When I was growing up, having an instrument was a big thing amongst the kids on the street. We would all talk about what instruments we have at home, and who can play what, to eventually start a street-wide, kids’ band! We always had a keyboard at home, so I signed up to be the lead keyboard player, but I wanted something else. I had my eyes set on a guitar.
So, I remember asking my parents for a guitar for my eighth birthday. They gave in to my request and got me a shiny red guitar that I could barely hold up — for some reason, it felt too heavy. But, I was determined to play all my favorite tunes on it, and also now participate in the kids’ band as a guitarist. However, eventually, like a lot of other things, I grew out of my “guitar phase,” mainly because I gave up on practicing; our band never came to be, either.
But, if there’s one person who I’m glad continued to play and perfect his craft, then it has to be 10-year-old Garrett. He has also been playing the guitar since he was eight, and in the video below he is confidently performing in front of a crowd of 300 people. The song he chose to play is everyone’s favorite, “Eruption” by Eddie Van Halen.
It’s never easy to perform in front of an audience, regardless of how big or small the group may be. So, it’s a tremendous feat on its own for a 10-year-old to muster up the strength to get on stage. And then to perform something so spectacular at such a young age is an accomplishment on its own!
The fact that Garrett chose to perform a song by Eddie shows that music can evolve through the ages, but the classics will always be remembered and played over and over again. In my opinion, Garrett did this song full justice. You can tell that he practiced with a lot of zest and discipline before he got on stage that day. I can see this little kid having a bright future in the entertainment industry, that’s for sure!
Bravo to this young man for attempting, and nailing, something like this! I think even Eddie would be proud of the skill!
Click on the link below to enjoy Garrett’s guitar solo of “Eruption.”
