Kenny Wayne Shepherd Recalls Eddie Van Halen as a Friendly and Outgoing Person
In a recent interview, blues rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd shared his experiences touring with the late Eddie Van Halen and his observations of the guitar legend’s personality. Shepherd had a close relationship with Van Halen, having toured with him on two separate occasions and becoming social friends.
A Different Side of Eddie Van Halen
Shepherd recalled his first tour with Van Halen in the 1990s, during which the band was featuring Gary Cherone on vocals. He then reunited with the band for their final tour in 2015. Throughout his interactions with Van Halen, Shepherd found him to be friendly, outgoing, and kind.
Media Portrayal vs. Reality
Shepherd attributed the misconception about Van Halen’s personality to the media’s tendency to focus on negative stories. He believes that people often mistake shyness for being standoffish and that Eddie Van Halen was not the aloof figure that had been portrayed.
No Bitterness Among Bandmates
Shepherd also noted that he never witnessed any reported bitterness or tension among Van Halen’s bandmates. He stated that Eddie never spoke negatively about anyone, including his former bandmates.
Contrast with David Lee Roth
When Shepherd mentioned the band’s final tour, he noticed a significant difference in his interactions with Van Halen and David Lee Roth, the band’s original frontman. While Shepherd had no problem connecting with Van Halen and the rest of the band, he never got a chance to interact with Roth, who would enter the room with a grand entrance and clear the way for his arrival.
Shepherd’s Experience with Van Halen
Throughout his two tours with Van Halen, Shepherd formed close bonds with the band members. He remembered Eddie Van Halen as a warm and friendly person who would always greet him with a smile. Shepherd also mentioned that he never saw Eddie talk trash about anyone, even his former bandmates.
New Album and Van Halen Lineup Changes
Shepherd’s new album, "Dirt on My Diamonds Vol. 2," is set to release on September 20. The album follows a string of lineup changes in Van Halen, with three different singers and two different bassists joining the band over the years.
Conclusion
Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s account of his time with Eddie Van Halen paints a different picture of the guitarist than the one often portrayed in the media. Shepherd’s experiences suggest that Van Halen was a kind, outgoing person who never spoke negatively about his former bandmates. His observations provide a valuable insight into the life of a guitar legend, dispelling misconceptions and revealing a more human side to Eddie Van Halen.
FAQs
Q: What was your first impression of Eddie Van Halen?
A: My first impression of Eddie was that he was a very friendly and outgoing person.
Q: Did you experience any tension or bitterness among the band members during your tours?
A: No, I never saw any tension or bitterness among the band members.
Q: How did you perceive Eddie’s interactions with his bandmates?
A: Eddie was always very kind and respectful towards everyone, never speaking negatively about anyone.
Q: Did you have any interactions with David Lee Roth during your tours?
A: Unfortunately, I never got the chance to interact with David Lee Roth.
Q: What do you think about the media’s portrayal of Eddie Van Halen?
A: I think the media often focuses on the negative aspects of a person’s life, leading to misconceptions about who they truly are.
