Following on from the successful first five episodes of the documentary series (https://youtu.be/JAIGM4ooTSE?si=Ia1CXIb2Uj4H5-PU), which detailed Edward Van Halen's early years and Van Halen's formation and struggles to get signed, this new episode will focus on the band's debut album and the groundbreaking guitar solo instrumental Eruption.
Told without voiceover, almost entirely in the words of Edward himself (as well as those closest to him), incorporating previously unheard interviews, this documentary will go deep on the story from when Van Halen were signed by Mo Ostin and Ted Templeman of Warner Bros. records in early 1977, up to the release of their debut album in early 1978. No other documentary has ever gone into so much detail on this period of Van Halen's early career.
We explore how classic songs like Runnin' with the Devil, Ain't Talkin Bout Love and Jamie's Cryin were written, how the band created the album with Ted Templeman and Donn Landee at Sunset Sound Recorders, how Eddie developed his tapping technique to create something completely new, and finally how Eruption completely stunned the world of guitar.
"Passionate fandom and sharp film-making skill are blended beautifully in this series that captures the brilliance and spirit of Edward Van Halen."
- David J. Criblez, co-host of Dave & Dave Unchained - A Van Halen Podcast
"This is a beautiful and insightful distillation of the magic and majesty Edward Van Halen so effortlessly created. You need to see this."
- Steve Rosen, author of Tonechaser - Understanding Edward: My 26-Year Journey with Edward Van Halen
Special thanks for this episode go to Steve Rosen, who has graciously allowed some of his fantastic interview audio with Edward to be used here. This couldn't have been done without Steve's help, and I would recommend anyone to buy his book "Tonechaser - Understanding Edward: My 26-Year Journey with Edward Van Halen". Details for buying it can be found here:
Hardback - https://tinyurl.com/562bncn9
Audiobook - https://tinyurl.com/4wjs26yh
I would especially recommend the audiobook version, as I think it's quite simply the greatest collection of Edward Van Halen audio available anywhere. Required listening for all fans.
Please also check out Steve's youtube channel for more interviews in full here: http://www.youtube.com/@SteveRosenInterviews
Special thanks as well to Chris Gill, who also kindly provided me with some previously unheard interview audio. Please check out more of Chris' interviews with Edward in his book with Brad Tolinski, "Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen" - a core text on the subject and the book that made me want to start documenting Edward's life. It can be ordered here:
Hardback - https://tinyurl.com/zx8x39ws
Audiobook - https://tinyurl.com/5x5c7zkv
Further thanks for help, clips and research to:
- Dave & Dave Unchained podcast (http://www.youtube.com/@davedaveunchained-avanhale5446)
- Adam Roach/Become a Guitarist Today (http://www.youtube.com/@adguitar7)
- Jeff Goebel/Final Resonance TV (https://www.youtube.com/@FinalResonanceTV)
- themightyvanhalen.net