Groundbreaking guitarist Eddie Van Halen died earlier today from cancer. Nikki Sixx from Mötley Crüe called him the Mozart of rock guitar, which is pretty spot on. I’ve selected two videos to spotlight how enormously gifted he was. The first is his INSANE guitar solo in Eruption from a concert 35 years ago. The second is Jump which showcases not only his prowess with the guitar, but also the keyboard. To say he will be missed doesn’t even come close.
I’m not a rock star. Sure I am, to a certain extent because of the situation, but when kids ask me how it feels to be a rock star, I say leave me alone, I’m not a rock star. I’m not in it for the fame, I’m in it because I like to play.
By Hook Or By Book 
Such a sad story…his love of music and joy when performing made him iconic…I shared this story that includes videos for “Run-in’ With The Devil” and “Jump!” Two classic songs that showcase his brilliance: https://johnrieber.com/2020/10/06/rip-eddie-van-halen-the-legendary-guitarist-dies-two-iconic-van-halen-songs-to-pay-homage/
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Thanks for the link John. More horrible news for the music world.
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I see those two songs as representative of him at his most joyful..he loved music and his infectious enthusiasm made the band!
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May he Rest In Peace! His work on the first few Van Halen albums was mind blowing.
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Incredible, incredible musician!
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😭😭😭
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I know.😰
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This was the music of my youth. Eddie was one of the most talented guitar players I ever saw.
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Same here Pete. It was so obvious how much he loved what he was doing.
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I was shocked when I heard the news of his passing. I wasn’t a huge Van Halen fan (the band) but even I knew what an exceptional guitarist he was. Such a sad day for so many.
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More horrible news in the year from Hell Mae.
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I just woke up on this side of the ocean, and this was literally the first news I heard. Very sad indeed😢😢 Such a great artist, who will be sorely missed. Will this year’s misery ever end I wonder😔
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2020 just keeps on ticking.
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I never know whether or not to “like” these ones,lol
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I know what you mean.
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Music lost another star from my past…sad indeed chuq
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Sigh.😰
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and he is not alone in death…Johnny Nash has gone with him chuq
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I just heard that.
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My closing thought today is a small tribute. chuq
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A true rock god.
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Yes he was.
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I was never much of a fan, but I appreciated his talent, and it’s a sad loss at a relatively young age.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I was a huge fan Pete. Didn’t really care about frontmen Roth or Hagar, but Eddie and his guitar and keyboard I could watch and listen too all day.
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I love, love, love Van Halen. I grew up in Pasadena, and used to run into the Boys all the time. We all grew up going to their famous backyard parties. RIP Eddie! You are one of a kind.
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I was all about Van Halen, Bon Jovi, and Aerosmith growing up. Some great memories there.
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Not to mention GREAT music too!
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The world lost so many wonderful musicians this year. There are not a lot like Eddie Van Halen in the up and coming music world. Great tribute Kim.
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Thanks Carla.
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In a year filled with loss and grief, this might be one of the worst yet. Great post and that guitar solo for Eruption was NUTS! Wonderful tribute.
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He was so incredible and inspired so many other musicians.
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