by Abel Sanchez (Author) "Without a doubt, Eddie Van Halen is the greatest guitar player who has ever lived." -Zakk Wylde Van Halen is as American as apple pie, Ford Mustangs, and fake breasts. However, underneath all the fun and flash is one of the most important and influential, soulful and successful bands in history. With their explosive 1978 debut, they changed the face of rock. As of 2005, they have earned a dozen consecutive multi-Platinum albums with sales reaching in excess of 75 million copies worldwide. Pound for pound, they also happen to be one of the most devastating live bands in history. With thirteen tours and more than 1,300 gigs under their belt, they consistently packed sheds from L.