Steve Lukather Shares Eddie Van Halen’s Biggest Lie

Eddie Van Halen, the guitar virtuoso who redefined the instrument, was undeniably youthful in spirit. Even well into his sixties, his appearance belied his age. But behind the rockstar facade, there was a secret: a carefully crafted illusion about his years.

In a candid conversation with Rick Beato, Toto legend Steve Lukather revealed a surprising confession made by the late guitar icon. It turns out that the youthful energy Van Halen exuded when Van Halen first burst onto the scene was partially attributed to a well-kept secret about his true age.

Lukather’s firsthand account offers a rare glimpse into the personal life of a musical giant, shedding light on a previously untold chapter of Van Halen’s extraordinary story.

A Chance Encounter

Steve Lukather first heard whispers about a certain “Van Halen” while spending time at Guitar Center. The young guitarist, along with his friend Michael Landau, would often visit the store to admire instruments beyond their reach. It was there that they began to hear tales of a guitar prodigy from Pasadena.

Initially, Lukather believed “Van Halen” was the individual’s name, unaware that it was actually a family surname. The guitarist recalls thinking there was a guy named Van Halen who was exceptionally talented. This misconception persisted until Lukather and his bandmates, Landau and John Pierce, auditioned for a festival at the age of 16.

Interestingly, the band secured the gig, only to lose it when their true age was discovered. It was at this same event that Van Halen was the headline act, solidifying their position as a rising force in the music scene.

Eddie Van Halen’s Age Secret

Lukather also recalled how Eddie intentionally misrepresented his age when Van Halen first emerged on the music scene. The two musicians bonded during an all-night jam session, and it was then that Lukather discovered the truth about Van Halen’s actual age.

Van Halen confessed to Lukather that his age had been lowered to enhance his image. While the exact reason behind this decision remains unclear, it was a strategy employed by those around him. Despite the initial deception, the public eventually learned the truth.

It’s interesting to note that Lukather’s initial confusion about Van Halen’s name wasn’t the only unexpected discovery during their friendship. The revelation about Van Halen’s age adds another layer to the complex and fascinating story of the legendary guitarist.

Watch Lukather’s interview with Rick Beato below.