Often in pop music, it’s high-profile vocalists who join forces to create amemorable collaboration track.
However, sometimes the best collaborations occur when a vocalist and an instrumentalist work together.
In fact, the most surprising aspect may be that more didn’t.
Consequently, other musicians sought his talents, including Michael Jackson.
In 1982, producer Quincy Jones andMichael Jackson began putting together the album,Thriller.
The two wanted to involve Townshend in “Beat It,” but the timing didn’t work out.
“Ultimately,Townshend was able to get Eddie Van Halen on board.
‘After about 10 minutes, this was done, and that’s where Van Halen went to work.
He added in two solos, hoping that Michael would like it.
In fact,Eddie did the work on the song for free.
Actually, I brought my own, if I remember right.
Michael approved and that was all he truly needed.
This is a testament of the pop in of person Eddie was.
It just says, ‘Guitar solo: Question Mark’ or ‘Guitar solo: Frankenstein’.”
It was something he preserved throughout his life, as he found it humorous.
He even got to play on stage with Michael during a 1984 performance on Michael’sVictory Tour.
Nonetheless, it still feels like more should have come from this than just one performance and a letter.
It truly is a shame Eddie never received any recognition for the song.
