Eddie Van Halen Remembered

The world learned today of the passing of guitar great Eddie Van Halen. He was only 65. A flood of well-deserved tributes have come from his loved ones as well as countless fellow musical greats and fans. Former band mate Sammy Hagar was speaking for millions of us when he described himself as "heartbroken and speechless" in the wake of the news announced earlier today...Robert Kinsler

"40 years ago my life changed forever when I met you. You gave me the one true light in my life, our son, Wolfgang. Through all your challenging treatments for lung cancer, you kept your gorgeous spirit and that impish grin. I'm so grateful Wolfie and I were able to hold you in your last moments. I will see you in our next life my love."

Valerie Bertinelli

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has issued the following statement for the passing of 2007 Inductee Eddie Van Halen.

 

“Inductee Eddie Van Halen forever changed the vocabulary of the electric guitar. With blistering speed, control, and melodic feel, he perfected the art of shredding, unleashing two-handed finger tapping, dramatic whammy-bar moves, and other astonishing never-before-seen techniques. Innovative, like his hero Les Paul, Eddie reimagined the sonic possibilities of the guitar and became an inspiration for an entire generation of musicians who worshiped his sound and style. His band Van Halen kicked the American hard rock scene into high gear in the late Seventies, became rock heroes on MTV in the Eighties, and gave rise to a steady stream of shredders and trailblazers ever since.”

-Greg Harris, President & CEO of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

 

Courtesy of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, watch Van Halen’s 2007 Induction speech and performance of “Why Can’t This Be Love” and Induction by Velvet Revolver at https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/van-halen, where you can also find Van Halen’s bio and read their official Induction program essay.

 

 

Eddie Van Halen is represented inside the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio:

• Hall of Fame Gallery (L3): signature wall
• Play It Loud: Instruments of Rock & Roll (L0 & L6): Including his well-known Frankenstein guitar, Wolfgang guitars, rigs, and more
• The Garage (L2)

 

The Recording Academy issued the following statement:

"During his legendary career, GRAMMY^® Award winner Eddie Van Halen contributed to some of the world's most iconic music. His explosive guitar playing and approach to the musical process solidified him as an undeniable force in his field and forever established his place as a true guitar hero. The world is lucky to have witnessed Eddie's genius as a guitarist, and we know he will influence and shape rock music indefinitely."
 
Harvey Mason jr.
Chair & Interim President/CEO
Recording Academy 

"What a Long Great Trip Its Been..."

David Lee Roth (via Twitter)

 

"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 (via Twitter)

From left, Joe Perry, Eddie Van
Halen and Steve Perry.
Photo courtesy of Aerosmith

"Rest In Peace @eddievanhalen You will be missed! #Legend"

Aerosmith (via Twitter) 

"I just heard about Eddie Van Halen and I feel terrible about it. Eddie was such a great guitarist and I remember how big Van Halen was, especially here in L.A. Love and Mercy to Eddie's family & friends."

Brian Wilson (via Twitter)

 

“Eddie was a one of a kind guitarist and human being. He was a master at his craft, a peer I was in awe of and a friend I loved. I am deeply saddened by this news and Marjorie and I send his family our deepest condolences.

The world will be dimmer - and quieter - without him."

Joe Walsh

"Words cannot describe how monumental the loss of Edward Van Halen is to the music community. He inspiured generations of guitar players of all genres. His playing was unrivaled in its ingenuity and its ferocity. Rest In Peace to the greatest Rock Guitarist of all time."

Joe Bonamassa (via Twitter)

"EVH! There will never, ever be another one! Hearts are breaking all over the world. We thank you immensely for always inspiring us. Love and peace to the family. RIP Eddie."

Steve Wariner (via Twitter)

"God Bless Edward Van Halen"

Derek Sherinian

Finally, MUSIC WORTH BUYING co-host TJR has posted an emotional tribute to Eddie Van Halen on his channel you can view HERE.