INGLEWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 08: Musician Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen performs at their dress rehearsal for family and friends at the Forum on February 8, 2012 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
The music community was rocked by the death of EDDIE VAN HALEN. Tributes poured in from musicians all over the world:
Sammy Hagar: "Heartbroken and speechless. My love to the family."
Gary Cherone: Whether you were blessed to have known him or not, He was a kind and gentle soul... His impact on ALL our lives was immeasurable! His music, eternal! My deepest sympathies to the Van Halen family... Love you Ed #LongLiveTheKing
Gene Simmons: "My heart is broken. Eddie was not only a Guitar God, but a genuinely beautiful soul. Rest in peace, Eddie!" (Gene was an early booster of Van Halen, and even helped them record a demo before they got signed.)
Jimmy Page: He pioneered a dazzling technique on guitar with taste and panache that I felt always placed him above his imitators,”
Nikki Sixx: "So [effing] crushed. RIP Eddie Van Halen. You changed our world. You were the Mozart of rock guitar."
Lenny Kravitz: "Heaven will be electric tonight."
Flea: "Oh man, bless his beautiful creative heart. I love you Eddie Van Halen, an LA boy, a true rocker."
Vince Neil: "I just found out that my guitar hero Eddie had passed away. I have fond memories of the tours we did together! He's up there shredding!!!! RIP my friend."
Black Sabbath guitarist and cancer survivor Tony Iommi: "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."
Brian Wilson: "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."
Metallica: "We considered him an inspiration, an idol, and after spending a summer together on the road in '88, a friend."
Billy Corgan: "Blessed to have known him just a little . . . sparks flew when he played."
Alice Cooper: "Feeling lost today . . ."
Patton Oswalt: "You just don't let up, do you 2020?"
Nickelback: "The world lost an icon, innovator, showman, virtuoso, master songwriter and perhaps one of the biggest inspirations ever to learn how to play guitar."
Tom Morello: "One of the greatest, most inventive, truly visionary musicians of all time. An unparalleled titan in the annals of rock n roll. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for every spectacular note."
Brian May: "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. "
John Fogerty: “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.”
Nancy Wilson: "RIP Dear Eddie. You were in a long struggle. I will always cherish our friendship and that twinkle in your child like eye."
Tim McGraw: I can't even begin to describe the times in my life where Van Halen music was the soundtrack!!!! High school College spring breaks (will not share those stories...) Just great rock music that became a touchstone for the times we grew up in....
Thank you to Mike and Carla listeners MELLO MAC (first 2) and MAXI SPISAK (last) for sharing their personal photos.
