Metal Mayhem ROC: Eddie Van Halen Remembered Keith Roth on Van Halen’s Legacy, Guitar Genius & Five Years Later

It’s been five years since the passing of Eddie Van Halen — one of the most influential and groundbreaking guitarists of all time. In this special episode, radio veteran and musician Keith Roth joins hosts The Vernomatic and Metal Walt to celebrate Eddie’s life, music, and legacy.

Keith shares his personal experiences meeting Eddie and Van Halen over the years, offering a rare, first-hand look at the man behind the guitar hero. Along the way, Vernomatic and Walt recall their own run-ins with Eddie, swapping stories about the first time they saw Van Halen live, the unforgettable riffs that changed their lives, and the moments that still give them chills today.

Many fans also know Keith as the co-host of Rockstrap on the Pantheon Podcast Network, where he and Don Jamieson discuss their love of heavy metal with sports legends. Tonight’s conversation taps into that same passion — music, memory, and the spirit that keeps Eddie’s influence alive for generations.

🎸 Eddie Van Halen changed rock forever. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to his genius and a reminder of why his magic can never be replaced.

👉 Visit MetalMayhemROC.com to sign up for the newsletter and enter our Kings of Thrash ticket giveaway — October 21st at Photo City Music Hall in Rochester, NY. Two pairs of tickets are up for grabs. While you’re there, browse the merch store and catch up on recent episodes with James Rivera of Helstar, Ian Hill of Judas Priest, and Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple.

👉 Connect with Keith Roth: https://www.dekoentertainment.com/inthesquare/keith-roth

👉 Listen to Keith Roth’s Rockstrap Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rockstrap/id1757444948

⏱ Episode Chapters

00:00 – Opening tribute: Eddie Van Halen, 5 years later
05:12 – Where were you when you heard Eddie died?
08:06 – Keith Roth’s first Van Halen memory at Macy’s
12:01 – First Van Halen concerts we’ll never forget
19:00 – Meeting David Lee Roth & Eddie Van Halen at the Parker Meridian
25:00 – Walt’s crazy Café Wha? 2012 story — listening from the street
27:18 – Vernomatic’s near misses with Eddie (Golden Girls & Buffalo softball game)
35:22 – What made Eddie Van Halen a once-in-a-century guitarist
43:00 – Why Eddie always put the song before the solo
48:00 – Keith Roth on Rockstrap, Dictators & keeping Eddie’s legacy alive

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