Eddie Van Halen, the iconic guitarist and co-founder of the legendary rock band Van Halen, passed away on October 6, 2020, at the age of 65 after a long battle with cancer.
Eddie, originally from Amsterdam and brought up in California, gained prominence with his brother Alex, the drummer, as they became the core of Van Halen. Their distinctive mix of hard rock, heavy metal, and pop elements propelled the band to extraordinary heights, achieving sales of more than 80 million albums globally.
Known for his innovative guitar-playing techniques and energetic stage performances, Eddie Van Halen greatly influenced a generation of musicians and left an indelible mark on the world of music.
Despite his remarkable talent and success, he encountered significant personal obstacles; he battled numerous health problems, including a prior instance of tongue cancer in the early 2000s, and eventually lost his life to throat cancer. Eddie Van Halen’s music and legacy remain a source of inspiration and influence for musicians worldwide.
Key Takeaways on What Happened to Eddie Van Halen?
Eddie Van Halen co-founded the legendary rock band Van Halen and achieved massive success with over 80 million albums sold
Known for his innovative guitar techniques, Eddie’s music influenced a generation of musicians
Eddie faced numerous health challenges throughout his life and ultimately passed away at 65 due to throat cancer
Edward Lodewijk Van Halen was born in Amsterdam on January 26, 1955, to Jan Van Halen, a Dutch jazz pianist, clarinettist, and saxophonist, and his Indonesian-born wife, Eugenia. The family eventually settled in Nijmegen, Netherlands, before moving to Pasadena, California, in the United States.
As a child, Eddie was introduced to music by his father, Jan, who was passionate about piano, clarinet, and saxophone. The Van Halen brothers, Eddie and his older brother Alex, began their journey in the world of music under the tutelage of their father. They both started playing classical piano, with Eddie later transitioning to guitar and Alex mastering the drums.
In the early days, Eddie worked as a janitor to support their musical aspirations, while simultaneously honing his skills as a guitarist. Through the years, he developed his unique, virtuosic guitar-playing style, which was characterized by speed and the fusion of blues-based rock and classical influences.
The Van Halen brothers formed a band called Mammoth, which eventually transformed into the renowned heavy metal band, Van Halen, with Eddie as the primary songwriter. Eddie’s prowess as a guitarist and his innovative playing techniques played an essential role in establishing the band’s legacy in the world of rock music.
In 1972, Eddie Van Halen and his brother Alex formed the band Mammoth, which later changed its name to Van Halen in 1974 after David Lee Roth joined as the lead singer. The band quickly became a staple of the Los Angeles music scene, playing at well-known clubs like the Whisky a Go Go.
Van Halen’s self-titled debut album was released in 1978, featuring the iconic guitar instrumental “Eruption” and showcasing Eddie’s guitar skills, earning him the title of a “guitar god.” The band’s success continued with subsequent albums and hit singles like “Jump,” “Panama,” and “Hot for Teacher.”
In 1984, the band released their sixth album, “1984,” which further solidified their status as a hard rock powerhouse. However, tensions between Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth led to the latter’s departure in 1985.
Replacing Roth as the lead singer was Sammy Hagar, and the new lineup released “5150” in 1986. The album was a success and marked the beginning of the “Van Hagar” era. With Hagar, the band explored a more melodic sound, releasing hits like “Why Can’t This Be Love” and “Right Now.”
In 1991, Van Halen released “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge,” which became another chart-topping success for the band. Michael Anthony, the band’s bassist, and Alex Van Halen, the drummer, contributed to the group’s dynamic and energetic performances throughout their career.
Van Halen’s musical prowess and impact on the hard rock genre ultimately led to their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. Their legacy as a rock band, with Eddie Van Halen as their legendary guitarist, continues to inspire and influence musicians worldwide.
Eddie Van Halen was a legendary guitarist known for his groundbreaking techniques and innovative approach to the electric guitar. His unique guitar style revolutionized rock music and inspired countless musicians.
Among his many accomplishments, Eddie was famous for his mastery of the two-handed tapping technique, which allowed him to play intricate melodies and lightning-fast solos.
Eddie’s innovative guitar sound can be heard in many classic Van Halen songs, as well as in his famous collaboration with Michael Jackson on the song “Beat It.” His work on that track showcased his virtuosic skills and brought the rock guitar solo back into the mainstream.
As a guitarist, Eddie was heavily influenced by other iconic players like Eric Clapton. He was also known for his distinct guitar tone, which he achieved through a combination of amplifiers and effects.
In addition to his skill as a guitarist, Eddie was also an accomplished bass player. His son, Wolfgang, has followed in his father’s footsteps as a talented musician, playing bass in the band Van Halen. The duo’s talent was evident in their tight and cohesive playing, making them a powerful force in the rock music scene.
Eddie’s impact on the world of guitar extended beyond his playing. He was an influential guitar designer, as evidenced by his famous “Frankenstrat” guitar. This custom instrument was a combination of various guitar parts, resulting in a unique and versatile sound that became synonymous with Eddie’s signature style. The Frankenstrat has since become a symbol of innovation in the guitar world.
Eddie Van Halen’s skills and contributions to rock music have been acknowledged by his peers and fans alike. He has consistently ranked at the top of lists of the greatest rock guitarists of all time, and his influence can still be heard in the riffs and solos of modern rock guitar players.
As a testament to his brilliance, Eddie was a featured cover artist for Guitar World Magazine numerous times throughout his career.
Eddie Van Halen’s signature guitar style changed the landscape of rock music and left an indelible mark on the world of electric guitar. His innovative techniques, powerful riffs, and unique guitar designs will forever be remembered as a testament to his incredible talent and passion for music.
Eddie Van Halen, born in Amsterdam in 1955, was the son of a Dutch jazz pianist and an Indo-Eurasian woman from Indonesia. He eventually moved to California and became a famous guitarist, founding the hard rock band Van Halen in the 1970s and 1980s.
Eddie met actress Valerie Bertinelli in 1980 and the couple married in 1981. They had one son together, Wolfgang Van Halen, born in 19912. Wolfgang followed in his father’s footsteps and became a musician, eventually joining Van Halen as the bassist in 2006.
In 2007, Eddie and Valerie separated and finalized their divorce in 2008. Eddie later married Janie Liszewski, his publicist, and former stuntwoman, in 2009. The couple remained together until Eddie’s death in 2020.
Eddie Van Halen had faced a long battle with throat cancer before passing away in October 2020 at the age of 65. His son, Wolfgang, announced the sad news on social media, expressing his love and gratitude for the moments they had shared together.
During Eddie’s life, he had enjoyed remarkable success in the world of metal music. He was featured on the cover of various magazines and earned accolades such as being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. His innovative guitar playing style left an indelible mark on the music industry, inspiring generations of musicians and fans alike.
Eddie Van Halen, the legendary guitarist, faced numerous health challenges throughout his life. He was initially diagnosed with tongue cancer in the early 2000s, which was treated successfully. However, the disease eventually moved to his throat, leading to a long battle with throat cancer. He succumbed to the illness at the age of 65 in October 2020.
Van Halen’s health issues extended beyond cancer. He struggled with drug and alcohol abuse for many years, which affected his overall well-being. Additionally, he underwent hip-replacement surgery in 1999, adding to the list of physical ailments he endured.
Furthermore, Eddie Van Halen was a long-time smoker, a habit that likely contributed to his development of throat cancer and other health problems. He also speculated that his cancer could have been caused by holding metal guitar picks in his mouth.
His ex-wife, Valerie Bertinelli, revealed that he also suffered from lung cancer, pneumonia, and myelodysplastic syndrome, which played roles in his untimely death.
Despite his health challenges, Eddie Van Halen left an indelible mark on the world of rock music. His innovative guitar playing and unique solos left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire musicians today. Even during his most trying times, he remained dedicated to his craft and contributed to the evolution of the music industry.
Eddie Van Halen’s battle with numerous health issues, including tongue and throat cancer, drug and alcohol abuse, and the consequences of a lifetime of smoking, ultimately led to his untimely death. His legacy, however, remains intact as he continues to serve as an inspiration for generations of musicians and fans alike.
Legacy and Influence of Eddie Van Halen
Eddie Van Halen, a guitar god, left an indelible mark on the world of rock music with his innovative and virtuosic playing. His contributions to the genre went beyond the success of his eponymous band, Van Halen, influencing multiple generations of musicians and guitarists.
Van Halen’s signature guitar licks and solos revolutionized the world of rock in the late 1970s and 1980s, taking the electric guitar to new heights. His influence extended beyond rock, as he famously contributed to Michael Jackson’s hit song, “Thriller,” showcasing his versatility as a guitarist and songwriter.
Eddie and his brother, Alex Van Halen, formed the core of their band, with Eddie on guitar and Alex on drums. They achieved multi platinum success, due in large part to Eddie’s innovative playing techniques and memorable solos. One of their most iconic songs, “Eruption,” put Van Halen on the map and changed the way guitarists approached the instrument.
The impact of Eddie Van Halen’s playing can be seen in countless rock acts that followed, becoming a touchstone for modern rock musicians and guitarists. His influence has been acknowledged by numerous artists, including Lenny Kravitz, who cited him as a key inspiration.
His playing also attracted the attention of notable figures in the music industry, such as Gene Simmons from Kiss, who had a role in Van Halen’s early days.
Following his passing in October 2020, tributes poured in from fellow musicians, fans, and celebrities on Instagram and other social media platforms, highlighting the profound impact he had on the world of music.
His legacy as one of the most innovative and influential guitarists of all time is further solidified by his inclusion in Rolling Stone’s list of greatest guitarists.
Eddie Van Halen’s legendary playing techniques and the groundbreaking contributions he made to the sound of rock music will forever be remembered and appreciated by fans and musicians alike.
His influence on the world of guitar playing and the countless artists he inspired ensure that his legacy will continue to reverberate through the generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Eddie Van Halen die?
Eddie Van Halen passed away after a long battle with cancer. He was initially diagnosed with tongue cancer in 2000, which he blamed on holding metal guitar picks in his mouth.
Public awareness of his cancer diagnosis came to light in the fall of 2019 when he was hospitalized due to side effects from cancer treatments.
Who inherited Eddie Van Halen’s estate?
Information about who specifically inherited Eddie Van Halen’s estate is not readily available. However, it is likely that his close family members would be the primary beneficiaries.
Did Eddie Van Halen have children?
Yes, Eddie Van Halen had one child, a son named Wolfgang Van Halen, who was born in 1991. Wolfgang is also a musician and played as the bassist for Van Halen from 2006 until the band’s indefinite hiatus in 2015.
What was Eddie Van Halen’s official cause of death?
According to the LA Department of Public Health, Eddie Van Halen’s cause of death was a stroke.
Did Eddie Van Halen have a stroke before he died?
Yes, the official cause of Eddie Van Halen’s death was a stroke, which occurred at the end of his battle with cancer.
What is Eddie Van Halen’s net worth at the time of his death?
Eddie Van Halen’s net worth at the time of his death is not known with certainty. However, various sources estimate his net worth to have been around $100 million.
My name is Howard Matthews and I have been playing the guitar since I was knee-high. My parents like to joke that I was pulling the strings even before I was born. In fact, one of my earliest memories is sitting on the couch with my dad’s guitar, wreaking havoc on the chords.
Now, 40 years later, I can attest that I play them much better than I did back then. I have followed in the footsteps of both my parents – much to their delight – and have been the main guitarist in my band for the best part of three decades.
Music has always been my passion, and until recently my life has been so consumed with it that I haven’t had a moment to have a breath (and I wouldn’t have it any other way)!
