Dweezil Zappa

Dweezil,

Just wanted to say " thanks " for another great episode. 5150 is a VERY special album for me-It's the album that helped me turn my life around. I was a late VH fan. Got into them at 1984 and went backwards. " Eruption " definitely inspired me to pick up the guitar but my life back then was getting pretty tough for me, especially in 1986.

Before 5150 was released, I was dealing with some pretty heavy things in life: Divorced parents, cancer in my family ( I alone had suffered with a brutal form of the chicken pox ), getting beaten up in high school ( I was a 15 year old freshman then ) and personal thoughts of suicide. Listening to this episode reminded me of my feelings when I first heard the album: It was fresh and inspiring without depreciating what came before with Dave. In that way, 5150 inspired me to pursue music as a form of therapy. Edward's own words about 5150 being their first number #1 album helped me even more. In the September 1986 issue of Guitar World, Edward was asked how it felt about 5150 being the first VH album going to the number one Billboard album position: " You know what it showed me? That music overpowers bullshit. " 

That statement ( and 5150 itself ) literally started me on a better path in life. Thanks to that music, my life totally changed for the better. Looking back, it's hard to describe the feelings I experienced at that time now that I'm 50. But, 5150 totally changed me forever. It remains my number one favorite Van Halen album ( I actually had the opportunity in 2018 to message Edward on Twitter about the aforementioned and his wife/widow, Janie, messaged me back that Edward was " very moved " by my message ). 

Thanks for bringing me back and reminding me that music will always overpower the bullshit in life 

Another great episode!! How nervous we’re all VH fans when 5150 came out? It’s different, yes…but still VERY good. The song ‘5150’ is a monster. To me, that song is EVH telling the world…yes, this is different, but I’m still Eddie Mutha Fuckin’ Van Halen. I love these discussions and can’t wait for the next one.

Hi DZ,

Amazing work, I love what you are doing, so much great info from great players. It is telling how incredible EVH was that players like yourself, Vai, Nuno and everyone else you are with on your episodes are so humbled by his playing. Thank you for all the work, they seem like a lot to put together (maybe a Eat 'em and Smile and the first two Randy Ozzy records when VH is rapped up?). 

Regarding the Shark guitar, I always felt that after reading an interview he did talking about the Shark he added the turnbuckles after he cut the chunk out to attempt to restore the sound of the Destroyer as he felt the guitar did not sound the same after the Mod. My two cents anyway, thanks again, what you are doing it great!

Thanks,

CB

Any chance of getting Phil X on the podcast? I bet you guys would have a blast nerding out about Eddie :) 

Another superb instalment Dweezil - "Thank you" - brilliant ! again a wonderful level of attention to detail and well worth waiting for. You mention about the "Fizzy Sound" Eddie achieved on Get Up & Summer Nights . I recall reading in Guitar World and speaking to someone at a Guitar Show here in the U.K in around '86 that Eddie used a prototype  Groove Tube Pre amp on "5150" for certain tracks.