Eddie Van Halen remembered as 'the Mozart of rock guitar'
Eddie Van Halen, the guitar legend who anchored the band Van Halen, died of throat cancer Tuesday age 65. His son, Wolf Van Halen, who played bass in his father's band, broke the news on social media.
"I can’t believe I’m having to write this, but my father, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, has lost his long and arduous battle with cancer this morning," the younger Van Halen wrote on Twitter. "He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I’ve shared with him on and off stage was a gift. ... I love you so much, Pop."
— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) October 6, 2020
Actress Valerie Bertinelli, Wolf Van Halen's mother and Eddie Van Halen's ex-wife, responded with a string of broken-heart emojis.
Former Van Halen lead vocalist Sammy Hagar was "heartbroken and speechless," he wrote. "My love to the family."
Heartbroken and speechless. My love to the family. pic.twitter.com/MQMueMF2XO
— Sammy Hagar (@sammyhagar) October 6, 2020
Fellow rockers of Van Halen's era — including members of the rock band Kiss — grieved the loss of a contemporary and a "trailblazer."
"My heart is broken," wrote Kiss bassist and co-lead singer Gene Simmons. "Eddie was not only a Guitar God, but a genuinely beautiful soul."
My heart is broken. Eddie was not only a Guitar God, but a genuinely beautiful soul. Rest in peace, Eddie! ...Eddie Van Halen Dead at 65 from Cancer https://t.co/gITtcndQVv
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) October 6, 2020
Paul Stanley, Kiss' rhythm guitarist and co-lead vocalist, called Van Halen "a trailblazer and someone who always gave everything to his music," as well as "a good soul."
"I remember first seeing him playing at the Starwood in 1976 and he WAS Eddie Van Halen," Stanley wrote. "So shocked and sad."
Oh NO! Speechless. A trailblazer and someone who always gave everything to his music. A good soul. I remember first seeing him playing at the Starwood in 1976 and he WAS Eddie Van Halen. So shocked and sad. My condolences to Wolfie and the family. https://t.co/ExAWzFAEYJ
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) October 6, 2020
"So sad to hear this," added Kiss lead guitarist Tommy Thayer.
"Crushed," tweeted Mötley Crüe songwriter and bassist Nikki Sixx. "You changed our world. You were the Mozart of rock guitar. Travel safe rockstar."
English rocker Billy Idol shared his condolences, accompanied by photos of the two musicians playing together.
"Rest in peace guitar legend Eddie Van Halen," Idol wrote. "We will miss you."
Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea told Van Halen that "I hope you jam with Jimi [Hendrix] tonight. Break through to the other side my brother."
Oh man, bless his beautiful creative heart. I love you Eddie Van Halen, an LA boy, a true rocker. I hope you jam with Jimi tonight. Break through to the other side my brother. ❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/XpcTlPJq9A
— Flea (@flea333) October 6, 2020
News of Van Halen's death rocked the wide world of music, reaching country star Kenny Chesney. "I am devastated at the news of the passing of my friend Eddie Van Halen," Chesney tweeted. "He was a friend and a hero to anyone who has ever picked up a guitar and had a dream."
I am devastated at the news of the passing of my friend Eddie Van Halen. pic.twitter.com/hUyIdKXsdG
— Kenny Chesney (@kennychesney) October 6, 2020
Here’s a sample of what other admirers are saying:
I’m just devastated to hear the news of the passing of my dear friend Eddie Van Halen. He fought a long and hard battle with his cancer right to the very end. Eddie was one of a very special kind of person, a really great friend. Rest In Peace my dear friend till we meet again. pic.twitter.com/Qs8tsLPANJ
— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) October 6, 2020
Sad to hear Eddie Van Halen has passed away. A guitar innovator with a fierce spirit of musical and technical exploration. Prayers and thoughts with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/TI4ipeIXbR
— Yusuf / Cat Stevens (@YusufCatStevens) October 6, 2020
Legendary guitar and musical innovator Edward Van Halen. 1955-2020. Heaven will be electric tonight. pic.twitter.com/hdLd7atI74
— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) October 6, 2020
Two of the best hours of my life were spent chatting with Eddie Van Halen. A great musician, yes - also a funny and lovely guy who will be missed terribly. Sending love to Janie, Wolf, Alex & all those who loved him.
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) October 6, 2020
So many people don't know that Eddie Van Halen did the guitar solo on Michael Jackson's 'Beat It' https://t.co/fqm8gGWIsM
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) October 6, 2020
I am so sorry. Your dad was a genius.
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) October 6, 2020
. @EddieVanHalen was one of the nicest guys I ever worked with and we shared so many laughs together. His influence on music and especially the guitar has been immeasurable. He was an absolute legend. Eddie, I’ll see you on the other side, my friend. Love, Ozzy.
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) October 6, 2020
“So saddened to hear of Eddie Van Halen’s passing. I stood in awe and complete wonderment of Eddie’s immense talent and amazing guitar ability. One of the greatest rockers ever and I will miss him.”
-John Fogerty pic.twitter.com/TjdduUSlhL— John Fogerty (@John_Fogerty) October 6, 2020
One of the greatest guitarists of all time! Rest in peace Eddie Van Halen pic.twitter.com/T0unvRXYmf
— muse (@muse) October 6, 2020
A post shared by Slash (@slash) on Oct 6, 2020 at 2:24pm PDT
So long #eddievanhalen RIP pic.twitter.com/2cKAmFDbDl
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) October 6, 2020
Very sad to hear about the passing of the legendary @eddievanhalen. You will be missed. #RIPEddieVanHalen
📸: @markweissguy #EddieVanHalen @VanHalen pic.twitter.com/x4J6nfxOqY— Def Leppard (@DefLeppard) October 6, 2020
A post shared by Tito Jackson (@poppa3t) on Oct 6, 2020 at 1:04pm PDT
Back in the day, in 1984, Eddie Van Halen & Micheal Jackson perform "Beat It" live. It never ever happened again. It was at Texas Stadium, I had brought some of @dallascowboys backstage to meet MJ. I'll never forget that solo, or that night. #RIPEddieVanHalen #ThrowbackTuesday pic.twitter.com/xv41uIQPRY
— Chris Arnold (@MrChrisArnold) October 6, 2020
The members of Duran Duran are all very sad to hear the news about @eddievanhalen. What an extraordinary musician he was! Their thoughts are with his families and friends. pic.twitter.com/dsDX7hFGfH
— Duran Duran (@duranduran) October 6, 2020
Eddie was a pioneer, a genius and a friend. Today, the world has lost a legend, and a true original. Sending love to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/tL3Hb11XMW
— Joan Jett (@joanjett) October 6, 2020
Just heard the news of Eddie Van Halen’s passing ..... this hit me hard. pic.twitter.com/RMuyq7arjK
— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) October 6, 2020
Farewell GOAT. See you on the other side! ❤️💜💙 pic.twitter.com/Tvo7eI7hPr
— Tenacious D (@tenaciousd) October 6, 2020
I loved Van Halen so much growing up. Rest In Peace Eddie. pic.twitter.com/uWuNEF7Omv
— Ken Jeong (@kenjeong) October 6, 2020
Rest In Peace @eddievanhalen You will be missed! #Legend pic.twitter.com/A2dpG41dbS
— Aerosmith (@Aerosmith) October 6, 2020
I was lucky enough to meet Eddie in the mid 80s when he asked me if I was interested in joining Van Halen.
I’d just started my solo career so the timing wasn't right but still to this day, it's an honour to have been asked to play with such a legendary rock band. RIP Eddie pic.twitter.com/Q2faLXoHie— Jimmy Barnes (@JimmyBarnes) October 6, 2020
Rest In Peace Eddie Van Halen - gone far too soon, our world lost so much talent today. #RIPEddieVanHalen
— Jim Belushi (@JimBelushi) October 6, 2020
Eddie Van Halen was an inspiration and a legend in the world of rock and far beyond. A true innovator. We are heartbroken to hear of his passing. His music will live on forever! https://t.co/1MBsJ6SkuN
— Evanescence (@evanescence) October 6, 2020
Rest in Power Chords, Eddie Van Halen. You were a one-man rock revolution and you will be missed! ❤️🎸
— Jose Molina 🇺🇸🇵🇷 (MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE!) (@JoseMolinaTV) October 6, 2020
RIP to my friend and man who changed guitar playing forever ...F😪CK!!! no words
A post shared by T🥁ɱɱ¥ ᒪEE (@tommylee) on Oct 6, 2020 at 2:26pm PDT
“To hell with the rules. If it sounds right, then it is.” Rest in Peace to the original rule breaker, Eddie Van Halen. You will be missed, but your music and influence will live forever. pic.twitter.com/BGrVE9jW1A
— Gibson (@gibsonguitar) October 6, 2020
A post shared by Brad Wilk (@bradwilk) on Oct 6, 2020 at 1:03pm PDT
I am so sad to hear of the passing of Eddie Van Halen. He was an inspiration to so many, myself included, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on. God got another Legend way too soon. #RIP pic.twitter.com/DQgb5pGzXv
— AJ McLean (@aj_mclean) October 6, 2020
We've lost another legend...wow. Hearing the name Van Halen instantly takes me back to a younger me cruising around in my Trans Am with the t-tops off.
Eddie Van Halen was at the top of my list of Rockstars I'd do anything to sit down and trade stories with. Rest easy legend. pic.twitter.com/NBbUniBWQg— Richard Ray Rawlings (@RRRawlings) October 6, 2020
#RIP to a legend, Eddie Van Halen. So sad! pic.twitter.com/RWaMKdkFHr
— Guy Fieri (@GuyFieri) October 6, 2020
I am saddened to hear to news one of my true guitar heroes death, Eddie Van Halen. He expanded the landscape of lead guitar playing, and took it to another level like a turbo charged muscle car leaving everyone behind. I was very influenced by his emotional lead playing. EVH RIP pic.twitter.com/b26nrXYPti
— Bruce Kulick (@brucekulick) October 6, 2020
A post shared by B̷EN ₩EINMA₦ (@benweinman) on Oct 6, 2020 at 1:27pm PDT
A post shared by Malina Moye (@malinamoye) on Oct 6, 2020 at 12:44pm PDT
If you weren’t a young rock fan at the time, it’s impossible to describe the arrival of the first Van Halen album. It was a complete seismic shift in the planet. Still attribute some of my tinnitus to my first VH show in 82. Worth it.#RIPEddieVanHalen pic.twitter.com/2pTepg6k96
— John Pavlovitz (@johnpavlovitz) October 6, 2020
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
