Music journalist Michael Christopher is a senior writer for the online music magazine Vanyaland, where he was a founding member and later managing editor. He contributes regularly to Ultimate Classic Rock, Loudwire, and LA Weekly. Christopher joined Ian Punnett (Twitter) to discuss the life and legacy of Eddie Van Halen, and why so many are feeling the loss of this guitar legend. Christopher began with the story of Eddie and brother Alex Van Halen’s immigration to the U.S. from Holland when he was only six years old. Although he came from a musical family, Eddie Van Halen was entirely self-taught, and would sit in his room and practice "for hours on end" trying to create sounds with the instrument that had never been heard.

Christopher recounted the early days of Van Halen and how the band eventually went though multiple personnel changes while still retaining their originality. He said that when established singer/ guitarist Sammy Hagar joined the band, it was "like a supergroup," but that it freed Eddie even more to "explore different textures with himself and in his own band." Christopher concluded that while many rock musicians were more interested in accolades and partying, Eddie Van Halen was always "most at home with his guitar." Christopher also spoke on the death of AC/DC vocalist Bon Scott and the possibility that he succumbed to a heroin overdose.

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First up on Open Lines was Ralph, calling from the Louisiana and feeling the effects of hurricane Delta. He said that winds were about "35-40 mph" and asked if he could sleep though that, he replied, "I don’t sleep. I listen to y’all." Carlos in California suspected that Eddie Van Halen is now having "a concert in heaven with Jimi Henrdrix, Janis Joplin" and others. He also mentioned rumors of "a secret military base" in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles. Bob in Hawaii recalled his teen years going to parties in Pasadena where Van Halen used to play cover songs. He recalled that Eddie Van Halen "always had that pleasant smile."

Mary called from California to recall an experience she had when her mother was dying of pancreatic cancer and in great pain. She said that she prayed to the Virgin Mary for her mother and she "went 2 years longer with no pain at all." "Millenial" Mike called in to make a few comments and Ian suggested he start his own podcast. Jeff in California lamented the fact the two music industry giants had passed away in this year: Van Halen and Neil Peart, the drummer of the band Rush. Victor in California called in and claimed he wrote Michael Jackson’s song "Thriller," as well as Robert Palmer’s "Addicted to Love."