The Johnny Beane Podcast

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we break down the shocking moment when legendary guitarist Eric Clapton was struck in the chest by an object thrown from the audience during his Madrid concert on May 7th — forcing the show to come to an abrupt stop! What exactly happened? How did the crowd react? And what does this mean for live concerts and artist safety? We're talking all about it LIVE!

On this episode of Talking Guitars, we remember legendary producer Jack Douglas, who has passed away at the age of 80. Throughout his incredible career, Douglas worked with some of rock's biggest names, including Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, John Lennon, Blue Öyster Cult, Patti Smith, and the New York Dolls. Born in the Bronx, New York, Douglas started out as a folk musician before attending the Institute of Audio Research and landing a job at the legendary Record Plant — first as a janitor, then quickly rising to become one of rock's most respected engineers and producers. Along the way, he contributed to classic recordings by The Who, Miles Davis, Alice Cooper, and many more. Douglas is perhaps best known for producing Aerosmith's classic albums Get Your Wings, Toys in the Attic, Rocks, Draw the Line, Rock in a Hard Place, Honkin' on Bobo, and Music from Another Dimension! He also engineered and co-produced landmark albums including John Lennon's Imagine, Double Fantasy, and Milk and Honey, while contributing to legendary records like The Who's Who's Next and Cheap Trick's self-titled debut album. His close relationship with Aerosmith even earned him the nickname “the sixth member” of the band, and his influence on rock music can still be heard today. Join us as we look back at the life, music, and legacy of one of rock's most influential producers.

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen, we celebrate the birthday of the legendary drummer and co-founder of Alex Van Halen!

Guitar Center just revealed the most-played guitar riffs customers constantly jam when trying out gear—and it's probably exactly what you'd expect… with a few surprises. Based on feedback from stores across the country, riffs like Metallica's “Master of Puppets,” Guns N' Roses' “Sweet Child O' Mine,” and Nirvana classics dominate the list, getting played over and over all day long. Stairway to Heaven—long considered the ultimate “forbidden” guitar shop riff—isn't even in the top spot (or the list at all), showing how player trends have shifted. The big takeaway? These riffs are everywhere in stores—and according to Guitar Center's CEO, they're “often not played well”… but when someone nails them, it really stands out.

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we dive into a fascinating story from Guitar Player featuring legendary Ritchie Blackmore and his candid thoughts on Eddie Van Halen. Blackmore reflects on his backstage encounters with Eddie, describing him as incredibly gifted—but also surprisingly humble. He recalls Eddie downplaying himself, even saying, “You don't want to talk to me, because I'm nobody,” something Blackmore admits he never understood. Despite revolutionizing guitar with his groundbreaking techniques, Eddie often underestimated his own impact. Blackmore also touches on Eddie's personality, suggesting that he sometimes relied on drinking to feel comfortable in social situations. Still, what stood out most was Eddie's authenticity—his intuitive, feel-based playing that set him apart from even the most technically perfect players. Comparing him to greats like Joe Satriani, Steve Morse, and Eric Clapton, Blackmore emphasizes that true musical expression isn't about always playing the “right” notes—it's about searching, feeling, and pushing boundaries. And in his eyes, Eddie embodied that spirit completely. He also reveals a more personal side—how Eddie, deeply inspired by Clapton, was hurt by rejection from one of his heroes. It's a reminder that even the greatest musicians carry insecurities behind the scenes. #VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #RitchieBlackmore #GuitarLegends

On this episode of Johnny Beane TV, we dive into a killer story from Guitar World—Steve Vai's incredible Encino home and custom-built studio are officially up for sale!

Meet the Lekato ME05 Multi-Effects Processor—a compact, all-in-one guitar powerhouse that looks like it came straight out of a retro handheld game console… but don't let the size fool you. This little unit packs a serious punch. The ME05 features a full range of built-in effects including distortion, overdrive, delay, reverb, modulation, and amp modeling—giving you everything from crystal-clean tones to full-on high-gain shred, all in one portable device. If you want to check out the Lekato ME05 for yourself, I've got a link right below—grab it here:

Released April 29, 1981, Van Halen's Fair Warning wasn't their biggest commercial album—but it became one of their most respected, influential, and cult-favorite records in rock history. Dark, gritty, and aggressive, this fourth studio album captured Van Halen at their rawest and most intense, with Eddie Van Halen pushing guitar innovation even further.

On this electrifying episode of Exclusively Van Halen, we dive deep into the brand-new Van Halen (Genesis Publications book by Alex Van Halen) from Alex Van Halen—and the early previews are blowing fans away! We're talking rare family photos from the 1960s, behind-the-scenes stories, and some seriously cool collector's items—including replica 1984-era Van Halen guitar picks and a mystery 45 vinyl

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen, we dive into an incredible, nerve-wracking, and unforgettable moment in guitar history. Nuno Bettencourt shares the story of the day he finally came face-to-face with Eddie Van Halen in 1991—and everything changed. What do you even play when you're handed Eddie's guitar? According to Nuno… pure panic. Fresh off recording Pornograffitti, Nuno found himself at CenterStaging in Los Angeles when Eddie suddenly stopped rehearsal, walked straight up to him, and made it clear—he knew exactly who Nuno was… and had even read his interviews. Then came the moment: Eddie handed him his own rig. Nuno had spent years chasing that legendary tone, even using Van Halen I and II as his sonic blueprint. Now he was standing right there, hearing it live, feeling it, living it. The dream every guitarist has… suddenly real. And just when you think the story couldn't get more surreal—Eddie greets him in a way only Eddie could. This is one of those stories that reminds you just how powerful those moments can be when heroes become real—and the legend proves even bigger in person. #VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #NunoBettencourt #GuitarLegends

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we dive into a wild festival moment as David Lee Roth makes a surprise appearance at the Stagecoach Festival! Joining forces once again with Teddy Swims, the two deliver an electrifying performance of the Van Halen classic “Jump,” following Swims' standout sets at Coachella. After performing tracks like “Mr. Know It All” and “Some Things I'll Never Know” from his debut album I've Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1), Swims brings Roth onstage for a high-energy moment that has the crowd singing along and throwing their fists in the air. Roth opens up about their creative connection, describing it as a “wabi-sabi disposition,” and shares his thoughts on how rock & roll culture continues to evolve. We also talk about Roth's reflections on the changing music landscape, the crossover of rock into festivals like Stagecoach, and why “Jump” remains such a powerful anthem decades later. #VanHalen #DavidLeeRoth #TeddySwims #Stagecoach

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen, we celebrate a major milestone in rock history—on April 26, 1986, 5150 hit #1 on the Billboard 200 and changed the band's trajectory forever. With Sammy Hagar stepping in alongside Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, and Michael Anthony, this album introduced a new era—and a whole new sound. Where were you when you first heard 5150? What did you think the first time those songs hit your ears? I share my personal story and memories on this episode of Johnny Beane TV, and I want to hear yours too. Join the conversation and celebrate one of the most iconic moments in Van Halen history. #VanHalen #its5150time #SammyHagar #JohnnyBeaneTV

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen, we're talking with David Bertinelli about his life behind the lens and his time on the road during the rise of Van Halen. From touring moments to behind-the-scenes access, David shares what it was really like being there as the band took over the world. As the brother of Valerie Bertinelli and family to Eddie Van Halen, he had a unique vantage point—capturing candid, real-life moments that fans rarely get to see. If you're into Van Halen history, rare photography, and real stories from the road, this is an episode you don't want to miss. https://www.davidpbertinelli.com/ #VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #RockPhotography #DavidBertinelli

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen, we're diving into an awesome moment every VH fan needs to see. Greg Bissonette — known to fans for his work with David Lee Roth — takes on one of Alex Van Halen's most legendary drum performances: Unchained. In a killer new clip from Drumeo, Bissonette breaks down the groove behind this Fair Warning classic—locking into the feel that gave Van Halen their heavier, more rhythmic edge in the early '80s. Released in 1981, “Unchained” isn't about flash—it's all about groove, attitude, and that unmistakable swing. With a résumé that includes Ringo Starr and countless legendary sessions, Bissonette brings serious respect—and his own personality—to this iconic track. We're talking all about it right here on Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV. Don't miss this one. #VanHalen #AlexVanHalen #GregBissonette #Unchained

On this episode, we pay tribute to Dave Mason — co-founder of Traffic and the iconic voice behind “We Just Disagree.” The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame–inducted guitarist, also known for “Only You Know and I Know,” has passed away at the age of 79. According to a statement shared with Rolling Stone, Mason's family expressed “deep and profound sadness,” honoring a life devoted to music and the people he loved. No cause of death has been announced. Throughout his legendary career, Mason recorded and performed with an incredible list of artists, including Paul McCartney, George Harrison, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Steve Winwood, Fleetwood Mac, Delaney Bramlett, and Cass Elliot. Born on May 10, 1946, in Worcester, England, Mason overcame major challenges early in life—including a severe childhood accident that left him hospitalized for 18 months and forced him to relearn how to walk. That resilience carried through a lifetime of music that continues to inspire generations. #DaveMason #TrafficBand #WeJustDisagree #ClassicRock #RockLegend #RIPDaveMason #GuitarLegend #RockAndRollHallOfFame #MusicHistory #70sRock #SteveWinwood #EricClapton #JimiHendrix #RockTribute #LegendaryMusicians

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV

David Lee Roth made another surprise appearance during Teddy Swims' set at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on Friday, April 17, 2026, where they performed the Van Halen classic "Jump". #DavidLeeRoth #TeddySwims #VanHalen #Jump #Coachella #Coachella2026 #CoachellaValleyMusicAndArtsFestival #SurprisePerformance

David Lee Roth just lit the fuse on his 2026 run—reportedly titled the “Don't Love Me, Rent Me Tour”—and he's not easing into it. “Diamond Dave” stormed the stage with a full-throttle opening punch: “Panama,” “Drop Dead Legs,” and “Romeo Delight”—a killer trio that had the crowd instantly fired up. Then came the curveball… He downshifted into “Little Dreamer” from Van Halen—a deep cut he hadn't performed solo in nearly 20 years. The last time? 2003. Moments like that are what make these shows must-see. Roth's live setup is bigger than ever too, now featuring five backing vocalists, giving the show a fuller, more explosive sound. There's also buzz that he's been testing out a cover of New York State of Mind by Billy Joel—a bold move that could either crash or soar spectacularly. Next stop: Portland, Oregon on April 18, with the tour currently set to wrap up June 20 in Milwaukee. If this kickoff is any indication, Roth's latest run is going to be unpredictable in the best way. David Lee Roth April 16, 2026 Spokane, WA Set List: 1. "Panama" 2. "Drop Dead Legs" 3. "Romeo Delight" 4. "Little Dreamer" 5. Blues (acoustic) 6. "I'm the One" 7. "Dance the Night Away" 8. "Ice Cream Man" 9. "You Really Got Me" 10. "Jamie's Cryin'" 11. "Unchained" 12. "New York State of Mind" (Billy Joel cover) (!!!) 13. "Mean Street" 14. "Ain't Talkin' 'bout Love" 15. "Hot for Teacher" 16. "Everybody Wants Some!!" 17. "Jump" Watch Van Halen's iconic, high-octane performance from Live Without A Net, now remastered in HD. The full concert film is included in the new expanded edition of 5150, available now—grab your copy before it's gone. Van Halen – 5150 (Expanded Edition) The complete Live Without A Net film is part of this expanded release, delivering a total sonic explosion. It features the remastered original album, rare B-sides, a previously unreleased live set from New Haven '86, and a deluxe 24-page book. Available on 2LP and 2CD—get yours now.

Tonight on Exclusively Van Halen, we're diving into the making of 5150—the album that changed everything for Van Halen. After the departure of David Lee Roth, the band brought in Sammy Hagar and kicked off a whole new era. We'll talk about how Eddie Van Halen expanded the band's sound with keyboards, the pressure of creating a make-or-break record, and the role Mick Jones played in shaping the album behind the scenes. From the intense sessions at 5150 Studios to the powerful vocals on tracks like Dreams, this is the story of how the band reinvented itself—and came out on top. 5150 didn't just succeed—it became Van Halen's first #1 album and proved they could evolve and still dominate. Join the conversation and let me know—where does 5150 rank for you in the Van Halen catalog?

On this episode of Talking Guitars, we explore an incredible collection of rock and roll history now up for auction through Backstage Auctions. This remarkable lineup of instruments—once owned, played, or modified by legends like Eddie Van Halen, Eric Clapton, and Keith Richards—is expected to fetch a combined total of more than $1.5 million. One of the standout pieces is a Don Musser acoustic guitar reportedly used by Eddie Van Halen during the recording of Balance and Van Halen III, and heard on tracks such as “Take Me Back,” “Without You,” and “Neworld.” The auction also features Eric Clapton's 1974 Fender Stratocaster, later gifted to Ronnie Lane of the Small Faces, as well as Keith Richards' 2005 Duesenberg Starplayer Outlaw, a unique birthday gift to Ian McLagan, complete with a striking custom pearl mosaic finish and chrome skull knobs. Adding a touch of Hollywood nostalgia, the auction includes a Gibson acoustic guitar used during the filming of Viva Las Vegas, starring Elvis Presley. Also featured is McLagan's customized 1965 Fender Telecaster, fitted with a Stratocaster neck and later used by Steve Marriott to record Small Faces classics like “Tin Soldier” and “All or Nothing.” With many items coming from the estate of Ian McLagan, this auction represents a rare opportunity for collectors and fans to own a true piece of rock and roll history.

On this Straturday episode, we bring a Dean Playmate electric guitar back to life!

Rock history met the desert today at Coachella 2026 when David Lee Roth made a surprise appearance during Teddy Swims' set. Roth hit the stage for a high-energy performance of Jump, sending the crowd into a frenzy as one of Van Halen's biggest anthems echoed across the festival grounds. The appearance was part of a stacked set that featured multiple surprise guests, but Roth's return to a major live stage—bringing that classic swagger and charisma—was a standout moment and a huge nod to Van Halen's lasting impact on rock and pop culture. #VanHalen #DavidLeeRoth #Coachella #teddyswims

What does it really take to become a guitar virtuoso? According to Steve Vai, the answer is surprisingly simple—yet incredibly demanding. In this episode, we dive into Vai's powerful insight that elite-level guitar playing isn't a mystery at all. It's an “intellectual exercise” built on relentless discipline, focus, and countless hours of dedicated practice. From the explosive shred era of the 1980s to today's social media landscape filled with jaw-dropping players, virtuosity has long been the dream of aspiring guitarists. Steve Vai's formula proves that greatness is within reach for anyone willing to commit to the journey—though not everyone will enjoy the hard work it requires! Alongside this inspiring discussion, I also demo the VIXXNOXX LED-powered guitar picks, showcasing their vibrant glow and performance while playing my Taylor SF Giants acoustic guitar. These eye-catching picks add a unique visual flair, perfect for live performances and late-night jam sessions. If you're passionate about rock, guitar mastery, and cool new gear, this episode is for you!

We're going live right now on Exclusively Van Halen to talk about some very sad news in the VH world… the passing of Donn Landee. Donn wasn't just an engineer—he was a huge part of the sound of Van Halen from the very beginning. From the early records to the work at 5150 Studios with Eddie Van Halen, his impact is all over the music we love. That signature tone, the space, the power—that was Donn Landee behind the board. Join us live as we talk about his legacy, his influence, and what he meant to the Van Halen sound.

On this episode, we upgrade my Squier Strat with a Hot Rail in the bridge—and it absolutely rips!

On this episode of Talking Guitars & Music News, we dive into the legendary 5150 tone!

Today we're cracking open the brand new expanded edition of 5150 — the game-changing 1986 release that launched a bold new era for Van Halen with Sammy Hagar on vocals! This is the album that delivered massive hits like “Why Can't This Be Love,” “Dreams,” and “Love Walks In” — and became the band's FIRST #1 record, redefining their sound and legacy forever. In this episode of Exclusively Van Halen, we go ALL IN:

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we dive into an incredible story from Guitar Player that sheds new light on the early days of Eddie Van Halen—before the tapping, before the whammy bar, and before the world knew his name. George Lynch shares firsthand memories of witnessing Eddie in his rawest form on the Sunset Strip—back when he was playing a Les Paul through a Fender amp, delivering a blues-driven style heavily inspired by Eric Clapton. No flashy techniques. No dive bombs. Just pure, mind-blowing guitar playing. Lynch describes seeing early versions of Van Halen (and even pre-Van Halen days in Mammoth) as “mind-bending,” pushing him to practice for hours just to keep up. But what's even more fascinating? He says that version of Eddie—the stripped-down, “meat-and-potatoes” blues player—might be the most underrated and interesting era of all. The episode also uncovers a forgotten influence: Terry Kilgore of Reddi Killowatt. According to Lynch, Kilgore may have inspired some of Eddie's early ideas—and might have even been “better” at the time. It's a bold claim that adds a whole new layer to the Van Halen origin story. Plus, hear incredible behind-the-scenes stories from the Monsters of Rock Tour 1988—including how Eddie lent Lynch his own gear for half the tour, and even gave Lynch's son a private guitar lesson backstage. A true class act. If you're a fan of Van Halen, guitar history, or the evolution of Eddie Van Halen's iconic sound, this is a must-watch episode packed with rare insight, stories, and inspiration.

Join me on Exclusively Van Halen as we celebrate the anniversary of Van Halen's legendary third album, Women and Children First! Released on March 26, 1980, this album marked a heavier, more experimental sound for the band, featuring iconic tracks like:

Margaret Scranton is a veteran guitarist, songwriter, and music educator with over 38 years of experience. Her work is influenced by classic rock and metal icons like Randy Rhoads, Van Halen, and Ozzy Osbourne. She leads the band SCRANTON and has performed with several tribute groups like The Hormones (a Ramones tribute). Discography: Her solo albums include Born Ready and Old School Rant, which are available on platforms like Reverberation and Spotify.

The EVH 5150® Series DX with baked maple is built for speed, comfort, and full-throttle performance—blending classic Van Halen vibe with modern upgrades. It features a modified Strat-style basswood body, a graphite-reinforced baked maple neck, and a 12"-16" compound radius fingerboard with jumbo frets for smooth, fast playability. Loaded with dual EVH Wolfgang® Alnico 2 humbuckers, you get punchy, articulate bridge tones and a powerful, sustain-rich neck pickup with great clean roll-off. A kill switch adds stutter effects, while the volume and tone controls are designed for precision and stability. It's dive-bomb ready with an EVH Floyd Rose® bridge and D-Tuna®, letting you instantly switch between standard and drop D tuning.

Today we celebrate the anniversary of 5150 — the groundbreaking 1986 release that launched a new era for Van Halen with Sammy Hagar on vocals!

Celebrate the anniversary of Van Halen II, released March 23, 1979!

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we pay tribute to the legendary Chuck Norris, who passed away yesterday at the age of 86.

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we take a moment to honor the legendary Randy Rhoads on the anniversary of his passing.

We dive into a Guitar Player article featuring Andy Summers and break down the story behind the iconic riff in “Message in a Bottle” by The Police—exploring Andy's unique approach, chord voicings, and the creative mindset that helped shape one of the most recognizable guitar parts in rock history. On this episode of Talking Guitars right here on Johnny Beane TV, we not only talk through the article, but also bring it to life with live demonstrations—using a LEKATO looper to layer and showcase how the riff really works in a musical context. You'll hear both the rhythmic and harmonic elements in action, making it easier to understand how everything locks together. We also take a look at the unforgettable guitar part from “Every Breath You Take,” breaking down the feel, tone, and technique that helped define another timeless classic.

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we dive into a killer story from Guitar World as Fender celebrates 75 years of the legendary Telecaster with FIVE brand-new models that blend vintage vibe with cutting-edge innovation. From a stunning 1951 Road Worn Telecaster dripping in old-school mojo, to a high-performance American Ultra II loaded with modern features—and even Fender's first-ever dual-rail humbucker—this lineup is a full-on Telecaster birthday bash

On this day in 1998, Van Halen dropped Van Halen III — their 11th studio album and the only release featuring Gary Cherone on vocals. Produced by Mike Post and Eddie Van Halen, the album marked a bold shift in direction, with longer songs, deeper experimentation, and a very different vibe from anything the band had done before. While it received mixed reviews and didn't hit the same commercial highs, Van Halen III has become one of the most unique and talked-about chapters in the band's legacy. In this video, we dive into:

"Exclusively Van Halen" is your ultimate destination for all things Van Halen. From deep dives into the band's legendary history to giveaways and gear showcases, we celebrate one of the greatest rock bands of all time — every week.

This Saturday night on Johnny Beane TV, we kick things off with a tribute as we read a story about the passing of Phil Campbell, legendary guitarist of Motörhead. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans around the world. Then we take a quick behind-the-scenes mini studio tour, where you'll see some of the guitars hanging behind me and the gear that powers the show. I also reveal a guitar amplifier that was gifted to me today—and trust me, we'll be doing a full demo video with it very soon. After that, things get really cool… we unbox some awesome gifts from guitar legend Gary Kramer! I recently spent some time down at his place a couple weeks ago, and I've got exclusive footage from that visit that I'll be sharing with you guys very soon. It's guitars, stories, surprises, and rock ‘n' roll—all happening tonight on Johnny Beane TV!

On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we're diving into one of the most historic nights in guitar history!

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we're talking about Sammy Hagar and the Best of All Worlds Band kicking off their 2026 Las Vegas residency in a huge way!

On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we talk about a cool story from Billy Idol guitarist Steve Stevens. He recalls his first jam at Eddie Van Halen's house in 1987 and how it turned into a friendship built around guitars and gear. Stevens says Eddie was incredibly generous—letting him try his rig and even helping him connect with Ernie Ball Music Man guitars and Peavey 5150 amps. Stevens loved the sound and eventually started using the 5150 setup himself. It's a great behind-the-scenes look at Eddie's influence, his love of gear, and the friendships he built with other guitar players.