Originally posted on 10/06/2020:

Innovator and legend. When I look back at the "musical moments" that have defined my life, one that is forever etched in my mind took place on a camping weekend with junior high school classmates in 1980 or 1981. Richard Davis had brought a boombox and put in Van Halen's first album. I can still picture the entire scene vividly, can still recall -- can still *feel*, really -- my visceral reaction to hearing Runnin' With the Devil for the first time. That guitar! That tone! It was utterly mind-expanding. I think the guitar was my favorite instrument from literally that moment forward. Soon I'd be back home, lying on the couch, blissfully listening to those newly purchased Van Halen records on repeat. Today is a sad day.