very underrated solo (IMO)

**Bigdaddy_14** · 06.09.02, 10:47 PM

I know many probably dont dig this song , but DAMN! Eds solo in Beat It by Michael Jackson absolutely gives me chills. I usually skip to the solo and listen to it time and time again. As far as solo's go, i think it is one of the better ones.

**Raldo** · 06.10.02, 05:01 AM

That solo absolutely smokes!!! I read somewhere that it was the 2nd take. Too bad Ed did this for free. He could have made some serious dough.

**Walter Payton #34** · 06.10.02, 07:17 AM

I hate to admit this, but "Beat It" was my introduction to Eddie Van Halen. I was in 6th grade and I heard "Beat It" on the radio and bought the Thriller tape thinking that the whole album sounded like "Beat It". What a bummer! [img]graemlins/cry.gif[/img] At least I was able to listen to Eddie's solo over and over again.

When 1984 was released, I of course had to buy the album and, if I may add, I was not disappointed this time.

**theodore templeman** · 06.10.02, 12:38 PM

I heard somewhere that Edward didn't get paid for that work. Don't know if it's true or not.

I believe that it was that solo in particular that gave that Michael Jackson album just the right push at the right time to send it over the top sales wise. We're talking - what - 1984 or so. VH are the hottest rockers on the planet and Edward is the preeminent guitar god. Beat It is a good song on its own...but that sizzlin' solo takes it into a whole other place.