I grew up in Fresno and was 10 years old here. Mom would not let me go to concerts for another 4 years......... missed a legend in his prime!
As for the 2 Randy seemed to get better at song writing and solo compositions with time Ed leaned into covers and keys.
Granted Ed had many more albums but even by his 3rd album VH would have 2-3 great songs sounded thrown together and meh
As a 70’s guy, who liked both EVH and RR, as a listener only. Neither influenced me, as my hero’s were earlier..
Of course, both guys were killer players.
EVH every day of the week.