Eddie Van Halen Has Died At 65
2020 continues to take and take, and the most recent reason for feeling like absolute shit today is the news that legendary guitarist, unquestionable stadium rock god, and 1980’s hair icon Eddie Van Halen has died from throat cancer at the too young age of 65.
Variety says that Eddie’s rep confirmed the news that Eddie died this morning after a long battle against throat cancer. TMZ says that Eddie was diagnosed about ten years ago, and that he died in the hospital in Santa Monica, CA, with his wife Janie Liszewski beside him. Eddie was a heavy smoker for years, but TMZ reports that Eddie believed he got throat cancer from holding a specific metal guitar pick between his lips about two decades ago. He was receiving radiation in the US and in Germany, but his cancer quickly spread about a week ago. His 29-year-old son, Wolfgang Van Halen (also Van Halen’s current bassist), confirmed the passing of his father on Twitter with the following heartbreaking message:
— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) October 6, 2020
That tweet was re-tweeted by Wolfgang’s mom, Valerie Bertinelli, who was married to Eddie from 1981 to 2007.
Eddie Van Halen was born as Edward Lodewijk van Halen in The Netherlands, and then moved to Pasadena, CA when he was about 7 years old. That’s where he formed Van Halen with his brother, Alex Van Halen, in 1972. Eventually, David Lee Roth joined, as well as bassist Michael Anthony, and they became the Van Halen you either know from blasting out of your uncle’s Pontiac Firebird, or you are the uncle, or you had sex with that uncle in the Pontiac Firebird while trying desperately not to fuck up the Bold Hold mousse in your hair. Basically, Van Halen absolutely tore ass in the late 70s and early 80s. Put on “Panama” and try to suppress the urge to do burn-outs in a vacant parking lot. You can’t! It’s scientifically impossible! Every song on 1984 raises your serotonin level and makes you want to party in a T-shirt with the sleeves ripped off. And that’s absolutely because of Eddie’s shredding, no question.
Eddie ranked #8 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists, and they write that hearing Eddie play was like hearing Mozart for the first time. Van Halen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. And it would be a big enough accomplishment to have a super-successful band named after yourself, but Eddie’s guitar playing also helped create hits for other huge artists too. Like Michael Jackson, apparently?
Eddie Van Halen not only played that famous solo on "Beat It," he also rearranged the song behind Michael Jackson's back. pic.twitter.com/ljIuH7GmiV
— Steven Hyden (@Steven_Hyden) October 6, 2020
Not to mention that literally nothing could overshadow Eddie’s guitar playing. Not even David Lee Roth, wriggling at maximum capacity in an open shirt, chest hair blowing in the wind, giving off 100% horny energy in a silver statement belt. There was pure talent in Eddie’s fingers.
Rest in peace, Eddie.
Pic: Wenn.com