On March 25th in music history, one significant event took place in 1983. On this day, Michael Jackson's legendary album "Thriller" released its final single, "Beat It," which featured a blistering guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen.
"Beat It" was an instant hit, showcasing Jackson's ability to blend pop, rock, and R&B seamlessly. The song's driving beat, catchy lyrics, and Van Halen's unforgettable guitar work propelled it to the top of the charts. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the third single from "Thriller" to do so.
The music video for "Beat It" was equally groundbreaking, featuring Michael Jackson in a leather jacket, leading a choreographed dance routine amidst a gang fight. The video's mix of gritty urban imagery and sleek dance moves set a new standard for music videos and further cemented Jackson's status as a pop culture icon.
Interestingly, Eddie Van Halen's involvement in the song came about through a chance encounter. Quincy Jones, the producer of "Thriller," reached out to Van Halen to ask if he would contribute a guitar solo to the track. Van Halen agreed and recorded his part free of charge, as a favor to Jones. The entire solo was recorded in just one take, a testament to Van Halen's incredible skill and musicianship.
"Beat It" went on to win two Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year, and has since been covered and sampled by numerous artists. Its influence can still be heard in popular music today, a testament to the enduring legacy of both Michael Jackson and Eddie Van Halen.
