There is only one way to rock. I am very sad to see him go. Saw them live many times - true rock heroes. I am also very sad that he never really got back together with Sammy Hagar.
RIP Eddie, easily a Top 10 guitarist/innovator of all-time. Also rank #10 all-time on my list of bands.
In 1984, when the original VH broke up (DLR left the band), I was graduating 8th grade/middle school & was floored by the break up...it took 25+ yrs to see the original lineup, which I did, 2x & I'm so grateful for the memories.
I was two years old when I heard Eddie's solo on "Beat It," when Thriller came out. Can remember it like it was yesterday. I turned to the record player and said, "what was THAT?!?!" He's the reason I picked up a guitar in the first place. Absolutely shocked and devastated over this.
RIP Eddie Van Halen. Not any personal favourite in guitar department but that is just my personal opinion and tells more about my ancient taste and unability to follow the evolution of guitar rock idiom. But not so stupid I am not that I don't recognize a genius when I see it (like in the case of Paul McCartney that I for some odd idiosyncratic reasons can't stand...). And that was Eddie was. One cannot underestimate his influence. Yeah, up there with Hendrix.