During a recent appearance on the “Lipps Service” podcast, Kerry King reflected on his relationship with Van Halen’s music and how it developed over time. When asked if the late legendary Eddie Van Halen was one a massive influence on him while growing up, King said:
“In the beginning, for sure. I think I saw them six times on the first four records. I didn’t go to the first album [tour] because I was too young.”
“I would always sit in the first-row lodge with binoculars, so I could go there and not just have fun listening to the songs I like, but I could actually nerd out on what he’s playing, and try to get a grasp on what he’s throwing at us.”
King continued, admitting that as the band changed, so did his interest in them: “I went a bunch, and then they became more of a pop band, and I stopped going. Eddie was still a great player, but I just didn’t care anymore.”
King went on to reveal that despite having a connection through Dimebag Darrell, he never got the chance to meet Eddie.
“That’s somebody I never met. There’s not too many people like that, but Eddie’s the one. It’s just a different circle kind of thing. Dime was tight with him. I was tight with Dime, but I never met Ed.”
