Eddie Van Halen

1955 – 2020

Edward Lodewijk "Eddie" Van Halen was an American musician who served as the guitarist, primary songwriter, and co-founder of the rock band Van Halen, founded with his brother Alex in 1972. His 1978 instrumental "Eruption" introduced two-handed tapping to mainstream rock guitar and is widely regarded as one of the most influential guitar solos in rock history. He died of cancer in October 2020 at age 65 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Van Halen in 2007.

Last checked: May 10, 2026, 1:06 PM