# 33 Years After Eddie Hazel’s Death, We Have Discovered His SH0CKING Secret

More than three decades after Eddie Hazel’s passing, the Funkadelic guitar legend continues to captivate fans with revelations about his life. Born in Brooklyn in 1950 and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey, Hazel’s talent emerged early, transforming a Christmas gift guitar into a tool of raw, emotional expression.

His church choir singing and self-taught guitar skills laid the foundation for a career that would redefine funk and rock. By his teens, Hazel was jamming with Billy Bass Nelson and Harvey McGee, crafting the chemistry that would define Funkadelic’s sound.

In 1967, Hazel joined George Clinton’s Parliaments as a guitarist for their tour, despite his mother’s fears of the road’s wild influences. Teaming up with drummer Tiki Fulwood, he became part of the rhythm section that evolved into Funkadelic. By 1970, the band emerged as a distinct entity, releasing groundbreaking albums like *Funkadelic*, *Free Your Mind and Your Ass Will Follow*, and *Maggot Brain*.

Hazel’s 10-minute solo on *Maggot Brain* (1971), inspired by Clinton’s direction to imagine his mother’s death and revival, remains one of the greatest guitar solos ever, blending anguish and beauty with unparalleled improvisation.

Hazel’s searing, Hendrix-like intensity fused with heavy funk created a signature style that set Funkadelic apart. His ability to convey emotion through distorted leads and magnetic stage presence influenced countless musicians.

However, beneath the electrifying performances, a darker story brewed. The pressures of fame, long tours, and creative clashes with Clinton fueled Hazel’s spiral into substance abuse.

By the early 1970s, his addiction—exacerbated by psychedelics and later harder drugs—led to unreliability, prompting Clinton to suspend his pay at times. Hazel’s contributions diminished; he barely appeared on *America Eats Its Young* (1972) and eventually quit over financial disputes.

Legal troubles compounded his struggles. In 1974, Hazel faced charges for assaulting a stewardess and drug possession, serving time while a young Michael Hampton replaced him as Funkadelic’s lead guitarist.

Upon return, his role was reduced, often credited under pseudonyms like his mother’s name, Grace Cook, to navigate publishing issues. Despite this, Hazel’s creativity persisted through collaborations with The Temptations and his 1977 solo album *Game, Dames and Guitar Thangs*, a rare gem showcasing his unrestrained genius.

By the 1980s, Hazel’s health declined due to chronic substance abuse, leading to liver failure and internal bleeding. He passed away on December 23, 1992, in Plainfield, aged 42. Posthumous releases like *Jams from the Heart* (1994) and reissues of his solo work revealed unreleased brilliance, while his 1997 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Parliament-Funkadelic cemented his legacy.

Ranked 29th by Rolling Stone among the greatest guitarists in 2023, Hazel’s influence endures in tributes from artists like Bootsy Collins and bands like Ween. His story, a blend of unmatched talent and tragic personal battles, keeps inspiring, proving true artistry is eternal, 33 years on.