Dweezil Zappa Shows the Gift Eddie Van Halen Gave Him

**James in New York** · 01.23.25, 11:30 AM

In this clip from The Collection with Dweezil Zappa, available now on Gibson TV, listen to Dweezil recount how the legendary Eddie Van Halen showed up unannounced at Dweezil’s house, carrying a purple Kramer guitar with tape over the headstock—an early model he was using before endorsing the brand. Listen to how Dweezil requested that Eddie show him how to play the iconic “Eruption” solo, every guitarist's dream!

Listen as Dweezil shares the surreal moment Eddie Van Halen attended his school band practice, watching a 12-year-old Dweezil soundcheck “Runnin’ With the Devil.” Noticing his guitar was out of tune, Eddie went home to bring back his own guitar, not only helping him play it correctly but letting Dweezil use it during the performance insting that hhe keep the guitar, which Dweezil later customised as a homage to Van Halen's signature style.

Dweezil also reflects on Eddie's profound kindness, recounting how Eddie was the first to call him after his father, Frank Zappa, passed away. That early-morning phone call and Eddie’s offer of support left a lasting impression, demonstrating the generosity and heart of a rock legend who wasn’t just an inspiration to a young guitarist and performer on stage but also as a friend.

This is a story of music, mentorship, and the incredible connection between two guitarists at very different stages of their lives and just how important those little impressions can be.

**Simon Ribeiro** · 01.23.25, 12:15 PM

Nice!!!

Hey, James. Have you seen this other video from Dweezil? TOUR COUNTDOWN - When 'Push Comes to Shove':

**ScottyBHarris** · 01.23.25, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by James in New York

In this clip from The Collection with Dweezil Zappa, available now on Gibson TV, listen to Dweezil recount how the legendary Eddie Van Halen showed up unannounced at Dweezil’s house, carrying a purple Kramer guitar with tape over the headstock—an early model he was using before endorsing the brand. Listen to how Dweezil requested that Eddie show him how to play the iconic “Eruption” solo, every guitarist's dream!

Listen as Dweezil shares the surreal moment Eddie Van Halen attended his school band practice, watching a 12-year-old Dweezil soundcheck “Runnin’ With the Devil.” Noticing his guitar was out of tune, Eddie went home to bring back his own guitar, not only helping him play it correctly but letting Dweezil use it during the performance insting that hhe keep the guitar, which Dweezil later customised as a homage to Van Halen's signature style.

Dweezil also reflects on Eddie's profound kindness, recounting how Eddie was the first to call him after his father, Frank Zappa, passed away. That early-morning phone call and Eddie’s offer of support left a lasting impression, demonstrating the generosity and heart of a rock legend who wasn’t just an inspiration to a young guitarist and performer on stage but also as a friend.

This is a story of music, mentorship, and the incredible connection between two guitarists at very different stages of their lives and just how important those little impressions can be.

Cool guitar and Great story!

**noise next door** · 01.23.25, 12:19 PM

He was stupid to paint over the original EVH guitar though... but he was 13 years old and didn't know.

**James in New York** · 01.23.25, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by Simon Ribeiro

Nice!!!

Hey, James. Have you seen this other video from Dweezil? TOUR COUNTDOWN - When 'Push Comes to Shove':

Yes, I think we put it in the random thread, good stuff!

**Simon Ribeiro** · 01.23.25, 12:39 PM

Originally Posted by James in New York

Yes, I think we put it in the random thread, good stuff!

What a killer guitar tone, man!!

**VH1986** · 01.23.25, 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by noise next door

He was stupid to paint over the original EVH guitar though... but he was 13 years old and didn't know.

Ed would have done it had it tickled his fancy.

**James in New York** · 01.23.25, 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by Simon Ribeiro

What a killer guitar tone, man!!

Looking forward to hearing it live on tour! A lot!

I'm sure fans will post video!

**Naked Wake** · 01.23.25, 05:51 PM

I'm not gonna lie.... I'm a little sick of seeing this guy talk about EVH. He never talked about his own dad that much

**Dave's Dreidel** · 01.23.25, 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by Naked Wake

I'm not gonna lie.... I'm a little sick of seeing this guy talk about EVH. He never talked about his own dad that much

To be fair, I am sure he gets asked about Ed about 100 times more than he gets asked about Frank Zappa.

**Little Dreamer** · 01.23.25, 06:55 PM

Originally Posted by Naked Wake

I'm not gonna lie.... I'm a little sick of seeing this guy talk about EVH. He never talked about his own dad that much

He was truly close to EVH. Some other guys weren't that close and pretend they were. Dweezil's legit. When EVH produced your first record, when EVH calls you when your dad dies, I donno, you are part of that circle of trust!

**Heisenberg** · 01.23.25, 09:36 PM

Originally Posted by noise next door

He was stupid to paint over the original EVH guitar though... but he was 13 years old and didn't know.

I distinctly remember seeing a picture of him with the original guitar before he painted it it was white with an orange lightning bolt. I just did a quick google but it didn’t show up.

**Bugs Meanie** · 01.24.25, 07:54 AM

As an old Kramer fan, I wish he would have kept it original too but I can't blame him. I have some "putting a sticker on a guitar" regret too and I was older than 13.

lightningboltwhite.jpg

RELATED - What's the best way to take a sticker of a guitar without damaging the finish. I'm afraid to try to peel it off and worry about the finish. Should I use Naphtha, petroleum jelly, or mineral oil... or just leave the damn sticker on there?