In the world of rock and roll, there are few names that stand as tall as Eddie Van Halen. His virtuosity and groundbreaking approach to guitar playing changed the landscape of music, influencing countless musicians across multiple genres. While his band, Van Halen, produced an incredible catalog of hits, there are also deeper cuts in their discography that remain beloved by musicians and fans alike.
One such fan and admirer of Eddie Van Halen’s genius is Dweezil Zappa, the guitarist and son of the legendary Frank Zappa. Dweezil has always been candid about his influences and the musicians who have shaped his musical journey, and in a recent interview, he shared his thoughts on Eddie Van Halen’s impact, naming his favorite solo from the Van Halen catalog.
In a surprising revelation, Dweezil identified a specific Van Halen track and solo that resonated with him deeply. The solo in question comes from the song “Push Comes to Shove,” a track from the band’s 1982 album Diver Down. What makes this solo stand out to Dweezil, and what makes it even more intriguing, is the fact that Van Halen never performed this particular song live during their career.
The Significance of “Push Comes to Shove”
“Push Comes to Shove” stands as one of the more overlooked tracks in the Van Halen catalog, often overshadowed by the band’s bigger hits such as “Jump” or “Panama.” However, for guitar enthusiasts, this song holds a certain magic. The composition itself is distinct, blending elements of hard rock with funk grooves, and it features a number of innovative guitar techniques, showcasing Eddie Van Halen’s exceptional creativity.
The song’s structure is unique, and its instrumental breaks, including the iconic solo, are what truly highlight Eddie Van Halen’s abilities. The solo on “Push Comes to Shove” is one of those moments where the guitarist’s technical skill and musicality come together perfectly. It’s a soaring, fluid piece of improvisation that feels almost spontaneous, yet perfectly executed. For Dweezil Zappa, who has spent years mastering the guitar and delving into the subtleties of technique and phrasing, this particular solo stood out as one of the greatest examples of Van Halen’s mastery.
Why Was “Push Comes to Shove” Never Played Live?
Despite being a standout track on Diver Down, “Push Comes to Shove” was never performed live by Van Halen. There are a few reasons why this could have been the case, with the most obvious one being that the song wasn’t as commercially successful as some of the band’s other hits. While Diver Down produced songs like “Jump” and “Where Have All the Good Times Gone,” tracks like “Push Comes to Shove” were often left out of the setlists during live performances.
Van Halen was a band driven by high-energy performances, with a penchant for playing their most popular songs in front of their massive audiences. Songs like “Running with the Devil,” “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” and “Runnin’ with the Devil” became staples of their live shows, while deeper cuts often fell by the wayside. While “Push Comes to Shove” undoubtedly contains one of Eddie’s best solos, it was always overshadowed by the bigger, more anthemic hits that the band was known for.
Another possibility is that the complexity of the solo itself may have made it difficult to reproduce live with the same intensity and precision that Eddie achieved in the studio. Van Halen was always a band known for their high-octane performances, and reproducing such a nuanced and intricate guitar solo live might have been a daunting task, especially with Eddie’s tendency to improvise during his solos.
Dweezil Zappa’s Influence and Admiration for Eddie Van Halen
Dweezil Zappa’s admiration for Eddie Van Halen is no secret. The Zappa family has always had a deep appreciation for musicianship and innovation, and Eddie’s work was no exception. Dweezil himself is a highly skilled guitarist, known for his work in the band Zappa Plays Zappa, which honors his father’s music while also showcasing Dweezil’s own virtuosity.
Dweezil’s connection to Eddie goes beyond just admiration; it’s personal. As a guitarist who has spent much of his life honing his craft and exploring the boundaries of guitar technique, Dweezil has often cited Eddie Van Halen as a major influence. In interviews, he has discussed how Eddie’s unconventional approach to the guitar, including his pioneering use of tapping, left-handed playing, and wide vibrato, pushed him to think differently about his own playing. Dweezil’s technical proficiency on the guitar is a reflection of the influence that Eddie Van Halen had on him and other guitarists of his generation.
By naming the “Push Comes to Shove” solo as his favorite, Dweezil is acknowledging the depth and complexity of Eddie’s musical genius.
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