Eddie Van Halen: Master of Guitar Technique, Hard Rock Innovator (Part 2)

Go to "The Edge" Part 1

U2’s unique sound can be directly attributed to the Edge’s vision for a new guitar sound. Textured guitars gave the band a post-punk feeling in a time just before punk had reached Dublin, Ireland, where the band members met. Its highly experimental sound and strong statements about politics and religion made it one of the most popular and controversial bands of the 1980’s. With the help of the Edge, the band rebelled against the synthesized pop and heavy metal that had emerged from basic rock during that time, and helped create a rich landscape of digital, sweeping sound and hard-edged, straight rock guitars. The Edge provided U2 with an investigational, meandering element that was undercut by the driving, straight rock rhythm section of Clayton and Larry Mullen, Jr. The Edge and U2 presented a vision during the 1980’s that inspired revolution in rock music, and created a series of albums that were hailed by critics as masterpieces before releasing The Joshua Tree in 1987, often considered their best album that catapulted them fully into the popular music arena as global superstars with hits like “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking for” and “With or Without You.” It was this album that made their openly Christian messages truly accessible to the public.

The Edge’s constant experimentation with both keyboard and guitar sounds allowed U2 to keep their popularity through the 1990’s as he reshaped the sound into something that mimicked the style of pop/rock acts and combined both elements legends like David Bowie used in the 1970’s and electronic dance and techno music characteristics popular during the 1990’s.

As a guitarist, the Edge has an unmatched sound that is based on true understatement and sensitivity. He uses digital delay effects essentially in order to help bring out texture and melody, which is particularly evident on U2 hits such as “With or Without You” and “Where the Streets Have no Name.” The songs in which the Edge most particularly focuses on a sparse, experimental melody line and effects have been most acclaimed by critics as well as being particularly unique, especially since many were emerging during a time in the 1980’s when heavy metal and particularly “shred-metal” had reached its peak. His emphasis in songs such as “With or Without You” on elements that transcend mere speed and technique and create a relaxed, restrained mood that befits the song’s musical and lyrical themes. Instead of pushing the instrument to the limit and make it stand out above all others in the mix of U2’s music, the Edge focuses on creating a true ensemble and fitting just a few simple lead lines into the fuller music-scape to add depth and warmth instead of contrast. The complexity of his playing comes with his mastery of digital delays and effects, not with complex passages or overdone guitar-work. He builds many of his guitar parts around effects instead of the other way around and uses echo to help state major guitar themes. He has become more skilled throughout the years and the progression of his mastery over his instrument and the many implements he uses is most obvious from Achtung Baby to the most recent albums. His influence has been felt in today’s alternative music scene with bands like Radiohead, Coldplay and countless others.

The Edge’s plays a variety of instruments, including electric and acoustic guitar, keyboards, piano, bass and even a lap steel guitar, and the makes and models of his instruments are as diverse as the elements of his playing style. His most frequently used instruments are the Gibson Explorer, Fender Stratocaster, Gibson Les Paul, Gibson SG, Fender Telecaster, Rickenbacker 330-12 and the Gretsch Country Gentleman.

The Edge’s contributions to the vocal arrangements of U2 songs are often underrated. He provides harmonies in the same way as he delivers guitar parts – with understated, deliberate simplicity. He typically provides “call and response” vocals in many songs that create the sound of a repeated cry, inspired by later Beatles songs such as “Helter Skelter,” a song that U2 covered. U2’s “Beautiful Day” and “New Year’s Day” offer examples of the Edge’s unique singing style, and he has sung lead occasionally in recordings and live performances.

The Edge’s personal life has been somewhat difficult, though he attributes his strong foundation in the Christian belief system to keeping him grounded. He married his high school girlfriend and had three daughters with her, but the couple had many problems over the years, finally separating in 1991. Though unable to divorce because it was at the time against Irish law, they finally divorced in 1996 a year after it was finally legalized. Since their divorce, he has married a dancer from an early U2 tour, Morleigh Steinberg; the couple married in 2002 and has a daughter.

The Edge has enjoyed a successful career as a studio guitarist throughout the past 20 years, appearing on recordings by many great country music and rock legends. He also collaborated with Michael Brook, responsible for creating the infinite guitar that the Edge frequently uses, to score the film Captive in 1986. He is also an accomplished songwriter, providing the theme song for the Batman cartoon series.

The origins of the Edge’s nickname are still unknown. While Bono has said jokingly that he is named for his sharp mind, most biographers believe the nickname is a nod to his sharp physical profile, while most others believe the name comes from his “edgy” guitar playing that often sounds like the sound guitar strings would make if being played by a knife blade.

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DISCOGRAPHY

Three, 1979
Boy, 1980
War, 1983
The Unforgettable Fire, 1984
The Joshua Tree, 1987
Rattle and Hum, 1988
Achtung Baby, 1991
Zooropa, 1993
Pop, 1997
All That You Can’t Leave Behind, 2000
How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, 2004