After news of the passing of Eddie Van Halen began to ripple through the music industry, a number of friends, fans and former colleagues began sharing memories of the famous guitarist.
Most notably, both of Van Halen’s tenured frontmen shared brief, yet powerful messages in EVH’s honor.
“What a Long Great Trip It’s Been,” David Lee Roth wrote, posting a photo of himself and EVH backstage on one of Van Halen’s more recent tours.
“Heartbroken and speechless. My love to the family,” Sammy Hagar added, alongside an arm-in-arm photo with his late bandmate. (Roth served the band from 1974–1985 as well as a brief stint in 1996 and their current era from 2007 to present; Hagar, on the other hand, ushered in the “Van Hagar” era of the group from 1985 to 1996, as well as a 2003 to 2005 reunion run.)
Fellow rock gods Metallica also shared their condolences for Van Halen’s loss, remembering their time in the late-80s when they shared time on tour.
“We are enormously saddened to hear about the untimely passing of Eddie Van Halen,” read an official statement. “We considered him an inspiration, an idol, and after spending a summer together on the road in ’88, a friend.”
Added rocker Joan Jett, “Eddie was a pioneer, a genius and a friend. Today, the world has lost a legend, and a true original. Sending love to his family and friends.”
Speaking from the perspective on jam scene, Warren Haynes acknowledged EVH’s prowess and significance in the rock pantheon, writing, “I never knew Eddie- never had the opportunity to meet him- but as someone who has studied music since I first got the ‘bug’ as a kid I am compelled to say that the loss of Eddie Van Halen today is monumental!”
Phish’s Trey Anastasio added, “How can I even write about Eddie Van Halen? He towered above all guitar players when I was young, and he still does… The elegance in his playing boggles my mind and fills my heart every time I hear it. He was pure flow and joy. Thank you so much for your gifts Eddie.”
In perhaps the most poignant remembrance, Lenny Kravitz noted, concisely and accurately, “Heaven will be electric tonight.”
Read memorials by David Lee Roth, Sammy Hgar, Metallica and more below:
14 Comments comments associated with this post
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October 3, 2021 at 12:25 pm[…] Read Relix’s article on David Lee Roth here. […]
Arum Bar
October 12, 2020 at 7:51 amI´m Orlando Deben from Caracas, Venezuela and I remembered when Van Halen came to Venezuela, Caracas, I couldn’t believe it, but it was like that and I grew up with the music of van halen and I remembered that I did my physical exercises with the music of van halen because they transmitted me strength and concentration, thanks Eddie, Alex, Antony , Dave, Sammy and all Musicans of the Van Halen Band .I appreciate and value his art and long live rock.
MIKE SOUTH
October 9, 2020 at 10:32 amEDDIE VAN HALEN WILL ALWAYS BE A INSPIRATION , A TRUE IDOL . EVERY YOUNG TEEN WANTING TO PLAY AND BE JUST LIKE HIM . PRAYERS TO HIS FAMILY .
Harry Dee
October 8, 2020 at 11:31 amEddie, virtuoso, playing effortlessly, with joyful abandon.
Guitar Hero early days MTV.
R.I.P.
Badlands Babe
October 8, 2020 at 2:10 amIt’s obvious from the rudeness posted here that most people never learn to practice gratitude and spend a considerable part of their lives complaining about anyone and anything. Instead of appreciating the beautiful sides of life, they are continually searching for the negative.
God Bless you Ed.
You leave behind an unforgettable legacy of love.
Thank you for ALL the years of magic.
Much love to the family at this very difficult time.
God speed.
❤
EMILY RATAJKOWSKI
October 7, 2020 at 8:00 pmYes, I am younger. And I swear to God and Satan that when I wrote the first comment, didn’t see his name and post above – just assumed he’d be along with something – seems to be his role lately…
me
October 8, 2020 at 11:11 amI get it… and hope I didn’t piss you off like I did the other two… just sharing my perspective. Have a great day!
yep
October 7, 2020 at 4:11 pmgosh people are feisty, no? everybody’s right, warren has gotten long-winded in his older age and/or Stephanie is writing the posts. Either way, the post did seem desperate. it’s all good everybody’s a human , and therefore…ridiculous -peace
Every Jamband
October 7, 2020 at 2:20 pmSHUT UP ME……WISH IT WAS YOU WHO PASSED.
Enough of Me
October 7, 2020 at 2:25 pmCan I second that emotion??? I mean, please do us all a favor and can your opinions for once.
me
October 8, 2020 at 11:09 amHey… I got an idea for both of you… go fuck yourselves. I’ll say what the fuck I want and if you don’t like it, too fucking bad…
Emily Ratajkowski
October 7, 2020 at 12:29 pmCueing Warren Haynes, Warren Haynes, time for your long winded penned thoughts when anyone of musical note passes…
me
October 7, 2020 at 2:05 pmEmily, I’m not sure how old you are (though I’d guess young)… and I completely understand your point but you will one day get old (if you’re lucky) and when you do, among others, two things will set in… reflection and recognition of mortality. I’m sure both play a role in Warren’s penned thoughts. It is what it is, you can choose to acknowledge it, maybe even appreciate it a bit, or not. Warren is 60, Eddie was 5 years older (and I’m 55), reflection requires words and none of us were raised on 280 character limits… peace!
LetsGoCaps
October 13, 2020 at 2:24 pmEmily, are you taking issue with what he wrote, or that he took the time to pay his respects? Either way, how can you find fault with someone writing kind words about another on the day of their passing?