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Setting Strings on Fire: Susan Aquila's "ERUPTION"



Let’s get one thing straight: tackling Van Halen’s “Eruption” is not for the faint of heart. It’s the holy grail of instrumental rock—a thunderstorm of technical prowess and raw energy. So,

when someone dares to reinterpret it, we’re all ears. But Susan Aquila isn’t just “someone.”


She’s a force of nature armed with an electric violin, and her take on “Eruption” is nothing short of revolutionary. From the moment the violet spotlight hits her, Aquila owns the stage. The opening shot of the music video feels almost reverential—her bow raised like a sword, her blonde hair cascading over her instrument as if daring the universe to challenge her. And challenge she does.


Armed with a battery of sound processors and a fearless attitude, she coaxes an entire orchestra’s worth of sound from her violin. Distortion? Check. Wah-wah? Check. Whammy pedal? Oh, you better believe it. But none of it feels like overkill. Instead, it’s a masterclass in using technology to amplify, not overshadow, raw talent.



What makes Aquila’s version of “Eruption” so compelling isn’t just the pyrotechnics—though those are plenty jaw-dropping. It’s the way she pulls back the curtain on the piece’s classical roots. Eddie Van Halen himself was a pioneer of bringing classical techniques into rock, and Aquila’s background makes her uniquely qualified to highlight those connections.


She doesn’t just play the notes; she deconstructs them, teasing out their underlying structure and elegance while still delivering the chaos and exhilaration that made the original iconic. It’s not a cover; it’s a reimagination.


As the video unfolds, her passion is undeniable. Every note is imbued with energy, every gesture an extension of the music’s pulse. Watching her bend notes to the breaking point or unleash rapid-fire runs across her strings, you can’t help but think, “Who knew a violin could do this?” Well, Susan Aquila did. And now, so do we.


“Eruption” has always been a rite of passage for instrumentalists looking to prove their mettle. Susan Aquila doesn’t just pass—she redefines the test. For fans of Van Halen, instrumental rock, or anyone who loves seeing boundaries shattered, this is an absolute must-watch. Long live the queen of the electric violin—she’s here to set your expectations (and maybe your speakers) ablaze.



Your version of “Eruption” is jaw-dropping. What inspired you to take on such an iconic guitar piece and reinterpret it for the violin?


I wanted to show what the electric violin could do. It’s not your grandma’s violin anymore! The fx allows the violin to explore a whole new world of sounds and expression. I am also a big fan of Eddie Van Halen. He was able to fuse his classical training with Rock into something exciting and fun.


Recreating “Eruption” on the violin involves a lot of technical finesse. What was the most challenging aspect of translating the guitar techniques to your instrument?


This was another reason why I chose Eruption. At the time, very few violinists had tried it. It lie well on the violin at all. I spent a lot of time trying different things out and looking at my instrument in a whole new way. Not gonna lie to you, I even cried once trying to figure it out.”LOL! But in the end, it was a great exercise in pushing the limits of my abilities and

pushing the limits of the electric violin. 


You highlighted the classical underpinnings of Eddie Van Halen’s masterpiece in your performance. How did your background in classical music influence your approach to this track?


My classical abilities allowed be to pick up on things faster and understand what Van Halen was doing with the chords and phrasing. After that, my classical sensibilities actually got in the way. The piece breaks a lot of rules and is free flowing. I had to allow myself to do that as well. 


The video for “Eruption” is a visual feast as well as an auditory one. How did you conceptualize the look and feel of the clip to match the intensity of your performance?


I actually tried to keep the video simple… a woman and an electric violin. It is a simple stage setting. I wanted the piece to be the center of focus. The intensity of the performance came naturally as I was able to freely express Van Halen’s words in my own language. 


After reimagining such a legendary piece, what’s next on your creative horizon? Can we expect more genre-blurring projects in the future?


Absolutely! I am hoping to break a lot more rules! I am working on some new singles in which I will feature the electric violin as it’s never been seen before.

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