I’m the One

"I’m the One" from Van Halen’s 1978 debut album is a high-octane track that showcases the band’s raw energy and Eddie Van Halen’s groundbreaking guitar work. Originally performed live as "Show Your Love" during their club days, the song evolved into a bebop-inspired frenzy, with Eddie’s guitar mimicking the phrasing of a saxophone or trumpet. According to a post on the Van Halen News Desk, the isolated guitar track, featured in the 2009 Guitar Hero: Van Halen game, reveals Eddie’s solo as a single, spontaneous take, blending dive bombs, finger taps, and aggressive riffing. He played the solo differently each time live, making every performance unique. David Lee Roth’s howl 30 seconds into the track adds a wild, unscripted vibe, capturing the band’s early, unpolished spirit.

The song’s intensity stems from Eddie’s innovative style, which he described in a 1996 Guitar World interview with Billy Corgan as a mystery even to himself, rooted in relentless practice. He’d sit for hours with a six-pack, refining his craft while his brother Alex partied. Rolling Stone called "I’m the One" a “bizzaro rock-r&b-boogie-blues-jazz-swing amalgam,” highlighting its chaotic brilliance and Eddie’s ability to make his guitar sound like multiple players at once. Fans on X still rave about its live impact, with a 2021 post by @RockShowCo1 sharing a 1978 Portland performance clip, calling it a defining moment of the band’s early shows.

Van Halen formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972, when Dutch-born brothers Eddie (guitar) and Alex Van Halen (drums) teamed up with David Lee Roth (vocals) and Michael Anthony (bass). The sons of a jazz musician, the brothers were classically trained but gravitated to rock after their family moved to California in the 1960s. Playing high school gigs and backyard parties, they built a reputation as a feel-good dance band, covering hits like Stevie Wonder’s "Superstition" before crafting originals. Their big break came in 1977 when Warner Bros. signed them after a Starwood club show. Their debut album, recorded in just weeks, exploded with hits like "Runnin’ with the Devil" and "Eruption," cementing their status as hard rock pioneers.

Stay connected with Van Halen through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for updates on music, merch, and Alex Van Halen’s recent projects like his memoir Brothers. Fans can dive deeper at the Van Halen News Desk, a go-to site for news and rare interviews, or join the Van Halen Fans Facebook Group to swap stories and memorabilia with fellow Zoo Freaks. For vintage vibes, check out Van Halen Links, a fan forum buzzing with discussions on the band’s legacy.