Van Halen was a huge influence on me, and 'Eruption' was the song that really leaped off that first Van Halen album.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
When I was 13, I was just figuring out how to play 'Eruption,' poorly, by Eddie Van Halen.
When Van Halen started out, there was no path to fame. We just played what we liked. Even today it always comes down to the simplicity of rock and roll.
In Van Halen there were moments, like in some of the ballads, I put my heart and soul into those records. Those lyrics when I sang 'em, I gave myself goosebumps.
My first album done what it had to do. It introduced me.
When I left Van Halen, I went in the studio and made a CD called Marching to Mars with all studio musicians. I did it immediately. With the disappointment riding on my shoulders of the breakup of the band.
If I had had a chance to tour with Van Halen before the record, I think it would have been a different record.
I think my favorite album was probably Realization.
'Rock n' Roll Animal,' the live album, is one of the greatest live albums out there. It was a huge influence on me.
When we were on the road, I found out that my greatest hits album went Gold. They freaked out. Things really came to a head when we started arguing about a Van Halen greatest hits package.
I've heard my share of Van Halen. I never liked rock.