It’s been five years since the passing of Eddie Van Halen —
one of the most influential and groundbreaking guitarists of all time. In this
special episode, radio veteran and musician Keith Roth joins hosts The
Vernomatic and Metal Walt to celebrate Eddie’s life, music, and
legacy.

Keith shares his personal experiences meeting Eddie and Van
Halen over the years, offering a rare, first-hand look at the man behind the
guitar hero. Along the way, Vernomatic and Walt recall their own run-ins with
Eddie, swapping stories about the first time they saw Van Halen live, the
unforgettable riffs that changed their lives, and the moments that still give
them chills today.

Many fans also know Keith as the co-host of Rockstrap on the
Pantheon Podcast Network, where he and Don Jamieson discuss their love of heavy
metal with sports legends. Tonight’s conversation taps into that same passion —
music, memory, and the spirit that keeps Eddie’s influence alive for
generations.

🎸 Eddie Van Halen changed
rock forever. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to his genius and a reminder
of why his magic can never be replaced.

👉 Visit MetalMayhemROC.com to sign up for the
newsletter and enter our Kings of Thrash ticket giveaway — October 21st
at Photo City Music Hall in Rochester, NY. Two pairs of tickets are up for
grabs. While you’re there, browse the merch store and catch up on recent
episodes with James Rivera of Helstar, Ian Hill of Judas Priest, and Glenn
Hughes of Deep Purple.

👉 Connect with Keith
Roth: https://www.dekoentertainment.com/inthesquare/keith-roth

👉 Listen to Keith Roth’s Rockstrap
Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rockstrap/id1757444948

⏱ Episode Chapters

00:00 – Opening tribute: Eddie Van Halen, 5 years later

05:12 – Where were you when you heard Eddie died?

08:06 – Keith Roth’s first Van Halen memory at Macy’s

12:01 – First Van Halen concerts we’ll never forget

19:00 – Meeting David Lee Roth & Eddie Van Halen at the Parker Meridian

25:00 – Walt’s crazy Café Wha? 2012 story — listening from the street

27:18 – Vernomatic’s near misses with Eddie (Golden Girls & Buffalo
softball game)

35:22 – What made Eddie Van Halen a once-in-a-century guitarist

43:00 – Why Eddie always put the song before the solo

48:00 – Keith Roth on Rockstrap, Dictators & keeping Eddie’s legacy alive

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