The Tragic History of Eddie Van Halen

Oral cancer survivor here. Had it worse than Eddie as I had most of lower jaw replaced. Its beatable ... but you gotta clean up your act and be vigilant about your health. I'm one year cancer free.

Like it or not, Michael Anthony's harmonies ARE crucial to the sound of Van Halen records

The treatment of Michael Anthony is probably the biggest piss off, dude was a stud on the bass and a very important part of Van Halen history.

I got goosebumps when I heard him say I love you to his fam and friends. We miss you Eddie

Eddie is the reason I had to have a guitar . Heard that first album and was blown away . The date of Nov 2nd 1979 is when I started learning to play. Trying hard to play catch up to" Eddie ". which was impossible . Seen Van Halen on July 28 1981 in concert . Magical !!... I was wowwed to find out his birthday was one day before mine . In March of 2020 my thumb had turned black and they had to amputate it .For a guitar player it was devastating .My thumb was removed because it was cancer . The cancer " Melanoma " went to my brain and was diagnosed as stage 4 melanoma . When Eddie passed away in October . My heart sunk , Battling cancer myself I leaned into his vibe .I am still alive and even though I lost a thumb , I still play and when I play . I look up and think " You can see me playing now buddy .. How am I doing and hope to see you soon " Eddie was my guitarist and inspiration

SAMMY IS ON TOUR THIS SUMMER WITH Michael Anthony , and Jason Bonham on drums Satrioni on guitar.

Van Halen was the first band I saw in concert. They opened for the original Black Sabbath. Can't top that for a first concert!! Everyone was mesmerized by Eddie Van Halen on guitar!! When Sabbath came on stage the crowd started screaming "Halen Halen Halen!" It was a great concert and a great night. RIP Eddie Van Halen ❤

Rest in peace Edward Van Halen

The fact that Mike took that crap from the other 3 proves that he is a better man than I. I would have told them to take a long walk off a short pier.

Love Eddie but just can’t believe what they all did to Mike. I met Mike he’s the nicest guy . He’s a founding member and somehow holds no grudges. Glad I was there to see the rise of this great band.

Sammy Hagar & Michael Anthony...two class acts! Can't wait to see them on tour this summer 🔥

michael anthony was a quintessential part of van halen.......roth didnt have the range which is why they played in e flat instead of e standard and michael anthonys vocals saved the day........plus, he could have been a flashier player like a geddy lee but he played it and layed it down simple to give eddie the space to be the lead guitarist......totally unselfish bandmate......Gos bless Michael anthony.....saw VH at monsters of rock in august 88 and loved seeing the jack daniels bass up close and personal.......great band

I love the fact that when you listen to Eddie when he plays, it feels like he is alive at that moment. I am dead serious. Eddie lives on in his records.

i respect Sammy SO MUCH for sticking up for Michael..... Sammy has a really big heart

Wow, I didn’t know how bad they treated Michael Anthony. This is so sad. He’s such a major part of Van Halen’s sound. It kind of overshadows everything else, now, and makes me not feel bad for the Van Halen brothers or David Lee Roth. Sammy Hagar is a hero for defending Michael Anthony. Good for him! 👍🏼

Eddie and Alex were on my Boyfriend Steve’s baseball team in late 70’s. I was the Official Scorer. Our teams name was L.S.D. The Long , Strong Devastators. We all grew up in Pasadena. Fun times. Party at Steve and Karen’s.

I'm so lucky. I was there. I saw Van Halen open for Sabbath in Virginia in '78. Went out the next day and bought their album. Instantly they were my favorite band in the world. Their sophomore effort "Van Halen II" was the most anticipated album I've ever waited for in my life. The rest is history. RIP, Eddie!

Sad as this story ends, I can't help but feel grateful that he had the opportunity to say goodbye to those closest to him.

I remember Beautiful Girls playing on the radio as a 14 year old.....good old days for sure

I went to visit Eddie when he was just diagnosed he told me it was from holding the pick in his mouth. Pre 2017 he looked great he cruised in a blue classic convertible sports car. He always smiled and waved then he just disappeared from public. Sadly I didn't know how bad it was. I avoided the internet and media didn't carry his story. I played with him in his garage while he was in high-school and building the original Frankenstein. During the DLR era he invited me to play with them. RIP buddy.