2020 took one of the best guitarists of all time, Eddie Van Halen, that died at the age of 65 victim of throat cancer. He inspired millions of musicians around the world and will stay forever in our hearts. The sad news was shared in the social networks by his son Wolfgang. After that, millions of fans mourned his death, and many of them were Rockstars.
Rockstars react to Eddie Van Halen’s death:
Brian May (Queen)
“Completely gutted to hear the sad news. This wonderful man was way too young to be taken. What a talent – what a legacy – probably the most original and dazzling rock guitarist in History. I think of him as a boy – an innocent prodigy – always full of joy, always modest – and those truly magical fingers opened a door to a new kind of playing. I treasure the moments we shared. His passing leaves a giant hole in my heart. RIP Ed Van Halen.”
Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath)
“I’m just devastated to hear the awful 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, brilliant guitar player who was idolized by millions of fans and a lovely human being.”
“Maria & I send our deepest condolences to his wife Janie, his son Wolfgang and his brother Alex and family who have stood by him through all of this horrible illness and of course his fans. Rest In Peace my dear friend till we meet again.”
Angus Young (AC/DC)
“Eddie was a guitar wonder, his playing pure wizardry. To the world of music he was a special gift. To those of us fortunate enough to have met him, a very special person. He leaves a big hole in a lot of hearts. To the Van Halen family my heartfelt sympathies.”
Rob Halford (Judas Priest)
“God Bless EVH”
Aerosmith
“Rest In Peace Eddie Van Halen. You will be missed”.
Steven Tyler (Aerosmith)
“He changed the course of guitar whammy bar rock & rhyme… a game changer… and his melodic crazy was over the top… we’ll miss you eddie… Love from above.”
Zakk Wylde
“God bless edward van halen • 1955 – 2o2o •”
Def Leppard
“Very sad to hear about the passing of @eddievanhalen. You will be missed. #RIPEddieVanHalen”
“I saw Van Halen destroy Sabbath at the Sheffield City Hall in 1977 … Eddie was a big part of that, having essentially reinvented guitar playing just like Jimi Hendrix had done a generation earlier …. I had the pleasure of being on the same bill as Van Halen 7 years ago when Kings Of Chaos were on the same bill at the Stone Music Festival in Australia. I’m happy to say that his playing that night was as good as it’s ever been, he certainly shook things up when he came on the scene …. Rest In Peace Eddie” – Joe Elliott
“I distinctly remember the first moment I heard Eddie play. A good friend, also a guitarist, had just bought the first Van Halen album and came by my house and told me that I urgently needed to hear this. He wasn’t wrong; it was a moment that redefined everything that I thought was possible about playing the guitar. The goalposts had just been moved. I stayed up all that night trying to learn from Eddie. Many, many decades later, and I’m still learning from Eddie.” – Vivian Campbell
Brian Wilson (Beach Boys)
“I just heard about Eddie Van Halen and I feel terrible about it. Eddie was such a great guitarist and I remember how big Van Halen was, especially here in L.A. Love and Mercy to Eddie’s family & friends.”
Kiss
“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 – Gene Simmons“.
“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. – Paul Stanley“.
Scorpions
“It’s so sad to hear about the passing of one of the best Hard Rock Guitarists ever …. the iconic Eddie Van Halen. The US Festival … the Monsters of Rock .. we’ve shared the stage so many times with Van Halen back in the 80s … what a great loss for the World of Music … our Hearts and Prayers go out to Wolfgang , Alex and the Van Halen Family …. RIP Eddie. With Love”.
Metallica
“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, and everyone in the greater VH family.”
Kirk Hammett (Metallica)
“Eddie gave so much of himself to us. His music will live on forever. My heart goes out to Eddie’s family .Thank you Eddie , and with much love and respect .May you find much Rest In your Peace.”
Joe Walsh
“Eddie was a one of a kind guitarist and human being. He was a master at his craft, a peer I was in awe of and a friend I loved. I am deeply saddened by this news and Marjorie and I send his family our deepest condolences. The world will be dimmer – and quieter – without him.”
Bryan Adams
“So long Eddie, it was great to know ya. Once in awhile someone comes along and changes the musical universe, and of the millions of guitarists in the world, EVH was one of those few. Up there with the greatest guitarists of all time, like Hendrix. I wish you’d had more time, who knows what would have come next, but thanks for the good times, the great solos, the songs, and for being my friend. RIP”
Alice Cooper
“RIP Eddie Van Halen. Listen now to a special tribute + story about him from Alice. A true original!”.
Scott Ian (Anthrax)
“A few years ago at NAMM I told him, “I stopped playing an amp with my name on it to play one with yours!” Eddie laughed, “Same amps and same shirts!” He was always the coolest.”
John Fogerty (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
“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.”
David Ellefson (Megadeth)
“May you Rest In Peace @eddievanhalen ! You changed my life with your music, your band and your life’s journey. Condolences to your family….”
Andreas Kisser (Sepultura)
“The king is dead! Very sad! Thank you master, you will always be remembered. Respect!”
Sean Ono Lennon
“Articles keep referring to Eddie Van Halen as ‘guitarist’ and that word just doesn’t feel like it’s enough to me. Whether you liked his band or not he was at the very least a legend.”
RATT
“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.”
Kiko Loureiro (Megadeth)
“Legend, your legacy will live on! Thank you so much for your music.”
Charlie Benante (Anthrax)
“So much love for #evh can’t believe this fucking year @vanhalen I often said that He was the One that revolutionized guitar playing , after #evh most guitar players started to sound like him. He was so percussive and he made mistakes sound correct ( tho he never made one) Our hero’s are all leaving and I hate it!!! #ripevh big 💜 to the @vanhalen family”.
Glenn Hughes
“I’m at a loss for words . Eddie changed the game … a beautiful Soul and talented supreme Rest easy my friend …”