Eddie Van Halen’s Brother Alex Mourns Him Publicly

Eddie Van Halen / Facebook

Alex Van Halen has paid tribute to his younger brother Eddie, who died October 6, 2020, following a lengthy battle with cancer.

“Hey Ed. Love you. See you on the other side. Your brother, Al,” reads the Van Halen drummer’s message, which is accompanied by a childhood photo of the siblings.

Alex, who is now 67, started the band with his brother back in the early ‘70s. The two of them were born in the Netherlands and later moved to California, where they started a band that would make history. Together they adapted to a new county, and to a new language. This led to a unique bond that was solidified through the music that they played together. Alex even officiated Eddie’s wedding to Janie Liszewski back in 2009.

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Initially, Eddie played the piano and drums, but Alex proved to be more skilled at percussion so Eddie switched to guitar.

Following Eddie’s death, at the age of 65, Alex is the only member who has been with the band throughout its existence and played on all 12 studio albums.

Eddie Van Halen passed away on October 6, 2020, from esophagus cancer at the age of 65. His death was confirmed by his son, Wolfgang, who wrote on social media, “I can’t believe I’m having to write this, but my father, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, has lost his long and arduous battle with cancer this morning. He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I’ve shared with him on and off the stage was a gift. My heart is broken and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from this loss. I love you so much, Pop.”

Truly one of the greatest rock legends of all time, Van Halen’s song “Eruption” cemented his status as a guitar god.“Eruption” is so ingrained in rock culture now and has inspired countless people to pick up a guitar.

Watch it in the video below.