Eddie Van Halen, the legendary guitarist who co-founded the legendary band Van Halen, passed away Tuesday at the age of 65 after a long battle with throat cancer.
Saying Eddie Van Halen is a legendary guitarist might even be an understatement, because the things he did during his career and the way he played changed the way many people created music forever.
When Van Halen was at its peak, Eddie Van Halen was easily one of the coolest humans on the planet, idolized by just about everyone who either played a real guitar or wailed on an air guitar while listening to Van Halen’s monster hit songs.
I mean, this was the stuff of legend:
His son announced the sad news on Tuesday:
— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) October 6, 2020
Heartbroken musicians and fans paid their tributes:
Oh man, bless his beautiful creative heart. I love you Eddie Van Halen, an LA boy, a true rocker. I hope you jam with Jimi tonight. Break through to the other side my brother. ❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/XpcTlPJq9A
— Flea (@flea333) October 6, 2020
Oh NO! Speechless. A trailblazer and someone who always gave everything to his music. A good soul. I remember first seeing him playing at the Starwood in 1976 and he WAS Eddie Van Halen. So shocked and sad. My condolences to Wolfie and the family. https://t.co/ExAWzFAEYJ
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) October 6, 2020
My heart is broken. Eddie was not only a Guitar God, but a genuinely beautiful soul. Rest in peace, Eddie! …Eddie Van Halen Dead at 65 from Cancer https://t.co/gITtcndQVv
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) 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
Two of the best hours of my life were spent chatting with Eddie Van Halen. A great musician, yes – also a funny and lovely guy who will be missed terribly. Sending love to Janie, Wolf, Alex & all those who loved him.
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) October 6, 2020
One of the greatest musicians of all time. His guitar skills are about as legendary as his career. Rest well, Eddie Van Halen. pic.twitter.com/0P6VCDFmWG
— Frederick Joseph (@FredTJoseph) October 6, 2020
In addition to Van Halen, Eddie Van Halen did the guitar solo for Michael Jackson's "Beat It" and was immortalized as a claymation hamburger in John Cusack's "Better Off Dead."
Hard to get more Classic '80s Icon than that. pic.twitter.com/4TwlyuBs9F
— Kevin M. Kruse (@KevinMKruse) October 6, 2020
Eddie Van Halen did the Beat It solo in one take for free
— ☕netw3rk (@netw3rk) October 6, 2020
Eddie Van Halen performing the guitar solo to ‘Beat It’ with Michael Jackson.
One of the greatest guitarists ever.
Rest In Peace, legend. pic.twitter.com/ddO2oMZCgw
— Yoni (@OriginalYoni) October 6, 2020
The speed, the power, the tone, the heart…more than just brilliant, Eddie Van Halen was utterly unique.
I'm gonna go live in an hour & celebrate my favorite musician of all-time, if you wanna come hang I'd love to see your remembrances as well♥️https://t.co/zi6AvEPbDL#RIP
— Mark Ellis (@markellislive) October 6, 2020
I lost my mom to cancer at 66.. too damn young. Eddie Van Halen was 65.. too damn young. Another lifetime of memories ahead of them should have been made. This hurts my heart. My mom and I would drive around in her car and blast Panama.. we both loved Van Halen music.
— Dane Cook (@DaneCook) October 6, 2020
I met him in '93 in Irvine after a show. Super nice guy, actually gave me a hug. Total legend and one of the best guitar players EVER. RIP, dude, we'll never have another like you.
Eddie Van Halen, rock guitar god, dead of throat cancer at 65
https://t.co/SYiUzoyUKG— Zach Galligan (@zwgman) October 6, 2020
When Hendrix came along, it was like ‘Where did this guy come from?’ and I think that was the same feeling with Eddie. When Eddie appeared on the scene, every guitarist I ran into said ‘You gotta hear this guy!’ – Angus Young, AC/DC
RIP Eddie Van Halen pic.twitter.com/5PuE3BvFEH
— AC/DC Ride On (@acdcrideon) October 6, 2020
Eddie Van Halen & his band's music was a MASSIVE influence on me growing up. I still LOVE his music to this day & he is leaving an amazing legacy of music for future generations to enjoy. Very, very sad to hear of his passing today. #RipEddieVanHalen 😢 🎸 🤘 pic.twitter.com/1yWMKCvAmo
— Metal Jesus Rocks (@MetalJesusRocks) October 6, 2020
Eddie Van Halen was a genius. We don’t get too many of those.
— Molly Knight (@molly_knight) October 6, 2020
Eddie Van Halen was a God when rock stars were at their zenith. He ruled his genre, then crossed over and shredded the guitar solo on MJ’s “Beat It.” He is one of two guitarists whose playing I recognize by ear, and the other one is my dad. Thank you for the music! pic.twitter.com/NqW8HZkuRx
— Eric Schwartz (@ericschwartz) October 6, 2020
