October 6th Will Be 3 Years Since We Lost Eddie Van Halen
It Will Be 3 Years Since We Lost Eddie Van Halen to Cancer. October 6th, 2020. The first thing I remember is a Twitter message from Wolfgang: “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 recover from this loss. I love you so much, Pop.” Personally, my own heart sank. I felt as if a lifelong friend had passed. We now live vicariously through Wolfgang watching him carry the Van Halen Family legacy. Wolfgang is doing all of us proud. Wolfgang did this incredible video as a tribute to his Father.
The first time heard of Van Halen was at a friend’s house. The first song, “Eruption,” and I asked my friend, “Are you sure the record isn’t on the wrong speed? There’s no way a guitarist could be this fast.” They had the whole package: guitar, drums, bass, and one flamboyant lead singer. Years later in my radio career, I got to meet them all. On the VH Balance tour, I got the one-on-one meeting with Eddie Van Halen and to see all the awesome guitars. The gold ‘Lil guitar, the red-white-stripe guitar. And got to very lightly shake his hand. Why shake Eddie’s hand lightly? His manager asked nicely, If you shake Eddie’s hand too hard we won’t have a show tonight.
NEW VAN HALEN BOX SET RELEASE
The Collection II has been announced and will arrive on October 6th via Rhino.
The Collection II features the four VH albums featuring singer Sammy Hagar in addition to several studio rarities and a B-side.
Affectionately known as the “Van Hagar” years, Eddie Van Halen and company released four successful LPs while fronted by the Red Rocker during the ’80s and ’90s: 5150 (1986), OU812 (1988), For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (1991), and Balance (1995).
Check out all the features on the box set by clicking this link here