The Retroscope: 30 April

30 April 1983: Michael Jackson started his three week stampede at #1 on the US singles chart “Beat It”, his fifth solo US #1. This was the third single from the phenomenal “Thriller” album featuring the resourceful Eddie Van Halen delivering the timeless guitar solo. Van Halen was, however, prevented by his record label from appearing in the music video. In one reaction, Stylus magazine stated that Van Halen had oddly performed a rock guitar solo on a R&B record. When Quincy Jones, the producer, contacted Van Halen he thought he was receiving a prank call but later provided the service free of charge. http://www.bubblews.com/news/452187-the-retroscope-30-april