Guitarist opted for an album that is not among the most popular, but which is still equally revered
Eddie Van Halen he was a man of few words. The guitarist, who died in 2020, preferred to communicate through music. However, on the rare occasions that he decided to talk to journalists, he liked to talk a little about his tastes and preferences.
One of these occasions took place in 2009, during a conversation with spinner (via Van Halen News Desk). The musician exalted a band that, although it was extremely popular, did not always win the same appreciation from critics: the AC DC. Also a guitarist’s friend Angus Young, he revealed which is the group’s best album in his opinion. In addition, he also mentioned his favorite song.
Unlike many fans who could name the most popular highway to hell (1979) or Back in Black (1980), eddie paid homage to Powerage (1978), penultimate work with bon scott on vocals. At that point, the AC DC it was already a successful group, but it was far from acquiring the same success that it would obtain from the next album.
“My favorite record of AC DC It is Powerage.‘Down Payment Blues’, from this album, it’s my favorite song by them.”
He then commented specifically on “Down Payment Blues”. The musician regretted that the song is not frequently performed at the group’s concerts.
“They never played that one live. We did a joint tour with them in 1983 or 1984. Then I kept asking, ‘angus, do you plan to play ‘Down Payment Blues‘? AND ‘Riff Raff‘? All the songs are great on this record.”
Eddie Van Halen’s Favorite Riffs
In 2015, Eddie Van Halen reiterated his appreciation for the AC DC and also by other bands. During an interview with Billboard, the genius of the six strings pointed out which were his favorite riffs of all time.
One of the songs was just “Down Payment Blues”. He commented:
“It’s one of my favorite songs on the AC DC from an album called Powerage. What makes a good riff is the power, the purity… it’s just getting you involved. You just feel. It makes you vibrate.”
On the same occasion, eddie also quoted “Burn” (Deep Purple), “Sunshine of Your Love” (Cream) e “Into the Void” (Black Sabbath) like other of his favorite guitar riffs.
AC/DC and Joe Perry
Powerage was highlighted by another guitar icon in an interview: Joe Perry. In an article for classic rock(via website Igor Miranda), the musician of aerosmith commented that the real admirers of the AC DC understand this record as a classic.
“People know more highway to hell (1979) and Back in Black (1980) because they are the albums with the great radio songs, but there are so many great songs on Powerage. People who really like AC DC understand that it is a classic. With each new release they refined their basic sound, didn’t try to invent anything new, and when they got to the Powerage, the songs were getting better and better.”
Perry even confessed to having the Powerage LP. He concluded:
“I have the vinyl record and I would play it over and over again, flipping it over and starting over. It never lost its potency. These may not be the songs from AC DC that you hear on the radio or jukeboxes in bars, but nobody does rock ‘n’ roll better than that.”
Source: Rollingstone

Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.