Each of these clues lead to a five-letter answer. When all of the clues are answered correctly the third letter from each word will spell out the answer to:

What inspired Wolfgang Van Halen to pick up the "axe"?

-1. Resort or SUV
-2. Nimble
-3. Footing
-4. Decorate
-5. Unwind
-6. Burdened
-7. Hearsay
-8. A cut of meat or army tactic
-9. A picky instrument?
-10. Pale
-11. Correct or improve
-12. An animal that sounds like a candle?
-13. Word with bear or express
-14. A forest opening
-15. Practice cosmetology perhaps
-16. Turn that cow?
-17. Word with space or military
-18. Essential
-19. Unemotional
-20. Cite

2. agile or alert

3. basis

Howdy Cue.

12. tapir

1. Tahoe

13. polar

17. cadet

4. Adorn
5. Relax - Hi Cue

Bernie

Good answers!

Hi Bernie and the rest of the gang

I'll take #3, Curly

8. flank

2. Quick

9. banjo

14. glade

15. style

Great solves!

6. laden
7. rumor

Nice double, Joan

19. stoic

18. vital
20. quote

11. amend

10. ashen

His old man. He played too.

Nice job ladies!

That's the answer Joan. I crack me up sometimes.

The last one is a "double definition".

Sorry for putting the answer in prematurely.
I thought the puzzle was complete.

No worries, Joan. I have a hair trigger sometimes too!

15. steer

Nice one, Bob