Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Reid Brothers Slam Eddie Van Halen as Rock’s Worst Guitarist

6/3/2026

28 3

Summary

Story summary

Jim Reid and William Reid said Eddie Van Halen ruined rock guitar, is the worst guitarist, and that guitarists should never learn scales, condemning his note-cramming style.
They compared Eddie Van Halen to Peter Hook bass riffs, calling Hook’s work thousand times better.
The interview preceded their Total Bummer festival set in New York, the March 2024 release of Glasgow Eyes, and Hollywood Vampires UK tour at Wembley on August 12, 2026.

1 of 1

Story summary

Jim Reid and William Reid said Eddie Van Halen ruined rock guitar, is the worst guitarist, and that guitarists should never learn scales, condemning his note-cramming style.
They compared Eddie Van Halen to Peter Hook bass riffs, calling Hook’s work thousand times better.
The interview preceded their Total Bummer festival set in New York, the March 2024 release of Glasgow Eyes, and Hollywood Vampires UK tour at Wembley on August 12, 2026.