A new and different perspective

**Baluchitherium** · 02.07.02, 12:50 PM

I’ve been lurking for quite a while now hoping to hear some good news about VH. Up to this point I haven’t posted anything, but now feel like I should to explain how I’m keeping things in perspective. For those who want to read on, thanks for your time, for those who don’t -- I’m not sure I blame you.

I have three guitarists who, in my opinion, are the best that I’ve ever heard/listened too. Eddie Van Halen is one of them and Zakk Wylde is another. I’ll tell you a little bit about the third and then tell you how it all fits in. You probably all know the story already (I’ll try to keep it short) –

Back in the late 70s / early 80s a young guitar slinger began to make his name in the music industry. He was lightning fast, played with an attitude, and put his heart into everything he played. He started off playing small clubs with some of the masters when they would roll into town. He continually earned their respect and praise although some of them were in their 50s and he was in his early 20s. He played/outplayed with the best of them. He got a record deal and began to record music for mass production, earning all sorts of recognition and praise for his style and abilities. Unfortunately, as was par for the course in those days, he developed a drug and alcohol addiction that began to influence his music. While on tour in Amsterdam I think it was he decided that he needed to change his life and kick the drugs and alcohol. After a battle with his addictions he sobered up and put together the record of his lifetime. That record won many accolades including a Grammy award. He was playing like he never had in his life with more emotion and power than he ever had. He was playing to larger crowds than ever before. One night, after jamming with the likes of Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, and his brother, Stevie Ray Vaughan died in a helicopter crash in Wisconsin, ending a brilliant musical career that was filled with some of the best guitar playing that this humble fan has ever heard.

Now, you may be wondering where I’m going with this (if you are still reading). I own almost everything that has ever been recorded by Stevie and listen to it all the time. I never listen to anything of his without wondering what else he had to offer that he didn’t have the chance to give us – his fans. Through no fault of his own, him and his music was taken from us, leaving only his legacy and the music he gave us. I never got to see Stevie Ray Vaughan in person, but sure wish that I had.

I have seen Eddie Van Halen in person. I saw him on the Balance tour in Houston TX in September of 1995. I have to say that that was the best/loudest/most fun concert that I’ve ever been to. Not only because I had a good time, but because the band was having a good time and really giving us as an audience everything that they had. Eddie Van Halen is arguably the best guitar slinger to ever live, and I personally thank him for the memory of that concert and for everything that he has given to me up to this point. I also admire him for facing a life threatening disease and apparently staring it down and telling it that he has more music for his fans and he won’t let it get him. Bravo Eddie!

BUT – (now I’ll cut to the chase) – he is still around somewhere doing something and none of us knows exactly what that is. Personally, I feel like he has more to offer us and will do so in his own time. But the fact is that he is STILL AROUND and we all have the possibility of hearing his music again. Lets not forget that when we are getting angry at the band for not filling us in on every detail of their lives. If they are finished, then they are going to go out on their own terms. At least they have the option, and we as fans have the possibility of being around to hear it when they come back.

I’ve rambled on long enough. If you’ve gotten this far, thanks for your time and consideration and I hope that maybe my words haven’t gone unheard. It has felt good to get this off of my chest.

Peace all--
[img]graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]

**Master Joe** · 02.07.02, 01:08 PM

I hear ya man. You're right - he may just be the greatest guitar slinger to ever live. We should be thankful we are not in the position that SRV's fan's are in.

**Scotty** · 02.07.02, 01:15 PM

Excellent, excellent, excellent post. If some members of this forum would open their minds a little, they would realize this is exactly the kind of attitude us fans should have.

Support our band.

**the pirate** · 02.07.02, 01:21 PM

great post dude....thats positive thinking that i like....god bless!!

**ED-A-HOLIC** · 02.07.02, 01:23 PM

Really great post man.
Most people don't realise they are normal people and have their own problems to deal with.
Right now we must be Patient.
Thank GOD we still have them all alive.

**Baluchitherium** · 02.07.02, 01:25 PM

Thanks for reading guys -- I've lurked for a while and I like most of what I've seen here. Maybe I'll stick around for a while.....

**joe318** · 02.07.02, 01:51 PM

so true, we are lucky eddie is still around.

**BREW CREW** · 02.07.02, 05:10 PM

I read your entire post Baluch and I totally agree with you! I have had the same attitude as you....enjoy that we still have a chance to hear and see Van Halen ALIVE!!!!
As far as SRV at Alpine Valley...I actually have original promotional tickets in my posession..no I am not selling these....they are mine for ever!
He is the greatest blues/rock player in my mind.
And Eddie is the greatest guitarist EVER! (Steve Vai a close 2nd) [img]graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]
Welcome to the links and Rock On bro! [img]graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]

**BREW CREW** · 02.07.02, 05:20 PM

Ohh...baluch: Zakk Wylde is an amazing guitarist too!!! Actually my 1st sons name is Zach....My wife wouldn't let us call him Eddie or Steve, so we settled for Zach!

**Baluchitherium** · 02.07.02, 05:49 PM

I had the pleasure of seeing Zakk in '94 right after he released his Pride and Glory CD. I had known who he was through his years with Ozzy, and got tickets to go see him. $5 for a small club where only about 40 people showed up. He played for 3 hours -- even came out into the audience and jammed for a while. Before that I didn't realize how talented he was. It was three hours of the most intense guitar I'd ever seen put together back to back. After the show he hung out at the club and chatted with some of us who were still there -- VERY cool guy with some awesome stories.

I would hold on to those promo tickets for Alpine Valley -- they are definately a piece of nostalgia. Thanks for the welcome, hope to get to know many of you regulars over time.....

**Mean_Street** · 02.07.02, 06:20 PM

I've never been to a concert, but if vh were to come back, i'd go see them in detroit.

**BREW CREW** · 02.07.02, 06:30 PM

Mean Street: Go to any concert that interests you NOW!!!! If you wait to see VH, then the other concerts you see may not be up to the expectations of yourself. (But you have every right to do what you want). The Van Halen concert I saw was AWESOME! But I had already been to a dozen shows.
Baluch: I saw Zakk with Ozzy and it was the most emotional concert by Ozzy than I ever saw! It was the "No more Tours" tour. I can't believe that only 40 people showed up...you should have called me during the show...LOL!

**NxtVanHalen.** · 02.07.02, 06:33 PM

Yeah Zakk is in My top ten with Stevie and Randy. (and eddie of course)

**Lesbosandwich** · 02.07.02, 09:23 PM

...I experienced SRV live in '87 after his re-hab...I took a hot babe I was seein'...had a couple of #8 Dale Jr refreshments...when a lull in the crowd noise approached I yelled out to Stevie... "Voodoo Chile!"...he looked up and from the brim under his hat I could see him smile and he began the opening riff...I f*ckin' love that man...