Guitarist Eddie Van Halen dies, aged 65

Thursday, October 8, 2020

Edward Lodewijk "Eddie" Van Halen, lead guitarist of US rock band Van Halen, died Tuesday at age 65 following an extended battle with throat cancer. His death was confirmed by his son, Wolfgang Van Halen.

Van Halen was a native of the Netherlands, eventually relocating to Pasadena, California.

Numerous iconic rock musicians such as Billy Idol and Yusuf/Cat Stevens paid tribute to the guitarist following the announcement of his death.

Eddie Van Halen was known for his heavy use of two-handed tapping and complex harmonics in his guitar playing, and has been widely regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists. The guitarist formed Van Halen with his brother Alex Van Halen in 1972. The band's 1978 self-titled debut album peaked at #19 on the Billboard charts and was certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), having sold over 10 million copies. The band eventually rose to become one of the best-selling musical artists to date. In 2007 they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The guitarist is perhaps best-known for his guitar solo Eruption, the second track on the group's debut album. Mike McCready of Pearl Jam likened his first time hearing the solo to first hearing classical composer Mozart. In an interview with Rolling Stone, McCready commented, "he gets sounds that aren't necessarily guitar sounds — a lot of harmonics, textures that happen just because of how he picks."

Van Halen had been previously diagnosed with tongue cancer as early as 2000. He was known for his reclusive personality.

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Sources

Jim Farber. "Eddie Van Halen, Virtuoso of the Rock Guitar, Dies at 65" — The New York Times, October 7, 2020
Stephen Thompson. "Eddie Van Halen, Guitar Hero, Dies At 65" — NPR, October 6, 2020
Andy Greene. "Eddie Van Halen, Hall of Famer Who Revolutionized the Guitar, Dead at 65" — Rolling Stone, October 6, 2020
Clémence Michallon. "Eddie Van Halen death: Revered guitarist dies aged 65" — The Independent, October 6, 2020
Clémence Michallon. "Eddie Van Halen death: Lenny Kravitz, Billy Idol and more share tributes to iconic musician" — The Independent, October 6, 2020

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