Oct 6, 2020: Tributes to Eddie Van Halen By ‘Heartbroken’ Rockers, Family
by Best Classic Bands Staff
“Heartbroken and speechless,” wrote longtime bandmate Sammy Hagar
When news arrived of the passing of Eddie Van Halen, fellow rock stars, family, and band mates offered tributes to the legendary guitarist. Van Halen, 65, died on October 6, 2020, at a hospital in Santa Monica, Calif., with his wife Janie, son Wolfgang, and brother Alex, by his side after battling throat cancer.
Van Halen had an earlier bout with tongue cancer, in 2000. He was declared cancer-free two years later. He was a long-time smoker but claims that he developed cancer because of an unusual habit. “I used metal picks – they’re brass and copper – which I always held in my mouth, in the exact place where I got the tongue cancer,” he told Billboard.
His son, Wolfgang Van Halen, wrote in part, “He was the best father I could ever ask for.” His ex-wife, Valerie Bertinelli, wrote in part, “I will see you in our next life, my love.”
Both of Van Halen’s prominent lead vocalists, David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar, penned brief tributes.
💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔
— Valerie Bertinelli (@Wolfiesmom) October 6, 2020
Heartbroken and speechless. My love to the family. pic.twitter.com/MQMueMF2XO
— Sammy Hagar (@sammyhagar) October 6, 2020
What a Long Great Trip It’s Been.. pic.twitter.com/M5pmkVi7hW
— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) October 7, 2020
Former Van Halen bass guitarist Michael Anthony wrote on his Instagram, “No words…Heartbroken, my love to the family.”
Pete Townshend told Rolling Stone: “He was not just an innovative and stylish player with great taste, he was also a laidback virtuoso showman who just blew us all away every time. Every shredder today has lost their Master Teacher and Guide. His smile was just classic. A man in his rightful place, so happy to be doing what he did.”
— Valerie Bertinelli (@Wolfiesmom) October 6, 2020
Eddie had an exceptional talent and influenced new generations of musicians. VH added their unique style and flavour to their cool versions of Kinks songs You Really Got Me & 1/2 #EddieVanHalenRIP
— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) October 7, 2020
Rest In Peace @eddievanhalen You will be missed! #Legend pic.twitter.com/A2dpG41dbS
— Aerosmith (@Aerosmith) October 6, 2020
— AC/DC (@acdc) October 7, 2020
Joe Walsh released this statement: “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.”
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
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
. @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
Rest in peace guitar legend Eddie Van Halen. 💔 We will miss you. #fuckcancer @eddievanhalen #eddievanhalen pic.twitter.com/S4vnN3tyWc
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) October 6, 2020
Shocked to hear of the death of the great Eddie Van Halen.
He was a consummate musician and an extraordinary virtuoso on the guitar.
He leaves a giant footprint and an irreplaceable void.
– Billy Joel📸: Kevin Mazur pic.twitter.com/Y1uAoVp2NE
— Billy Joel (@billyjoel) October 7, 2020
Edward…Thank You For Your Extraordinary Gifts You Chose To Share With Us…XXX pic.twitter.com/BLnmsPrYhW
— David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) 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
1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationThe passing of Eddie to Heaven has left a void in the World, his legendary guitar virtuosity will be with us eternally. Thank you forever, Edward.J