Fans of Eddie Van Halen are still reeling from news of his death.
Those mourning the iconic guitarist are those who are also big names in the rock world.
Van Halen, the founder of the band with the same name, died this week of cancer. He was 65, The Associated Press reported.
— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) October 6, 2020
Former wife, Valerie Bertinelli, said that Van Halen changed her life when they met.
— Valerie Bertinelli (@Wolfiesmom) October 6, 2020
Ozzy Osbourne spoke with Rolling Stone after news of Van Halen’s death broke.
The Black Sabbath frontman remembered touring with Van Halen.
Van Halen opened for Black Sabbath in 1978.
Osbourne called the guitarist “the master” when it came to the signature technique of finger tapping.
“Once you’ve seen the master do it, everyone else comes second. Anybody after Eddie Van Halen was in second, as far as I’m concerned,” Osbourne told Rolling Stone.
Osbourne said Van Halen made playing guitar look easy.
“Everybody else was trying to be Eddie Van Halen, but there is only one Eddie Van Halen. I thought he was brilliant. God only knows, what you have to do to get that good,” Osbourne told Rolling Stone.
Other members of Black Sabbath used social media to honor Van Halen.
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 right to the very end. Eddie was one of a very special kind of person, a really great friend. Rest In Peace my dear friend till we meet again. pic.twitter.com/Qs8tsLPANJ
— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) October 6, 2020
Just when I thought 2020 couldn't get any worse, I hear Eddie Van Halen has passed. So shocking- One of the nicest, down to Earth men I have ever met and toured with. A true gent and true genius. RIP. So sad.Thoughts go out to his brother Alex, and his family. pic.twitter.com/fwIw040YMX
— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) October 6, 2020
Van Halen’s death has also affected Fall Out Boy guitarist, Joe Trohman, who called Van Halen a hero.
In a column for Variety, Trohman said:
“Not to be hyperbolic, but losing Eddie Van Halen feels akin to that of losing my own mother, just a mere six years ago. My mom’s influence on me, like Eddie’s, is ever-present. I don’t know if I would’ve played guitar or started Fall Out Boy without either of them. My mom’s support, and Eddie’s influence, partially drove me to where I am today — and I am eternally grateful for that.”
Former frontman for Van Halen, Sammy Hagar, said he was heartbroken.
Heartbroken and speechless. My love to the family. pic.twitter.com/MQMueMF2XO
— Sammy Hagar (@sammyhagar) October 6, 2020
While the band’s original frontman, David Lee Roth, said, “What a Long Great Trip It’s Been.”
What a Long Great Trip It’s Been.. pic.twitter.com/M5pmkVi7hW
— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) October 7, 2020
Kiss frontman, Gene Simmons, called the guitarist “a genuinely beautiful soul.”
My heart is broken. Eddie was not only a Guitar God, but a genuinely beautiful soul. Rest in peace, Eddie! ...Eddie Van Halen Dead at 65 from Cancer https://t.co/gITtcndQVv
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) October 6, 2020
Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx called him “Mozart of rock guitar" in a tweet.
Other rock icons paid tribute via social media.
Legendary guitar and musical innovator Edward Van Halen. 1955-2020. Heaven will be electric tonight. pic.twitter.com/hdLd7atI74
— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) October 6, 2020
Oh man, bless his beautiful creative heart. I love you Eddie Van Halen, an LA boy, a true rocker. I hope you jam with Jimi tonight. Break through to the other side my brother. ❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/XpcTlPJq9A
— Flea (@flea333) October 6, 2020
We are enormously saddened to hear about the untimely passing of Eddie Van Halen. We considered him an inspiration, an idol, and after spending a summer together on the road in '88, a friend. Sending love to Alex, @wolfvanhalen & everyone in the greater VH family.
— Metallica (@Metallica) October 6, 2020
📸 @RossHalfin pic.twitter.com/wZ9ZKNmK0q
Just heard the news of Eddie Van Halen’s passing ..... this hit me hard. There are lots of great guitar players in the...
Posted by Keith Urban on Tuesday, October 6, 2020
The world lost an icon, innovator, showman, virtuoso, master songwriter and perhaps one of the biggest inspirations ever to learn how to play guitar. Heartbroken to hear of Eddie Van Halen’s passing. Our love, condolences and best wishes to his his family, friends and fans. #RIP pic.twitter.com/pGhPUXRzyb
— Nickelback (@Nickelback) October 6, 2020
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