Eddie Van Halen, the mesmerizing lead guitarist for Van Halen who inspired countless future musicians to pick up the instrument during the arena rock era of the late 1970s, the 1980s and into the 90s, passed away this week at the age of 65.
Over the years, it was Van Halen’s seemingly effortless playing abilities that helped introduce the lead guitar player to the MTV generation and lifted the concept of the guitar solo to something of some god-like achievement with his playing on songs like Van Halen’s “Eruption” and “Jump”, or even Michael Jackson‘s Thriller hit, “Beat It”. It was his trademark virtuosity that kept him a fan favorite within the rock community, and headline-level name even up until recent years. Even up through the band’s final performances at southern California’s Hollywood Bowl in 2015, fans were still treated to Eddie Van Halen playing at the highest levels of musicianship.
Thankfully, high-quality footage of Van Halen’s final public performances, which took place at the outdoor Hollywood venue on October 2nd & 4th in 2015, is still available for fans to enjoy. EVH’s true tactician abilities, as seen in the solo performances from both nights in the videos below, will help keep him in the conversation of G.O.A.T. rock guitarists for years to come.
Relive the final live shows played by Eddie Van Halen with Van Halen circa October 2015 below.
Van Halen – Eddie Van Halen Guitar Solo – 10/2/15
[Video: DWTH]
Van Halen – Eddie Van Halen Guitar Solo -10/4/15
[Video: Brian James]
[H/TÂ Guitar Player]