On this day, February 14, 1983, Michael Jackson released Beat It, the third single from his legendary album Thriller. The song became a massive crossover hit, reaching #1 in the U.S. from April 30 to May 20, 1983, and topping the charts in Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.
Beat It fused pop with rock, featuring an iconic guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen, which helped break down genre barriers and bring Jackson’s music to a wider audience. The track’s hard-hitting beat, unforgettable riff, and powerful anti violence message made it one of the defining songs of the 80s.
The Beat It music video, which featured rival gangs settling their differences through dance instead of violence, became a cultural phenomenon and played a crucial role in Jackson’s dominance on MTV. With its blend of rock and pop, Beat It helped solidify Thriller as the best selling album of all time and remains one of Michael Jackson’s most celebrated tracks.
80s insight: Eddie Van Halen recorded his legendary Beat It guitar solo for free as a favor to producer Quincy Jones.
Beat It fused pop with rock, featuring an iconic guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen, which helped break down genre barriers and bring Jackson’s music to a wider audience. The track’s hard-hitting beat, unforgettable riff, and powerful anti violence message made it one of the defining songs of the 80s.
The Beat It music video, which featured rival gangs settling their differences through dance instead of violence, became a cultural phenomenon and played a crucial role in Jackson’s dominance on MTV. With its blend of rock and pop, Beat It helped solidify Thriller as the best selling album of all time and remains one of Michael Jackson’s most celebrated tracks.
80s insight: Eddie Van Halen recorded his legendary Beat It guitar solo for free as a favor to producer Quincy Jones.
