Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” remains an undisputed anthem, not just for its powerful message and Jackson’s iconic vocals, but also for that electrifying guitar solo. For decades, music fans and guitar players alike have asked, “Who Played Guitar On Beat It?”. The answer is none other than the legendary Eddie Van Halen. But the story behind his unexpected contribution to this pop-rock masterpiece is as captivating as the solo itself.
“Beat It” exploded onto the airwaves as part of Jackson’s groundbreaking 1982 album, Thriller. Thriller didn’t just break records; it redefined them, becoming the best-selling album of all time. Produced by the legendary Quincy Jones, the album was already brimming with musical talent, including contributions from Toto’s Steve Lukather, David Paich, and Jeff Porcaro, all seasoned musicians in their own right. Lukather, in fact, handled a significant portion of the guitar work on Thriller. However, when it came to “Beat It,” Jones envisioned a guitar solo with a raw, untamed energy, something that would truly elevate the track. He wanted “oomph,” and he knew exactly who to call.
David Paich, in an insightful conversation on the Broken Record podcast, recounted the events that led to Van Halen’s involvement. While Steve Lukather was already on board and happy with his contributions to the album, the prospect of enlisting Eddie Van Halen for the “Beat It” solo was an exciting proposition. Lukather, a friend of Van Halen, was enthusiastic about the idea.
Quincy Jones himself reached out to Eddie Van Halen. However, when Jones initially called, Van Halen famously didn’t believe it was really him. As Paich recalls, Van Halen reportedly hung up the phone on the legendary producer! Eventually, the misunderstanding was cleared, and Van Halen realized the incredible opportunity that was being presented to him. He agreed to take part, a decision that would not only create music history but also involve breaking a cardinal rule within his own band, Van Halen.
“Ed didn’t want to do it at first because Van Halen had a no-session-band rule,” Paich explained. This “no session work” rule was a firm band policy, intended to keep the focus solely on Van Halen’s own music. Playing on another artist’s record was simply not done. Yet, the allure of collaborating with Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, and the creative challenge of the “Beat It” solo, proved too tempting to resist. Eddie Van Halen ultimately relented, and the result was a blistering guitar solo that became an integral and instantly recognizable part of the global hit.
In a later interview with Guitar World, Steve Lukather reflected on the impact of Eddie Van Halen’s guitar playing, placing it in the context of the evolving guitar landscape. Lukather pointed out that when he started his career in the 1970s, the “shred culture” that would later dominate guitar playing simply didn’t exist. Then, Eddie Van Halen arrived and, as Lukather put it, “changed the whole game.” Lukather recalled Van Halen once telling him, “Man, I didn’t mean to start all this madness,” acknowledging the revolution his playing had ignited. Despite being considered the “father of shred,” Lukather himself always identified more with a melodic approach to guitar playing, a path distinct from the high-velocity style Van Halen popularized.
Eddie Van Halen’s iconic guitar solo on “Beat It” was more than just a session appearance; it was a cultural moment. It was a testament to his extraordinary talent, his willingness to step outside his comfort zone (and band rules), and his enduring impact on the world of music. When you hear that searing guitar on “Beat It,” you’re hearing the unmistakable sound of a legend, Eddie Van Halen, forever etched into the soundtrack of a generation.
