After the lively discussion in the comment section of last week's blog post about David Lee Roth's custom card, Sammy Hagar, and Van Halen, I started thinking about creating another custom card—this time for band mate and guitarist extraordinaire, Eddie Van Halen.
So, I began looking through some images and thinking about a border design. Nothing was really inspiring me until I came across one particular image. It featured Eddie performing at an outdoor venue in the afternoon, smiling that classic smile, using one of his famously designed guitars—all with a beautiful blue sky in the background.
And it all came together.
I had to use the 1982 Topps "In Action" template.
Why?
Back in 2020 I'd used the same template for a card that featured another extraordinary guitar player, Jimi Hendrix, also performing at an outdoor venue in the afternoon.
I mean, just look at them side by side on cardboard.
There was no other option for me. Two absolute legends of the guitar. Two guys whose sound and style everyone wanted to imitate. I think a lot of folks would put both of them in their top-5 list of guitarists. Maybe even top 2.
And I think they look fantastic together in action. Hope you do, too.
Thoughts? Favorite guitarists? Share in the comment section, and thanks for reading!
I missed last week's post but I'll add that anyone who grew up during the Van Halen David Lee Roth era would pick Roth over Hagar, it's not close. (And I like Hagar fine).
ReplyDeleteI like that Eddie card because it's more time-appropriate than the Hendrix. Hendrix looks like he belongs on a late '60s/early '70s football design.
Don't have a favorite guitarist, can't go wrong with those, too.
Yep, I agree. It always adds to the effect when the design of the card and the person on the card are from the same era. Also agree on the David Lee Roth thing. Thanks for reading, Night Owl!
DeleteReally beautiful, great choice on the template.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much, DK!
DeleteAnother awesome custom. I feel like I comment the same three words every time I see a new one on this blog. Keep up the great work. When I think of great guitarists, the first two that pop into my head are the ones featured in this post. I'm not sure if he's considered an all-time great, but I was just listening to Eric Johnson's Cliffs of Dover a few days ago. Such an awesome instrumental.
ReplyDeleteYou're too kind, Mr. Fuji. I appreciate that. And yes, I think there are quite a few guitarists like Eric Johnson who fall into the category of "incredible, but somehow just not an all-time great". [Logs onto YouTube to listen to Cliffs of Dover]
DeleteGood stuff.
ReplyDeleteHendrix - top three with Clapton and SRV
EVH - possibly top five
Thanks Mr. Elliptical! Hard to go wrong with those choices. After I finish listening to Cliffs of Dover (see comment above), I'm going to listen to Couldn't Stand the Weather.
DeleteI didn't see the Hendrix before, but the two look great together.
ReplyDeleteHow about an in-action card of David Lee Roth?
Thanks Crocodile! You know, when I was designing this card I was also looking for an image of David Lee Roth jumping in the air, doing a split. I thought it'd be the perfect image for the horizontal version of the "In Action" card. But I just couldn't find a good enough image. Maybe I'll keep looking.
DeleteI'm not musically astute enough to rate guitarists, but Ozzy worked with two all-time greats, first Tony Iommi and then the late Randy Rhoads.
ReplyDeleteYou've got that right, Bo! Iommi is underrated. Those early Sabbath albums have such a great sound, in large part to his style of play.
DeleteThis works really, really well!
ReplyDeleteThanks very much, Jon. Glad you like the design!
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