NYT’s obit for the mighty Edward Lodewijk Van Halen compared his fiery guitar work to a Macy’s 4th of July fireworks display, with “...rockets of sound in a shower of light and color.” I couldn’t agree more, but I also like to think about the initial launch and lead-up to each firework, driving and propelling them to “Light Up the Sky.” I’m referring to Eddie’s unique and oft-overlooked rhythm guitar approach. It’s easy to be seduced by his incendiary lead work and flashy two-handed tapping, but if you dig deeper into Mr. Van Halen’s rhythm work, you’ll have a greater understanding and appreciation of how his rhythm and leads all melded into one singular, original style.

It’s been about a month since Eddie passed, and it’s still difficult to comprehend he’s gone. As sad as it has been to come to terms with, I’m equally grateful and fortunate to have discovered and identified with his music as my evergreen soundtrack growing up in the 80s, and have his genius completely change my entire trajectory and passion in life.