Question: did van halen play guitar on beat it

Answer: Yes, ``Beat It'' is a song written and performed by American recording artist Michael Jackson from his sixth studio album, Thriller (1982). The song was produced by Quincy Jones together with Jackson. Following the successful chart performances of the Thriller singles ``The Girl Is Mine'' and ``Billie Jean'', ``Beat It'' was released on February 14, 1983 as the album's third single. The song is also notable for its famous music video, which featured Jackson bringing two gangsters together through the power of music and dance, and for Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo.