Why Patty Smyth turned down Eddie Van Halen’s offer to front his band
out Friday. As lead singer of Scandal, the Brooklyn native scored ’80s hits “Goodbye to You” and “The Warrior” before finding solo success with 1992’s “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough,” a top five duet with Don Henley.Now 63, Smyth shares her memories of Eddie Van Halen, the secret to her 23-year marriage to John McEnroe and why Patti Smith haunts her.How you doing?I just found out that Ed Van Halen died, so I feel pretty bummed out right now … In the ’80s, we were good friends.