Legendary Guitarists: Angus Young's View on Eddie Van Halen & Vice Versa
Introduction
Explore the mutual admiration between guitar titans Angus Young of AC/DC and Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen. Discover what each legend thought of the other’s musical prowess and impact on the rock world.
The Legendary Encounter: Eddie Van Halen’s Inspiring Experience with AC/DC
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The year was 1978, a time when rock music was at its peak, and iconic bands like Aerosmith, Van Halen, and AC/DC were dominating the stage. It was during a memorable concert at the Day on the Green show on July 23rd that a young Eddie Van Halen had a life-changing encounter with the Australian rock band, AC/DC.
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As a passionate 19-year-old guitar player, Eddie Van Halen was already making waves with his own band, Van Halen. However, it was the electrifying performance of AC/DC that left him in awe. Despite being relatively new in America, AC/DC took the stage by storm, captivating the audience with their raw energy and powerful sound. Eddie was spellbound by their performance, determined to witness every note and riff up close.
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Standing close to the stage, Eddie watched in disbelief as AC/DC’s guitarist Angus Young delivered a performance like no other. Known for his high-energy antics and unparalleled guitar skills, Angus Young pushed the boundaries of rock music, leaving a lasting impression on Eddie. It was a moment of pure musical magic that inspired Eddie to push his own limits as a guitarist.
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The concert that day was a star-studded affair, with legendary bands like Pat Travers, Foreigner, and Aerosmith also gracing the stage. Each act brought its unique flair and style, but it was the raw power of AC/DC that truly stood out. Eddie Van Halen found himself in the presence of greatness, surrounded by rock icons who would shape the future of music.
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Reflecting on that fateful day, Eddie Van Halen later recalled the overwhelming energy of the crowd as AC/DC took the stage. The thunderous roar of 60,000 fans jumping in unison left him in awe, wondering if his own band could follow such a powerhouse performance. It was a moment of doubt and inspiration, a turning point in his musical journey.
The Guitar Wizardry of Eddie Van Halen: A Musical Revolution
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In the world of rock music, there are certain individuals whose talents transcend the ordinary, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Eddie Van Halen is one such legend whose innovative style and virtuoso skills revolutionized the art of guitar playing.
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When Angus Young, the iconic guitarist of AC/DC, first laid eyes on Eddie Van Halen, he was immediately captivated by the young musician’s prowess. It was through Van Halen’s electrifying video clips on TV that Angus first witnessed the magic of Eddie’s talent.
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Angus Young was no stranger to guitar legends, having idolized the likes of Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, and Jeff Beck in his formative years. However, it was Eddie Van Halen’s groundbreaking performance in ‘Eruption’ that truly astounded Angus. The moment was akin to when Angus first heard the legendary Jimi Hendrix; a feeling of awe and disbelief at the sheer brilliance of a musical genius.
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Eddie Van Halen was a true innovator in the world of guitar. With his iconic sound and unparalleled technique, he single-handedly transformed the landscape of rock music. The impact of Eddie’s playing was so profound that it inspired a whole generation of guitarists to emulate his style and tone.
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The year 1980 marked a pivotal moment in Angus Young’s recognition of Eddie Van Halen’s influence. A late-night phone call from a fellow musician praising Eddie’s virtuosity served as a reminder of the guitarist’s monumental impact on the music industry. Eddie’s name was on every guitarist’s lips, a testament to his transcendent talent and undeniable legacy.
The Encounter of Guitar Legends: Angus Young and Eddie Van Halen
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Music history is filled with legendary encounters that have left an indelible mark on the industry. One such iconic meeting happened between two of the greatest guitarists of all time – Angus Young and Eddie Van Halen. Their paths crossed in a moment that would go down in rock history.
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Angus Young, the electrifying lead guitarist of AC/DC, and Eddie Van Halen, the mastermind behind Van Halen, shared a bond that transcended their musical talents. It all began with a phone call that would bring these two guitar virtuosos together in a way no one could have predicted.
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In the early 1980s, during a tour in the Netherlands, Angus Young’s wife, Ellen vanlocomb, received a call from a familiar voice speaking in Dutch. Little did Angus know that the voice on the other end of the line belonged to Eddie Van Halen himself. The unexpected connection paved the way for a friendship that would shape their future interactions.
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Despite both bands playing the same gigs in the U.S and Europe, it wasn’t until the iconic Monsters of Rock Festival in Donnington in 1984 that Angus and Eddie finally met face to face. Van Halen’s energetic performance as special guests set the stage for the inevitable encounter backstage.
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As the festival wrapped up, Eddie Van Halen made his way to AC/DC’s trailer to personally congratulate Angus Young on his guitar skills. The moment was filled with mutual admiration and respect as Eddie praised Angus for his unique style and talent. The meeting of these two rock legends was nothing short of a dream come true for fans around the world.
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Angus Young was taken aback by Eddie’s genuine enthusiasm and warm embrace. The exchange between the two guitar icons was a testament to the camaraderie and mutual appreciation that exists among musicians at the highest level. Despite their different musical styles, Angus and Eddie found common ground in their love for the instrument that defined their careers.
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In the end, the encounter between Angus Young and Eddie Van Halen was not just a meeting of two guitar legends, but a moment of genuine connection and camaraderie. The bond they shared transcended boundaries of genre and fame, reminding us all that true artistry knows no bounds.
The Clash of Rock Titans: AC/DC vs. Van Halen
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The world of rock music has always been filled with legendary bands and iconic personalities, each carving their own place in music history. One such epic clash of rock titans was the subtle rivalry between AC/DC and Van Halen, two powerhouse bands that dominated the rock scene in the 1980s.
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The friction between the two bands was highlighted during an interview at Donnington 1984, where Angus Young of AC/DC made some interesting remarks about Van Halen. Despite being known for his guitar prowess, Angus never saw himself as a guitarist in the same league as Eddie Van Halen, whom he considered a guitar wizard.
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When asked about any rivalry between AC/DC and Van Halen, Angus dismissed it, stating, ‘Nah, not really. They’re more of a pop band, I suppose, and we are, you know, we are a rock and roll band.’ This statement sparked a debate among fans about the differentiating factors between the two bands and their music styles.
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While both bands had a massive following and a string of hits, AC/DC was renowned for its raw, gritty rock anthems, while Van Halen had a more polished, commercially appealing sound. The clash of musical styles and fan preferences added fuel to the fire, fueling speculations about a ‘Monster metal showdown’ between the two giants at Donnington.
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Despite the differences in their musical approaches, both AC/DC and Van Halen shared a common passion for creating electrifying music that resonated with their fans. While AC/DC rocked the stage with powerful tracks like ‘Highway to Hell’ and ‘Back in Black’, Van Halen thrilled audiences with hits like ‘Dance the Night Away’ and ‘Jump’. Each band brought a unique flair to the rock genre, earning them a lasting legacy in the music world.
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In the end, the clash of rock titans between AC/DC and Van Halen was not just about musical prowess, but also about the essence of rock and roll itself. It was a battle of styles, attitudes, and legacies, each band leaving an indelible mark on the annals of rock history. While the rivalry may have been subtle, the impact of these legendary bands continues to reverberate through the halls of rock music, inspiring generations of fans and musicians alike.
Remembering Legends: Eddie Van Halen and Malcolm Young
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Music history is filled with legends whose influences transcend time and continue to inspire generations. Two such icons are Eddie Van Halen and Malcolm Young, whose friendship and mutual admiration for each other’s talents left an indelible mark on the rock world.
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In a 2015 interview with Billboard, Eddie Van Halen expressed his deep respect for Malcolm Young, naming him as one of his favorite guitar players. Eddie shared his admiration for iconic guitar riffs that had a profound impact on his own musical journey.
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Among the riffs that Eddie fondly recalled were Tony Iommi’s iconic riff in ‘Into the Void’ and Eric Clapton’s timeless ‘Sunshine of Your Love’, inspired by Jimi Hendrix. Eddie also mentioned Richie Blackmore’s ‘Burn’ as one of his personal favorites.
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One standout moment was when Eddie praised Malcolm Young’s playing on AC/DC’s ‘Down Payment Blues’ from the ‘Powerage’ album released in 1978. It was a testament to the mutual respect and admiration they shared for each other’s craft.
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Eddie and Malcolm’s friendship extended beyond their musical connection. They would often catch up when AC/DC played in California, with Eddie making it a point to attend their shows. Their bond was a true representation of the camaraderie and mutual respect among rock legends.
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The music world was shaken by Malcolm Young’s passing in November 2017, and Eddie Van Halen was quick to pay tribute. He described Malcolm as a friend and the heart and soul of AC/DC, reminiscing about the unforgettable moments they shared on tour.
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Tragically, in October 2020, the world lost another guitar legend with Eddie Van Halen’s sudden passing at the age of 65. His departure left a void in the music world, with fellow musicians like Angus Young expressing profound sadness at the loss.
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Angus Young reflected on the personal impact of Eddie’s passing, highlighting the deep sense of loss felt by those who had the privilege of knowing him. The music world mourned the loss of two iconic figures, whose friendship and mutual admiration will forever be celebrated.
Conclusion
The meeting of Angus Young and Eddie Van Halen was a moment of genuine connection between two guitar icons. Their mutual admiration and respect for each other’s talent showcase the camaraderie that exists among rock legends.