The music community was stunned by the sudden death of rocker Eddie Van Halen. The founder of the iconic rock group, Van Halen, Eddie was 65 years old when he died on October 6, from cancer. Several country artists paid tribute to the superstar, whose guitar playing and on-stage performance made him one of the most honored musicians of all time.
“I am devastated at the news of the passing of my friend Eddie Van Halen,” Kenny Chesney wrote. “He was a friend and a hero to anyone who has ever picked up a guitar and had a dream. Eddie and his brother Alex joined us on stage at one of our stadium shows in Los Angeles and it was one of the highlights of my touring life in all my summers on the road.
“I will never forget that night and how happy we both were that our musical paths crossed that night on stage,” he added. “Rest In Peace to the best guitar player that ever lived. We will miss you Eddie Van Halen. Your music will live forever!!
I am devastated at the news of the passing of my friend Eddie Van Halen. pic.twitter.com/hUyIdKXsdG
— Kenny Chesney (@kennychesney) October 6, 2020
“Just heard the news of Eddie Van Halen’s passing ….. this hit me hard,” Keith Urban shared. “There are lots of great guitar players in the world, but very VERY few true innovators. Players who seem to have arrived from a far distant planet , and who bring a completely new color to the rainbow. Eddie Van Halen was this and so much more. Even without the finger tapping, you had a player with extraordinary touch, tone, and a rhythmic pocket and bounce that floated like Ali in the ring.
“He was a master of complex solos that spoke to non musicians…THAT IS HARD TO DO,” he continued. “The reason was the exquisite melody in his heart, and the joy in his soul of playing FOR people – and it came through like a ray of sun we ALL felt. I say a prayer today for his family and friends – and from players like me , all over the world who never got to meet him, I say THANK YOU EDDIE. WE LOVE YOU !!!!!!!”
Just heard the news of Eddie Van Halen’s passing ….. this hit me hard. pic.twitter.com/RMuyq7arjK
— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) October 6, 2020
“I am so sad to hear we lost Eddie Van Halen today,” posted Brad Paisley. “I loved everything about the fire and style he brought to the guitar. I studied him, heck everybody did, we all wanted to play just like him. But no one did it quite like him. Thank you Eddie for being a pioneer. It’s unimaginable what the guitar would be without you.”
I am so sad to hear we lost Eddie Van Halen today.I loved everything about the fire and style he brought to the guitar….
Posted by Brad Paisley on Tuesday, October 6, 2020
“I can’t even begin to describe the times in my life where Van Halen music was the soundtrack!!!!” said Tim McGraw. “High school. College spring breaks (will not share those stories…) Just great rock music that became a touchstone for the times we grew up in…….”
I can't even begin to describe the times in my life where Van Halen music was the soundtrack!!!!
High school
College spring breaks( will not share those stories…😜)
Just great rock music that became a touchstone for the times we grew up in……. pic.twitter.com/5mYwJVPTOi— Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw) October 7, 2020
“Another legendary musical innovator gone too soon. #RIPEddieVanHalen,” posted Travis Tritt.
Another legendary musical innovator gone too soon. #RIPEddieVanHalen https://t.co/CpdpK0eAzb
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) October 6, 2020
“Yesterday [Amanda Shires] and I were singing our heavy song and cameras were rolling and I could tell she was feeling some emotions, so I very poorly played a little bit of Eruption to make her smile and it worked,” Jason Isbell shared. “No musician ever brought me more joy than #EddieVanHalen. Grateful.”
Yesterday @amandashires and I were singing our heavy song and cameras were rolling and I could tell she was feeling some emotions, so I very poorly played a little bit of Eruption to make her smile and it worked. No musician ever brought me more joy than #EddieVanHalen. Grateful.
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) October 6, 2020
“I am so devastated by the passing of the rock legend Eddie Van Halen,” Phil Vassar said, sharing a video of him singing Van Halen’s hit song, “Jump.” “My condolences to Wolfie and the family. ROCK ON EDDIE!! RIP”
I am so devastated by the passing of the rock legend Eddie Van Halen. My condolences to Wolfie and the family.
ROCK ON EDDIE!! RIP pic.twitter.com/XdjyLsj8Wg— Phil Vassar (@philvassar) October 6, 2020
