Beat It by Michael Jackson

“Beat It” is a hit single from Michael Jackson’s album Thriller, released in 1983 (see 1983 in music). It was the third single from the album, following “The Girl Is Mine” (a duet with Paul McCartney) and “Billie Jean”.

“Beat It” won Jackson two Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. It was also nominated for Song of the Year along with Jackson’s “Billie Jean”. The song was ranked #337 on Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. “Beat It” is also notable for its guitar solo, a guest performance by Eddie Van Halen. In the 30th anniversary show live on television, Slash, the former lead guitarist from Guns N’ Roses, played with Michael during the performance of the song. In a reader’s poll made by Guitar World magazine the solo was voted as the 67th greatest guitar solo of all time. The lyrics are about life on the streets and gang fighting and killings.

In 2008, the song was re-recorded by Jackson and R&B artist Fergie for Thriller 25, a special edition of the original album, commemorating the 25th anniversary of its release. American rock band Fall Out Boy also released a cover of the song which featured John Mayer playing the guitar solo.

This song also appears in video games Karaoke Revolution Volume 3 and Guitar Hero World Tour.

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