Eddie Van Halen, Rock Legend and Guitar Hero, Dies at 65
If things had gone differently, Eddie Van Halen might have made his mark as a pianist rather than a rock virtuoso — or, fans might prefer, Guitar God. Fortunately for at least three generations of guitar players and hard rockers, Van Halen found his future in six-strings and influenced, easily, tens of thousands of players who followed him over the course of more than 40 years, primarily through the band that bore his name.