RIP Eddie Van Halen

[Steve Williams]

Died today of metastatic tongue cancer

 

[spiritofmusic]

God, that's no way to go. We have a friend who is making a tentative recovery after radiotherapy, and she's been thru Hell. I can only imagine what Eddie's poor family are feeling.

 

[jeff1225]

What a bummer, one of my favorite guitar players of all time. Everyone knows that he's a great soloist, but his rhythm guitar playing is the best ever IMO.

2020...the hits keep coming.

 

[bonzo75]

RIP

not many know this cover, very good, vocals aside

 

[DeadWax]

He was my guitar idol as a teenager. I tried (pathetically so) to copy all his songs and solos. I stood in line with my high school friends for 10 hrs to see them on the 1984 tour when the seating was general admission. I got 5th row and Eddies side of the stage! Sadly it appears that a lifetime of cigarette smoking finally caught up with him.

 

[analyzer]

Also for me was my guitar Idol.
R.I.P. Eddie...

 

[RogerD]

My electrician happened to be the electrician for Eddie Van Halen's band...some great stories. Btw these guys are all analog tube freaks. I was lucky enough to see Eddie in Reno, RIP Eddie

 

[bazelio]

Stunning. Wow. He instantly and forever redefined what rock guitar was all about on Van Halen I. RIP EVH.

 

[BlueFox]

Freakin cancer works anywhere. RIP.

 

[leyenda]

Sad to see this news. Still recall the first time I heard Eruption. Had to go back and forth a few times trying to imagine how it is played. RIP Eddie ...

 

[Hi-FiGuy]

I have a pretty cool EVH story, I will share this weekend when I have more time.

This from Rock Legend himself Ritchie Blackmore.

Eddie Van Halen was a brilliant guitarist who started a technique of guitar playing which was emulated by a whole generation of guitarists. He was one of the nicest musicians I ever met in the music business. Very shy and not at all conceited about his ability as a guitar player. Frank Zappa said he reinvented the guitar. I agree. He will be sadly missed but his brilliant legacy will always be remembered. The ultimate guitar hero.