For me, it was the oldest brother of the kids that lived across the street from me. I hung out with all the kids (they were all 2 years apart), and the oldest would give us rides to baseball practice and things like that. He had a purple Barracuda with an 8-track. I was in 6th grade, an 11-year old wise-ass, and thought Ace Frehley was the greatest. He was giving me and his brother a ride somewhere, and as I got into the front seat he said "I have to play you this new band, the guitarist is the best in the world", and I remember saying "no way, Ace Frehley is the best. This guy can't be better" (I remember saying it really cocky, and really believing that there couldn't be anyone better).
He said "listen to the guitar in this song" and played DOA. I was blown away, but thought it was just one tune. Then he played the rest of the album and I was shaken. I knew Ace was no longer king (hahaha). From then on, I was always anxious to get a ride, and would ask to hear more VH. The fade of DOA was my favorite part. He would always kind of laugh, and say "so I was right, huh?" I would always agree.
The thing that stood out for me was the dive-bombing tremolo stuff. I have to say that until "Beat It", I always associated EVH with cool tremolo bar effects, more than tapping. Obviously, tapping became his trademark, but it's still not where the "mad scientist" aspect of his playing is rooted, to me.
plymouth_barracuda_gran_coupe_purple_1970.jpg