One of Rock's Guitar Gods, Dead at 65

 Van Halen namesake and founder, Eddie Van Halen, has died at 65 today.



Born in Amsterdam, he was the younger brother of Alex Van Halen - drummer for Van Halen. In 1965, his family relocated to Los Angeles, and in 1972, Eddie, Alex, and bas player Mark Stone formed a power trio, Genesis. 

Unbenknownst to them, there WAS another Gensis at the time, which resulted in the band changing its name to Mamoth, and by 1977, Van Halen.

Gods of rock

Van Halen made a name for themselves in two noteably distinct eras. The most popular, the David Lee Roth era, lasted between 1977 and 1985 and is the era where the band had a string of hits, including their Kinks' and Roy Orbison covers, You Really Got Me, and Oh! Pretty Woman, Runnin' With The Devil, Unchained, Ain't Talkin' Bout Love, Dance the Night Away, Jamie's Cryin,' and Jump, among others.

The second noteable era, the Van Hagar/Sam Halen era, featured ex-Montrose Sammy Hagar on lead vocals. In this era, two of the most noteable albums, 1986's 5150, and 1988's OU812 featured hits such as When It's Love, Love Walks In, Why Can't This be Love, and Dreams among others.

Not just Van Halen

What many may not realize, is that Eddie Van Halen contributed to more than Van Halen. Most noteably, on Michael Jackson's 1982 album, Thriller, Van Halen plays his signature guitar, contributing to the guitar solo on Beat It.

Gone, but not forgotten

Five years ago, Eddie Van Halen was diagnosed with throat cancer. His health resulted in the need for a hiatus for several years. 

Six months ago, Van Halen's son, bass player Wolfgang Van Halen, stated that Van Halen would continue until Eddie or Alex Van Halen die. In tandom with this, in the fall of 2019, David Lee Roth declared Van Halen "done."

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