Eddie Van Halen, rock guitar legend, dies of cancer at 65 | USA TODAY

Music legend Eddie Van Halen remembered as one of the greatest ever. He was 65.
RELATED:

Eddie was something of a musical contradiction. He was an autodidact who could play almost any instrument, but he couldn’t read music. He was a classically trained pianist who also created some of the most distinctive guitar riffs in rock history.

» Subscribe to USA TODAY:
» Watch more on this and other topics from USA TODAY:
» USA TODAY delivers current local and national news, sports, entertainment, finance, technology, and more through award-winning journalism, photos, videos and VR.

#VanHalen #Music #Guitar

27 comments

    1. went to a small theatre maybe 5k seating capacity , outside of FORT. EUSTIS VIRGINIA , 1979 they played first album hits , dam what a show , thanks EVH for that ringing in my ears and all the other HITS , RIP MY FRIEND , STEVEN OTT , U.S. ARMY , 68D10 , 79-84

  1. Eddie was my guitar hero as a young man. I met him when they were an unknown band playing small gigs. They played the Tarrant County Convention Center in my hometown of Ft. Worth, Texas. After the show band members mingled with the audience. I mentioned to Eddie I was an aspiring rock guitarist as well. To my delight he took me on stage and showed me a few licks to practice. How many massive talents are that gracious? I remember telling my buddies afterward that Van Halen was destined for greatness. One year later they were playing sold out arenas. I’ve never been in the presence of a more talented guitarist since. Rest In Peace, Eddie. And thanks for the guitar lesson, brother. I never forgot it. ❤❤❤

    1. I am stunned. I grewed up in the 70’s/80’s listening to Freddie Van Hamlin and I became a great guitar from learning his stuff. My favorite song is “Panamom” from 1984. KISS will never be the same without him RIP Fredward Van Hamlin

  2. Eddie was the best in his era, especially in the 70’s & 80’s.. You gonna be missed for years to come.

  3. I used to have parties in high school in the 80’s and that is all I would play! People who weren’t my friend would leave…Perfect right! I’ve been a fan of his my whole life and I’m 53. I am really gonna miss him!!

  4. He was not all in stature but he was a giant in the music industry. R.I.P Eddie Van Halen.

  5. Just found out Eddie lost his battle with cancer. First Neil Peart and now Eddie Van Halen. The world has lost two of the greatest ever. RIP gentlemen.

  6. And he achieved greatness, all without knowing how to read a lick of music. Ever. R.I.P. Eddie 🤘🤘

  7. The world lost a great one today. Rest In Peace Ed, many condolences to his family and friends worldwide. Thankyou for letting us hear your gift. 🤘🏻

  8. I DJed a photo shoot in LA with Van Halen when they were getting the band back together. Much respect and rest in power to Eddie.

  9. Damn. Eddie was a huge part of my childhood. At the very least, he’s no longer suffering. Rest easily, love.😞

  10. One of the reasons I play guitar is Eddie. A friend nicknamed me Eddie. Sorry to see you go Eddie! R.I.P. Shred the dead bro!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.