Rock icon, and bona fide legend of music, Eddie Van Halen, has died aged just 65. After a lengthy battle with cancer, Van Halen passed away in California, with his wife, Janie, brother, Alex and son, Wolfgang at his bedside. The devastating announcement first came to social media by Wolfgang Van Halen, in a heartbreaking and touching tribute, describing Eddie as “the best father I could ever ask for.”

Celebrity tributes have poured in since, as has an overwhelming outpouring of grief and love from fans. Many musicians cite Van Halen as an inspiration for their own work, describing him as a rule-breaker, trendsetter, and above all else, a genuinely talented musician who loved what he did and was an all-around wonderful human being.

Eddie’s start in music came as a child with, as is a surprise to many, the drums. His brother Alex Van Halen originally started on the guitar. Feeling the instruments just were not the right fit, their pair switched, and the way was paved for musical history to be set in motion. The brothers formed Van Halen way back in 1972, landing a recording contract in 1977. Legions of fans, multiple sold out tours and six studio albums later, controversy was sparked when then-front man David Lee Roth left the group in 1985. 

Many worried that the band would fail. But enter Sammy Hagar as replacement lead vocalist and Van Halen would see their success continue to soar with a further four studio albums and their first live release in 1993. Hagar left the group in 1996, which commenced many tongue in cheek jokes at the band’s expense centring on their multiple changes in lead singers. This was only further exacerbated by Hagar’s replacement, Gary Cherone, only remaining in the group for just shy of two years before also departing.

Van Halen remained undeterred and continued making music. Their most recent line-up consisted of brothers Alex and Eddie, Eddie’s son Wolfgang on bass and original front man David Lee Roth. Their make-up may have changed over the years, but the mainstay was the incredible music, fuelled by Eddie’s flawless and driven skills on guitar.

Van Halen has touched so many musical genres, far beyond the hard rock which was their wheelhouse. Many forget that epic guitar solo we hear on Michael Jackson’s 1982 smash hit “Beat It,” was Eddie Van Halen. This can be attributed to the fact that the almost notoriously down to earth guitarist made the contribution for a case of beer, forgoing any credit or royalties for his efforts. But that Eddie. A guy who loved making music and wasn’t in it for the money, fame or glory. He was a man who did what he did, because he genuinely adored having a guitar in his hands and making it soar.

The world of music will never be the same after his loss. But his bravery, willingness to take chances, and passion for his craft contributed to some unforgettable tracks; “Jump,” “Panama,” “Dreams,” “Finish What Ya Started,” “Ain’t Talkin Bout Love,” and “Right Now,” to name just a few. And his inspiration to other artists will further cement his legacy as a true musical legend. 

Author: Harley Houghton

Harley Houghton is a writer and blogger, based in Melbourne, Australia. Her passions include music, especially metal, gaming and comics. Check out her blog www.harleysmadhouse.com and follow her on Twitter.