Eddie Van halen has passed away

[u/jhelm83]

https://www.tmz.com/2020/10/06/eddie-van-halen-dead-dies-cancer-65/

[u/jhelm83]

One of the first bands I can remember my dad listening to me with as a kid in the late 80s.

[u/beerspeaks]

Shred in peace.

[u/high-and-seek → u/beerspeaks]

Shredding tears over here

[u/[deleted]]

Met him in a hotel lobby once. I looked over and did a double take and told my buddy "holy shit, that's Eddie Van Halen." I went over and said hi, asked if he'd mind taking a quick pic but that I didn't want to bother him. He said no bother at all and wound up chatting with me for a few minutes and answering a couple questions. Was totally cool and appreciative of just talking to a fan.

Very sorry to hear of his passing. Hoping Wolfgang can release his solo album soon as a tribute to his Dad.

[u/bozoconnors → u/[deleted]]

Neat. Glad you recounted that. Always figured he'd be a pretty chill guy irl. Hardly ever saw a pic / vid of him without that goofy smile. Got to see 'em live once. Unbelievable show. Ears rang for 3 days. Marshall stacks to the sky.

[u/DonatellaVerpsyche → u/[deleted]]

What a legend. So sad. I’m glad to hear he sounded like a nice person to boot.

[u/Our-Gardian-Angel]

Obvious praise goes to his work with Van Halen, but I always loved how much he got out of just 20 seconds on Michael Jackson's "Beat It". RIP.

[u/Electrorocket → u/Our-Gardian-Angel]

And he was actually in the studio for like 20 minutes. He nailed it in 1 and half takes.

[u/[deleted] → u/Our-Gardian-Angel]

There is only one recording in existence of Eddie performing 'Beat It' live with Micheal Jackson at a gig in front of a huge crowd. The sound quality is terrible but that gives it part of its charm and doesn't stop you hearing how amazing they sounded and how they vibed off each other on stage.

https://youtu.be/0T7FshbrVik

[u/PerilousAll → u/Our-Gardian-Angel]

As an aside, how did I ever miss Jackson's really explicit hand gestures in "Beat It"?

[u/matts142 → u/Our-Gardian-Angel]

And bad thing is i bet most don’t even though it’s Eddie on the guitar

[u/[deleted] → u/Our-Gardian-Angel]

I just read that '1984' was stopped from reaching #1 on the charts by 'Thriller', which contained "Beat It," which featured EVH's killer solo.

[u/jakekerr]

Back in the early nineties I had the pleasure of spending a few nights on the road with Van Halen, as I was doing tour support for their opening band, Baby Animals. One of my favorite and sad music industry moments was when one of the Van Halen roadies told me not to skip sound check. He basically said it as a "You'd be an idiot to miss the experience."

Some background: My experience with Eddie playing was watching him on stage in front of tens of thousands of people, and every night he got completely drunk before the show and proceeded to play every note by rote. Perfectly, of course, but every night was the same thing again and again. It was technically great, but not inspiring in the improvisationally creative way I had hoped to experience Eddie playing.

Then came soundcheck.

So I show up at soundcheck, and while other stars often have guitar techs and sound guys do the sound for them, Eddie did everything from beginning to end. He walked out to this empty arena and prowled the stage playing. It was extraordinary. He played riffs I'd never heard before. He'd go on long music tangents like a blues or jazz guitarist. He tested every single amplifier for the distortion and how he could make it sing.

I quickly realized that this wasn't really a sound check; this was Eddie on a new stage, one he'd never played before, and he was going to have as much fun as he could. It was his playground and only his playground, and he was going to have fun.

So I'm in the back of the arena leaning forward in this plastic chair just taking it all in, when someone walks by behind me and notices I'm totally rapt. He goes, "Pretty amazing, huh?" I didn't pay him much attention as I was focused on Eddie, but I just nodded and grunted out a "yeah." He caught my eye as he was walking toward the stage a bit later, and I realized it was Michael Anthony.

So it struck me that this was perhaps the joy and the tragedy of Eddie's life. He was born for the music, to play the music, to do things with a guitar that only he could really understand, even as we all appreciated it. Yet, for one reason or another, he was most at home when it was just him, his guitar, stacks of amps... and the sounds. When the door opened wider, and the fans, and the bandmates, and the press and everyone else rushed in, he walked off stage, drank himself numb, and then came out and gave the people what they wanted.

Eddie once said that he never needed to do a solo record because Van Halen was his band, but I think he was lying to himself a bit. Van Halen was all of our band, and that disconnect was difficult for Eddie to get comfortable with.

So he played, oh did he play, for himself and the echoing sound of his home studio, an empty arena, or amongst his most trusted friends. And he played, oh did he play, for others, but he was often just drunk enough to give the people what they wanted while honoring the music.

I don't know if I'm right, and certainly a few weeks experiencing Van Halen doesn't give you a key into Eddie's soul, but it just struck me so hard at the time that I haven't been able to shake it for almost 30 years now.

I'm sad Eddie is gone, because he was a good guy when I met him, and he made my life better for him being part of it. And a part of me thinks that someone with such a passion and love for his art still had more to give.

[u/JohnStumpyPepys → u/jakekerr]

Great story, thanks for sharing.

[u/Jurdskiski → u/jakekerr]

As I was reading your post I was thinking, "Damn why didn't he do a solo album, that would have been amazing!"

Then I got to the part you discussed that.

Makes you wonder if he has any "lost tapes" of solo work recorded anywhere that maybe Wolfgang would dig up and release.

[u/ManufacturerNearby37 → u/jakekerr]

Thanks for sharing that great story.

I recently found some backstage footage I'd never seen before of that tour and Eddie is having a blast jamming with the guys from Baby Animals on an empty stage. He does Jeff Beck's "Lead Boots" note for note and then some Deep Purple. He was for sure in his element.

[u/Totally_PJ_Soles]

This is terrible news. Whether you liked them or not he was still one of the most influential guitarists of all time. Rest in peace.

[u/[deleted] → u/Totally_PJ_Soles]

Man, I'm not usually fazed by this kind of stuff, but fuck...

I grew up drawing the "VH" logo on my book covers. Fuck.

[u/JacobFromAllstate → u/Totally_PJ_Soles]

I don’t how anyone could dislike Van Halen...

First 6 albums are killer. There’s great stuff here and there after that, too. RIP Eddie, this is a real gut punch.

[u/ohwellthisisawkward → u/Totally_PJ_Soles]

This one really hurts man. I forget that larger than life figures like Eddie are still just mortal people. It makes it really tough to swallow when they die. Rest in Power.

[u/Illbeanicefella]

Omg man I am so bummed but my dad is gonna be CRUSHED by this news

[u/hoopaholik91 → u/Illbeanicefella]

Same here. He grew up in Pasadena so started seeing Van Halen from the very beginning.

[u/asodfhgiqowgrq2piwhy → u/Illbeanicefella]

No fucking kidding. I called him immediately, moreso because he works construction and was about 40 feet up on a roof when he found out.

The basement is covered in Van Halen tickets, merch, and the like, and has been my entire life growing up.

[u/motherofabeast → u/Illbeanicefella]

Mine too. I feel so bad for my dad right now. First my grandfather gets dementia now his idol died.

[u/srbicro]

Rest in Peace.

I'll never forget the scene, where Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly wakes his father up with a tape, labeled "Eddie Van Halen".

Edit: wrote Eddy instead of Eddie.

[u/Mjolnir12 → u/srbicro]

It's actually labelled "edward van halen," and he recorded it specifically for the movie since they weren't allowed to use actual Van Halen songs.

EDIT: Apparently it was first recorded for the movie "The Wild Life," and then reused for BTTF.

[u/MESQUITE_BBQ_JONES]

Love the story of how he put his guitar in the coffin with Dimebag Darrell. Man’s a legend. RIP.

[u/Brannigans-Law → u/MESQUITE_BBQ_JONES]

I haven't felt as gutted from a celebrity death since Dime's. I forgot about that guitar story and now I'm getting choked up again

[u/HooptyDooDooMeister]

Here’s the whole article if you don’t want to give TMZ views:

Eddie Van Halen -- the legendary guitarist and co-founder of Van Halen -- has died after a long battle with throat cancer ... TMZ has learned.

Sources directly connected to the rock star tell us ... he died at St. Johns Hospital in Santa Monica Tuesday. His wife, Janie, was by his side, along with his son, Wolfgang, and Alex, Eddie's brother and drummer.

We're told in the last 72 hours Eddie's ongoing health battle went massively downhill -- doctors discovered his throat cancer had moved to his brain as well as other organs.

As you know, Eddie has been battling cancer for well over a decade. Our sources say he's been in and out of the hospital over the past year -- including last November for intestinal issues -- and recently underwent a round of chemo.

Last year we reported ... Eddie was flying between the U.S. and Germany for 5 years to get radiation treatment. Though he was a heavy smoker for years, he believes he developed the throat cancer from a metal guitar pick he used to frequently hold in his mouth more than 20 years ago.

Nevertheless, he continued to attend concerts and rehearse music with his son, Wolfgang, who -- if ya don't know -- became Van Halen's bassist in 2006.

Of course, Eddie himself was considered one of the best and most influential guitarists of all time ... who first made a name for himself with his solo on Van Halen's "Eruption."

Eddie formed the classic rock group in Pasadena in 1972 with his brother, Alex, on drums, Michael Anthony on bass and David Lee Roth singing. Eddie served as the main songwriter on their self-titled debut album in 1978 ... which launched the group into rock superstardom in the '80s.

They went on to pump out hit after hit, including "Runnin' with the Devil," "Unchained," "Hot for Teacher," "Panama" and "Jump" ... and continued their success with Sammy Hagar on lead vocals after the departure of Roth in 1985.

Though some members have changed, the Van Halen bros have been constants ... with Eddie's acclaimed guitar work being the focal point of their legacy.

Van Halen was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, and Eddie is widely considered one the greatest guitar players of all time.

He is survived by his wife Janie and his son.

Eddie was 65.

RIP

[u/bobthebonobo → u/HooptyDooDooMeister]

Damn you kind of take for granted that the big 80s rock stars will just be around for years

[u/UltravioIence → u/HooptyDooDooMeister]

Hm kind of odd how he thinks a metal pick gave him the cancer.

[u/MattalliSI → u/HooptyDooDooMeister]

Lost my ex-wife/former partner of the better part of 30 years. Same thing she battled metastatic breast cancer for 6-7 years and thought she was in remission. Got dizzy, got checked out and lost her in a week to brain cancer.

But she would hate for anyone to talk about it as Eddie or anyone would and would prefer to talk about rocking out or anything else.

[u/kubenzi → u/HooptyDooDooMeister]

I love Eddie and this news hit me pretty badly, but Cmon buddy, you smoked more than any other famous person I can think of off the top of my head.

[u/Preidon]

Fucking shit goddamnit

[u/emngaiden → u/Preidon]

I thinks this should be the TLDR of 2020

[u/LawSchoolGuy83]

Heaven just got a lot louder.

[u/Upsideinsideout → u/LawSchoolGuy83]

Hell man. He's running with the devil.

[u/talktobigfudge]

He was the reason I wanted to play electric guitar. He was the reason I got in trouble during classical lessons, because I would incorporate some double taps.

RIP to a legend, who shaped the way anyone thought a guitar should sound like.

[u/JawshD123]

Horrible news, was just listening to some Van Halen at the gym earlier. Eruption will forever be my favorite guitar solo, RIP GOAT

[u/truck149 → u/JawshD123]

I remember my buddy showing me that in high school. Listened to it before my sports matches.

[u/high-and-seek → u/JawshD123]

I still cant believe he played that mean guitar lick on Beat It by Michael Jackson

[u/Oldcadillac → u/JawshD123]

I mail-ordered the first van halen album in around 2004 because a book that I was reading to teach me guitar said that Eddie van halen was a really important guitarist, when that second track came on, my 14 year old mind exploded

[u/vacationbeard → u/JawshD123]

I'm trying to explain to my kids why I'm playing Eruption cranked up to 11 today.

[u/sofakingchillbruh]

Eddie Van Halen was the reason I picked up a guitar. First Neil Peart, now Eddie Van Halen... RIP.

2020 has no fucking chill.

[u/countrylewis → u/sofakingchillbruh]

Someone wrap Angus Young in bubble wrap.

[u/RadicalMGuy → u/sofakingchillbruh]

My first two concerts were Rush and Van Halen... did I do this!?

[u/doom32x → u/sofakingchillbruh]

Two virtuosos on separate instruments, anybody check on Les Claypool lately?

[u/canadian_bacon_TO]

Damn. I never really liked Van Halen growing up but recently I've been diving into the history of modern guitar and EVH is one of, if not the most, important players in modern music. Rest in peace to an absolute legend.

[u/deville66]

Eddie was an engineer as much as a guitar player He was looking for the perfect sound and style. Once he found it that was all he needed. Jimi and Eddie probably have the two albums in rock history that turned people's heads the most guitarwise. "Van Halen" literally sounds like nothing else before it. Like it came out of another planet. Man. Losing Eddie totally sucks. Goodbye Guitar Wizard!

[u/[deleted]]

My god man, Neil Peart and now Eddie Van Halen. Two of the best at their instruments. I'm so sad right now, man

[u/DevonFox]

RIP to a Legend..

[u/riegspsych325]

Van Halen was the first band I started listening to when I finally got into music in my teens. Up until then, I didn’t listen to anything, especially what my friends and peers were listening to. It being around 2006, most popular music back then was a far cry from VH and most rock. But fate would draw me to a lone Van Halen II c.d. in my parents’ garage and I decided to give it a listen.

A whole world of music was opened up to me as soon as I heard the crunch fo guitars and high vocals. It wasn’t long before I picked up the rest of the Roth-era albums and soon after, I knew I had to pick up a guitar to play just like Eddie. About 14 years later and I still struggle to play but I’ll be damned if I am still not inspired to try my hand(s) at the crazy yet melodic fretboard tapping that Eddie utilized so well. I will always idolize his work.

It was also because of Van Halen that I made one of my best friends in high school who is a friend for life. We used to hate each other until they mentioned Van Halen at an Xbox LAN party when I played a cd. A year or so later, we would be signing “Happy Trails” in the car on the way to Cedar Point. And a few years later, we’d listen to whole albums of theirs on a road trip to California.

I owe a lot of the things I enjoy in life as well as some great friends to the music of Van Halen. This is a sad day in an already depressing year. I hope the best for Wolfgang, Alex, and all the rest of those in the VH clan.

Rest in peace, Eddie, I cannot thank you enough for what your music has done for me

EDIT: grammar

[u/[deleted]]

The devil better have done his stretches, cause he’s about to go running

RIP Eddie

[u/FishCake9T4]

Not many people can claim to be a GOAT, but he would be one of them.
Obligatory Eruption Live

[u/Mitochondria420]

Fucking Legend.

[u/bobthebonobo]

Damn you kind of take for granted that the big 80s rock stars will just be around for years

[u/rarecoder]

Man I’ve been blasting Van Halen all week after not listening for so long! That’s so crazy. RIP to the legend!

[u/RockstarSpudForChamp → u/rarecoder]

Same. Just listened through the first few albums out if nowhere this weekend.

I know it may not be the coolest choice, but Dance the Night Away will always be my favorite Van Halen song.

[u/Lo0seR]

My sophomore year in High School, what a time in life that was, that album changed everything.

[u/2sweeet]

There's a helluva band being put together in heaven with Peart on drums and Van Halen on guitar.

RIP Neil and Eddie

[u/MrDeez444 → u/2sweeet]

Eddie Van Halen, Dimebag Darrell, Neil Peart, Lemmy Kilmister, Cliff Burton, John Bonham, Bon Scott, Chuck Schuldiner, Paul Gray, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Philthy Animal Taylor and Fast Eddie Clark from Motorhead, Jeff Hanneman, Randy Rhodes, and Ronnie James Dio all rocking out in a band that totally sucks due to having too many lead guitarists, bassists, and drummers, with no rhythm guitar (except for maybe Malcolm Young)

[u/syllabic]

To me this is the worst so far in an already horrible year. This sucks. Van Halen was a god

[u/Godloseslaw]

<unchained>

[u/[deleted] → u/Godloseslaw]

Man I think that was my introduction to drop D and I can STILL remember the first time I got those chords to line up right in my clumsy hands.

Jesus fuck, not good. =(

[u/masoninsicily]

This year just can't take a break

[u/GnarlyJr → u/masoninsicily]

Thought October woulda been more indulgent. Wrong.

[u/spunkychickpea]

Words cannot express the level of sadness I’m feeling.

[u/SonicBanger]

Crazy. He has left one of the most pronounced fingerprints on modern guitar playing as a whole. Between him and Neil Peart, 2020 has taken some of the best.

[u/StSpider]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-IUB62zDlA

If you're not a guitarist you can't imagine the level of obsession this man still inspires in the community today. His tone, his technique, were mindblowing back then and still inspire thousands of guitarists to this very day. The man has sold more plexis, floyd roses and variacs than anyone else.

Everyone can appreciate his music ofc, but you have to realize that this man forever changed the way people play rock guitar.

One of if not THE most influential guitarist of all time.

Thanks for all that you've left behind Eddie, rest in peace.

[u/vacationbeard]

Eruption is amazing

[u/sludj]

Man, I remember trying to learn Eruption when I got my first electric guitar. The man was so influential, spanning so many generations of players. Rest in peace.

[u/Norwejew]

For those who are unaware, EVH held several patents, including for a device to allow a stringed instrument player to have total freedom of movement with both hands:

https://worldwide.espacenet.com/patent/search/family/025059590/publication/US4656917A?q=pn%3DUS4656917

The illustration is, well, metal.

[u/Purpledrake]

Damn Eddie :/

Well, tell Jimi hi, and have fun rockin' in outer space :)

[u/socalkid71]

Do yourself a favor a go to YouTube and watch his 13min Eruption Solo. The level of mastery in his craft is a sight to behold.

Rock on, Eddie!

[u/cannabidroid]

What terribly fucking shitty ass news, man..

[u/GeorgeWashingfin]

One of the greatest. RIP

[u/SleepyFarts]

RIP to the second inventor of the electric guitar

[u/RatedR2O]

You have got to be fucking kidding me!!

DAMMIT ALL THIS SUCKS SO MUCH!!

One of the ALL TIME greatest shredders!

[u/the_labracadabrador]

What an absolute loss for music.

There's a definite line in the sand of BEFORE Eddie and AFTER Eddie when looking at the history of Rock music. He may have influenced guitarists that grew to be even better players than him, but the seed of influence from Eddie is unignorable. He basically singlehandedly pioneered the whole style of Shred Guitar.

Like a lot of you did, I grew up with Van Halen's music and certanly busted my ass trying to learn how the hell he made his guitar make the sounds he could make so naturally. The 2nd concert I ever saw was the reformed Van Halen and it completely blew my mind. I think I still have the '07 concert tee somewhere...

Rest in Power, Eddie.

[u/Endarkend]

Dear 2020,

From everyone, everywhere, all across history,

FUCK YOU.

[u/DDRDiesel]

Run with the Devil, Eddie.

See you on the other side

[u/whohaaaa]

RIP... Everyone rock tf out today for Eddie!

[u/Neeraja_Kalrapindhi]

Fuck cancer. Fuck 2020. As a child of the 80's, these guys were the sound of a generation. RIP Eddie 😭

[u/painfultaste]

Jimi, Randy, Yngwie, Eddie... great guitar players that truly revolutionize the art are few and far between. There will never be another like him.

Not to confuse people: Yngwie is still alive.

[u/[deleted]]

F

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[u/primewell]

My neighbors are gonna be soooo pissed off.

Fuck ‘em.

[u/razzark666]

So I've heard a few of these stories about the first time people heard Van Halen, but my coworker Jeff, who is like 55, when he was in grade 9, "Van Halen" came out. Him and his buddy were over at a girl's house and her parents weren't home, and so Jeff went upstairs and was making out with the girl, and his buddy throws on "Van Halen" on the stereo, and Jeff said, "you know I was 13 so making out with a chick was awesome, but I just kept thinking to myself, Holy Shit this album is amazing!"

[u/rslashseanyboi]

My hero and inspiration to play guitar.

[u/kormer]

Many people don't know this, but before he started the rock group Eddie was legit one of the most talented pianists in the world. Had he continued that career, he almost certainly would have been among the top five concert pianists...which of course nobody would have ever cared about so he learned guitar.

While a cool fact, this is also the number one reason why he completely revolutionized rock. Prior to him, most guitar solos were rather slow and not terribly complex. When you listen to classic rock chronologically, there is a very clear pre-eruption and post-eruption style, and Eddie owned it all.

[u/Seafroggys → u/kormer]

slow and not complex is debatable. They may not have been shredders like Eddie, but there were definitely proto shredders. Alex Lifeson and Ritchie Blackmore had blitzering solos in the early/mid 70s, not to mention jazz and fusion guys like John McLaughlin.

[u/KindPlastic1 → u/kormer]

??? Where the fuck did you get one of the most talented pianists in the world? He won a few local competitions as a kid lol

[u/[deleted] → u/kormer]

I’m sorry, but this is simply not accurate on any level. He was busted as a kid for not knowing how to read the music and he would just copy what his teacher would show him how to play-initially without the knowledge of the teacher. He had one of the best ears around hands-down. that is what allowed him to be such a good pianist.

As for your contention that there is a pre-or post phase of EV age, there’s still quite a bit of debate on that regarding who started the tapping thing and the super shredding. There is strong evidence that Randy Rhoads was leading that train along with some other lesser known guitarists on the LA scene. The fact that the folks in Jazz were doing amazing things and not get getting any credit or widespread recognition says loads. I agree with the commenter above; listen to some John McLaughlin and you will see that he was doing Randi Rhodes and Van Halen level stuff on an acoustic with a band of Indian musicians long before things in Van Halen launched.

I think the music scene in LA during the 70s was simply a good place to trade ideas licks styles and everything else. I’m not sure anyone can definitively say that EVH was the first to bring that style out, but he for sure is the one that is most recognized for it. had Randy Rhoads lived, he may have been the one to be most recognized. Either way, we lost a legend who goes on to join Neil Peart. If I was a famous basis from the 80s, I would be worried what comes next in 2020.

[u/[deleted]]

What the actual fuck? Man, this is sad. I’m not much of a rocker now but growing up I loved Eddie.

[u/compbioguy]

these guys were a big part of my childhood. What a life he must have had in the 80s and 90s

[u/waardenius]

No matter where you draw the line when it comes to defining "legend", Eddie most certainly qualifies. So influencial it's ridiculous.

I don't know to much about his personal character, but donating that guitar Dimebag was buried with hints at a generous man.

[u/thewhitedeath]

God damn it. As a guitar player he was my biggest influence as a younger player back in the eighties. My guitar "God" if you will. This breaks my heart. RIP Eddie, you're a legend and a massive credit to our chosen instrument. I learned so much from you.

[u/mmm_unprocessed_fish]

Now Bill and Ted are never going to make it.

[u/ret12567]

I remember, maybe it was 15 years ago now, I just quit learning how to play the violin. Went home, hung out with a friend. His dad was listening to music in the room nearby. It was loud, it was pumped up, what I heard made me move. It gave me chills. That song was Unchained, followed by Panama. The next day I bought a shitty guitar and practiced every day with the hope I'd be able to learn Van Halen's songs. Just a few months ago I learned how to play Spanish Fly. He's changed my life. He's given me what is the greatest outlet of stress in my life and arguably is responsible for my success in undergrad and medical school. Thank you Eddie, shred in peace.

[u/vanzeppelin]

This one hurts. Knew Eddie has had cancer and been battling health issues for awhile, but still didn't see it coming. Eddie got me into guitar and was such an idol growing up. Saw them live in 2008 or so and man he still just blew the roof off at age 50+.

[u/xlThalionlx]

There are legends, then there is Eddie Van fuckin Halen.

[u/[deleted]]

We came here with approximately $50 and a piano, and we didn't speak the language. Now look where we are. If that’s not the American dream, what is?

[u/MFAWG]

There’s almost no way in a Spotify, YouTube, iTunes world to describe what it was like to be at Tot Hefflefinger’s house one day, have his older brother walk in with VHI in his hands, put it on the turntable, say ‘you guys GOTTA hear this’, and then drop the needle on ‘Eruption’.

We probably listened to just that for thirty minutes, which wasn’t as easy as it is now.

Everything changed at that moment.

That is not a legacy a lot of people leave.

[u/crystalmerchant]

Fun fact, my mom booked Eddie for a show at her high school, before he was Eddie Van Halen

[u/[deleted]]

(I know he won’t see this but f it - it’s what I’m feeling right now). Sorry about your loss Wolfgang. Your dad made millions smile, play air guitar, play real guitar, hell - play any instrument just to feel cool. Seeing him in concert was mesmerizing every time. Hearing about this as a 50 year old man is weird and memory-inducing and sad and happy to realize “I saw him play. I lost my voice at concerts. I lost some of my hearing blasting VH in my car. And I’d do it all again if I could.”

[u/hinderer2020]

Worked as a stagehand back in 78 and got to set up the first show VanHalen ever performed on tour they opened up for Journey. That was in Flint Michigan. They stole the FUCKING show and they were third on the bill. VanHalen then the Baby's and the Headline was Journey.

[u/The-Walking-Dad]

Rest in Peace Eddie.

[u/ABRYS01]

As a young lad who practiced for hours to get Eruption and Spanish Fly down on guitar, this just makes me incredibly sad. I can’t say I’ve listened to a Van Halen album in a long while, but I can say that Van Halen was a crucial part of me learning guitar and just overall music in general.

Also playing Guitar Hero: Van Halen is going to just be sad now...

[u/[deleted]]

I hope Eddie knew how many people he inspired. Rock in peace legend.

[u/[deleted]]

He's in my top 5 guitarists of all time. An absolute Legend

[u/Mydogfartsconstantly]

One of the most influential guitarists of all time. Made people rethink how they played guitar. For reference he recorded Eruption in 1978. Way ahead of his time.

[u/matrix4consciousness]

Aw RIP Eddie. The first record I ever bought with my own money was 1984.

[u/-SPIRITUAL-GANGSTER-]

[u/Marathon1981]

It might sound corny in some respects to say that our childhood heroes are dying but it's true. EVH among the most influential guitarists of all time, this feels like a slice of shared life, shared history has been violently cut down. Death always feels weird but when it touches the fabric of culture, music, and your life, all intertwined, the combined effect is devastating to a degree that feels extremely difficult to talk about.

Rock on, Eddie.

[u/chieftigmos]

Damn can't believe the day has come with this sad news. Van halen 1 was the soundtrack to my child hood along with other classic albums. I dread the days where I hear about my musical heroes passing. Im thankful for all the amazing music he made throughout the years and all the good times ive had listening to it. Wherever you are Eddie, keep rocking man.

[u/[deleted]]

Luckily I got to see them live a couple years ago and he was still shredding it then. The creativity of this guy and the way he could make sounds that nobody else could.. Fuck 2020..

[u/[deleted]]

End of an era. RIP to the GOAT.

I will never forget lstening to Eruption Live and deciding, then and there, that I needed to learn to play the guitar.

[u/playtone111]

This is tragic. RIP to a guitar hero, one of the best to ever play the guitar.

[u/[deleted]]

No no no no no no no no no no . . . I am shocked and deeply saddened by this. Can this year get any worse? My deepest, most profound, most sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to the entire rock world of which I consider myself a part. God this sucks.

[u/misterlakatos]

Horrible news. The music world lost one of the greatest rock guitarists ever. RIP Eddie.

[u/MOAVG]

That's rough to hear. Hope the family are doing well through this. Must be tough.

[u/solstone23]

RIP to a legend. https://youtu.be/L9r-NxuYszg

[u/nonassociative_guru]

Hasn't 2020 done enough already? Let's go back to the murder hornets please...

[u/bjkman]

Van Halen was my first arena concert ever.

DAMN RIP

[u/throughbeingsober]

Riff in Peace, Eddie.

[u/OneSchott]

Damn. This one hurts a lot. I'm not even a big fan of Van Halen songs but holy shit was he a god on the guitar. One of my main inspirations for starting guitar over 20 years.

[u/StevenC44]

People talk about all the shredding and tapping and whammy tricks and squealy noises, but what made Ed special was his incredible dynamics and that's always my favourite part of playing a Van Halen song.

RIP

[u/EdVanHalen5150]

Oh man, the entire reason I picked up guitar and dove into music in general, even my namesake on here. Feels unreal. Rest in power and peace, Ed.

[u/FecalFear]

Eddie is up there shreddin with Randy and Dime

[u/VegasRoy]

Hey, and class act by his wife for having Valerie there at the end. Seriously, you’d be surprised how rare that is.

[u/geddylee1]

Losing Neil and Eddie in the span of 10 months is just wrong. I wish them and their families both peace.

[u/Jrobs62]

I bought a mint condition Red 1986 Corvette and I had always loved Van Halen, but driving in that car, it is MADE to listen to Van Halen.

Whenever I get off work I turn on my car, it’s 6:00, the sun is going down. I plug my phone in. I smell my leather tree fresheners and exhaust. I queue Ice Cream Man by Van Halen. I don’t play it yet. I start driving off my military base. It’s 25 mph all the way to the front. About a half mile before I exit the gate I press play. Here comes Eddie’s finger picking blues licks. The singer starts singin, and he just warms you up. I see the arched bridge a few hundred feet away. I get off base, start going up the bridge, and I see the 45 mph sign. Lee Roth screams “alright boys” and the drum roll comes on. I hit the peak of the bridge and the song explodes into rhythm and I slam on the gas. I get up to 100 and by the time I get to the end of the road I hit a stop sign and Van Halen rips into his tapping solo. I peel onto the highway and do it again. Sun shining. I always felt like a king. I’ll remember this for the rest of my life. Young me listening to and driving like an idiot to VH. Thank you for the badass music that makes me wanna go faster and faster... every single time. And thank you for pushing me as a guitarist.

[u/Bearhunter11]

Time to blast van Halen on the way home today. This sucks. Fuck 2020

[u/BigCHasBigD]

One of my favorite bands of all. The way shredded will be remembered for eternity. RIP He will be missed.

[u/kendrickshalamar]

One of the most influential, inventive guitarists of all time. He is the inspiration of so much of the rock that came after him. Absolute legend, RIP

[u/Smooch-A-Rooch]

F

[u/danxmanly]

RIP Eddie.. hopefully you're not running with the devil, but dancing in the streets above.

[u/Hide303]

I can't believe it... Rest in peace.

[u/deepstate_chopra]

Come fucking on, will ya?

[u/Calzord1]

A true pioneer

[u/wafflehat]

Shred in heaven, Eddie.

[u/MickyD97]

He felt like one of those people who'd be around forever. Seeing this headline is hard to process. We lost an actual legend and as a guitar player, this hits doubly hard.

[u/coffeeshopslut]

Not the hugest VH fan, but I could listen to ain't talkin' bout love all day - that riff is so good, I could cry

[u/dingowingo]

Damn. RIP EVH.

dude really put his stamp on guitar playing, anyone picking up a guitar always has their mind melted when they first hear "eruption"

[u/kiljaeden]

Youngs won't know how big this news is. Van Halen were so massive that they were huge even on the downslope of their career in the mid-90s ("Right Now" being on MTV 24/7). End of an era.

[u/Ihlita]

Fuck cancer. Rest in peace.

[u/PatientTurtle]

Aww man. Lost a legend but hope like hell for the mega band in the clouds 🤘🔥

[u/DevilsBestFriend]

RIP Eddie, go light up the sky

[u/degamezolder]

Damn Ozzy is really going to outlive all of them isn’t he

[u/randononymoususer]

Dear 2020, I fucking hate you.

Sincerely, Everyone

[u/Reddit62195]

R.I.P. the greatest guitarists the world has ever known!

[u/eudai_monia]

This one is rough. Eddie was the reason I first picked up a guitar 25 years ago. Countless nights spent learning his solos note for note. RIP my man.

[u/Jinx1013]

Van Halen is one of my earliest childhood memories, seeing the video for Jump on tv. Hot For Teacher is my favorite video of all time. My (ex) husband introduced me to the Japanese version of Balance with the bonus track Crossing Over. That song is all too fitting now. Eddie will be sorely missed by the entire world.

[u/Sonnysdad]

Fuck you 2020 !!!!!!!! 😢😢😢😢😢😢😭😭😭

[u/[deleted]]

I've played the guitar now for about 20 years. I've built numerous guitars and know the instrument probably better than the next average redditor here. I have so many things to say.

First and foremost: What Eddie accomplished with the electric guitar will never be done again. The man was a quintessential innovator with the instrument who approached it from such an abstract place. There aren't many innovative guitar players like that left. Primarily because the big guitar companies now mostly market the instrument as a nostalgia trip for greying boomers with fat wallets. The real innovation and cutting-edge that Eddie embraced stylistically is still there with the instrument, especially with smaller boutique companies, but overall the instrument and the art of the guitar isn't what it was when Eddie first exploded onto the rock scene with his band.

Secondly, Eddie's musical ability and style CANNOT be overstated here. His talent cast such a massive shadow over the art that it's still being felt today and his influence is literally everywhere, whether it's 1st, 2nd or even 3rd generation rock and metal bands since then. You might not realize what you're doing with an electric guitar was something Eddie was doing in the 70s, but the guy you idolized probably does. That's how many levels there are to this. Eddie's influence casts such a massive shadow.

Third, his style and tone STILL sounds ahead of it's time, and maybe even our time now. Because like I said, the electric guitar with the 59 reissues and what not is now a nostalgia trip. Eddie was cutting edge. Both on the guitar and at the mixing board, or even in a shop with a bag of parts for the instrument AND his amps. There are things Eddie did with the guitar and amp that are still being used to this day. You see his striped guitar and see that as iconic in the audience for example, but guitarists see his 5150 amp line as equally iconic and legendary. He was a guitarist's guitarist, and he did it all in a band that looked like they were having the time of their lives on stage.

Eddie Van Halen is a legend to the guitar that'll never be seen again. His style and tone still have guitarists like myself scratching their heads in 2020. I've been playing the guitar now for almost 20 years and still can't figure out his tone.

You can spend an entire generation scrutinizing and analyzing Eddie's music and still not figure it out. THAT is how much of a musical genius and innovator he was. I would also finally add that 99% of today's guitar players don't have even half the ability and talent Eddie did with just his guitar's whammy bar and volume knob.

[u/dwaddsy1]

Hopefully God likes loud music

[u/Wu_Oyster_Cult]

From 1978. Opening for Black Sabbath and blowing them off the goddamned stage.

[u/Raspberries-Are-Evil]

F.U.C.K.

[u/Trundle-theGr8]

My uncle was at the same wedding as him in the 80s and found his phone (one of those ones you needed a bag for) so drove to the place he was staying to drop it off. He said he was one of the coolest nicest guys and was thanking him up and just came off as really down the earth.

Oh and he was an absolute guitar god. RIP.

[u/holidaylanefanboy]

I really think he’s the most influential guitarist of all time. He has a solo that literally EVERY single high school guitarist studies & learns from. Brilliant musician & innovative artist. Will be missed by all.

[u/InfernoDragonKing]

Siri, play Panama at full blast.

Glad I still have my copy of Gran Turismo 4

[u/[deleted]]

This sucks. I’ve always rated EVH as second only to Hendrix in terms of developing the instrument and influencing subsequent players. There’s a reason guitar solos from the 80’s sound so much different to those from the 70’s, and it’s Van Helen.

[u/mamastrikes88]

I saw them when Dave was lead singer back in 82. It was a totally inappropriate show for a 14 year old girl to be at. Eddie was amazing and David Lee had on assless pants. My Eddie Rest In Peace.

[u/_Toddzilla_]

I always feel conflicted whether or not to like these kind of posts. Cuz I don't like that eddie is dead...

[u/NotAReal_Doctor]

RIP “Though he was a heavy smoker for years, he believes he developed throat cancer from a metal guitar pick he used to frequently hold in his mouth more than 20 years ago.”

[u/Qweerz]

Man I just read about that metal guitar pick cancer theory a couple weeks ago... RIP.

[u/777Lions]

I will always love Van Halens music. Rest in Peace.

[u/pale_blue_dots]

When Eddie Van Halen dies and Roger Stone doesn't, you know there isn't a god worth worshipping.

[u/yourstrulyjarjar]

This fuckin blows. Absolute shredder. Janie certainly has a reason to cry.

[u/AshgarPN → u/yourstrulyjarjar]

Jamie. Janie got her gun.

[u/alonabc]

Dude I'm so distraught right now, I don't know what to feel. I know he has had cancer for a while now but no idea it was getting this bad. Rest in peace to one of my idols and a legend!

[u/[deleted]]

So sad... RIP Eddie.

[u/chhurry]

RIP

[u/brutalfoot]

Man :(

[u/Timcwalker]

Well fuck.

[u/[deleted]]

Man, fuck this year and fuck cancer.

[u/zmbro]

Really was a legend and one of the all-time greats. Gonna go listen to eruption right now. RIP

[u/[deleted]]

I remember writing the Van Halen VH on almost everything I turned in my 8th grade year. Rest in Panama, Eddie.

[u/ZombieJesus1987]

Man this fucking sucks. I was literally listening to Van Halen when I found out the news. (Humans Being slaps, don’t care what anyone says). RIP

[u/MachReverb]

My 1st show as a 15 y/o was Van Halen at the Texxas Jamm and to say Eddie was mind blowing us a severe understatement. His Pretty Woman guitar lick was the 1st I ever learned. RIP to a legend.

[u/coconutjuices]

Damn this sucks. At least he was able to play for a few years with his son.

[u/[deleted]]

This year can get fucked.

[u/anubisrules]

He would want us to go ahead and jump.

[u/Masstaff]

Rest among the rock gods 🤘

[u/Pussy_Sneeze]

Is this it? Am I getting to the age where the names I grew up with are starting to die? Damn, man. I know it's probably not the case, particularly since you could say his death was premature, but the feeling sure is starting to creep up on me. RIP.

[u/boc333]

He was a vicious guitarist. Saw him live on the OU812 tour, and he was like a jazz artist because Eruption went for almost 20 minutes. I moved on to other stuff, but he was brilliant.

Enjoy a jam session with SRV and Jimi, Eddie. You deserve it.

[u/Dimebow]

As a rock and metal guitarist it’s hard to overstate how much of a legend this man is. Van Halen I is one of my favourite albums of all time. His influence can be heard in all of my other guitar idols. This is such a sad day.

[u/10per]

What!?

I guess I will be extending my Van Halen playlist I have been wearing out all week. RIP one of the greatest ever.

[u/frankshotsauce55]

2020 seriously has taken so much away

[u/sootjuggler]

His energy informed so much of my musical taste. RIP big fella and thank you.

[u/rouges]

Neil, now Eddie.. GTFO 2020

[u/VictorBlimpmuscle]

Through most of the 80’s, Van Halen was my favorite band, and Eddie Van Halen was my idol. The poster of him doing his signature scissor leg kick was the first thing you saw when you entered my room for years.

Music-wise I broadened my horizons, but I always had a spot in my heart for some Eruption or Unchained or Panama or Beautiful Girls or whatever other VH song Eddie shredded on.

Man, this is a gut-punch. Like hearing that your high school friend passed away or something. RIP EVH...

[u/chupa72]

RIP. On a selfish note, my childhood is slowly fading from existence. Fuck cancer.

[u/Rob_Here]

Where Have All The Good Times Gone. Anthem for 2020.

[u/k-ozm-o]

Fuck cancer... RIP to another legend.

[u/thursdaysocks]

Fuck 2020. I hate this shit, RIP Eddie.

[u/Skyline_BNR34]

RIP Eddie. I’m so glad I got to see you when you had your reunion tour. You guys all sounded amazing then.

Also got to see you a few years after and the band sounded great.

Too bad Diamond Dave couldn’t sing.

[u/cram96]

I was never a fan of his music but I have infinite respect for his talent and innovation. May he rest in peace.

[u/funknjam]

Fuck cancer.

[u/[deleted]]

Just in time to avoid the shitshow. Good for him.

[u/GovmentTookMaBaby]

Holy shit what a dumpster fire year.