On Tuesday, October 6, guitar legend Eddie Van Halen passed away. His son, Wolf, confirmed the musician’s passing. Since then, reactions came from family members, fans, and peers in the industry. In life, Van Halen solidified a legacy as a skillful musician who left an impression on countless people. All over online, celebrities share their reactions to Van Halen passing.
Van Halen died from throat cancer. His battle follows struggles with tongue cancer years ago. After surgery, the situation appeared over. However, cancer also spread to his esophagus. His death on Tuesday comes at the age of 65.
Fans in the industry react to Eddie Van Halen’s death
When news of Eddie Van Halen’s death broke, many musicians shared their reactions. Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe tweeted, “Crushed. So f*cking crushed. RIP Eddie Van Halen. You changed our world. You were the Mozart of rock guitar. Travel safe rockstar.”
Crushed. So fucking crushed. RIP Eddie Van Halen. You changed our world. You were the Mozart of rock guitar. Travel safe rockstar.
— 📷 (@NikkiSixx) October 6, 2020
Van Halen is often attributed with developing tapping. Fellow Mötley Crüe member Tommy Lee posted, “RIP to my friend and man who changed guitar playing forever …F*CK!!! no words.”
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RELATED: Remembering the Life and Music of Eddie Van Halen, 1955 to 2020
His time collaborating with other musicians allowed them to meet not just a peer, but also a friend. Ozzy Osbourne wrote, “Eddie was one of the nicest guys I ever worked with and we shared so many laughs together. His influence on music and especially the guitar has been immeasurable. He was an absolute legend. Eddie, I’ll see you on the other side, my friend. Love, Ozzy.”
. @EddieVanHalen was one of the nicest guys I ever worked with and we shared so many laughs together. His influence on music and especially the guitar has been immeasurable. He was an absolute legend. Eddie, I’ll see you on the other side, my friend. Love, Ozzy.
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) October 6, 2020
Other icons took time to acknowledge his lasting contributions and powerful soul. “Oh NO! Speechless. A trailblazer and someone who always gave everything to his music. A good soul. I remember first seeing him playing at the Starwood in 1976 and he WAS Eddie Van Halen. So shocked and sad. My condolences to Wolfie and the family,” he wrote.
Oh NO! Speechless. A trailblazer and someone who always gave everything to his music. A good soul. I remember first seeing him playing at the Starwood in 1976 and he WAS Eddie Van Halen. So shocked and sad. My condolences to Wolfie and the family. https://t.co/ExAWzFAEYJ
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) October 6, 2020
Nickelback summed it up with their tweet, “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.”
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
Aerosmith and Lenny Kravitz, both icons in their own rights, paid tribute to one who helped influence the music scene so much. Aerosmith’s page hopes he may rest in peace and noted he will “be missed.”
Rest In Peace @eddievanhalen You will be missed! #Legend pic.twitter.com/A2dpG41dbS
— Aerosmith (@Aerosmith) October 6, 2020
Kravitz later elaborated on October 6, the day of Van Halen’s passing. He tweeted, “Legendary guitar and musical innovator Edward Van Halen. 1955-2020. Heaven will be electric tonight.”
Family and colleagues share their grief
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!
— Gary Cherone (@garycherone) October 6, 2020
Some of the most moving reactions come from those who knew Van Halen personally, as family or through consistent work together. News first broke through a post by Wolfgang Van Halen, lovingly called Wolfie by his family, including his late father. Next, Valerie Bertinelli, Van Halen’s ex-wife, Valerie Bertinelli, shared Wolfgang’s post and added heartbroken symbols.
💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔
— valerie bertinelli (@Wolfiesmom) October 6, 2020
Singer Sammy Hagar, former Van Halen member, also shared his reaction to the sad news. He wrote, “Heartbroken and speechless. My love to the family.” His tweet includes a photo of the two former bandmates.
Heartbroken and speechless. My love to the family. pic.twitter.com/MQMueMF2XO
— Sammy Hagar (@sammyhagar) October 6, 2020
Celebrities everywhere have shared their reaction to the somber news. Many new him directly or witnessed the power behind his impact on the industry. Above all, he was a legendary musician and person. What is your favorite piece that had his creative hand involved?