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.
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.
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.
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
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 ...
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.