Eddie Van Halen may have passed, but his legacy of over five decades lives on in the hearts of musicians across the globe.
On Tuesday (10/06), the legendary guitarist, known for his hits 'Jump,' 'Runnin' With the Devil,' 'Hot for Teacher,' and the iconic guitar solo on Michael Jackson's 'Beat It,' lost a long battle to lung cancer. He was 65. The news of his death was confirmed by Van Halen's son, Wolfgang Van Halen, on social media.
— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) October 6, 2020
He writes, "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. He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I've shared with him on and off stage was a gift. My heart is broken and I don't think I'll ever fully recover from this loss. I love you so much, Pop."
BANDWAGON TV
— Valerie Bertinelli (@Wolfiesmom) October 6, 2020
In a separate post, Van Halen's ex-wife, Valerie Bertinelli, writes, "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.”
Musicians and fans worldwode mourn the tragic loss of Eddie Van Halen. Check out their tribute posts below.
Metallica
We are enormously saddened to hear about the untimely passing of Eddie Van Halen. We considered him an inspiration, an idol, and after spending a summer together on the road in '88, a friend. Sending love to Alex, @wolfvanhalen & everyone in the greater VH family.
— Metallica (@Metallica) October 6, 2020
📸 @RossHalfin pic.twitter.com/wZ9ZKNmK0q
Brian May - Queen
Flea - Red Hot Chili Peppers
❤️❤️❤️ Wolf, your dad inspired us to our cores and he lives forever. https://t.co/mUy5lV1G2y
— Flea (@flea333) October 7, 2020
Gene Simmons
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) October 6, 2020
Aerosmith
Rest In Peace @eddievanhalen You will be missed! #Legend pic.twitter.com/A2dpG41dbS
— Aerosmith (@Aerosmith) October 6, 2020
Sammy Hagar
Heartbroken and speechless. My love to the family. pic.twitter.com/MQMueMF2XO
— Sammy Hagar (@sammyhagar) October 6, 2020
Weezer
We're saddened to hear of Eddie Van Halen's untimely passing today. Given the news today, we want to dedicate our album Van Weezer to Eddie as a thank you for all the incredible music that soundtracked our youth and inspired the record. RIP EVH. pic.twitter.com/plb9WIuo64
— weezer (@Weezer) October 6, 2020
Mark Morton - Lamb of God
Edward Van Halen was the single reason I ever wanted to play guitar to begin with. He’s the worlds greatest guitar hero, inspiring generations of players to pick up the instrument we love so dearly.
— Mark Morton (@MarkDuaneMorton) October 6, 2020
Thank you so much for the music and inspiration.
We love you forever Eddie. pic.twitter.com/6KzzEpBLBW
Blaster Silonga - IV Of Spades
RIP EDDIE VAN HALEN
— Blaster Silonga (@Bsilonga) October 7, 2020
Jason Caballa - Cheats, Pedicab
It might not be obvious, and I never bothered to emulate him, but I was a fan. He wrote great riffs. RIP EVH 🙏 https://t.co/KtIGuFrzWE
— Jason Caballa (@discosixsixsix) October 7, 2020
Joey Dizon
Sho Hikino - AOUI, Salamin
R.I.P the great Eddie Van Halen. 🙏🏻😞 #EVH pic.twitter.com/ZwqQdgjowV
— 疋野翔 (@shohikino) October 7, 2020
Rico Blanco
rest in peace guitar visionary eddie van halen, one of my all time favorite keyboard players. thank you for inspiring me 🎹🎸❤️ pic.twitter.com/Cv9CA2bRd6
— bestfriend korics (@ricoblanco) October 7, 2020
Mateus Asato
Lenny Kravitz
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
Myrene Academia - Sandwich, Imago
— Myrene Academia (@Mapins) October 6, 2020
HELLYEAH
Richie Kotzen
Mark Tremonti
Frank Iero - My Chemical Romance
Monuments
View this post on InstagramOh man. This is so so heavy. R.I.P. Eddie Van Halen. Thank you for changing everything. ❤️
Adam Sandler
Terrible day for all. The favorite guitar player of our generation! Such a great guy. Funny as hell and a no doubt genius at what he did. Paved the way for so many. Will be missed terribly. Love to his family!! RIP EDDIE pic.twitter.com/6QP43pE3Hy
— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) October 6, 2020
Steel Panther
Devastated to hear the news about the passing of Eddie Van Halen.
— Steel Panther (@Steel_Panther) October 6, 2020
“Genius”, “Legend” and “Pioneer” get thrown around way too often but, EVH earned every single one of them.
TY for sharing your gifts w/the world. Sending our love to the family, friends + VH fans everywhere. pic.twitter.com/X5hA0c99r4
Tosin Abasi
Periphery
Enzo Marcos - Severo
The truth is, Wyld Stallyns will never be a super band until we have Eddie Van Halen on guitar.
— Steady Jones (@enzoitgoessss) October 7, 2020
RIP
He also makes a musical cameo in the best movie of all time. When Marty barges into his father's room, he blasts an "Edward Van Halen" tape.
— Steady Jones (@enzoitgoessss) October 7, 2020
Eddie legit recorded that solo that is heard.
Iconic scene. pic.twitter.com/c1dLeldnK9
Russell Manaloto - Faspitch
Joe Calixto - Wolves, Ordinary Neighbors
Rest easy, king 👑 pic.twitter.com/MPfuKarbXN
— S H U T T E R H A P P Y A N T I F A (@iamjoecalixto) October 6, 2020
When I was 13.. I asked Jeeves how to play Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love by Van Halen. Thats when I knew I would never shred. EVH is the ultimate guitar hero.
— S H U T T E R H A P P Y A N T I F A (@iamjoecalixto) October 6, 2020
Robert Downey Jr.
No words.. @eddievanhalen @VanHalen #EVH #RIP #legend #guitar #hero pic.twitter.com/QctZuew0vQ
— Robert Downey Jr (@RobertDowneyJr) October 6, 2020
Alice in Chains
Thank you, Eddie, for all you did for us. You are a legend and you will be missed. 🖤 EVH pic.twitter.com/kJ0FHkFCQn
— Alice in Chains (@AliceInChains) October 6, 2020
Goo Goo Dolls
Absolutely devastated to hear about the passing of Eddie Van Halen. He was a guitar legend !! Thank you for all the great music EVH. pic.twitter.com/eBWojZdoQL
— Goo Goo Dolls (@googoodolls) October 6, 2020
Niles Chong - Angulo
Everyone remembers Eddie #VanHalen as a guitar god but few recall that he has made some of the most memorable synth/piano parts in music history. The lyrics and music video for RIGHT NOW still holds true for today's trying times. RIP #EVH. https://t.co/2Sv3bGB2UA
— Niles (@nilesc) October 7, 2020
Chris Jericho
God bless you #EdwardVanHalen, your work with @vanhalen and your music has done more to make the world a happier place than you’ll ever know. And one more thing....after taking #NeilPeart, @kobebryant and now #EVH from us, 2020, will you kindly just FUCK OFF already? pic.twitter.com/MJTOU19gKn
— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) October 6, 2020
Munky - Korn
Mötley Crüe
It would be impossible to measure the impact he had on the world. He changed it for all of us. Farewell #EVH pic.twitter.com/P8noiAqTyL
— Mötley Crüe (@MotleyCrue) October 7, 2020
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