Eddie Van Halen was a Dutch‑born American musician, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rock guitarists of all time. He co‑founded the band Van Halen with his brother, Alex, in the 1970s and became known for his revolutionary guitar style, particularly his use of two‑hand tapping, rapid arpeggios, and genre‑blending melodic phrasing.

Early Life

• Born January 26, 1955, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, to a Dutch father and Indonesian mother.
• Moved with his family to Pasadena, California, in 1962.
• Trained as a classical pianist before shifting to rock music with his brother.

Formation of Van Halen

• Founded Van Halen in 1972.
• Breakout success with the band’s 1978 debut album, which showcased Eddie’s signature track “Eruption”, redefining what rock guitar could sound like.
• The band became one of the most successful rock acts in history, known for hits like “Jump,” “Panama,” and “Runnin’ with the Devil.”

Innovations & Legacy

• Pioneered and popularized the modern tapping technique.
• Ranked among the top guitarists in multiple publications, including Guitar World’s #1 Greatest Guitarist of All Time and Rolling Stone’s Top 250.
• Known not only as a performer but also as a guitar designer, shaping iconic instruments such as the Frankenstrat.

Passing

Eddie Van Halen died on October 6, 2020, at age 65, after a long battle with cancer.