Eddie Van Halen, one of the most distinctive guitarists of all time, has away. His mix of natural technique, scorching sonics, and a fondness for the work of those who came before him resulted in him adding to the guidebook for modern artists and popularizing some of its most common aspects.
Whether it’s frenetic double-handed string tapping, all-encompassing dive bombs inspired by Deep Purple hero Ritchie Blackmore, or a generally expansive sound influenced by Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, Van Halen’s ability to take from the greats and shape them in his image is one of his greatest accomplishments.
If it wasn’t already obvious, Van Halen’s extensive record collection was another reason. He established himself as one of the ultimate guitar-playing greats. This impacted his eye-watering dynamism. From progressive rock to blues and early metal, this diverse sonic palette fueled an approach. Their oeuvre stood out for its ever-changing character.
However, Tony Iommi and Black Sabbath had a greater impact on Van Halen than most other bands. The Amsterdam-born guitarist constantly praised his Birmingham counterpart. He emphasized the force of his riffs and how they would engulf the listener. Given their contrasting approaches that differ in technicality and pace, it may seem unusual that Van Halen should admire Iommi’s music so much, but he claims that Black Sabbath was the band “closest to my heart“. He also stated that he originally intended to name his band ‘Rat Salad‘ after the Sabbath song of the same name.
During their 2010 Guitar World interview, Eddie Van Halen stressed his profound admiration for Black Sabbath. He explained: “It’s odd, but no matter how hard I tried to sound like the albums – and I tried – I always ended up sounding like myself. We used to play “It’s Your Thing” by the Isley Brothers. Everyone assumed it was a Black Sabbath song because I played it through a Marshall.
He added, “It was Black Sabbath funk! We’d play songs like “Get Down Tonight” by KC and the Sunshine Band and so on. Black Sabbath was the music that meant the most to me. But it was a blessing. If you keep playing and playing, you will eventually realize your true self.”
Black Sabbath’s influence on the world of rock and heavy metal is undeniable. Future generations of performers stand on the shoulders of these legends.
