Remembering Eddie Van Halen’s legacy brings not only the brilliance of his guitar work to light but also the complex dynamics of family and friendship within the legendary rock band.
Eddie Van Halen, who passed away on October 6, 2020, is celebrated not just for his innovative guitar techniques and sound but also for the impact he made on music as we know it. His groundbreaking methods—especially his techniques of double-hand string tapping and explosive performance style—redefined the possibilities of rock guitar. It’s hard to overstate how his contributions shaped heavy metal and hard rock. Gene Simmons from Kiss offers one of the many tributes to Eddie's unique sound. He recalled the first time he witnessed Van Halen live, saying, "I thought, ‘There must be three guitar players playing this stuff.’ Within the first three songs, I was backstage, and I convinced the guys to sign with me on Man of 1000 Faces, my production company."
Yet, as much as Eddie is revered posthumously, the conversations surrounding his legacy are fraught with tension, particularly among family members. Following his death, his brother Alex Van Halen published his memoir, Brothers, which solely recounts the era of Van Halen's music with lead singer David Lee Roth—ominously omitting the decade-long collaborations with Sammy Hagar. Hagar responded sharply on social media, lamenting this oversight as "blasphemy" to Eddie's true legacy. He remarked, "To not acknowledge [those] 10 years of music is blasphemy to his brother’s musicianship, songwriting and legacy." This highlights the continuing rivalry between band's factions and serves as evidence of how legacies can be contentious, especially when deeply personal dynamics are involved.
Compounding these disputes is how the band aims to honor Eddie. Alex disclosed to Rolling Stone how plans for a tribute reunion tour unraveled after David Lee Roth opposed acknowledging Eddie’s legacy during performances. "The thing ... was I said, ‘Dave, at some point, we have to have ... acknowledgment of Ed,’" Alex shared, reflecting on the emotional fallout following Eddie's death. Roth’s reaction was described as vitriolic, indicating how challenging it can be to navigate personal tribute and public performance.
Further illustrating the brother's dedication to Eddie's legacy is Wolfgang Van Halen, who poignantly recalled his final moments with his father. He stated on the show Behind the Music, "I held my dad's hand. I held it up to my face until he left. I felt the warmth of his hand on my face until I couldn't feel him anymore. The last thing he ever said to me was 'I love you.'" This deeply personal touch humanizes the narrative—reminding us of the real people behind the legendary persona.
Eddie Van Halen was not just revered for his musical prowess; his candid interactions added layers to his personality. Known for calling out others, even other legends like Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page, he was unapologetic about his opinions. He once told Guitar World, "Jimmy Page is ... very good in the studio ... But I never saw him play well live. He plays like he’s got a broken hand, and he’s two years old." This bluntness, highlighting his competitive spirit, is both shocking and mesmerizing, adding depth to discussions about his influence on rock music.
Today, as Eddie's contributions to music resonate through generations of musicians, the discussions about his legacy continue to reveal fissures within the surviving band members, reminding us of the personal narratives tied to public personas. Every critique, every fond memory, and every family interaction serves to enrich the complex, yet fascinating tale of one of rock’s greatest innovators. His legacy will undoubtedly endure through his music, but the stories of his family, bandmates, and friends engage us on another level.