This book tells the story of Eddie Van Halen, one of the world’s most influential and iconic guitar players. Through conversations with Tolinski, Van Halen reflects on his life and career, from his early days playing in garage bands to becoming a rock star. He offers insights into his music-making process, discussing everything from songwriting to recording techniques to infamous onstage mishaps. Readers will also learn about Van Halen’s personal life, including his struggles with alcoholism and addiction as well as his remarkable journey back from near-death experience.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for any fan of Eddie Van Halen or rock music in general. It provides an inside look at the life and career of one of the most influential guitar players ever, and offers insights into his creative process.
Pros :
- The author does a great job of letting Eddie talk and tell his own story.
- You can really feel the love for music that comes through in the book.
- Eddie is brutally honest, which makes for an interesting read.
Cons :
- Van Halen doesn’t offer any technical insights into his music-making process
- He spends a lot of time talking about his personal life, which some readers might not be interested in
- The book is very long
Learn more about the author
Brad Tolinski is the editor-in-chief of Guitar World magazine and a former senior writer at Rolling Stone. He has written or coauthored several books on music, including Play It Loud: An Epic History of the Style, Sound, and Revolution of Electric guitars (with Les Paul) and 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.
Reader Reviews
“By turns introspective and impassioned, this revealing book provides insight into one of the most underrated guitarists in history.”
“Brad Tolinski has done an amazing job compiling these interviews into a cohesive and compelling story. . . This book is essential reading for any die-hard Van Halen fan, as well as anyone interested in the creative process behind some of the most iconic rock ‘n’ roll ever created.”
“An absolutely fantastic read for any Van Halen fan! Brad Tolinski does a superb job at capturing Eddie’s words and stories in an easily digestible format. The book is jam-packed with interesting anecdotes about the band, their songs, and life on the road – it feels like you’re sitting down for a conversation with Eddie himself. A must-have for any music lover!”
“Eruption is an insightful and powerful look at one of the most influential guitarists in history. Brad Tolinski does an excellent job capturing Eddie Van Halen’s thoughts, motivations, and creative process. This book is a must-read for any fan of music or Van Halen.”
