Eddie Van Halen: Rockers React to Guitar Icon’s Death
Eddie Van Halen has been one of the most influential guitarists ever since Van Halen released their iconic self-titled debut album in 1978.
News of his death at the age of 65 spread quickly as did countless tributes to the late guitar god. Here is just a selection of guitarists and other rockers paying their respects to EVH.
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
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
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
. @EddieVanHalen was one of the nicest guys I ever worked with and we shared so many laughs together. His influence on music and especially the guitar has been immeasurable. He was an absolute legend. Eddie, I’ll see you on the other side, my friend. Love, Ozzy.
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) October 6, 2020
The world lost an icon, innovator, showman, virtuoso, master songwriter and perhaps one of the biggest inspirations ever to learn how to play guitar. Heartbroken to hear of Eddie Van Halen’s passing. Our love, condolences and best wishes to his his family, friends and fans. #RIP pic.twitter.com/pGhPUXRzyb
— Nickelback (@Nickelback) October 6, 2020
https://twitter.com/BrianWilsonLive/status/1313574279154405376
I’m just devastated to hear the news of the passing of my dear friend Eddie Van Halen. He fought a long and hard battle with his cancer right to the very end. Eddie was one of a very special kind of person, a really great friend. Rest In Peace my dear friend till we meet again. pic.twitter.com/Qs8tsLPANJ
— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) October 6, 2020
Rest In Peace to a Eddie Van Halen, Rock God. Favorite riff: Eruption. What’s yours? pic.twitter.com/uP1k196Vw8
— Papa Roach (@paparoach) October 6, 2020
Crushed. So fucking crushed. RIP Eddie Van Halen. You changed our world. You were the Mozart of rock guitar. Travel safe rockstar.
— 📷 (@NikkiSixx) October 6, 2020
https://twitter.com/LennyKravitz/status/1313573192456450048
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
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
Just when I thought 2020 couldn't get any worse, I hear Eddie Van Halen has passed. So shocking- One of the nicest, down to Earth men I have ever met and toured with. A true gent and true genius. RIP. So sad.Thoughts go out to his brother Alex, and his family. pic.twitter.com/fwIw040YMX
— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) October 6, 2020
https://t.co/QjAj45KED8 Apex talent. An unparalleled titan in the annals of rock n roll. One of the greatest musicians in the history of mankind. Rest In Peace, King Edward
— Tom Morello (@tmorello) October 6, 2020
Our son was 6 yrs old the first time he heard Eddie Van Halen.
— Tom Keifer (@TomKeiferMusic) October 6, 2020
He looked at Savannah & me and asked...
“Does he need two picks to play like that?”
There are great guitarists...
& there are innovators that change everything.
Condolences to his family. #RIPEddieVanHalen 💔 pic.twitter.com/qnhg3b1xxY
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGA7FaGpcRE/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGA_n0iDIEf/
— Pearl Jam (@PearlJam) October 6, 2020
One of the greatest guitarists of all time! Rest in peace Eddie Van Halen pic.twitter.com/T0unvRXYmf
— muse (@muse) October 6, 2020
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
“So saddened to hear of Eddie Van Halen’s passing. I stood in awe and complete wonderment of Eddie’s immense talent and amazing guitar ability. One of the greatest rockers ever and I will miss him.”
— John Fogerty (@John_Fogerty) October 6, 2020
-John Fogerty pic.twitter.com/TjdduUSlhL
We are stunned to hear about the passing of our friend Eddie Van Halen. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans. A true legend, one of the greatest musicians ever in rock. He left an indelible mark. We love you Eddie… R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/iUdj3Jht9c
— RATT (@theRATTpack) October 6, 2020
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
“To hell with the rules. If it sounds right, then it is.” Rest in Peace to the original rule breaker, Eddie Van Halen. You will be missed, but your music and influence will live forever. pic.twitter.com/JkkFF83GWG
— Gibson Custom Shop (@CustomGibson) October 6, 2020