LAST UPDATED: October 7th, 11:18 AM.
Yesterday, the 6th, the world was shocked by the news of the loss of the legendary Eddie Van Halen , and tributes from great artists to the icon will continue to pour in for the rest of time. From Ozzy Osbourne to Angus Young , check out the emotional posts and remembrances below.
And Wikimetal wants to know: do you have any message, text, drawing, or any form of tribute to Eddie? Comment on our Instagram post or send it to us at [email protected ]
David Lee Roth:
"What a long, great trip it has been..."
Brian May:
“Completely devastated to hear the sad news. This wonderful man was far too young to be taken. What a talent – and what a legacy – probably the most original and dazzling guitarist in rock history. I think of him as a boy – an innocent prodigy – always full of joy, always unassuming – and those truly magical fingers opened the door to a new way of playing. I cherish the moments we shared. His passing leaves a huge void in my heart. Rest in peace Ed Van Halen. Bri”
Bryan Adams
“See you later #eddievanhalen Rest in peace”
Bill Ward
: “Our deepest condolences to the Van Halen family, fellow musicians, and fans. Respectfully, Edward Van Halen, a phenomenal, innovative musician, who, playing guitar, unparalleled, for the last five decades, continues to lead with musical optimism. Giving endless possibilities for other guitarists and guitar learners to study, study, perhaps in reverence from time to time, and learn from it. Euphoria, being impressed, being sonically engaged with, being seduced by, being uplifted, all these emotions when listening, his musical presence on Earth will resonate eternally. Thank you, Ed. Rest in Peace. Bill Ward and family.” Click here to see the post.
Patti Smith:
“That’s Eddie Van Halen, howling at the stars, combing the stratosphere, howling at the children, the fields burning, then free, flying with two hands, straight to the celestial kingdom where all the music is.” Click here to see the post.
Tony Iommi:
“I’m just devastated to hear the news of the passing of my dear friend Eddie Van Halen. He fought a long and hard battle with his cancer until the very end. Eddie was a special kind of person, a great true friend. Rest in peace my dear friend until we meet again.”
Metallica:
"We are incredibly saddened to hear about the untimely passing of Eddie Van Halen. We considered him an inspiration, an idol, and after spending the summer together on the road in '88, a friend. Sending love to Alex, Wolf & and everyone in the amazing VH family."
Ozzy Osbourne:
“Eddie Van Halen was one of the nicest guys I’ve ever worked with and we shared so many laughs together. His influence on music and especially on the guitar has been immeasurable. He was an absolute legend. Eddie, I’ll see you on the other side, my friend. With love, Ozzy.”
Nikki Sixx:
"Devastated. Fucking devastated. Rest in peace Eddie Van Halen. You changed our world. You were the Mozart of rock guitar. Travel safely, rockstar."
Evanescence:
“Eddie Van Halen was an inspiration and a legend in the world of rock and beyond. A true innovator. We are heartbroken to hear of his passing. His music will live on forever!”
Kirk Hammett:
“Eddie gave so much of himself to us. His music will live on forever. Thank you, Eddie, with much love and respect. May you find much rest in your peace.” Click here to see the post.
Sebastian Bach
: “Eddie Van Halen and Neil Peart were just too good for 2020. We all are… my heart is broken.”
Geezer Butler:
“Just when I thought 2020 couldn’t get any worse, I heard that Eddie Van Halen had passed away. So shocking – one of the nicest, most genuine men I’ve ever met and toured with. A true gentleman and a true genius. Rest in peace. So sad. Thoughts are with his brother Alex and his family.”
Paul Stanley
: “Oh NO! Speechless. A pioneer and someone who always gave his all in his music. A good soul. I remember the first time I saw him playing at the Starwood in 1976 and he WAS Eddie Van Halen. So shocked and sad. My condolences to Wolfie and the family.”
Mike McCready (Pearl Jam)
: “I can’t believe Eddie Van Halen is dead. I saw them on the VH2, Women and Children First, Fair Warning, and Drive Down tours. Also when they got back together with Dave. I started playing guitar about a year after the first album came out. It sounded like Eddie was from another planet, and Van Halen’s energy was undeniable. Incredible songs, too. 'Romeo Delight,' 'On Fire,' 'Unchained,' 'Mean Street,' 'DOA,' 'Light Up the Sky,' 'Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love,' 'Eruption,' 'Atomic Punk,' 'Everybody Wants Some,' and I could go on forever… Tim DiJulio and I used to skip class and stand in line all day for Van Halen back in the day. Eddie was like the Mozart of the guitar. He changed everything, and he played with his soul. Rest in peace, EVH.”
John Fogerty:
"So saddened to hear about the passing of Eddie Van Halen. I was in awe and utterly enchanted by Eddie's immense talent and incredible guitar skills. One of the greatest rock artists of all time and I will miss him."
Weezer:
"We are saddened to hear of Eddie Van Halen's untimely passing today. In light of today's news, we want to dedicate our album Van Weezer to Eddie as a thank you for all the incredible music that soundtracked our youth and inspired the album. Rest in peace, EVH."
Tom Morello:
"The pinnacle of talent. An unparalleled titan in the history of rock and roll. One of the greatest musicians in the history of mankind. Rest in peace, King Edward."
Aerosmith:
"Rest in peace Eddie Van Halen. You will be missed! #Legend"
Flea:
“Oh man, bless his beautiful and creative heart. I love you Eddie Van Halen, a boy from Los Angeles, a true rocker. I hope you play with Jimi tonight. Come on, tear it up all the way to the other side, my brother.”
Duff McKagan
Sammy Hagar:
"Heartbroken and speechless. My love to the family."
Angus Young:
“Eddie was a guitar magician, his playing was pure sorcery. To the music world he was a special gift. To those of us lucky enough to know him, a very special person. He leaves a great void in many hearts. My deepest sympathies to the Van Halen family.”
