Today, January 26th, 2025, would have been Eddie Van Halen’s 70th birthday. An artist whose brilliance and creativity reshaped the possibilities of rock music, he left a considerable space in the world of guitar and beyond when he passed. Yet his spirit continues to live on through the songs he wrote, the records he cut, and the countless lives he influenced.

Eddie’s rise began in the late 1970s with Van Halen, a group that quickly established itself as a dynamic force in rock. Their early tours set the stage for the explosive revolution Eddie brought to guitar playing. He was among the first to popularize rapid-fire two-handed tapping techniques, building solos that seemed to defy both speed and gravity. Fans marveled at his “brown sound,” a warm, roaring tone that came from a fiercely customized Frankenstrat guitar, homemade tweaks, and a musical imagination that never stopped burning bright.

Eddie’s impact was not confined to Van Halen alone—his memorable solo on Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” introduced him to a massive pop audience and showcased his ability to blend rock with other genres effortlessly. Other collaborations included work with Brian May of Queen and projects with Sammy Hagar before and after Hagar joined Van Halen. Each collaboration highlighted Eddie’s boundless musical interests, and the results continue to influence countless artists decades later.

Below, we at Grateful Web celebrate 15 of Van Halen’s greatest songs—though it’s certainly hard to limit ourselves to just a handful. These tracks best illustrate the scope of Eddie’s genius, demonstrating his groundbreaking playing, inventive spirit, and enduring impact.

1. “Eruption” (1978)

A game-changer the moment it was released. Clocking in at under two minutes, this instrumental showcase highlights Eddie’s blistering two-handed tapping. It was a piece that made aspiring guitarists stop in their tracks, rewinding cassettes again and again to decipher each lightning-fast note.

2. “You Really Got Me” (1978)

A cover of The Kinks’ classic, yet Van Halen’s version detonates with a distinctive energy. Eddie’s use of harmonics, pinch squeals, and chunky chords created a fresher, heavier take, signaling how quickly the band could transform a familiar tune into a rock powerhouse.

3. “Runnin’ with the Devil” (1978)

An anthem that showcases Eddie’s riff-based approach and the raw edge of the band in its early years. The deceptively simple guitar lines have an aggressive groove, perfectly complementing David Lee Roth’s swagger. Eddie’s melodic fills and controlled feedback unify the track’s darker vibe.

4. “Ain’t Talkin’ ’Bout Love” (1978)

Proving that intricate solos aren’t everything, here Eddie shines through a catchy, punchy riff. The breakdown features chiming arpeggios that reveal his sensitivity to song structure. Live versions often extended this song, allowing Eddie to improvise masterful flights of inspiration.

5. “Dance the Night Away” (1979)

A lighter track from the band’s second album, its bright melodies and pop-infused hooks expanded Van Halen’s appeal. Eddie brought in a playful approach, featuring tasty chord voicings and inventive harmonics that gave the track a jubilant feel.

6. “Beautiful Girls” (1979)

A perfect slice of sun-soaked rock that captures the band’s early California vibe. Eddie’s solos and riffs are as breezy as they are intricate—he turns what could be straightforward chord progressions into a kaleidoscope of dazzling licks.

7. “And the Cradle Will Rock…” (1980)

Showcasing Eddie’s creative use of the electric piano fed through a guitar amp, this track highlights his willingness to experiment with tone. His guitar solo soars with urgency, underscoring the bold rock groove that propelled the band’s continued ascent.

8. “Unchained” (1981)

Built on one of Van Halen’s mightiest riffs, “Unchained” underscores Eddie’s power, pocket, and attitude. From the drop-D tuning to the chorus effect on the guitar, everything about this song roars with confidence. The breakdown mid-track features a classic Eddie moment—playful chatter that leads back into a monstrous riff.

9. “Jump” (1984)

The opening synth line might grab your attention, but Eddie’s guitar solo is the song’s blazing heart. By this point, Van Halen was a global sensation, and this track struck a balance between pop sensibility and rock flair. Eddie’s precision tapping work remains one of the tune’s highlights.

10. “Panama” (1984)

A driving rocker brimming with swagger, “Panama” displays Eddie’s knack for blending riffs and leads with fluid transitions. The breakdown includes a revving engine sound that Eddie himself recorded, adding another element of fun to a track that’s pure adrenaline.

11. “Hot for Teacher” (1984)

A feverish double-bass drum intro leads into a wild, unhinged Eddie riff—one that’s both raucous and jaw-droppingly precise. His solo features rapid tapping, whammy bar acrobatics, and tapped harmonics, all performed at breakneck speed.

12. “I’ll Wait” (1984)

Another synth-heavy tune from the album 1984, yet Eddie’s contribution on guitar is subtle and perfectly tailored. He adds just enough soaring notes and carefully placed licks to remind you that, no matter the primary instrument, his imprint can be heard in every measure.

13. “Why Can’t This Be Love” (1986)

From the Sammy Hagar era, this track off 5150 showed Eddie’s continued growth in songwriting. The solo mirrors his melodic sense, pivoting from fiery passages to smoother phrases, suiting the changing style of the band without losing that distinct Van Halen bite.

14. “Dreams” (1986)

Another gem from 5150, “Dreams” soars on uplifting melodies and a sleek arrangement. Eddie’s playing is more refined than in earlier albums, featuring optimistic hooks and gentle flourishes that display a more polished, yet no less passionate, approach.

15. “Right Now” (1991)

A massive hit from the For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge album. Eddie’s piano composition lays the foundation, setting up a dramatic bed for his fiery guitar lines. The solo underscores his ever-present ability to combine melodic storytelling with exhilarating technique.

From the earliest riffs that crackled through amplifiers in packed clubs to his later explorations into keyboards and collaborative ventures with artists from other genres, Eddie Van Halen charted a singular path. His playing struck a perfect balance: brazen confidence paired with a relentless pursuit of new ideas.

We at Grateful Web celebrate Eddie’s birthday with gratitude for all the electrifying music he gave us. His style—at once effortlessly lyrical and fiercely aggressive—continues to light a spark in anyone who picks up a guitar and dreams of pushing the instrument a little further.

Though he left this world in 2020, the echoes of Eddie’s Frankenstrat remain in every dive-bomb and tapped harmonic that resonates in rock clubs and concert halls worldwide. His inventive spirit and refusal to be confined by convention make him a shining inspiration, reminding us that true innovation knows no limits.

Happy Birthday, Eddie. Your music plays on in our hearts, loud and free.