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Charles Sykes / AP
Eddie Van Halen, right, seen with David Lee Roth, says music saved him from trouble and he hopes it can do the same for today's kids.
Eddie Van Halen has donated 75 electric guitars from his personal collection to music programs at public schools in and around Los Angeles.
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The Van Halen guitarist teamed up with Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation -- which provides resources for under-funded music eduction programs -- to distribute the guitars in schools that don't have enough instruments for students to play. The charity provides resources for under-funded music education programs.
“Music is the universal language," Van Halen said in a statement. "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."
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He continued: "Music education and families are dealing with the economic times, and I wanted to help them. 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."
On Monday, Valen premiered their first new song with original singer David Lee Roth in more than 16 years when “Tattoo” appeared on YouTube (via VEVO).The track comes from their forthcoming album "A Different Kind Of Truth," which is scheduled for release on Feb. 7. The last time Van Halen released a studio recording alongside Roth was in 1996 with "Can't Get This Stuff No More." The song appeared on the band's "Best Of Volume 1."
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