On October 6, 2020, Eddie Van Halen died of throat cancer at age 65. As the engine behind the namesake band, Van Halen, Eddie was the guitar world’s biggest hero for almost half a century. He was a spirited innovator who revolutionized the way guitar was played, the way guitars, amps, and effects were designed, and the way rock bands dressed and behaved. From Van Halen’s debut album, Van Halen, to the band’s final studio release, A Different Kind of Truth, Eddie continually reinvented the wheel. He came up with dazzling new playing techniques, innovated gear, and influenced every guitar player to follow. The top acts from Pop, Rock, Metal and even Country were inspired by his forward thinking approach to everything he touched. As a guitarist, songwriter, and producer, Eddie’s music reflected an open mindedness and willingness to take risks. Eddie Van Halen never backed down, and that's what made him a legend.
WHY WE LOVE EDDIE VAN HALEN
THE BEGINNING
THE PLAYERS WHO INFLUENCED EDDIE
BECOMING VAN HALEN
THE FIRST ALBUMS • Released in consecutive years starting in 1978, each of Van Halen’s first five albums peaked inside Billboard’s Top 20.
THE INNOVATOR
THE PLAYERS EDDIE INFLUENCED
TAMING THE BEAST
FATHER AND SON
1984
THE STORY OF “BEAT IT”
FRANKENSTRAT
EDDIE’S AWESOME PATENT
RISE AND FALL
THE FINAL STUDIO ALBUMS • Each of Van Halen’s four albums with Sammy Hagar reached Number 1.
THE GREATEST GUITAR PLAYER. EVER.
EDDIE VAN HALEN’S FIVE ESSENTIAL SOLOS
Eddie Van Halen
PHOTO CREDITS
