Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” released in 1983, became one of his biggest hits—and a defining crossover moment in pop and rock—thanks in part to Eddie Van Halen’s legendary guitar solo. Van Halen recorded the solo for free, reportedly laying it down in just one take. His blistering performance added a raw edge to the Quincy Jones-produced track and helped break down racial and genre barriers on mainstream radio. The fusion of Jackson’s pop brilliance and Van Halen’s rock energy turned “Beat It” i