Did Michael Jackson Write “Beat It” to Prove Something (VIDEO)

Yes, he had something to prove, and he did. Michael said "I wanted to write the type of rock song that I would go out and buy. But also something totally different from the rock music I was hearing on Top 40 radio."

FACT: Eddie Van Halen played the guitar solo. He did it as a favor for Quincy Jones and was paid  two 6-packs of beer Jones brought into the studio for Eddie.

FACT: At approx 2:45 into the song, there is an audible knocking noise just before Eddie Van Halen starts his guitar solo. It was an intentional sound created by Michael Jackson banging on a drum case. On the Thriller credits, Jackson is listed on "Beat It" as "Drum Case Beat.