The Role of Eddie Van Halen in Michael Jackson's 'Beat It'
Among the myriad of collaborations between rock and pop music, one of the most famous examples is the rock solo on the Thriller album by pop icon Michael Jackson. The iconic solo is played by the legendary rock guitarist, Eddie Van Halen.
Van Halen's Contribution
Eddie Van Halen's solo is celebrated for its technical skill and has become a defining element of the track. The solo, albeit a small portion, is widely recognized and appreciated among fans and critics alike.
Behind the Scenes
The story of Eddie Van Halen's involvement in the 'Beat It' collaboration is a tale of miscommunication and eventual triumph. Van Halen almost lost the gig because he initially assumed the call from Quincy Jones, the producer, was a prank. In a fit of exasperation, Van Halen hung up the phone. The second call, after Van Halen read the name on the caller ID, revealed the truth.
The Solo vs. Rhythm Guitar
The solo was van Halen's contribution, while Steve Lukather from Toto played the rhythm guitar. Steve Lukather played the main riff during the song and, as mentioned in the article, Quincy Jones called Lukather to lay down his part. Both Van Halen and Lukather had their unique involvement in the production of the song.
Popularity of Toto
Interestingly, Toto has extensive experience as backing musicians for pop hits across various styles. It is not surprising to learn that members of Toto contributed to Michael Jackson's 'Victory'[Victory album], just as they did for 'Beat It'. The fact that Quincy Jones chose Toto for these parts speaks to his taste in musicians, particularly guitarists.
Modification of the Arrangement
Van Halen's involvement wasn't limited to just the solo. He also played a significant role in modifying the arrangement from the first rough draft of the song to the final version. This involved collaboration with other key players such as Paul Jackson Jr. on rhythm guitar, Steve Lukather on lead guitar, and others in various roles.
Future of Collaboration
The interactions between Eddie Van Halen and Steve Lukather suggest that a super guitar album featuring both artists with guest musicians would be a remarkable project. It would showcase the unique styles and skills of both guitarists while providing a fresh and innovative take on the classic rock and pop genre.
Conclusion
The story of Eddie Van Halen's involvement in Michael Jackson's 'Beat It' is a fascinating piece of music history. It highlights the importance of collaboration and the technical prowess of rock guitarists in the realm of pop music. As we continue to celebrate and learn from this collaboration, the question remains: what other amazing songs could Van Halen and Lukather have produced together?
[Victory album]
Michael Jackson's Victory album, released in 1989, is a milestone in his discography. The album includes hits like 'Will You Be There', 'State of Shock', and 'Man in the Mirror'. Toto's involvement in this project adds another layer to the rich tapestry of collaborations between pop and rock.