Eddie Van Halen has been one of the most influential guitarists ever since Van Halen released their iconic self-titled debut album in 1978.
News of his death at the age of 65 spread quickly as did countless tributes to the late guitar god. Here is just a selection of guitarists and other rockers paying their respects to EVH.
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My heart is broken. Eddie was not only a Guitar God, but a genuinely beautiful soul. Rest in peace, Eddie! ...Eddie Van Halen Dead at 65 from Cancer https://t.co/gITtcndQVv
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Oh NO! Speechless. A trailblazer and someone who always gave everything to his music. A good soul. I remember first seeing him playing at the Starwood in 1976 and he WAS Eddie Van Halen. So shocked and sad. My condolences to Wolfie and the family. https://t.co/ExAWzFAEYJ
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@EddieVanHalen was one of the nicest guys I ever worked with and we shared so many laughs together. His influence on music and especially the guitar has been immeasurable. He was an absolute legend. Eddie, I'll see you on the other side, my friend. Love, Ozzy.
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The world lost an icon, innovator, showman, virtuoso, master songwriter and perhaps one of the biggest inspirations ever to learn how to play guitar. Heartbroken to hear of Eddie Van Halen's passing. Our love, condolences and best wishes to his his family, friends and fans. #RIP pic.twitter.com/pGhPUXRzyb
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I just heard about Eddie Van Halen and I feel terrible about it. Eddie was such a great guitarist and I remember how big Van Halen was, especially here in L.A. Love and Mercy to Eddie's family & friends. pic.twitter.com/PY8fyrx1Lu
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I'm just devastated to hear the news of the passing of my dear friend Eddie Van Halen. He fought a long and hard battle with his cancer right to the very end. Eddie was one of a very special kind of person, a really great friend.
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Rest In Peace to a Eddie Van Halen, Rock God. Favorite riff: Eruption. What's yours? pic.twitter.com/uP1k196Vw8
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Crushed. So fucking crushed. RIP Eddie Van Halen. You changed our world. You were the Mozart of rock guitar. Travel safe rockstar.
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Legendary guitar and musical innovator Edward Van Halen. 1955-2020. Heaven will be electric tonight. pic.twitter.com/hdLd7atI74
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Rest in peace guitar legend Eddie Van Halen. ???? We will miss you. #fuckcancer @eddievanhalen #eddievanhalen pic.twitter.com/S4vnN3tyWc
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Oh man, bless his beautiful creative heart. I love you Eddie Van Halen, an LA boy, a true rocker. I hope you jam with Jimi tonight. Break through to the other side my brother. ❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/XpcTlPJq9A
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Just when I thought 2020 couldn't get any worse, I hear Eddie Van Halen has passed. So shocking- One of the nicest, down to Earth men I have ever met and toured with. A true gent and true genius. RIP. So sad.Thoughts go out to his brother Alex, and his family.
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https://t.co/QjAj45KED8 Apex talent. An unparalleled titan in the annals of rock n roll. One of the greatest musicians in the history of mankind. Rest In Peace, King Edward
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Our son was 6 yrs old the first time he heard Eddie Van Halen.He looked at Savannah & me and asked..."Does he need two picks to play like that?"There are great guitarists... & there are innovators that change everything.Condolences to his family. #RIPEddieVanHalen ???? pic.twitter.com/qnhg3b1xxY
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Legend. Thank you for the music and inspiration, the hotel and backstage jams , adventures and laughs. ???? EVH
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????????The ultimate Guitar Hero #eddievanhalen
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RIP #EddieVanHalen
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pic.twitter.com/mX38E8xrNP
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One of the greatest guitarists of all time! Rest in peace Eddie Van Halen pic.twitter.com/T0unvRXYmf
GALLERY: A Look at 1978’s Best Rock Albums
Van Halen – ‘Van Halen’
ShareVan Halen's self-titled debut helped set a new standard for budding guitarists and frontmen. Eddie Van Halen remains one of the biggest guitar heroes ever, and David Lee Roth is still cited as one of the greatest performers, and much of that is thanks to this iconic debut.
AC/DC – ‘Powerage’
ShareA fan-favorite among the AC/DC faithful, 'Powerage' features some of the band's best songs including "Rock and Roll Damnation" and "Sin City."
Blondie – ‘Parallel Lines’
ShareBlondie's classic album 'Parallel Line' stretched from early rock covers with Buddy Holly's "I'm Gonna Love You Too" to disco with their monster hit "Heart of Glass."
Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band – ‘Stranger in Town
ShareThe follow-up to 1976's 'Night Moves,' 'Stranger in Town' would go on to be certified six-times platinum and features the hits "Hollywood Nights," "We've Got Tonight," "Still the Same" and "Old Time Rock and Roll."
Foreigner – ‘Double Vision’
ShareOne of the albums that defined rock radio, 'Double Vision' contains classics like "Hot Blooded," "Blue Morning, Blue Day" and the title track.
The Police – ‘Outlandos d’Amour’
ShareThe Police's debut album 'Outlandos d'Amour' would help sow the seeds of a trio that would go on to be one of the biggest bands of the 1980's thanks to songs like "Roxanne" and "Can't Stand Losing You."
The Rolling Stones – ‘Some Girls’
ShareFifteen years into their career, The Rolling Stones were still great, and they proved it with one of their best albums, 'Some Girls,' which topped the album charts and featured the #1 single "Miss You."
Rush – ‘Hemispheres’
ShareOnly having four songs total, the title track of Rush's 'Hemispheres' took up all of side one on the record. Side two, meanwhile, featured the epic instrumental "La Villa Strangiato."
The Cars – ‘The Cars’
ShareThe Cars' sleek look and sound helped to define the new wave sounds of the 1980's, but songs like "Just Want I Needed" and "My Best Friend's Girl" had an instantly classic sound.
The Who – ‘Who Are You’
ShareThe Who's 'Who Are You' was the band's final album with powerhouse drummer Keith Moon, who would die less than a month after the album's release. The title track, which was the last song on the album, was a great final blast from the original lineup.