Guitar poll: Alex Lifeson or Eddie Van Halen?

[Xanadoood]

Alex if only because Rush changed up their style so often.

 

If you asked an ace guitar player to play in the style of Eddie VH, he'd say "No prob" and do the impression of Eddie we all know (and love)...that of the VH music we heard in 1978 at our friend's high school beer party that he threw while his parents were out of town. If you asked him to play in the style of Al Lifeson, he'd say, "Which one? There are like 10." If Alex had had the same growth trajectory of an EVH, he wouldn't have progressed much beyond Rush's debut album. This isn't to say Eddie couldn't have grown as a player because he certainly could have, imo. It speaks more to the branding of Van Halen. Eddie's playing is comfort food to millions, just like a Coke, a Big Mac and microwave popcorn, and to seriously change it up would risk running the VH train right off the tracks. Same thing applies to AC/DC. In order do grow, you have to risk alienating the audience that made you a success to begin with.

 

That’s a great point. I think eddie achieved that somewhat when Hagar joined, and it was a part of why they wanted Roth out. He was able to write tunes like dreams, right now and mine all mine.. keyboard based tunes with a bit more pop sophistication.. I’ve always felt that eddie wishes he could have played in a band like rush..I wonder if he heard subdivisions and thought damn, why can’t I write that type of stuff?

[RUSHHEAD666]

Al by far. Eddie has chops and a vibe. He was innovative. But he's no Lerxst.

 

I'm certain that Al can play like Eddie if he wanted to. But Al is on a whole different level - the chords and textures, his ability to fill spaces. All the melodic chaotic stuff. Eddie can only dream of playing an LVS.

 

Wow! That is an interesting debate. No way could Alex play like Eddie! That's one serious "Ghost Of A Chance!" Zero chance!!! No one can play like Eddie. Many have tried and have failed. Nuno is a great example. An amazing guitar player. Loves Edward. His mentor.

 

Nuno doesn't even come close to the tone and technique of Eddie. Eddie changed the entire world with his amazing chops and creation of monster riffs. No one touched Eddie Van Halen. The greatest guitar player ever. JMO

 

Even over Wolf Hoffmann and Michael Schenker. Oh! My top five as of today:

 

 

Eddie Van Halen

Wolf Hoffmann

Michael Schenker

George Lynch

Warren DeMartini

 

Warren DeMartini is a name I haven’t heard in a LONG time.

 

Thought-provoking picks, my friend!

 

So many incredible guitar players...I think my top five would be completely different from all of those!

 

Thanks buddy!! You know I love to RATT AND ROLL!

 

If you have the time, tell my your top five. Lists always change......

[Lorraine]

I love Alex, but there's only one Eddie.

[JohnnyBlaze]

I love Alex, but there's only one Eddie.

 

I hear that.

But I’d go the other way: I love Eddie, but there’s only one Alex.

[goose]

Because the poll uses the word "favorite", the results are quite predictable. It's a Rush message board after all.

 

If you asked who is the better player, people who vote with their hearts would still probably vote for Alex but they'd be wrong.

 

Better at what though? Eddie freely admits he can’t finger pick, so no way he could play a broons bane.

Wait...what?!?

 

An interview from 1980 in guitar player magazine he stated he couldn’t finger pick or play in that classical style

 

GP: Do you ever use your other fingers to pick?

 

EVH: No. I can’t fingerpick for anything. I’ve never had the time.

 

http://www.themightyvanhalen.net/1980/04/01/1980-interview-eddie-van-halen-w-jas-obrecht/

 

Well, that interview was 40 years ago and Eddie was still young. It's very possible he learned how to do that as the years went by.

 

True. I’ve seen him use his fingerpicking style over the years, but not in a classical guitar type style.

Broon's Bane is pretty simple arpeggios, not really complex at all, and certainly not an example of true classical guitar. The chord structure is what makes Broon's Bane interesting, no?

[RUSHHEAD666]

I love Alex, but there's only one Eddie.

 

Love you Lorraine! Alex is amazing and a wonderful human. I love Alex!!!

 

Eddie is on another planet. He is even higher than the Priests Of Syrinx.

 

No one touches Edward Van Halen.

[RUSHHEAD666]

Because the poll uses the word "favorite", the results are quite predictable. It's a Rush message board after all.

 

If you asked who is the better player, people who vote with their hearts would still probably vote for Alex but they'd be wrong.

 

Better at what though? Eddie freely admits he can’t finger pick, so no way he could play a broons bane.

Wait...what?!?

 

An interview from 1980 in guitar player magazine he stated he couldn’t finger pick or play in that classical style

 

GP: Do you ever use your other fingers to pick?

 

EVH: No. I can’t fingerpick for anything. I’ve never had the time.

 

http://www.themighty...-w-jas-obrecht/

 

Well, that interview was 40 years ago and Eddie was still young. It's very possible he learned how to do that as the years went by.

 

True. I’ve seen him use his fingerpicking style over the years, but not in a classical guitar type style.

Broon's Bane is pretty simple arpeggios, not really complex at all, and certainly not an example of true classical guitar. The chord structure is what makes Broon's Bane interesting, no?

 

Love it.

[RUSHHEAD666]

I love Alex, but there's only one Eddie.

 

I hear that.

But I’d go the other way: I love Eddie, but there’s only one Alex.

 

Sorry JB.

 

Love them both.

 

Going with Lorraine on this one. She is wise and knows her shit. Trust me.

[RUSHHEAD666]

73!!

 

I am not calling you out, but I want to know what you think you Tone Seeking Nerd Freak? LOL!!!

 

Alex or Eddie?

 

I am a betting man, but every casino on the planet is closed. I bet you take Eddie.

[JohnnyBlaze]

I love Alex, but there's only one Eddie.

 

I hear that.

But I’d go the other way: I love Eddie, but there’s only one Alex.

 

Sorry JB.

 

Love them both.

 

Going with Lorraine on this one. She is wise and knows her shit. Trust me.

 

Ain’t nuthin’ but a thing. We’re talking about a preference / favorite here so “ain’t no wrong now, ain’t no right”.

 

Signed,

Iamskinandbonesiampointynose

 

 

[RUSHHEAD666]

I love Alex, but there's only one Eddie.

 

I hear that.

But I’d go the other way: I love Eddie, but there’s only one Alex.

 

Sorry JB.

 

Love them both.

 

Going with Lorraine on this one. She is wise and knows her shit. Trust me.

 

Ain’t nuthin’ but a thing. We’re talking about a preference / favorite here so “ain’t no wrong now, ain’t no right”.

 

Signed,

Iamskinandbonesiampointynose

 

 

Hahaha! Agreed! "Ain't Talkin' About Love" JB!

 

But I love that you just quoted Jane's Addiction!

 

Dave Navarro is better than Alex.

[JohnnyBlaze]

I love Alex, but there's only one Eddie.

 

I hear that.

But I’d go the other way: I love Eddie, but there’s only one Alex.

 

Sorry JB.

 

Love them both.

 

Going with Lorraine on this one. She is wise and knows her shit. Trust me.

 

Ain’t nuthin’ but a thing. We’re talking about a preference / favorite here so “ain’t no wrong now, ain’t no right”.

 

Signed,

Iamskinandbonesiampointynose

 

 

Hahaha! Agreed! "Ain't Talkin' About Love" JB!

 

But I love that you just quoted Jane's Addiction!

 

Dave Navarro is better than Alex.

 

On a side note, I hate to see modern day Roth performances because what I’ve seen have been awful. And he used to be a great entertainer. Such an enjoyable quartet VH was back in my pre-junior high days. Their videos too.

[RUSHHEAD666]

I love Alex, but there's only one Eddie.

 

I hear that.

But I’d go the other way: I love Eddie, but there’s only one Alex.

 

Sorry JB.

 

Love them both.

 

Going with Lorraine on this one. She is wise and knows her shit. Trust me.

 

Ain’t nuthin’ but a thing. We’re talking about a preference / favorite here so “ain’t no wrong now, ain’t no right”.

 

Signed,

Iamskinandbonesiampointynose

 

 

Hahaha! Agreed! "Ain't Talkin' About Love" JB!

 

But I love that you just quoted Jane's Addiction!

 

Dave Navarro is better than Alex.

 

On a side note, I hate to see modern day Roth performances because what I’ve seen have been awful. And he used to be a great entertainer. Such an enjoyable quartet VH was back in my pre-junior high days. Their videos too.

 

JB!!!!

 

You and I will be friends forever. I am serious.

 

You must listen to me.

 

I saw David Lee Roth open for KISS. Three weeks ago right before the Pandemic hit the world.

My 82 year young dad couldn't go with me. I was very sad because my dad and I see KISS every tour together. It's how my dad fell in love with Def Leppard one Tour. I am very lucky JB.

My parents RULE!

 

I had seventh row center for that gig in Oakland.

 

David Lee Roth was on a strict time budget for his gig. I think he only had like 40 minutes.

 

Diamond Dave was amazing. His hair was still short but it was longer. He didn't do any of that slapstick Charle Chaplin shite.

 

He was professional. Didn't blather on and on in between songs.

 

He was amazing and professional.

 

Energy level was high just like his kicks. He looked great. Hit after hit after hit.

 

He was great for what he has left in the tank.

 

JB, you are talking to a guy who has a second row table at the House Of Blues in Mandalay Bay for DLRB.

 

They of course postponed. I have the "JUMP" package. Poster, laminate, dinner, and other stuff.

 

I can't wait to see him now after his opening for KISS.

 

I love him JB.

 

All of our Legendary Vocalists are going downhill. It's so sad. But it's life. So glad I saw the "1984" Tour!!!

 

It's funny that when I was 16 I saw Van Halen 1984 at the Cow Palace. Same year I saw RUSH GUP at the Cow Palace.

 

In 2020 they are still my top two favorite bands.

 

I am be fuckking crazy, but I am a consistent human.

 

Blessed. Not cursed. lol

[JohnnyBlaze]

I love Alex, but there's only one Eddie.

 

I hear that.

But I’d go the other way: I love Eddie, but there’s only one Alex.

 

Sorry JB.

 

Love them both.

 

Going with Lorraine on this one. She is wise and knows her shit. Trust me.

 

Ain’t nuthin’ but a thing. We’re talking about a preference / favorite here so “ain’t no wrong now, ain’t no right”.

 

Signed,

Iamskinandbonesiampointynose

 

 

Hahaha! Agreed! "Ain't Talkin' About Love" JB!

 

But I love that you just quoted Jane's Addiction!

 

Dave Navarro is better than Alex.

 

On a side note, I hate to see modern day Roth performances because what I’ve seen have been awful. And he used to be a great entertainer. Such an enjoyable quartet VH was back in my pre-junior high days. Their videos too.

 

JB!!!!

 

You and I will be friends forever. I am serious.

 

You must listen to me.

 

I saw David Lee Roth open for KISS. Three weeks ago right before the Pandemic hit the world.

My 82 year young dad couldn't go with me. I was very sad because my dad and I see KISS every tour together. It's how my dad fell in love with Def Leppard one Tour. I am very lucky JB.

My parents RULE!

 

I had seventh row center for that gig in Oakland.

 

David Lee Roth was on a strict time budget for his gig. I think he only had like 40 minutes.

 

Diamond Dave was amazing. His hair was still short but it was longer. He didn't do any of that slapstick Charle Chaplin shite.

 

He was professional. Didn't blather on and on in between songs.

 

He was amazing and professional.

 

Energy level was high just like his kicks. He looked great. Hit after hit after hit.

 

He was great for what he has left in the tank.

 

JB, you are talking to a guy who has a second row table at the House Of Blues in Mandalay Bay for DLRB.

 

They of course postponed. I have the "JUMP" package. Poster, laminate, dinner, and other stuff.

 

I can't wait to see him now after his opening for KISS.

 

I love him JB.

 

All of our Legendary Vocalists are going downhill. It's so sad. But it's life. So glad I saw the "1984" Tour!!!

 

It's funny that when I was 16 I saw Van Halen 1984 at the Cow Palace. Same year I saw RUSH GUP at the Cow Palace.

 

In 2020 they are still my top two favorite bands.

 

I am be fuckking crazy, but I am a consistent human.

 

Blessed. Not cursed. lol

 

That’s cool.

 

On an unrelated side note, now I’m listening to you and your nephew’s EP. I just opened the case and saw your happy, psychotic piehole next to your (then) little nephew

 

[RUSHHEAD666]

I love Alex, but there's only one Eddie.

 

I hear that.

But I’d go the other way: I love Eddie, but there’s only one Alex.

 

Sorry JB.

 

Love them both.

 

Going with Lorraine on this one. She is wise and knows her shit. Trust me.

 

Ain’t nuthin’ but a thing. We’re talking about a preference / favorite here so “ain’t no wrong now, ain’t no right”.

 

Signed,

Iamskinandbonesiampointynose

 

 

Hahaha! Agreed! "Ain't Talkin' About Love" JB!

 

But I love that you just quoted Jane's Addiction!

 

Dave Navarro is better than Alex.

 

On a side note, I hate to see modern day Roth performances because what I’ve seen have been awful. And he used to be a great entertainer. Such an enjoyable quartet VH was back in my pre-junior high days. Their videos too.

 

JB!!!!

 

You and I will be friends forever. I am serious.

 

You must listen to me.

 

I saw David Lee Roth open for KISS. Three weeks ago right before the Pandemic hit the world.

My 82 year young dad couldn't go with me. I was very sad because my dad and I see KISS every tour together. It's how my dad fell in love with Def Leppard one Tour. I am very lucky JB.

My parents RULE!

 

I had seventh row center for that gig in Oakland.

 

David Lee Roth was on a strict time budget for his gig. I think he only had like 40 minutes.

 

Diamond Dave was amazing. His hair was still short but it was longer. He didn't do any of that slapstick Charle Chaplin shite.

 

He was professional. Didn't blather on and on in between songs.

 

He was amazing and professional.

 

Energy level was high just like his kicks. He looked great. Hit after hit after hit.

 

He was great for what he has left in the tank.

 

JB, you are talking to a guy who has a second row table at the House Of Blues in Mandalay Bay for DLRB.

 

They of course postponed. I have the "JUMP" package. Poster, laminate, dinner, and other stuff.

 

I can't wait to see him now after his opening for KISS.

 

I love him JB.

 

All of our Legendary Vocalists are going downhill. It's so sad. But it's life. So glad I saw the "1984" Tour!!!

 

It's funny that when I was 16 I saw Van Halen 1984 at the Cow Palace. Same year I saw RUSH GUP at the Cow Palace.

 

In 2020 they are still my top two favorite bands.

 

I am be fuckking crazy, but I am a consistent human.

 

Blessed. Not cursed. lol

 

That’s cool.

 

On an unrelated side note, now I’m listening to you and your nephew’s EP. I just opened the case and saw your happy, psychotic piehole next to your (then) little nephew

 

 

Thanks brother!!

 

Holy Shit!! Are you really finally giving that ep a spin????

 

It's such a family affair and I am proud of it. Put a lot of work into it and I hope you like the last track "Kill The Lights." You will hear the ending drum fill as a homage to Neil and "Limelight." Almost two years ago!!

 

Oh yes JB. the cd has a picture of myself and Hunter as a boy on a rollercoaster at Disney World.

 

I think it's sweet he did that.

 

I love the album cover too. Skylar, my 19 year old daughter drew that when she was 17.

 

Good genes buddy.

 

Hope you enjoy it.

 

Love you!!!

 

Thanks for caring. It's big for me.

 

Always wanted to be a professional drummer.

[RUSHHEAD666]

I fuckked up somehow. Everything I wrote is in a white box.

 

Story of my life.

 

Get it? A "white box."

 

Ok bad late night joke.

 

Night.

[JohnnyBlaze]

I love Alex, but there's only one Eddie.

 

I hear that.

But I’d go the other way: I love Eddie, but there’s only one Alex.

 

Sorry JB.

 

Love them both.

 

Going with Lorraine on this one. She is wise and knows her shit. Trust me.

 

Ain’t nuthin’ but a thing. We’re talking about a preference / favorite here so “ain’t no wrong now, ain’t no right”.

 

Signed,

Iamskinandbonesiampointynose

 

 

Hahaha! Agreed! "Ain't Talkin' About Love" JB!

 

But I love that you just quoted Jane's Addiction!

 

Dave Navarro is better than Alex.

 

On a side note, I hate to see modern day Roth performances because what I’ve seen have been awful. And he used to be a great entertainer. Such an enjoyable quartet VH was back in my pre-junior high days. Their videos too.

 

JB!!!!

 

You and I will be friends forever. I am serious.

 

You must listen to me.

 

I saw David Lee Roth open for KISS. Three weeks ago right before the Pandemic hit the world.

My 82 year young dad couldn't go with me. I was very sad because my dad and I see KISS every tour together. It's how my dad fell in love with Def Leppard one Tour. I am very lucky JB.

My parents RULE!

 

I had seventh row center for that gig in Oakland.

 

David Lee Roth was on a strict time budget for his gig. I think he only had like 40 minutes.

 

Diamond Dave was amazing. His hair was still short but it was longer. He didn't do any of that slapstick Charle Chaplin shite.

 

He was professional. Didn't blather on and on in between songs.

 

He was amazing and professional.

 

Energy level was high just like his kicks. He looked great. Hit after hit after hit.

 

He was great for what he has left in the tank.

 

JB, you are talking to a guy who has a second row table at the House Of Blues in Mandalay Bay for DLRB.

 

They of course postponed. I have the "JUMP" package. Poster, laminate, dinner, and other stuff.

 

I can't wait to see him now after his opening for KISS.

 

I love him JB.

 

All of our Legendary Vocalists are going downhill. It's so sad. But it's life. So glad I saw the "1984" Tour!!!

 

It's funny that when I was 16 I saw Van Halen 1984 at the Cow Palace. Same year I saw RUSH GUP at the Cow Palace.

 

In 2020 they are still my top two favorite bands.

 

I am be fuckking crazy, but I am a consistent human.

 

Blessed. Not cursed. lol

 

That’s cool.

 

On an unrelated side note, now I’m listening to you and your nephew’s EP. I just opened the case and saw your happy, psychotic piehole next to your (then) little nephew

 

 

Thanks brother!!

 

Holy Shit!! Are you really finally giving that ep a spin????

 

It's such a family affair and I am proud of it. Put a lot of work into it and I hope you like the last track "Kill The Lights." You will hear the ending drum fill as a homage to Neil and "Limelight." Almost two years ago!!

 

Oh yes JB. the cd has a picture of myself and Hunter as a boy on a rollercoaster at Disney World.

 

I think it's sweet he did that.

 

I love the album cover too. Skylar, my 19 year old daughter drew that when she was 17.

 

Good genes buddy.

 

Hope you enjoy it.

 

Love you!!!

 

Thanks for caring. It's big for me.

 

Always wanted to be a professional drummer.

 

Your memory is f***ed, Earl!

I already told you about the first time I listened to it. That was months ago. It’s somewhere on TRF anyway. And yeah, the best track is the last one. I said that too.

 

Now it’s time for Follow For Now. It’s like you and your nephew were the opening act. Follow For Now is the middle act. I’m not sure who’s next on the bill.

 

:hail:

[Blue J]

I am a betting man, but every casino on the planet is closed.

 

And don’t I know it, too!

 

Couldn’t say it better myself.

 

I am just longing for normal.

[tangy]

Al by far. Eddie has chops and a vibe. He was innovative. But he's no Lerxst.

 

I'm certain that Al can play like Eddie if he wanted to. But Al is on a whole different level - the chords and textures, his ability to fill spaces. All the melodic chaotic stuff. Eddie can only dream of playing an LVS.

 

Wow! That is an interesting debate. No way could Alex play like Eddie! That's one serious "Ghost Of A Chance!" Zero chance!!! No one can play like Eddie. Many have tried and have failed. Nuno is a great example. An amazing guitar player. Loves Edward. His mentor.

 

Nuno doesn't even come close to the tone and technique of Eddie. Eddie changed the entire world with his amazing chops and creation of monster riffs. No one touched Eddie Van Halen. The greatest guitar player ever. JMO

 

Even over Wolf Hoffmann and Michael Schenker. Oh! My top five as of today:

 

 

Eddie Van Halen

Wolf Hoffmann

Michael Schenker

George Lynch

Warren DeMartini

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZYFdBNpJAA

 

Buckethead doesn't count. Guy is an android. Too much talent for 1 human to posses.

 

yeah, next level talent

 

a true artist .

[Rick N. Backer]

There's no getting around this so let's just plunge in. Alex is a great guitar player. Underappreciated IMO. EVH is the greatest rock guitarist of all time.

 

Put on Fair Warning. Be honest. Before you saw videos, how many people did NOT say "how the f*ck is he making that sound" during the intro to Mean Street?

[Entre_Perpetuo]

There's no getting around this so let's just plunge in. Alex is a great guitar player. Underappreciated IMO. EVH is the greatest rock guitarist of all time.

 

Put on Fair Warning. Be honest. Before you saw videos, how many people did NOT say "how the f*ck is he making that sound" during the intro to Mean Street?

 

I mean I still have no clue how he's making that sound tbh.

 

Alex wins my vote though.

[Blue J]

There's no getting around this so let's just plunge in. Alex is a great guitar player. Underappreciated IMO. EVH is the greatest rock guitarist of all time.

 

Put on Fair Warning. Be honest. Before you saw videos, how many people did NOT say "how the f*ck is he making that sound" during the intro to Mean Street?

 

I’m going to put on Fair Warning as soon as the album I’m listening to is done. I consider that album to be VH’s apex, and I haven’t listened to it in ages.

 

But as great as I know Eddie is, I still can’t say that I prefer him to Alex.

[Xanadoood]

There's no getting around this so let's just plunge in. Alex is a great guitar player. Underappreciated IMO. EVH is the greatest rock guitarist of all time.

 

Put on Fair Warning. Be honest. Before you saw videos, how many people did NOT say "how the f*ck is he making that sound" during the intro to Mean Street?

 

I’m going to put on Fair Warning as soon as the album I’m listening to is done. I consider that album to be VH’s apex, and I haven’t listened to it in ages.

 

But as great as I know Eddie is, I still can’t say that I prefer him to Alex.

 

Eddie was like a mad scientist driving a hot rod on an open road.. he was fearless and just went for it..Alex was more composed and studied in his approach. For straight up hard rock riffage and balls to the wall playing, Eddie wins, but I still believe Alex to be the overall more interesting and versatile player

[RushFanForever]

One thing that doesn't get discussed is how Alex and Eddie are as people besides being great guitarists.

 

Alex is humble and 'down to earth' person and very philanthropic.

 

Eddie comes across as an egomaniac (see Billboard article/interview here) and his behavior was terrible on the band's 2004 reunion tour, which Sammy Hagar noted

and here.

[Rick N. Backer]

There's no getting around this so let's just plunge in. Alex is a great guitar player. Underappreciated IMO. EVH is the greatest rock guitarist of all time.

 

Put on Fair Warning. Be honest. Before you saw videos, how many people did NOT say "how the f*ck is he making that sound" during the intro to Mean Street?

 

I’m going to put on Fair Warning as soon as the album I’m listening to is done. I consider that album to be VH’s apex, and I haven’t listened to it in ages.

 

But as great as I know Eddie is, I still can’t say that I prefer him to Alex.

 

Fair Warning is one of my 5 favorite studio albums by anyone.