Eddie Van Halen Donates Guitars to Schools

Eddie Van Halen has donated 75 of his guitars to charity. The "Jump" rocker - whose band is poised to make a comeback with original singer David Lee Roth - has given the instruments to Los Angeles area schools through charity Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, which will distribute them to music departments for use by pupils.

"Music is the universal language. It has the ability to transcend and convey every human emotion that exists without saying a word. Music kept me off the streets and out of trouble and gave me something that was mine that no one could take away from me. If I can help a kid discover a liking, or even a passion for music in their life, then that's a wonderful thing. Music has provided a good life for me and hopefully it can help make life better for others with this donation," Eddie said.

Van Halen have are set to release their A Different Kind of Truth album on February 7, their first album with David since 1984. The group performed their first show with David back in the group in New York last week and the first single from the album, "Tattoo," was released on Monday.

Gallery: Eddie Van Halen Donates Guitars to Schools

Quote of the Day: Jay-Z Didn’t Want We Are the World Remake

“I know everybody is gonna take this wrong: We Are the World, I love it, and I understand the point and think it’s great. But I think ‘We Are the World’ is like [Michael Jackson’s] ‘Thriller’ to me. I don’t ever wanna see it touched. I’m a fan of music. I know the plight and everything that’s going on in Haiti. I applaud the efforts: [Millions have been raised] through text [donations] to Haiti. So I appreciate the efforts and everything, but ‘We are the World’ is [musically] untouchable like ‘Thriller’ is untouchable. Some things are just untouchable. It was a valiant effort, but for me, it’s gonna be untouchable.”

-Rapper Jay-Z offering his opinion on the remake that recently debuted during the Winter Olympics.

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Gallery: Quote of the Day: Jay-Z Didn’t Want We Are the World Remake

We Are the World - Part Two

First, they sang for Africa. Now, they’ll be singing for Haiti.

To help celebrate the classic “We Are the World” recording, Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie will be uniting artists once again to sing for a good cause. Artists in the Los Angeles area for the Jan. 31 Grammys will be asked to participate in this musical event taking place on February 1.

When the original song - co-written by Richie and Michael Jackson - was first released, proceeds generated by the single went toward the relief effort in Africa. Although a 25th anniversary-celebration had already been in the works prior to the earthquake in Haiti, the devastation in that country changed the scope of the plans.

It’s not yet known who will be involved in the new session, though artists including Usher, Natalie Cole, and John Legend have already been given invites.

“We Are the World” was recorded on January 28, 1985.

Read More | Showbiz 411

Gallery: We Are the World - Part Two