement of his father's passing on October 6, 2020 via Twitter: "I can't believe I'm having to write this, but my father, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, has lost his long and arduous battle with cancer this morning. He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I've shared with him on stage was a gift. My heart is broken, and I don't think I'll ever fully recover from this loss. I love you so much, Pop."
I could go on and on with the multitude of gems uncovered in this book, which is presented in oral history format from straight interviews with Eddie, fellow band members and musical colleagues. This personal delivery made the book extra special and digestible. Let me just say this: if you have a friend or family member who loves music, buy this book for them. I would especially recommend buying it for a burgeoning teenage guitar player to inspire them to greatness.
Thank you to the publisher Hachette Books for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
I remember going to an evening high school event back in the late seventies where an amateur band was playing "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" from the debut Van Halen album. This is one of my favorite Van Halen songs to this day, along with another tune from their first album, "Jamie's Cryin'". I probably first heard about them via my older brother who is a lead guitarist himself and was in a band at the time. While I've only been a casual Van Halen fan having bought the first album and a later one with Sammy Hagar as the lead singer, I was intrigued enough to find out much more about Eddie Van Halen. All I knew about him before reading this book was that he had customized his own guitars, built his own recording studio on his home property, married actress Valerie Bertinelli (with whom he had a son named Wolfgang), and that he died of cancer.
Well, I was barely hitting the 20% mark of this book and I just had to call my brother to discuss what I had digested so far about Eddie's construction of his iconic guitar known as the "Frankenstrat". You see, my brother currently owns 14 guitars and I hear all the time the details of his dissatisfaction with subpar guitar parts and his journey in customizing these guitars to his high standards. He also does this for my son who has a band and his own recording studio. Anytime my son or a band member busts something on their guitars or needs a modification, my brother loves to perform the work on their instruments. But back to Eddie, my favorite part of the book is when he describes in detail how he purchased an ash Strat body for 50 bucks- rescued from the bottom of a pile of "seconds", and for another 80 bucks an unfinished maple neck. Normally a Strat body would have 3 narrow Fender-type pickups and these areas were pre-carved out for them. However, Ed preferred a standard humbucking pickup, and chiseled out a wider area for this. This change improved the guitar's bass response, sustain and output. After some other customizations, Eddie performed a custom paint job. He spray painted the body in acrylic black, then wrapped some masking tape in criss-cross fashion around it and further spray painted it in white acrylic. This resulted in the iconic "Frankenstrat". Once the group Van Halen was famous this design was hijacked and copied by various guitar companies, which inspired Eddie to eventually put to market his own authorized versions. Eddie was very proud that his innovations in guitar design found his "Frankenstrat 2" (a replica of the first version) on display in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. I began to perform internet image searches of this guitar while my brother and I were talking, because he was well aware of this iconic guitar, and described how Eddie used steel ring screws in his custom made guitars so that guitar straps just wouldn't come loose. He would also use guitar straps made with clasps you find on laptop case straps. I can't tell you how many times my son's guitars have had the metal thingy come out that guitar straps hook onto. Eddie had a certain guitar sound in his head he was going for, and because he couldn't find it in any particular guitar, he made his own. Later on when Van Halen was on tour, other famous guitarists would ask to try out his rig...like his homemade pedalboard. However, whoever tried it out could never duplicate the amazing sounds like Eddie produced from it, because it had more to do with Eddie's guitar playing. As Eddie said, "There was Ted Nugent playing my guitar through my pedals and amp. He thought I had some secret weapon in there, but he just sounded like himself."
I was keenly interested in the last third of the book when Eddie's son Wolfgang proved to have the musical gene, and became Van Halen's bassist at the age of 15. What an exquisite/poignant experience it was for both of them to go on tour together. Eddie was incredibly proud of him. Wolfgang recently released his own solo album, and he recorded all the instruments himself. Like his father, he is multi-talented. The band's name is Mammoth WVH (Van Halen's original name was Mammoth, until they were forced to change it because another band owned the name. Original Van Halen singer David Lee Roth suggested they use their own last name for the band....Van Halen). I also got very choked up reading Wolfgang's announcement of his father's passing on October 6, 2020 via Twitter: "I can't believe I'm having to write this, but my father, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, has lost his long and arduous battle with cancer this morning. He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I've shared with him on stage was a gift. My heart is broken, and I don't think I'll ever fully recover from this loss. I love you so much, Pop."
I could go on and on with the multitude of gems uncovered in this book, which is presented in oral history format from straight interviews with Eddie, fellow band members and musical colleagues. This personal delivery made the book extra special and digestible. Let me just say this: if you have a friend or family member who loves music, buy this book for them. I would especially recommend buying it for a burgeoning teenage guitar player to inspire them to greatness.
Thank you to the publisher Hachette Books for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
January 2, 2024
Eruption: Conversations With Eddie Van Halen is part biography and part transcribed interviews, tracing the guitar legend from his formative years to the end. This book does not purport to cover every tour, every song, or every part of Van Halen’s life. What it does though is give a Birdseye view through Eddie Van Halen’s own words and those of his contemporaries. There is a strong focus on Van Halen’s creativity with guitars and amps, redesigning everything to make it sound better.
October 26, 2021
Sometimes things fall into place at exactly the right time; when Van Halen hit their peak in popularity with 1984, I was at that point in my life when I was really getting into music. Right from the intro guitar solo I was captured…the album (cassette) kept rolling along with one fabulous song after another: “Jump,” “Panama,” “Top Jimmy,” “Hot for Teacher,” “I’ll Wait,” etc. I connected with the music, the incredible guitar sounds, the smart lyrics, the thundering drums, and a beat that would not quit. I had found my band, bought the entire back catalogue, and would listen to them one after another.
Then there was the whole DLR solo thing – Van Halen kind of fell off the radar - what would happen? Who was going to do the vocals? Could a band recover from losing a showman like Dave? Then came 5150 – right from the screaming intro to “Good Enough,” a love affair was rekindled. What followed was thirty-four years of drama, frustration, and hope. How could I not read Eruption to find out why and how it had all gone so horribly wrong straight from the horse’s mouth (or as close as we can now get)?
I learned quite a bit about the internal workings of my favorite band: the dysfunction, the jealousy, the egos that made up my rock gods. I was disappointed with many of the things that my childhood rock and roll idols said and did (be careful what you wish for).
As far as the book and the writing, I was disappointed again. Within the three hundred and thirty-seven pages was a whole lot of repetition. The chapters are formatted with a well written, entertaining narrative that gave illuminating insights into the world of Edward Van Halen; this would be followed by an interlude, with some interview of someone involved in Eddie’s musical life and closed out with an interview with the guitar god himself. I found each of these sections to be redundant. Most of the details from the narrative were repeated in the interludes and interview; I was reading the same things over again. It felt like the authors were filling in space. If you’re going to write three hundred pages – give me three hundred pages – not one fifty.
In the end, I wanted to know why my dream never came true. That these adults could not put their egos aside and understand who it was that made them all the multi-millionaires they became: the fans! I wanted that live show where they could go seamlessly from: “And the Cradle will Rock,” to “When It’s Love,” to “Yankee Rose,” and “I Can’t Drive 55;” hell, I could even take Eddie and Gary alone on stage – it could be an epic “More Than Words.” I’m sure I’m not alone. I guess it never happened because of time.
*3.5 Stars
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher (via NetGalley).
Then there was the whole DLR solo thing – Van Halen kind of fell off the radar - what would happen? Who was going to do the vocals? Could a band recover from losing a showman like Dave? Then came 5150 – right from the screaming intro to “Good Enough,” a love affair was rekindled. What followed was thirty-four years of drama, frustration, and hope. How could I not read Eruption to find out why and how it had all gone so horribly wrong straight from the horse’s mouth (or as close as we can now get)?
I learned quite a bit about the internal workings of my favorite band: the dysfunction, the jealousy, the egos that made up my rock gods. I was disappointed with many of the things that my childhood rock and roll idols said and did (be careful what you wish for).
As far as the book and the writing, I was disappointed again. Within the three hundred and thirty-seven pages was a whole lot of repetition. The chapters are formatted with a well written, entertaining narrative that gave illuminating insights into the world of Edward Van Halen; this would be followed by an interlude, with some interview of someone involved in Eddie’s musical life and closed out with an interview with the guitar god himself. I found each of these sections to be redundant. Most of the details from the narrative were repeated in the interludes and interview; I was reading the same things over again. It felt like the authors were filling in space. If you’re going to write three hundred pages – give me three hundred pages – not one fifty.
In the end, I wanted to know why my dream never came true. That these adults could not put their egos aside and understand who it was that made them all the multi-millionaires they became: the fans! I wanted that live show where they could go seamlessly from: “And the Cradle will Rock,” to “When It’s Love,” to “Yankee Rose,” and “I Can’t Drive 55;” hell, I could even take Eddie and Gary alone on stage – it could be an epic “More Than Words.” I’m sure I’m not alone. I guess it never happened because of time.
*3.5 Stars
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher (via NetGalley).
December 17, 2021
Eddie Van Halen was one of the most important guitar players in the history of rock music. Van Halen, the band, were a breath of fresh air and added a lot of fun to an increasingly po-faced rock scene with their debut album in 1978, but it was Eddie's stunning technique which shocked and inspired guitar players as much as, if not even more than, Jimi Hendrix had done a decade earlier. That his band influenced the dire hair-metal groups of the 1980s, or that his revolutionary guitar solo on Michael Jackson's Beat It led to seemingly every pop single requiring a two-handed tapping blowout to be complete, was not really EVH's fault.
Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen tries to put the guitar player's influence in context through a series of interviews, some historical, many conducted by the authors. The book is informative and entertaining, although perhaps only really to guitar players. It can be sycophantic at times, excusing Eddie's role in the breakdown of his relationships, particularly those with band non-familial members, as single-minded focus on his musical vision, but this is to be expected, being told almost entirely from his POV (there are a few interviews, with the really badly treated Michael Anthony for example, which balance things slightly).
But the book's biggest fault is its repetitiveness; the author's narrative introduction to each interview essentially summarises the main points of said interview and we then hear Van Halen tell the same stories. I liked the book a lot, and the audio version brings the interviews in particular to life (despite the narrator giving Brummie Black Sabbath legend, Tony Iommi an accent much closer to Liverpool than Birmingham), but i would have liked it a lot better had it been two thirds as long.
Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen tries to put the guitar player's influence in context through a series of interviews, some historical, many conducted by the authors. The book is informative and entertaining, although perhaps only really to guitar players. It can be sycophantic at times, excusing Eddie's role in the breakdown of his relationships, particularly those with band non-familial members, as single-minded focus on his musical vision, but this is to be expected, being told almost entirely from his POV (there are a few interviews, with the really badly treated Michael Anthony for example, which balance things slightly).
But the book's biggest fault is its repetitiveness; the author's narrative introduction to each interview essentially summarises the main points of said interview and we then hear Van Halen tell the same stories. I liked the book a lot, and the audio version brings the interviews in particular to life (despite the narrator giving Brummie Black Sabbath legend, Tony Iommi an accent much closer to Liverpool than Birmingham), but i would have liked it a lot better had it been two thirds as long.
September 29, 2021
1982 Freshman year of high school, band geek, talking with a friend who told me about this group I needed to listen to... Van Halen. I was hooked the moment I heard Eruption. My mom loved all kinds of music and we regularly listened to Zeppelin and ACDC, so of course I immediately went home and told her about this awesome guitar player I just heard!! Fast forward a couple of years and it is now 1984.. Van Halen released a new album and a friend of mine and her mom asked if I wanted to go see them live. My mom said yes, and off we went!! It was my very first concert and I was seeing my favorite band!! I still have that ticket stub ($12.00 to see Van Halen!!!). I was also blessed to see them one more time with Sammy Hagar.
This book, though technical at times, is just what I hoped it would be. In Eddie's words. From how he created his guitars in search of that sound only he could hear in his head, to the times he played on stage with his son, Wolfgang. Every song/album mentioned was a soundtrack in my life. If you are looking for a "tell all" of every fight he ever had, or his breakup with Valerie this is not the book for you. BUT, if you want to hear about Eddie, his immigration to this country, his demons, his need for perfection, his guitars, and his thought processes along the way, then THIS is the book you want!
Thank you to Netgalley, Hachette Books, and the authors, Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill for the eARC and trip down memory lane. All opinions are mine.
This book, though technical at times, is just what I hoped it would be. In Eddie's words. From how he created his guitars in search of that sound only he could hear in his head, to the times he played on stage with his son, Wolfgang. Every song/album mentioned was a soundtrack in my life. If you are looking for a "tell all" of every fight he ever had, or his breakup with Valerie this is not the book for you. BUT, if you want to hear about Eddie, his immigration to this country, his demons, his need for perfection, his guitars, and his thought processes along the way, then THIS is the book you want!
Thank you to Netgalley, Hachette Books, and the authors, Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill for the eARC and trip down memory lane. All opinions are mine.
July 29, 2021
Received this ebook via NetGalley for free.
If you are a guitar geek, you will love this book. Lots of technical jargon to satisfy the inner guitar god in you. Most was Greek to me but that doesn't mean i didn't enjoy the book. EVH at the same time was a unique individual/musical genius/all around nice guy (or so it seems) and a tragic figure fighting his inner demons on a daily basis. He was one of those tragic figures that you envy and pity at the same time. You want to be him and yet thankful you aren't. The one statement that really struck me was EVH stating he didn't want to die prematurely like his father at 65......EVH died at 64. Above all, it seemed that EVH was a terrific father to WVH and regardless of his musical legacy, as a father myself, I feel his legacy as the father that he was with WVH is his greatest accomplishment.
If you are a guitar geek, you will love this book. Lots of technical jargon to satisfy the inner guitar god in you. Most was Greek to me but that doesn't mean i didn't enjoy the book. EVH at the same time was a unique individual/musical genius/all around nice guy (or so it seems) and a tragic figure fighting his inner demons on a daily basis. He was one of those tragic figures that you envy and pity at the same time. You want to be him and yet thankful you aren't. The one statement that really struck me was EVH stating he didn't want to die prematurely like his father at 65......EVH died at 64. Above all, it seemed that EVH was a terrific father to WVH and regardless of his musical legacy, as a father myself, I feel his legacy as the father that he was with WVH is his greatest accomplishment.
November 24, 2021
A great book on the most influential guitarist of all-time.
February 9, 2023
Van Halen is my favorite band of all time because I always recognized Eddie Van Halen as a musical genius and a true guitar hero. While I knew most of the information presented in this biography that implements much of Eddie’s own words, some things still surprised me.
I didn’t know that Eddie’s sounds came from his guitar modifications and nothing else. He never used distortion effects. That’s so awesome to me. Most importantly, I learned that Eddie shared the same thoughts that formed my own main criticism of the band: The lyrics of their hits are mainly about partying and nothing else. Eddie admits to that in this book, and mentioned how he wanted to present lyrics that were more personal and had some depth to them, which did happen in the band’s latter years.
This book also focuses on how Eddie Van Halen, like many genius artists, was a tortured soul who found his light before it was too late. While that seems to be the story for many rock stars, Eddie’s “redemption” didn’t result in a miraculous comeback that fully rejuvenated his career. Instead, it was more of a personal redemption that saved him and his family. That alone would make this a compelling story even without all the cool insights into the music.
Eddie will always be my favorite musician, and this book set that in stone for me. I wish I could give it more than five stars.
I didn’t know that Eddie’s sounds came from his guitar modifications and nothing else. He never used distortion effects. That’s so awesome to me. Most importantly, I learned that Eddie shared the same thoughts that formed my own main criticism of the band: The lyrics of their hits are mainly about partying and nothing else. Eddie admits to that in this book, and mentioned how he wanted to present lyrics that were more personal and had some depth to them, which did happen in the band’s latter years.
This book also focuses on how Eddie Van Halen, like many genius artists, was a tortured soul who found his light before it was too late. While that seems to be the story for many rock stars, Eddie’s “redemption” didn’t result in a miraculous comeback that fully rejuvenated his career. Instead, it was more of a personal redemption that saved him and his family. That alone would make this a compelling story even without all the cool insights into the music.
Eddie will always be my favorite musician, and this book set that in stone for me. I wish I could give it more than five stars.
April 14, 2022
A very, very good read on one of rock n' roll's quieter guys (guitarwork notwithstanding). Great to learn more about individual guitars, fretboard, the different members of Van Halen through the years, as well as his talented son Wolfgang. Nice to have reputable sources as authors and that Eddie has a voice, although he is no longer with us. Highly recommended.
May 23, 2023
An enjoyable read about one of the most innovative and creative guitar players. This book isn't for everybody. If you are a fan of Van Halen, read it. If you are a guitar nerd and love tech talk, read it. Everyone else might find it repetitive/boring.
I did enjoy all the people in his band/friends got a section in each chapter to talk about their experience with him and his playing.
I did enjoy all the people in his band/friends got a section in each chapter to talk about their experience with him and his playing.
January 28, 2023
With a guitar in his hands, Eddie Van Halen was Michelangelo with a chisel, Shakespeare with a quill. I was born at the right time Van Halen's rock-and-roll serving as a soundtrack for my teens, with Eddie's guitar the primary source of adrenaline. I enjoyed every page of this book, even reading it as a posthumous tribute. It's hard to come by genius. I'm glad we have Van Halen's music to remind us of Eddie's.
May 19, 2024
Van Halen is one of my favorite bands , I listen to the albums constantly. I loved reading these interviews; listening to Eddie speak about making guitars, and his insights into being a musician . He is one of the biggest influences on my love of playing guitar.
May 24, 2022
This is a great book that tells many if the stories you want to know about Eddie’s view of playing, being in the band, and dealing with the everyday dynamics that really make a difference and lead longevity in some cases and destruction in others. I’m a huge fan of Eddie, the Band, and all of the music they produced. Thanks for the great insiders perspective guys.
October 12, 2021
A fantastic read. I devoured this book over the weekend. I've read many of the interviews in the book over the years. At one point, I tried to guess which issue of Guitar World the interview was initially published. It didn't matter. The context in which Tolinski and Gill placed the discussions was perfect. The narrative between the interviews was great. Any fan of Eddie Van Halen has got to read this book.
April 23, 2022
Eruption is an essential read for Van Halen fans - most obviously, and those that view him as a Guitar God. However, it is also fascinating for people, like me, who see Eddie Van Halen (EVH) somewhere in the middle, between good guy hero and angry disrupter. This book will shock everyone by the balanced way EVH is remembered by the authors – warts and all.
To be sure, EVH revolutionized music as the 1970s classic period of rock came to the tragic end with the deaths of so many pioneers, such as Keith Moon, Jimi Hendrix, and Jim Morrison. But the final coffin nail on the 1970s halcyon days of rock and roll was the death of John Bonham of Led Zeppelin in 1980. As Jimmy Page and Zeppelin mocked the Beatles as technical lightweights before EVH, so too would EVH criticize Page’s guitar playing limitations. EVH saw Page first hand from the audience of the Hollywood Bowl in Southern California, where EVH first got the idea to play the guitar fretboard with two hands, unlike Page.
EVH enjoyed meteoric success in the late 1970s when the band Van Halen burst on the scene. At that time, after the fall of so many classic rock bands, heavy metal rock, inspired by Van Halen, devolved into “hair bands” with more focus on pop songs, entertaining videos on MTV, elaborate stage shows, and guitar shredding. This shredding, or speed finger work, often focuses more on the visual acrobatics, while producing non-melodic and non-memorable scale-driven notes that sail past the listeners’ ability to process it.
Because of fate, and David Lee Roth (DLR) joining the band as lead singer and front man, Van Halen developed the reputation as girl-chasing, hard-partying playboy rockers to entertain, like AC/DC or Aerosmith. After numerous huge seller albums, Van Halen broke up largely because Roth wanted to move the band further and further in the direction of light commercial entertainment than hard-hitting art. To understand why this angered EVH, we learn in the book, Eruption, that EVH was not a rock star simply because he lucked out as a partier playing guitar on the bar circuit.
EVH was an intensely trained classical musician on the piano since he was a young kid, and he had considerable experience playing in bands with his musical family, by starting to play in public at age 12. Eddie also studied music theory in college. So this notion that his musical talent and success just came from love of rock and roll and being swept along in a party scene is total misleading. And the hours of practice likely came from becoming a deep introvert as a result of moving to America from Holland without being able to speak English.
Since EVH was not communicative and small, he was ruthlessly bullied in school. He retreated to the bedroom to play the classic rock of Cream, Black Sabbath, and Grand Funk Railroad for 8 or more hours straight. No surprise here fellas – his musician mom said he was wasting his life with experimental guitar and not playing classical piano. It is interesting that EVH had a cold belief that music is also a gift one is born with, and one cannot be successful in music just by hard work without the innate talent component.
One pillar of EVH’s success was new guitar pioneering development. He built a lightweight guitar with high gain pickups that was easy to finger play – the “Frankenstrat”. He eliminated useless knobs and effects to streamline a sound mostly generated by a highly unique playing style. He innovated the finger tap technique, tremolo picking, a locking tremolo bar, and harmonics. This changed rock and roll fundamentally, and arguably for the worse, since it spawned a music branch of shredders, desperate to copy him and thinking rock music was now and forever doomed to this circuslike playing.
Many young musicians probably gave up in the early eighties due to the high bar. EVH dented the dream that rock and roll was easily accessible by the garage bands and probably helped reinvigorate the alternate rock bands of the eighties. Ironically, EVH fumed at the idea that his music was something to be copied - rather than stand-alone.
On the outside, EVH had a fun-loving facade, but on the inside, there was turmoil. He thought the bassist, Michael Anthony, was a talentless freeloader. He thought the singer DLR had limited range and only chased shallow commercial notoriety. EVH has a quiet and passive-aggressive person, and since he began heavily drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes since the age of 12, he cow towed to manipulative and pushy record executives too long, until he had had enough and wrestled total control of the band.
After EVH fired DLR, Sammy Hagar joined the band, and basically the same result unfolded, as Hagar was a good musician, yet business minded with a priority on family and a moderate work ethic. Hagar was soon gone, and then Gary Cherone entered the scene. Van Halen put out EVH’s long awaited “art album” Van Halen III, which bombed in record stores. EVH by this time was ironically conflicted by the need for commercial success, so he agreed with the record company to release Cherone after just one album. EVH entered his dark period – an era of round the clock drinking.
EVH melted into obscurity in the 1990s. He drifted from guitar to the cello. After a divorce from celebrity wife, Valerie Bertinelli, and the need to be a good father to Wolfgang, his son, EVH got sober. He eventually closed the musical circle by reuniting with DLR for an album and having his son, a prodigy musician in his own right, join the tour on bass guitar. The years of smoking and drinking caught up to EVH, and he died after a long battle with cancer in 2020 at the age of 65. Son Wolfgang’s success arguable provided EVH with his greatest joy.
The Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC rightly honored EVH as a rare artist who innovated both guitar playing and guitar making. He’s been ranked as the best electric guitarist of all time by many music trade journals and prestigious peer guitarists. Van Halen sold 80 million albums, and EVH started manufacturing his own line of instruments. EVH wanted his art to stand-alone and be unique, unfortunately, his guitars and playing style were frantically copied, both as a blessing and a curse duality.
To be sure, EVH revolutionized music as the 1970s classic period of rock came to the tragic end with the deaths of so many pioneers, such as Keith Moon, Jimi Hendrix, and Jim Morrison. But the final coffin nail on the 1970s halcyon days of rock and roll was the death of John Bonham of Led Zeppelin in 1980. As Jimmy Page and Zeppelin mocked the Beatles as technical lightweights before EVH, so too would EVH criticize Page’s guitar playing limitations. EVH saw Page first hand from the audience of the Hollywood Bowl in Southern California, where EVH first got the idea to play the guitar fretboard with two hands, unlike Page.
EVH enjoyed meteoric success in the late 1970s when the band Van Halen burst on the scene. At that time, after the fall of so many classic rock bands, heavy metal rock, inspired by Van Halen, devolved into “hair bands” with more focus on pop songs, entertaining videos on MTV, elaborate stage shows, and guitar shredding. This shredding, or speed finger work, often focuses more on the visual acrobatics, while producing non-melodic and non-memorable scale-driven notes that sail past the listeners’ ability to process it.
Because of fate, and David Lee Roth (DLR) joining the band as lead singer and front man, Van Halen developed the reputation as girl-chasing, hard-partying playboy rockers to entertain, like AC/DC or Aerosmith. After numerous huge seller albums, Van Halen broke up largely because Roth wanted to move the band further and further in the direction of light commercial entertainment than hard-hitting art. To understand why this angered EVH, we learn in the book, Eruption, that EVH was not a rock star simply because he lucked out as a partier playing guitar on the bar circuit.
EVH was an intensely trained classical musician on the piano since he was a young kid, and he had considerable experience playing in bands with his musical family, by starting to play in public at age 12. Eddie also studied music theory in college. So this notion that his musical talent and success just came from love of rock and roll and being swept along in a party scene is total misleading. And the hours of practice likely came from becoming a deep introvert as a result of moving to America from Holland without being able to speak English.
Since EVH was not communicative and small, he was ruthlessly bullied in school. He retreated to the bedroom to play the classic rock of Cream, Black Sabbath, and Grand Funk Railroad for 8 or more hours straight. No surprise here fellas – his musician mom said he was wasting his life with experimental guitar and not playing classical piano. It is interesting that EVH had a cold belief that music is also a gift one is born with, and one cannot be successful in music just by hard work without the innate talent component.
One pillar of EVH’s success was new guitar pioneering development. He built a lightweight guitar with high gain pickups that was easy to finger play – the “Frankenstrat”. He eliminated useless knobs and effects to streamline a sound mostly generated by a highly unique playing style. He innovated the finger tap technique, tremolo picking, a locking tremolo bar, and harmonics. This changed rock and roll fundamentally, and arguably for the worse, since it spawned a music branch of shredders, desperate to copy him and thinking rock music was now and forever doomed to this circuslike playing.
Many young musicians probably gave up in the early eighties due to the high bar. EVH dented the dream that rock and roll was easily accessible by the garage bands and probably helped reinvigorate the alternate rock bands of the eighties. Ironically, EVH fumed at the idea that his music was something to be copied - rather than stand-alone.
On the outside, EVH had a fun-loving facade, but on the inside, there was turmoil. He thought the bassist, Michael Anthony, was a talentless freeloader. He thought the singer DLR had limited range and only chased shallow commercial notoriety. EVH has a quiet and passive-aggressive person, and since he began heavily drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes since the age of 12, he cow towed to manipulative and pushy record executives too long, until he had had enough and wrestled total control of the band.
After EVH fired DLR, Sammy Hagar joined the band, and basically the same result unfolded, as Hagar was a good musician, yet business minded with a priority on family and a moderate work ethic. Hagar was soon gone, and then Gary Cherone entered the scene. Van Halen put out EVH’s long awaited “art album” Van Halen III, which bombed in record stores. EVH by this time was ironically conflicted by the need for commercial success, so he agreed with the record company to release Cherone after just one album. EVH entered his dark period – an era of round the clock drinking.
EVH melted into obscurity in the 1990s. He drifted from guitar to the cello. After a divorce from celebrity wife, Valerie Bertinelli, and the need to be a good father to Wolfgang, his son, EVH got sober. He eventually closed the musical circle by reuniting with DLR for an album and having his son, a prodigy musician in his own right, join the tour on bass guitar. The years of smoking and drinking caught up to EVH, and he died after a long battle with cancer in 2020 at the age of 65. Son Wolfgang’s success arguable provided EVH with his greatest joy.
The Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC rightly honored EVH as a rare artist who innovated both guitar playing and guitar making. He’s been ranked as the best electric guitarist of all time by many music trade journals and prestigious peer guitarists. Van Halen sold 80 million albums, and EVH started manufacturing his own line of instruments. EVH wanted his art to stand-alone and be unique, unfortunately, his guitars and playing style were frantically copied, both as a blessing and a curse duality.
November 26, 2023
Pulling at the strings of one’s heroes is always a bit of a risk. There’s a high probability that doing so can result in the unraveling of the facade that your hero was human after all. Such was the case with “Eruption: Conversations With Eddie Van Halen.” I’ve read just about every book on the subject of Van Halen published in the last thirty years. My love for the band was based almost solely on my appreciation for Eddie Van Halen the guitarist as opposed to the band as a whole. I never fell prey to the tired old debate of which was the superior singer, Sammy or Dave. To me, that debate was irrelevant. For me, it was always all about Eddie. As opposed to the other biographies available, this one focuses primarily on Eddie the man and the musician. The writing and pacing is well done and it sheds light on Eddie’s life in ways that other biographies don’t. And despite revealing some rather unflattering aspects of my musical hero’s life, I loved every single moment of it. Thank you Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill for your extensive research and your well thought out work. A brilliant biography and a must read for any fan of the band. Long live Eddie Van Halen.
January 21, 2025
For a book which presents in a mostly factual, straightforward way, this elicited, nearly every time I picked it up, a shocking amount of emotional resonance in me.
Page 233 (hardcover edition) contains a line which says, "I'm very simple in my complication and very complicated in my simplicity." - a brilliant bit of self-assessment by EVH, and a great nod to how this book was crafted.
High points: The technical sections related to guitar construction and reconstruction, amplifiers, engineering, production, and songwriting will tickle the toes of every hard core VH fan and audiophile who reads this from cover to cover. It is not a casual read. By the end of it, I, who know almost nothing about the physical construction of an electric guitar, could name many variable parts of one if called on in a game of Jeopardy without even breaking a sweat.
Again, not a tell-all book about who groped what groupie or who shot up in the tour manager's bus bathroom, this is a book of interviews conducted nearly a hundred percent by reputable journalists of Ed and his band mates, along with others in the music industry who were peers of, (personal or business) partners with or family of his.
Some of the statements and information shared are repetitive, but to me, that was both understandable (interviewers ask a lot of the same questions and Ed is consistent in his recollections, explanations and replies) and positive, as now the stories rest within an even deeper groove in my brain.
Anything and everything where Wolfgang is mentioned is pure gold in this work. It is a beautiful thing to see the apple and the tree from which it fell so closely aligned and cosmically in tune.
The challenges posed within the book, for me personally, surrounded how much was shared about his descent into questionable mental health. Between the critical failure of his (up-til-then) opus VH III, the alcoholism, the crumbling of his marriage to Valerie, and his repeated and often very serious health conditions, the curtain was pulled back on a very private existence in a way which gave me great sorrow and, because we all know the ending, absolutely zero chance for a tidy, final chapter wrap up. In fact, when the last fifty pages began showcasing his uplifting behaviors, like pilates and good nutrition, I felt even more bereft as I knew the fantastical musical collaborations which he was suddenly willing to explore, circa 2016, were never coming to fruition. Also, the sheer gorgeousness of the cover image alone broke my heart.
I maintain the belief that all TRUE artistic geniuses have a little bee buzzing around constantly in the neurons and synapses and unless they release some honey in the form of self expression, the feeling of creative overwhelm can lead to a bunch of gummed up muck in there. Ed displays this regularly throughout.
I found it helpful to YouTube several songs, performances, and videos during my reading. I saw VH (the Alex, Wolfie, David and Ed lineup) in concert in 2008 but didn't listen to any "new" music within the last decade of his life. That being said, I'd like to unsee the videos which were shot in support of his pornography soundtrack but I only have myself to blame for dialing them up out of gross curiosity.
The still photos which were chosen and included were appreciated and a few, even as a lifelong diehard fan, were ones I had not seen before.
I am moving onto Alex's book "Brothers" next and really look forward to the juxtaposition.
Page 233 (hardcover edition) contains a line which says, "I'm very simple in my complication and very complicated in my simplicity." - a brilliant bit of self-assessment by EVH, and a great nod to how this book was crafted.
High points: The technical sections related to guitar construction and reconstruction, amplifiers, engineering, production, and songwriting will tickle the toes of every hard core VH fan and audiophile who reads this from cover to cover. It is not a casual read. By the end of it, I, who know almost nothing about the physical construction of an electric guitar, could name many variable parts of one if called on in a game of Jeopardy without even breaking a sweat.
Again, not a tell-all book about who groped what groupie or who shot up in the tour manager's bus bathroom, this is a book of interviews conducted nearly a hundred percent by reputable journalists of Ed and his band mates, along with others in the music industry who were peers of, (personal or business) partners with or family of his.
Some of the statements and information shared are repetitive, but to me, that was both understandable (interviewers ask a lot of the same questions and Ed is consistent in his recollections, explanations and replies) and positive, as now the stories rest within an even deeper groove in my brain.
Anything and everything where Wolfgang is mentioned is pure gold in this work. It is a beautiful thing to see the apple and the tree from which it fell so closely aligned and cosmically in tune.
The challenges posed within the book, for me personally, surrounded how much was shared about his descent into questionable mental health. Between the critical failure of his (up-til-then) opus VH III, the alcoholism, the crumbling of his marriage to Valerie, and his repeated and often very serious health conditions, the curtain was pulled back on a very private existence in a way which gave me great sorrow and, because we all know the ending, absolutely zero chance for a tidy, final chapter wrap up. In fact, when the last fifty pages began showcasing his uplifting behaviors, like pilates and good nutrition, I felt even more bereft as I knew the fantastical musical collaborations which he was suddenly willing to explore, circa 2016, were never coming to fruition. Also, the sheer gorgeousness of the cover image alone broke my heart.
I maintain the belief that all TRUE artistic geniuses have a little bee buzzing around constantly in the neurons and synapses and unless they release some honey in the form of self expression, the feeling of creative overwhelm can lead to a bunch of gummed up muck in there. Ed displays this regularly throughout.
I found it helpful to YouTube several songs, performances, and videos during my reading. I saw VH (the Alex, Wolfie, David and Ed lineup) in concert in 2008 but didn't listen to any "new" music within the last decade of his life. That being said, I'd like to unsee the videos which were shot in support of his pornography soundtrack but I only have myself to blame for dialing them up out of gross curiosity.
The still photos which were chosen and included were appreciated and a few, even as a lifelong diehard fan, were ones I had not seen before.
I am moving onto Alex's book "Brothers" next and really look forward to the juxtaposition.
August 29, 2021
I jumped for joy when I received the okay to review the upcoming book about the brilliant musical genius, Eddie Van Halen. Since I read the Jimmy Page book by this author, I was very interested in how he would approach discussing Eddie's techniques, gear, and thoughts about his musical journey.
Also, I've been somewhat obsessed since EVH died nearly a year ago and strangely affected and saddened by it. I'd always considered him one of my favorite guitarists even when I wasn't listening to Van Halen, but his passing spurred me to binge his earlier recordings from the first album to 1984. (I'm a Diamond Dave-era fan, for the most part.) And I haven't ceased doing so since that time last year.
This book provides EVH's own words about the genesis of his musical talent, about the formation of Van Halen, and hopes for the future. He discusses his gear and how he constructed his own guitars and accessories to chase the sound and tone he searched for to replicate what was going on in his head. He straightens out and gives his own perspective on a range of topics, including his relationships with his band members from David Lee Roth to Sammy Hagar and his own son and brother. Some of the talk about his guitars, gear, and technique may sound foreign to those without a musical background, but it's interesting all the same.
If you're a big fan of EVH, though, you may be familiar with some interviews or pieces of them. You may know the odd tidbit or two about who he planned to replace DLR with, but some, like one singer he considered, may surprise you. For those fans who may not have delved into this material before, you'll find out some interesting facts and thoughts.
In reading this book, I kept thinking about other contemporary musical geniuses that sound so much like him, namely Brian Wilson and Miles Davis. They, too, did not want to be pigeonholed or controlled when it came to their music. Getting the sound they were after superseded any other goals, which may have disrupted every other aspect of their lives but cements EVH as more than just a rock guitarist. He was an artist.
Even though I knew some of the information in this book, if you're a fan, it's worth reading. It's refreshing how candid he was and how committed he was to his music even during the lowest points of his life including his substance abuse, constant fights against cancer, and the challenges of living up to the deity status he earned in the music world.
Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Books for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! It was a pleasure!
Also, I've been somewhat obsessed since EVH died nearly a year ago and strangely affected and saddened by it. I'd always considered him one of my favorite guitarists even when I wasn't listening to Van Halen, but his passing spurred me to binge his earlier recordings from the first album to 1984. (I'm a Diamond Dave-era fan, for the most part.) And I haven't ceased doing so since that time last year.
This book provides EVH's own words about the genesis of his musical talent, about the formation of Van Halen, and hopes for the future. He discusses his gear and how he constructed his own guitars and accessories to chase the sound and tone he searched for to replicate what was going on in his head. He straightens out and gives his own perspective on a range of topics, including his relationships with his band members from David Lee Roth to Sammy Hagar and his own son and brother. Some of the talk about his guitars, gear, and technique may sound foreign to those without a musical background, but it's interesting all the same.
If you're a big fan of EVH, though, you may be familiar with some interviews or pieces of them. You may know the odd tidbit or two about who he planned to replace DLR with, but some, like one singer he considered, may surprise you. For those fans who may not have delved into this material before, you'll find out some interesting facts and thoughts.
In reading this book, I kept thinking about other contemporary musical geniuses that sound so much like him, namely Brian Wilson and Miles Davis. They, too, did not want to be pigeonholed or controlled when it came to their music. Getting the sound they were after superseded any other goals, which may have disrupted every other aspect of their lives but cements EVH as more than just a rock guitarist. He was an artist.
Even though I knew some of the information in this book, if you're a fan, it's worth reading. It's refreshing how candid he was and how committed he was to his music even during the lowest points of his life including his substance abuse, constant fights against cancer, and the challenges of living up to the deity status he earned in the music world.
Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Books for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! It was a pleasure!
September 6, 2021
Picture it - New Jersey, 1984. Every single person I knew (or so it seemed) had MTV but not my parents. My parents were perfectly content to go about their lives without cable.
Therefore when when 1984 came out; I was 10 years old and even being without MTV as I was, I knew who Van Halen was - I had caught sight of one of their music videos at a friend’s house and was terrified; David Lee Roth’s magnetism was recognizable even to me and, at ten years old, that was so far outside my comfort zone that I stuck my nose back in my books and stayed there.
After seeing that music video in 1984, and for many, many years after - I never listened to the band until I married someone I soon realized was a giant Van Halen fan. I’ve grown to appreciate their music (along with Motley Crue and Slayer) over the past years). But even with all my reading (some things never change), I still knew who Eddie Van Halen was. I remember the inimitable, adorable smile, his solo on Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’, and when he married Valerie Bertinelli (never mind that I can’t remember what I ate for dinner last Thursday or why I walked into the kitchen) but I didn’t understand the music so much until after I met my husband.
This incredibly in depth book made me more impressed with all the talent that was in that one man. I view guitar players the way I view artists and some really fantastic writers - I don’t have a clue how these people can create such beauty in the world, but I’m glad I’m aware enough to appreciate the talents of such people.
This book was technical, sure, but it was still a highly enjoyable read for a non-musician like myself. The authors went above and beyond in compiling hours and hours of conversation into this book, in a way that reads seamlessly and easily. I’d recommend this to any guitarist, fan of EVH, or fan of 80’s rock.
Thanks to Hachette and NetGalley for an eARC of this title. Opinions shared are influenced by nothing other than my reading experience.
Therefore when when 1984 came out; I was 10 years old and even being without MTV as I was, I knew who Van Halen was - I had caught sight of one of their music videos at a friend’s house and was terrified; David Lee Roth’s magnetism was recognizable even to me and, at ten years old, that was so far outside my comfort zone that I stuck my nose back in my books and stayed there.
After seeing that music video in 1984, and for many, many years after - I never listened to the band until I married someone I soon realized was a giant Van Halen fan. I’ve grown to appreciate their music (along with Motley Crue and Slayer) over the past years). But even with all my reading (some things never change), I still knew who Eddie Van Halen was. I remember the inimitable, adorable smile, his solo on Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’, and when he married Valerie Bertinelli (never mind that I can’t remember what I ate for dinner last Thursday or why I walked into the kitchen) but I didn’t understand the music so much until after I met my husband.
This incredibly in depth book made me more impressed with all the talent that was in that one man. I view guitar players the way I view artists and some really fantastic writers - I don’t have a clue how these people can create such beauty in the world, but I’m glad I’m aware enough to appreciate the talents of such people.
This book was technical, sure, but it was still a highly enjoyable read for a non-musician like myself. The authors went above and beyond in compiling hours and hours of conversation into this book, in a way that reads seamlessly and easily. I’d recommend this to any guitarist, fan of EVH, or fan of 80’s rock.
Thanks to Hachette and NetGalley for an eARC of this title. Opinions shared are influenced by nothing other than my reading experience.
October 21, 2021
For more reviews and bookish posts please visit: https://www.ManOfLaBook.com or https://www.instagram.com/manoflabook/
Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen by Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill puts together interviews and of Eddie Van Halen, friends, and family. Mr Tolinski was Editor-in-Chief of Guitar World magazine, Mr. Gill was the Editor-in-Chief of Guitar Aficionado magazine.
Is Eddie Van Halen overrated or underrate?
This,at any rate, was a often topic of conversation in high school, in hindsight by a bunch of know-nothing, yet all knowing, teenagers. I always maintained he was way underrated – afterwards, it turns out, I was wrong as well, not realizing just how underrated he was.
In Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen by Brad Tolinski (who also wrote a book about Jimmy Page) and Chris Gill, the authors certainly don’t hide their admiration for Van Halen. The compilation of interviews, as well as the sidebars, really lets the reader know Eddie Van Halen like never before.
The book covers some of the guitars Eddie played, and chiefly built himself. While I always recognized Eddie Van Halen as the best rock ‘n roll guitarist I’ve ever listen to. I did not, however, knew his contributions to guitar technology.
Specifically, I enjoyed the background essays before the interviews. These tidbits gave context to the interviews that followed, which elevated this book from “just a bunch of interviews” to probably the best biography of Eddie Van Halen we’re ever going to get.
The authors also included interviews with other people who worked with Van Halen during pivotal times in their life. Ray Daniels, manager in the 90s, was a fascinating look at a turbulent time. Vocalist Gary Cherone put a very humane aspect to a man who was a legend during his life. And, of course Sammy Hagar, David Lee Roth managed a word or two in as w
Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen by Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill puts together interviews and of Eddie Van Halen, friends, and family. Mr Tolinski was Editor-in-Chief of Guitar World magazine, Mr. Gill was the Editor-in-Chief of Guitar Aficionado magazine.
Is Eddie Van Halen overrated or underrate?
This,at any rate, was a often topic of conversation in high school, in hindsight by a bunch of know-nothing, yet all knowing, teenagers. I always maintained he was way underrated – afterwards, it turns out, I was wrong as well, not realizing just how underrated he was.
In Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen by Brad Tolinski (who also wrote a book about Jimmy Page) and Chris Gill, the authors certainly don’t hide their admiration for Van Halen. The compilation of interviews, as well as the sidebars, really lets the reader know Eddie Van Halen like never before.
The book covers some of the guitars Eddie played, and chiefly built himself. While I always recognized Eddie Van Halen as the best rock ‘n roll guitarist I’ve ever listen to. I did not, however, knew his contributions to guitar technology.
Specifically, I enjoyed the background essays before the interviews. These tidbits gave context to the interviews that followed, which elevated this book from “just a bunch of interviews” to probably the best biography of Eddie Van Halen we’re ever going to get.
The authors also included interviews with other people who worked with Van Halen during pivotal times in their life. Ray Daniels, manager in the 90s, was a fascinating look at a turbulent time. Vocalist Gary Cherone put a very humane aspect to a man who was a legend during his life. And, of course Sammy Hagar, David Lee Roth managed a word or two in as w
October 23, 2021
For more bookish posts visit: https://www.ManOfLaBook.com
Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen by Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill puts together interviews and of Eddie Van Halen, friends, and family. Mr Tolinski was Editor-in-Chief of Guitar World magazine, Mr. Gill was the Editor-in-Chief of Guitar Aficionado magazine.
Is Eddie Van Halen overrated or underrate?
This,at any rate, was a often topic of conversation in high school, in hindsight by a bunch of know-nothing, yet all knowing, teenagers. I always maintained he was way underrated – afterwards, it turns out, I was wrong as well, not realizing just how underrated he was.
In Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen by Brad Tolinski (who also wrote a book about Jimmy Page) and Chris Gill, the authors certainly don’t hide their admiration for Van Halen. The compilation of interviews, as well as the sidebars, really lets the reader know Eddie Van Halen like never before.
The book covers some of the guitars Eddie played, and chiefly built himself. While I always recognized Eddie Van Halen as the best rock ‘n roll guitarist I’ve ever listen to. I did not, however, knew his contributions to guitar technology.
Specifically, I enjoyed the background essays before the interviews. These tidbits gave context to the interviews that followed, which elevated this book from “just a bunch of interviews” to probably the best biography of Eddie Van Halen we’re ever going to get.
The authors also included interviews with other people who worked with Van Halen during pivotal times in their life. Ray Daniels, manager in the 90s, was a fascinating look at a turbulent time. Vocalist Gary Cherone put a very humane aspect to a man who was a legend during his life. And, of course Sammy Hagar, David Lee Roth managed a word or two in as well.
Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen by Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill puts together interviews and of Eddie Van Halen, friends, and family. Mr Tolinski was Editor-in-Chief of Guitar World magazine, Mr. Gill was the Editor-in-Chief of Guitar Aficionado magazine.
Is Eddie Van Halen overrated or underrate?
This,at any rate, was a often topic of conversation in high school, in hindsight by a bunch of know-nothing, yet all knowing, teenagers. I always maintained he was way underrated – afterwards, it turns out, I was wrong as well, not realizing just how underrated he was.
In Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen by Brad Tolinski (who also wrote a book about Jimmy Page) and Chris Gill, the authors certainly don’t hide their admiration for Van Halen. The compilation of interviews, as well as the sidebars, really lets the reader know Eddie Van Halen like never before.
The book covers some of the guitars Eddie played, and chiefly built himself. While I always recognized Eddie Van Halen as the best rock ‘n roll guitarist I’ve ever listen to. I did not, however, knew his contributions to guitar technology.
Specifically, I enjoyed the background essays before the interviews. These tidbits gave context to the interviews that followed, which elevated this book from “just a bunch of interviews” to probably the best biography of Eddie Van Halen we’re ever going to get.
The authors also included interviews with other people who worked with Van Halen during pivotal times in their life. Ray Daniels, manager in the 90s, was a fascinating look at a turbulent time. Vocalist Gary Cherone put a very humane aspect to a man who was a legend during his life. And, of course Sammy Hagar, David Lee Roth managed a word or two in as well.
September 2, 2023
I started playing guitar at the age of three; I didn't take my first lesson until I was in ninth grade. By that time, it was 1986 and I had already discovered the great Eddie Van Halen and the awesome band he led. The first VH cassette I bought was the classic 1984, but I quickly got all the older music; then when Sammy Hagar came along for 5150, I really fell in love with their music. I have been a lifelong fan and own most of their music in one form or another.
I remember when Eddie's death from cancer was announced; it tore me up. I had never met the man, of course, and had only seen him live in concert once with the band's third lead singer, Gary Cherone, but I felt like I had lost a friend. Music was such a big part of my life as a teenager; I could play guitar for hours and lose track of time. I know I drove my parents crazy trying to learn Eddie's guitar solos. I never came close, of course, but it was so much damned fun trying!
There has been so much written about Eddie's life and personal issues; I have also read Sammy Hagar's book, Red. But i wanted something that wasn't necessarily written from one person's point of view. I chose to read this book because of the interviews these guys included. I wanted to read more of Eddie's own words since, while I have read many of his interviews from the past, I hadn't read all of them. This book delivered everything I wanted and so much more.
Reliving how I felt when I first heard Van Halen and how I feel now as an adult every time I hear their music was so much fun for me. I still feel a tiny part of my childhood died when Eddie Van Halen passed away, but that's what makes the music so special...if I didn't love it so much, it wouldn't have impacted me like it did. I am so appreciative for Eddie's contribution to music and the place it holds in my life. The world will miss his talent.
I remember when Eddie's death from cancer was announced; it tore me up. I had never met the man, of course, and had only seen him live in concert once with the band's third lead singer, Gary Cherone, but I felt like I had lost a friend. Music was such a big part of my life as a teenager; I could play guitar for hours and lose track of time. I know I drove my parents crazy trying to learn Eddie's guitar solos. I never came close, of course, but it was so much damned fun trying!
There has been so much written about Eddie's life and personal issues; I have also read Sammy Hagar's book, Red. But i wanted something that wasn't necessarily written from one person's point of view. I chose to read this book because of the interviews these guys included. I wanted to read more of Eddie's own words since, while I have read many of his interviews from the past, I hadn't read all of them. This book delivered everything I wanted and so much more.
Reliving how I felt when I first heard Van Halen and how I feel now as an adult every time I hear their music was so much fun for me. I still feel a tiny part of my childhood died when Eddie Van Halen passed away, but that's what makes the music so special...if I didn't love it so much, it wouldn't have impacted me like it did. I am so appreciative for Eddie's contribution to music and the place it holds in my life. The world will miss his talent.
February 22, 2025
I found this book very informative and enjoyable. Informative about Eddie Van Halen, his brother Alex, and his parents, especially how music shaped all of their lives, and music helped them pursue the American dream as immigrants from the Netherlands - from struggles to success.
Enjoyable in that was a blast from the 1980s for me, the decade I first began to play the guitar and bass. Interspersed were interviews from Guitar Player and Guitar World magazines. I felt I was transported back to hearing Van Halen's 1984 singles and Michael Jackson's Beat It on the radio!
I also learned much more about the band's formation in the mid 1970s, and its struggles in the 1990s. Periods I was too young to know about the band, or when Grunge was popular, I wasn't keeping up with the band.
There were also of course tough and sad moments, especially about Eddie's struggles with cancer but also a dark period between marriages. I'm thankful that his dream of playing professionally with his son, Wolfgang, came to fruition. It was so joyful to read interviews with him and Wolfgang together. Very inspiring for me as an amateur musician and as a father! Thank you Eddie!
My only criticism of the book is that frequently in the chapter introductions the authors would refer to statements in their conversations with Eddie, so it felt very repetitive at times. However, there is so much insightful and illuminating material hear, for me the repetition was overshadowed.
A highly recommended book for musicians, fans (of the band or Rock music in general), or anyone curious to learn more about the phenomenon of Eddie Van Halen and Van Halen!
Enjoyable in that was a blast from the 1980s for me, the decade I first began to play the guitar and bass. Interspersed were interviews from Guitar Player and Guitar World magazines. I felt I was transported back to hearing Van Halen's 1984 singles and Michael Jackson's Beat It on the radio!
I also learned much more about the band's formation in the mid 1970s, and its struggles in the 1990s. Periods I was too young to know about the band, or when Grunge was popular, I wasn't keeping up with the band.
There were also of course tough and sad moments, especially about Eddie's struggles with cancer but also a dark period between marriages. I'm thankful that his dream of playing professionally with his son, Wolfgang, came to fruition. It was so joyful to read interviews with him and Wolfgang together. Very inspiring for me as an amateur musician and as a father! Thank you Eddie!
My only criticism of the book is that frequently in the chapter introductions the authors would refer to statements in their conversations with Eddie, so it felt very repetitive at times. However, there is so much insightful and illuminating material hear, for me the repetition was overshadowed.
A highly recommended book for musicians, fans (of the band or Rock music in general), or anyone curious to learn more about the phenomenon of Eddie Van Halen and Van Halen!
October 28, 2025
This is a much better book than that last Van Halen biography I read.
Despite its title, this isn't just a collection of interviews with Eddie. The book tells the Van Halen story and then drops in an Eddie interview to flesh out the period the author is talking about. There's also interviews with other members of the band and people in the VH circle who were privy to what was going on. And for the guitar nerds like myself, there's also some pages dropped in about some of Eddie's axes.
I did feel bad for Michael Anthony after reading this. In the hierarchy of the band, if Eddie was ice and DLR and Sammy were fire, Mike was lukewarm water. He seemed happy enough in that role, but then I learned he got badly screwed, financially, because Eddie said he didn't contribute enough during the making of the albums. Though it seems to me, Eddie didn't want help from anyone during recording, so I think Mike was just trying to stand back and let Eddie do his thing. Even if he didn't give opinions during recording, that was no reason to screw him on what he got paid for touring. Money definitely is the root of all bands breaking up.
It's a really good book about the most innovative guitar player of his generation. The only negative thing I have to say is that some of the stories get repeated, and that's tiresome. The author will tell us about some event, and then in the Eddie interview he'll tell the same story, and then, sometimes, one of the other interviewees will tell the same story AGAIN!
Apart from that, I'd recommend this to any fans who want to know more about the man, the band, the rows, his guitars, his life and loves, and his tragic end.
Despite its title, this isn't just a collection of interviews with Eddie. The book tells the Van Halen story and then drops in an Eddie interview to flesh out the period the author is talking about. There's also interviews with other members of the band and people in the VH circle who were privy to what was going on. And for the guitar nerds like myself, there's also some pages dropped in about some of Eddie's axes.
I did feel bad for Michael Anthony after reading this. In the hierarchy of the band, if Eddie was ice and DLR and Sammy were fire, Mike was lukewarm water. He seemed happy enough in that role, but then I learned he got badly screwed, financially, because Eddie said he didn't contribute enough during the making of the albums. Though it seems to me, Eddie didn't want help from anyone during recording, so I think Mike was just trying to stand back and let Eddie do his thing. Even if he didn't give opinions during recording, that was no reason to screw him on what he got paid for touring. Money definitely is the root of all bands breaking up.
It's a really good book about the most innovative guitar player of his generation. The only negative thing I have to say is that some of the stories get repeated, and that's tiresome. The author will tell us about some event, and then in the Eddie interview he'll tell the same story, and then, sometimes, one of the other interviewees will tell the same story AGAIN!
Apart from that, I'd recommend this to any fans who want to know more about the man, the band, the rows, his guitars, his life and loves, and his tragic end.
April 18, 2022
I wanted to love this book, but it was a little clunky to get through. There are numerous interviews by Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill. A bit of a patchwork quilt. There were also several 'inserts' called Musical Interlude(s) which were enjoyable. These sections were written by various producers and other musicians that worked with EVH. They were insightful as to the way EVH composed.
I recall a scene in which Ed's guitars were all over the floor in the studio and he was standing there with a far-off gaze. Someone said, "What is it?" Ed replied, "I am looking for the sound. It's in my head." Apparently, none of the instruments around him were making the sound he was driven to find. If you are a guitar geek there is a lot of jargon about how EVH developed his guitars, amps, etc.
It is striking that his young life was difficult, transitioning as foreigner from another country who did not speak English. Having parents that are tough on you and expect nothing but your best. I always pictured him as an all-American kid trying to make it big in the rock scene.
There are a lot of strong opinions in the book and I am guessing a considerable amount of heresay. When you take interviews from lots of different sources...who knows. But, everyone has an opinion about something. That's the truth. I felt like I was outside of the snow globe and just wished it was written in his own hand. May he be at rest.
I recall a scene in which Ed's guitars were all over the floor in the studio and he was standing there with a far-off gaze. Someone said, "What is it?" Ed replied, "I am looking for the sound. It's in my head." Apparently, none of the instruments around him were making the sound he was driven to find. If you are a guitar geek there is a lot of jargon about how EVH developed his guitars, amps, etc.
It is striking that his young life was difficult, transitioning as foreigner from another country who did not speak English. Having parents that are tough on you and expect nothing but your best. I always pictured him as an all-American kid trying to make it big in the rock scene.
There are a lot of strong opinions in the book and I am guessing a considerable amount of heresay. When you take interviews from lots of different sources...who knows. But, everyone has an opinion about something. That's the truth. I felt like I was outside of the snow globe and just wished it was written in his own hand. May he be at rest.
September 24, 2024
If you are a fanboy and like to keep living in a fantasy world this book is for you. This is a PG story of a person who once was a great innovator and a great artist, but sadly the author leaves so much details out of the picture for people to see what actually happened with Eddies life and how coke and alcohol destroyed a person and his perception of the outside world.
All the coke, drinking and backstab shenanigans were left out and some only briefly mentioned. In addition, because of the books fanboyand fashion, every record and every solo that Edward produced is "cream of the crop" and "innovative" and "out of this world". And when he later starts to sing on his own songs, there is no recognition whatsoever that it's just crap.
For me personally, thanx to the book "Running With the Devil" and reexamination of Eddies discography, its became clear how drugs and alcohol can turn once a brilliant artist into lesser artist and worse guitar player, despite his own delusions, that his material and playing got better with time.
As others mentioned, the book is overly repetitive and from my side, its just feels less real and more like a fan fic of their favorite guitar hero.
If you want a real story, you should dig deeper on your own. Still worth a read if you want to get some of the details and some behind the scenes, like it was for me.
All the coke, drinking and backstab shenanigans were left out and some only briefly mentioned. In addition, because of the books fanboyand fashion, every record and every solo that Edward produced is "cream of the crop" and "innovative" and "out of this world". And when he later starts to sing on his own songs, there is no recognition whatsoever that it's just crap.
For me personally, thanx to the book "Running With the Devil" and reexamination of Eddies discography, its became clear how drugs and alcohol can turn once a brilliant artist into lesser artist and worse guitar player, despite his own delusions, that his material and playing got better with time.
As others mentioned, the book is overly repetitive and from my side, its just feels less real and more like a fan fic of their favorite guitar hero.
If you want a real story, you should dig deeper on your own. Still worth a read if you want to get some of the details and some behind the scenes, like it was for me.
Read
October 20, 2024Put forward as a series of conversations with EVH but with a reasonably well researched biography in between the 'conversations'.
I found the biography parts to be informative... probably more so than the interviews with EVH which had been gathered from different sources from before his death so couldn't really tell his story quite as fully or succinctly as a separate party.
There were a number of interviews with other players including bassist Michael Anthony, 3rd singer Gary Cherone and some of Eddie's guitar contemporaries, which helped paint a bit of a picture.
I'm afraid the picture painted shows a man who, while a genius of sound and guitar playing, and who could be incredibly generous and affectionate to the people in his inner circle or whom he considered 'family' he seems like he turned on anyone who was not doing exactly what he wanted.
He seemed to want to control all aspects of his life including setting up a home studio and then making his various bandmates come to him to create their albums.
That aside, reading this book did lead me to listen to all of the different Van Halen albums, and Eddie really is a genius of tone, riffery and solos. He reinvented how to solo on guitar and led his band to extensive success even with continuing their rise with a change of lead singers.
I found the biography parts to be informative... probably more so than the interviews with EVH which had been gathered from different sources from before his death so couldn't really tell his story quite as fully or succinctly as a separate party.
There were a number of interviews with other players including bassist Michael Anthony, 3rd singer Gary Cherone and some of Eddie's guitar contemporaries, which helped paint a bit of a picture.
I'm afraid the picture painted shows a man who, while a genius of sound and guitar playing, and who could be incredibly generous and affectionate to the people in his inner circle or whom he considered 'family' he seems like he turned on anyone who was not doing exactly what he wanted.
He seemed to want to control all aspects of his life including setting up a home studio and then making his various bandmates come to him to create their albums.
That aside, reading this book did lead me to listen to all of the different Van Halen albums, and Eddie really is a genius of tone, riffery and solos. He reinvented how to solo on guitar and led his band to extensive success even with continuing their rise with a change of lead singers.
June 19, 2022
I read a biography of Van Halen the band a while back and was disappointed. The book did an OK job of covering the band's rise to stardom, but there was nothing of the internal struggles. What were the problems Eddie was trying to solve that drove him to his world changing innovations? This book covers that side of it. Through a series of interviews over the decades, Tolinski chronicles the life, times, and struggles of both Eddie and the band. I think the thing I liked the most was that Tolinski is clear right from the start, no Edward, no Van Halen.
This is no superficial fan bio. Tolinski knows the band and has spoken and visited with them. We get the rise and early success as well as the struggles as the band changes singers three times. We also get the words of Eddie on why he built 5150, why he stopped drinking, why he couldn't stay sober, life with Valerie, Wolfgang, and his bandmates. Tolinski takes us all the way from beginning to Eddie's tragic end and the legacy he left.
I've read several rock bios. This one is solid. Tolinski gets technical enough that the reader gains actual insight into the music and the process while telling the story of the people. Very relatable and very satisfying.
This is no superficial fan bio. Tolinski knows the band and has spoken and visited with them. We get the rise and early success as well as the struggles as the band changes singers three times. We also get the words of Eddie on why he built 5150, why he stopped drinking, why he couldn't stay sober, life with Valerie, Wolfgang, and his bandmates. Tolinski takes us all the way from beginning to Eddie's tragic end and the legacy he left.
I've read several rock bios. This one is solid. Tolinski gets technical enough that the reader gains actual insight into the music and the process while telling the story of the people. Very relatable and very satisfying.
January 14, 2025
I landed here being frustrated and a bit disappointed with Alex Van Halen's book that was apparently and turns out massively is padded with material from this - others too but largely this. I still had a lot of empathy for him, being left with interviews and photos and memories like the rest of us and am a major fan of his drumming. It left me and apparently quite a lot of other Van Halen fans quite defensive of Sammy Hagar and a little of Michael Anthony. We all love Michael Anthony's backing vocals, in the pocket, not too busy bass playing too but those backing vocals - It does get a slight mention in Alex's book.
I balked at the higher price of this book but would consider this the definitive book on Eddie and Van Halen in general. I'm enjoying listening on audiobook. It's well written and honest without milking drama or scandal. Michael Anthony is not dissed or ignored - maybe Ed might diss personally at some stage but this book features interviews with MA. Sammy Hagar's contribution is not overlooked, including author mentioning that first Montrose album being an influence. I only recently got into that quite brilliant hard rock album.
Well worth your time if you're a fan
I balked at the higher price of this book but would consider this the definitive book on Eddie and Van Halen in general. I'm enjoying listening on audiobook. It's well written and honest without milking drama or scandal. Michael Anthony is not dissed or ignored - maybe Ed might diss personally at some stage but this book features interviews with MA. Sammy Hagar's contribution is not overlooked, including author mentioning that first Montrose album being an influence. I only recently got into that quite brilliant hard rock album.
Well worth your time if you're a fan
August 16, 2022
I was looking for a good summer read, What’s better than Eddie V’s story?
I first read Sammy’s book, Red and it left me with a good impression of the man. He really came into his own and handled all of his success well. I knew Eddie was a perfectionist and made guitars to fit his playing style by sawing off the necks and changing the pick ups.
It was great to read about the start of VH and how they became the monsters of arena rock along with being the bad boys of MTV. I guess I was truly able to see Eddie’s brilliance when he crossed over to play on Michael Jackson’s album. He did it so effortlessly and brought a new audience to VH as well as Michael Jackson.
The Sammy years are actually my favorite, he brought a mature sound to the band. He didn’t like to sing any of Dave’s songs, I have my back against the record machine didn’t fly with Sammy.
To have Eddie’s son introduced was something special. To have the family just shredding it made Eddie proud.
It was sad to have all the cancer catch up to him and end his life so young. He still has lots of music to make and with his son by his side they would have made a great collaboration. Rest In Peace Eddie
I first read Sammy’s book, Red and it left me with a good impression of the man. He really came into his own and handled all of his success well. I knew Eddie was a perfectionist and made guitars to fit his playing style by sawing off the necks and changing the pick ups.
It was great to read about the start of VH and how they became the monsters of arena rock along with being the bad boys of MTV. I guess I was truly able to see Eddie’s brilliance when he crossed over to play on Michael Jackson’s album. He did it so effortlessly and brought a new audience to VH as well as Michael Jackson.
The Sammy years are actually my favorite, he brought a mature sound to the band. He didn’t like to sing any of Dave’s songs, I have my back against the record machine didn’t fly with Sammy.
To have Eddie’s son introduced was something special. To have the family just shredding it made Eddie proud.
It was sad to have all the cancer catch up to him and end his life so young. He still has lots of music to make and with his son by his side they would have made a great collaboration. Rest In Peace Eddie
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