Van Halen 2007

Today, Van Halen is going to be inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. A band that single-handedly saved Rock n Roll from the doldrums of self-flagellating punk music and dreary Brit rock, Eddie Van Halen, David Lee Roth, Alex Van Halen and Michael Anthony tore up the Sunset strip in the late 70's with a style of music that many found "obnoxious," "too loud," and "irrelevant" to the times. Eventually, one man, Ted Templeton (ed. Templeman! doh!), new what he was seeing was magic: David Lee Roth running around stage like maniac in constant heat and Eddie Van Halen shattering eardrums and causing the janitor overtime duties cleaning up the slobber on the floor caused by all the open jaws in the audience.

I have, at best, mixed feelings, if not outright loathing, for the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. It's really hard for me to accept the premise that some nebulous committee made up of the very moguls, whose collective group-think mindset that has driven music to the ever-present mediocrity its in today, can get their collective heads out of their backsides long enough recognize true greatness, is a stretch to say the least.

The reason that Van Halen has carried with me into adulthood, is beyond the screaming guitars (which have still to be matched by anyone), the charisma and stage presence that made you want to party into the late hours for no other reason than for the sake of it. Van Halen stands in stark contrast to the corporatized, monoliths that continue to dominate the record industry. They did everything they weren't supposed to do to get signed: they didn't change their sound to become more "relevant," they didn't change their look to fit in with the current trend, and most shocking, they played and wrote ALL of their own music. They couldn't be "controlled" by anyone as they unapologetically demanded that people accept them as they were, or not all, in the midst of corporate players that prefer predictable behaviors that can be controlled within the confines of a board room.

But for all Van Halen did right, they also did horribly wrong later in their careers. The egos that combined to create an explosive energy on stage, boiled over within the band: David Lee Roth left to form a band where he could control the direction, and Eddie Van Halen was able to focus the music in the direction that he wanted to go in.

Undeniably, Eddie is a genius whose musical vision far exceeds the two-handed technique that he became famous for. Those that really followed Eddie's every note know that, for as good as a lead player that he is, is a far better rhythm player. Continuing his innovative nature and bucking the same pigeon-holed mindset that saw Ed as only a guitar player, he hopped behind the keyboards and wrote one of the catchiest and most memorable refrains ever in "Jump." He'd continue, much to the loathing of those who prefered the edgier Van Halen, to expand on the keyboards and piano throughout the Sammy Hagar era.

Unfortunately, the man whose natural abilities and vision for music that always thought outside of the box, was also a raging alcoholic. Once Roth left, Van Halen was under his direction, and regardless of how successful the Hagar era was in continuing the band's legacy, it was only a matter of time before it would all come crashing down in an alcoholic fury. Van Halen's members were inarguably key components of the success of the band, however it is undeniable that Eddie would always be the cornerstone in the foundation, and if he broke, the whole thing would come tumbling down.

Alcoholism breeds paranoia, clouds judgement and anesthetizes healthy feelings (good and bad), which eventually destroys relationships, especially with those closest to abuser. As Eddie's alcoholism raged, Van Halen the band was slowly being purged of imaginary boogiemen that Eddie had continually.

It's been 10 years since VH did anything of relevance as Eddie wrestled his demons. There was great hope that this year that the band who kicked everyone sideways 30 years ago, would put differences aside and play together in their orginal form. But, Michael Anthony was booted and rumors swirled as Dave got back together with the brothers for one last go of it. Unsurprisingly, the reunion fell apart, and it was clear what this was all about: Ed is not well. Those who've seen the recent pictures of what was once healthy and smiling man, have seen a soul that, without a drastic change, would probably end up dead.

It is with great sadness and relief, on the eve of their induction to the RRHOF, that I read this on the Van Halen official site:

FROM EDDIE March 8, 2007

I would like Van Halen fans to know how much I truly appreciate each and every one of you. Without you there is no Van Halen.

I have always and will always feel a responsibility to give you my best. At the moment I do not feel that I can give you my best. That’s why I have decided to enter a rehabilitation facility to work on myself, so that in the future I can deliver the 110% that I feel I owe you and want to give you.

Some of the issues surrounding the 2007 Van Halen tour are within my ability to change and some are not. As far as my rehab is concerned, it is within my ability to change and change for the better. I want you to know that is exactly what I’m doing, so that I may continue to give you the very best I am capable of.

I look forward to seeing you in the future better than ever and I thank you with all my heart.

Love,

Ed

Anyway, here's to hoping that one of few true greats out there is able to, unlike so many other tragic cases in Rock n Roll, turn the tide and save his own life. Just maybe we haven't heard the last from him, but even if I never hear another new note, I'd be happy to know that he recognized the depths of his despair and made it out on the otherside with that same grin he used to flash on stage for so many years.

God Bless, Edward, we're pulling for ya!

Posted by 10 fingers 6 strings at March 12, 2007 09:13 AM