Musicians pay tribute to Eddie Van Halen

Legendary guitarist and co-founder of Van Halen, Eddie Van Halen passed away from cancer at the age of 65 on Tuesday, October 6. Van Halen is one of the most influential guitarists of all-time and his impact is immeasurable.

Many artists in the blues rock world have taken to social media to pay tribute.

Scott Holiday – Rival Sons

 

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Simply put, one of the most important and influential guitarists to ever live. He embodied the idea of a progressive and exciting musician – not only on recordings but especially as a live performer. The electric guitar just doesn’t get too much more exciting and fun than Ed. When I was a kid…probably about 7 years old…I swiped the VH 1 cassette from my aunties collection. I was just really discovering my own music at this age – so it was a magical and exciting time of discovery for me. Anyway, I heard her playing this tape with friends as they partied at our house..and couldn’t help myself – I had to give it a few more (thousand) listens. I didn’t even know what the actual cover looked like for years as I just found an old Air Supply cassette – chucked the tape and used the box, fashioning and drawing my own cover (which was an attempt at a pointy guitar much like Ed’s first Explorer style guitar). Listening to this album and hearing EVH effortlessly burn through all these songs ..it was nothing short of an epiphany for me. Literally like riding a roller coaster. Escapism at its finest. I probably listened to this record every day until I was 9! In an era of 100 unbelievable guitarists he was THE guitarist – and every single guitar player agrees…and we never agree on anything!.. but this – we do. So much more can be said – but I’m just gonna leave it there for now..and go throw on some Women and Children First. Eddie Van Halen…jeeze..what a contribution. Thank you very much for opening up the electric guitar and rock and roll as we now know it! Wow!!???❤️

A post shared by Scott Holiday (@mrfuzzlord) on Oct 6, 2020 at 2:06pm PDT

Joe Bonamassa

 

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This hurts to even have to write this but here it goes…. Words cannot describe how monumental the loss of Edward Van Halen is to both the music community and to me personally. Edward inspired generations of guitar players of all genres including a young blues guitar player named Joe Bonamassa. His playing was unrivaled in its ingenuity and its ferocity. He was a total gentleman the few times I was lucky enough to meet him. Rest In Peace to the greatest Rock Guitarist of all time. Everyone who has ever looked at an electric guitar is heartbroken today. We all owe him a debt of gratitude. ( This photo was taken by my dad at Third Encore Studios in North Hollywood in early 1991. )

A post shared by Joe Bonamassa (@joebonamassa) on Oct 6, 2020 at 1:37pm PDT

Kenny Wayne Shepherd

 

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Oh man. So sad to hear about my friend @eddievanhalen passing. He was so good to me over the years and was literally the Jimi Hendrix of my generation. His contribution to music cannot be measured. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Van Halen family as well as to everyone who was close to him. ??

A post shared by Kenny Wayne Shepherd (@kennywayneshepherd) on Oct 6, 2020 at 12:52pm PDT

Robert Randolph

 

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Slide Guitar tribute to @eddievanhalen R.I.P. Legend , Originator, King

A post shared by Robert Randolph (@rrtfb) on Oct 6, 2020 at 4:01pm PDT

Nalle Colt – Vintage Trouble

 

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A true legend and a big reason a lot of us picked up the guitar! R.I.P Eddie, the gods will be honored to have you.

A post shared by Nalle Colt (@nallecolt) on Oct 6, 2020 at 3:57pm PDT

Fantastic Negrito

 

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Huge loss in the music world today @eddievanhalen one on the all time great guitarists RIP. My Condolences to the Van Halen family

A post shared by Fantastic Negrito (@fantasticnegrito) on Oct 6, 2020 at 1:37pm PDT

Joanne Shaw Taylor

 

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What a player. One I doubt we’ll see the likes of again. Rest in peace Eddie. ❤️

A post shared by Joanne Shaw Taylor (@joanneshawtaylor) on Oct 6, 2020 at 1:29pm PDT

Duane Betts

 

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One of the true stylists and innovators of the electric guitar. We will be thinking of you tonight. Safe journey home Eddie.

A post shared by Duane Betts (@duanebetts) on Oct 6, 2020 at 3:01pm PDT

Eric Steckel

 

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The thing that’s really hitting me right now about the death of EVH is just how much innovation and musical creativity happened in the span of only a few decades. Guitar heroes like King Edward may never come around ever again. Players that completely change the WORLD with their unique sound, feel, touch, and technique. Think about it. That’s 1 in 100 Billion, if not more. Cherish those albums. Cherish those memories if you were fortunate enough to see him live. And let’s hope that future generations of kids buy a guitar because they want to be this man when they grow up. I certainly did, and still do every day.

A post shared by Eric Steckel (@ericsteckelofficial) on Oct 6, 2020 at 2:07pm PDT

Philip Sayce

 

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Fly on, Eddie Van Halen ❤️??⚡️✨ . . . #greatness #excellence #vanhalen #evh #eddievanhalen #peace #thankyou #inspiration #playon #heaven #loveofmusic #virtuoso #changetheworld #guitar #digdeeper . ? Paul Natkin

A post shared by Philip Sayce (@philipsayce) on Oct 6, 2020 at 1:26pm PDT

Jared James Nichols

 

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Rest in Power EVH ❤️⚡️ We will keep your spirt alive. I’m having a hard time holding back the tears. LOVE BEYOND FOREVER. #eddievanhalen

A post shared by Jared James Nichols (@jaredjamesnichols) on Oct 6, 2020 at 12:47pm PDT

Richie Kotzen

 

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Inconceivable that I am writing this at this time. Rest In Peace Master Edward Van Halen. I cherish our conversations and your influence early in my career. I can not believe it to be true that you have moved on so soon. RIP #legend #icon #GOAT

A post shared by Richie Kotzen (@richie_kotzen) on Oct 6, 2020 at 1:08pm PDT