Video: Eddie Van Halen and Michael Jackson Perform "Beat It" Live in 1984

Most all of us have (at some point) heard Michael Jackson's 1983 mega-hit, "Beat It," which features Eddie Van Halen on the guitar solo. But have you ever actually seen Eddie perform the song live with Jackson and his band?

I hadn't — until I recently discovered this video...




According to the information provided with the clip, this performance took place July 14, 1984, in Dallas, Texas. Eddie (and his guitar) happened to be in town that night, so he joined Jackson on stage for the song.

The video is fairly poor sound and audio quality, but it is very cool that Eddie's guitar is pumped front and center in the mix during the guitar solo.

Jackson screams, "You got it, Eddie, Eddie, Eddie!" just as the solo kicks off.

Enjoy!