The Who's Pete Townshend says he was approached by Michael Jackson back in 1982 to provide a solo for MJ's 'rock' song Beat It but turned it down and instead suggested Eddie Van Halen.
“I said I couldn’t do it but recommended Eddie, who called, and we chatted,” Townshend told Rolling Stone in a recent interview. “He was utterly charming, happy about the connection, but told me how much he was enjoying playing keyboards.”
I hate saying this because I truly LOVE The Who and Pete...but Pete has a habit of inserting himself into stories that aren't about him. What's that old saying? Something about 'Dead men tell no tales'?
Again LOVE Pete Townshend but Beat It would not have been as good with a PT solo.
Although, Pete did have some lovely words about Eddie...
“He was not just an innovative and stylish player with great taste, he was also a laidback virtuoso showman who just blew us all away every time," Townshend noted. "Every shredder today has lost their master teacher and guide.”
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