Mark Bryan: “Eddie Van Halen Wrote Riffs Like Jimmy Page, But He Was Underappreciated”
When Eddie Van Halen’s name comes up, most people immediately think of finger-tapping fireworks, blistering solos, and a technical mastery that rewrote the guitar rulebook. But Hootie & the Blowfish guitarist Mark Bryan believes there’s another side to Eddie’s genius that often goes overlooked: his riff-writing.
In a recent interview, Bryan compared Eddie’s knack for creating unforgettable guitar parts to that of Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page. “He came up with these song riffs like Jimmy Page did with Zeppelin where you’re like, ‘What a fckin’ riff,’”* Bryan said. “He was underappreciated for that.”
The comparison is striking. Page’s catalog with Zeppelin is packed with iconic riffs—Whole Lotta Love, Black Dog, Kashmir—that have become permanent fixtures in rock history. Similarly, Eddie Van Halen gave the world explosive hooks like Ain’t Talkin’ ’Bout Love, Unchained, and Panama. These weren’t just technical showcases; they were the backbone of songs that still ignite crowds today.
Bryan’s point underscores how Eddie’s brilliance wasn’t confined to his groundbreaking solos or lightning-fast technique. He had a gift for crafting riffs that were simple yet powerful, catchy yet muscular—guitar lines that invited fans to shout along and air-guitar with abandon.
Where Page tapped into blues and mysticism, Van Halen channeled California sunshine and raw energy. Both, however, shared the rare ability to make the guitar not just an instrument, but the voice of the band.
While Eddie will always be remembered for changing the language of guitar with his virtuosity, Bryan’s observation shines a light on why his music endures. Like Jimmy Page before him, Eddie Van Halen wrote riffs that didn’t just showcase skill—they defined eras.
