In a moment that would forever change the trajectory of rock music, Eddie Van Halen faced an unexpected decision when acclaimed producer Quincy Jones reached out to him to perform the iconic guitar solo on Michael Jackson’s hit track “Beat It.” Initially, Van Halen thought the call was a prank, leading to an explosive response during a 2012 interview with CNN. “What do you want, you f—ing so-and-so!,” he exclaimed, completely unaware he was speaking to a music legend. Once Jones clarified his identity, Van Halen quickly apologized, confessing that he still had lingering doubts about the authenticity of the call.

Uncertain yet intrigued, Van Halen suggested they meet the next day at the studio. When he arrived, he was greeted not only by Quincy Jones but also by Michael Jackson and a crew of talented engineers. This unexpected collaboration would soon become a defining moment in both Van Halen’s career and the landscape of pop music. Jones and Jackson granted him the freedom to express his creativity, which he seized by directing the engineer to rearrange the section he was to play over, showcasing his innovative approach.

As he put the finishing touches on the second solo, Michael Jackson entered the studio. Van Halen felt anxious about how Jackson would perceive his artistic choices, so he preemptively warned him. After listening, Jackson expressed his gratitude, saying, “Wow, thank you so much for having the passion to not just come in and blaze a solo, but to actually care about the song and make it better.” This moment of validation underscored the importance of artistry and collaboration in the music industry.

Even though Van Halen was not credited on the record, his distinctive guitar work on “Beat It” quickly became apparent as the song soared to the top of the charts. The collaboration was so impactful that Van Halen joined Jackson on stage in July 1984 to perform the track live, solidifying his contribution to one of the greatest songs in music history.

Read More: Eddie Van Halen Broke a Band Rule to Play on ‘Beat It’

After Eddie’s passing in 2020, Quincy Jones fondly reminisced about their initial phone call, expressing gratitude for Van Halen’s contributions to “Beat It,” humorously noting that it took a few persuasive calls to assure him it was indeed Jones on the other end of the line.

Alex Van Halen’s Regret Over Eddie’s Decision to Collaborate with Michael Jackson

In a candid moment while promoting his upcoming memoir Brothers, Alex Van Halen, Eddie’s brother and fellow band member, shared his lingering resentment regarding Eddie’s choice to participate in the “Beat It” single. He felt that this decision inadvertently helped propel Jackson’s groundbreaking Thriller album, allowing it to overshadow Van Halen’s own 1984 album in the charts. “Why would you lend your talents to Michael Jackson?” Alex vented in an interview with Rolling Stone. “I just don’t f—ing get it. The ironic part was Ed tried to downplay it by saying, ‘Oh, who knows that kid anyway?’ You made the mistake! Own it. Don’t add insult to injury by acting oblivious to the situation.”

Watch Michael Jackson’s ‘Beat It’ Video