Many years ago I was in a rock band from LA. Back then there were two places on the strip that aspiring young rockers wanted to play. You've all heard of the Whiskey (a go-go back then) and Gazzarri's. Bands auditioned in mid afternoon hoping for a shot at the bigtime. We were called "The Codd Band" when we pulled up in front of the legendary club. The front doors were wide open at Gazzarri's and you could hear the music all the way down the block to the Whiskey. I can't remember if we were on the way in or out but an incredible guitar player was mid audition. I stopped in my tracks and said damn that guy has licks. I asked one of the band's roadies who they were and he answered they were a band from Pasadena called Van Halen. Needless to say we didn't get the gig. Eddie and the band did and went on to world wide fame. Sadly, today we lost who I consider one of the best lead guitarists of all time. Thanks for the memory Eddie and RIP!!!