When Van Halen lead guitarist Edward Van Halen passed away from cancer in October of 2020, the entire world of rock music seemed to reach a screeching halt. Countless fans and musicians mourned the legendary guitar player, sharing heartfelt stories about Edward’s infectious character and legacy. Often referred to as one of the greatest musicians in the history of rock, Edward has remained an icon for aspiring guitar players of all ages.
Reflecting on the four-year anniversary of his tragic passing, it is near impossible to view the composer as anything less than the greatest guitar player of all time. His creativity, compositional genius and unique style have not only solidified him as one of the greatest guitarists but also one of the most important figures in the world of music.
Equipped with his iconic red, white and black striped “Frankenstrat” guitar, Eddie immediately set the world on fire with Van Halen’s self-titled debut album in 1979. The large and almost uncontrollable “E.V.H” sound pierced through listeners’ ears, providing an explosion of pinch harmonic squeals and incredibly fast playing. His patented tapping technique and tremolo dive bombs seemed almost impossible to recreate, captivating listeners while also puzzling fellow musicians.
Though most refer to guitarists as sounding like their predecessors, there was simply no precedent for anything Edward was doing. A true trailblazer, the musician continued to innovate within the genre of rock for the entirety of his lengthy career.
Though he debuted nearly 45 years ago, Edward has continued to inspire and influence countless musicians. Nearly every guitarist has credited the legendary player with some form of influence, whether it be his technique, flashy style or compositional approaches. Incredible musicians such as Pantera’s Dimebag Darrel and Alice in Chains’ Jerry Cantrell have rarely wasted an opportunity to talk about Edward, crediting the guitarist with inspiring them and heavily influencing their sound. While the playing style of EVH is not the most technical nor proper, it is one that has continued to influence and withstand the test of time.
There are simply not enough words to describe the late great Edward Van Halen. Everything from his iconic Frankenstrat guitar to his lightning-fast playing has left an impact larger than anyone could have imagined. The guitarist’s riffs and solos have remained timeless throughout the years, with new fans discovering the renowned Van Halen every day. Though it may hurt to say, the world of music lost an incredible icon four years ago when Halen passed away. His legacy remains iconic and legendary.
