Before Eddie Van Halen became a global rock icon, he and his brother, Alex, embarked on their musical journey as self-taught musicians. Eddie began with the drums, while Alex took up the electric guitar. However, as they honed their skills, the two eventually swapped instruments—a pivotal decision that laid the foundation for their legendary sound. Their first band, The Broken Combs, formed during their high school years, marked Eddie’s early realization of his destiny as a musician.
Van Halen’s musical education was unconventional yet profound. Unable to read music, he developed his craft by ear, starting with classical pieces by Bach and Mozart to grasp complex musical structures. This foundation allowed him to dive into rock music, where his natural talent flourished. By fourth grade, Eddie’s passion for performing was ignited during lunchtime gigs with The Broken Combs at his Pasadena school. The energy of those moments solidified his dream of becoming a musician.
Growing up in the 1960s, Eddie was surrounded by an explosion of rock legends. From The Beatles and Cream to The Rolling Stones and The Beach Boys, the era provided endless inspiration. Yet, while Alex was captivated by The Beatles’ stage presence and sound, Eddie found himself drawn to the driving rhythms of the Dave Clark Five. Their song Glad All Over struck a chord with the young musician. “To this day, I listen to some of those old recordings, and they have a magic to them,” Eddie shared in an interview with Rolling Stone. “They were badass.”
Eddie’s fascination with rhythm began with makeshift drum kits crafted from boxes and paper, which he used to play along with Dave Clark Five tracks. It was this early exposure to dynamic, rhythm-driven music that shaped his unique style, even as he transitioned to guitar. Unlike many peers who admired Ringo Starr’s simplicity, Eddie gravitated toward Dave Clark’s energetic beats, which resonated deeply with his burgeoning rock passion.
Glad All Over became a defining moment for Eddie—a song that embodied the raw energy and enthusiasm he would later channel into his own music. Its rhythm-heavy sound foreshadowed the groundbreaking style that Van Halen would bring to rock in the 1970s, revolutionizing guitar music for generations to come.
