Shortly before his death, the late, great RONNIE MONTROSE contributed to the hardcover photo book, Eddie Van Halen, by Neil Zlozower. The VAN HALEN News Desk has the exclusive on the guitarist’s story of meeting Eddie Van Halen:

“The first tour I did with Van Halen, the bill was Journey, Ronnie Montrose, and Van Halen was opening. I was doing my instrumental music on that tour. Van Halen was a young, loud, and brash band, and I liked them. Eddie came up to me backstage at sound check and he called me Mr. Montrose. He shyly shook my hand and said, 'Mr. Montrose, I’m Edward Van Halen, and I’m a big fan. We told Ted Templeman to get the Montrose sound when we did our record.' He also told me they used to play 'Dancin’ Feet' from one of the Montrose albums at their yard parties in Pasadena.

“I really enjoyed Eddie’s playing. What made Eddie special was his youthful irreverence for the rules. That’s what impressed me. He’d developed his own style. I think Eddie started out on drums first, and there’s a very percussive nature about the way he plays. He plays very metered and percussive, and he’s very fluid in that style.” - Ronnie Montrose

Neil Zlozower released the hardcover coffee table photo book, Eddie Van Halen, on October 12th, 2011. The book is currently is back in stock at the Van Halen Store.

Book details:

The definitive visual history of early Eddie Van Halen! This hardcover photo book is jam packed with classic and never before published photos! A must have for Van Halen fans and guitarists alike!

One of the most revolutionary and influential players ever to pick up a guitar, Eddie Van Halen’s music and technique continue to energize legions of fans and guitarists around the world. This book of photographs and text focuses on the innovative early years of the band Van Halen, when Eddie burst on the scene and changed the face of electric guitar-playing and melodic hard rock. More than 200 images of Eddie in action - both classic and never before seen - are complemented by text and testimony from famous guitarists, music writers, and many others. Also featuring a foreword by guitar legend SLASH, this is the definitive visual history of classic Eddie Van Halen.

Famous guitarists who contributed text: Angus Young (AC/DC), Jimmy Page (LED ZEPPELIN), Joe Perry (AEROSMITH), LES PAUL, STEVE VAI, JOE SATRIANI, Nuno Bettencourt (EXTREME), RITCHIE BLACKMORE, GILBY CLARKE, Phil Collen (DEF LEPPARD), Billy Gibbons (ZZ TOP), PETER FRAMPTON, PAUL GILBERT, ALLAN HOLDSWORTH, Scott Ian (ANTHRAX), Tony Iommi (BLACK SABBATH), STEVE LUKATHER, Mick Mars (MÖTLEY CRÜE), RONNIE MONTROSE, GARY MOORE, TOM MORELLO, DAVE NAVARRO, Rick Nielsen (CHEAP TRICK), TED NUGENT, PAUL STANLEY (KISS), Nancy Wilson (HEART), Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY), DWEEZIL ZAPPA, and many others.

Van Halen insiders who contributed text: Eddie Anderson (director of security 1980-84), Pete Angelus (creative consultant, production/lighting designer), Marshall Berle (personal manager 1977-78), Bill Gazzarri (owner: Gazzarri’s nighclub), Michael Karlin (Van Halen business manager, 1978-present), Jas Obrecht (editor: Guitar Player magazine), Patrick Whitley (production manager 1978-84) and Michael Anthony.

Neil Zlozower’s rock photography spans more than 40 years and includes work with THE ROLLING STONES, Ted Nugent, Aerosmith, AC/DC, MOTÖRHEAD, TOM WAITS, SLIPKNOT, and many others. From 1978 to 1984, Zlozower was the “fifth member of Van Halen,” touring with and capturing images of the band during the DAVID LEE ROTH era.

Hardcover, 176 pages, 8.5 x 11 inches, Over 200 color and b/w photographs.

(Thanks: Van Halen News Desk)