Fate is a fucked up thing and the more we try to manipulate it the more unpredictable the results.
But in all honesty, would Edward Van Halen have found the success he has enjoyed on guitar prowess alone?
The singer debate has spawned all sorts of "What If" scenarios, but if you really look at Van Halens humble beginnings you cannot disagree that "humble" is the exact term that describes their climb to the top.
They opened for everyone under the sun before they became a headliner as admitted by Dave himself.
It is a well known fact that Dave sold Van Halen and basically refused to be denied, but success was not instant for them, just read Crazy From The Heat and this you will find to be true, accoring to the Diamond one.
Edward has admitted to not ever speaking his mind, he was the silent chub that was lifted to icon status from the chants of "Eddie, Eddie, Eddie" that i heard everytime i saw the original line-up.
But that is where the question comes in.
Would he really have even been on that stage if it weren't for Dave?
I know a few guitarists personally that at the time could have given Ed a run for his money that are still working a day job and enjoying modest club success.
I think that if it weren't for the bombastic attitude of DLR getting in our faces, Edward wouldn't have made it.
Dave was the first thing i ever saw about Van Halen and if it wasn't for him i wouldn't have even listened to Van Halen I........