January 26 marked what would’ve been Eddie Van Halen’s 70th birthday. The late musician, who died from complications of cancer on October 6, 2000, at age 65, is widely considered not only one of the greatest guitarists of his era but in the history of rock.
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Eddie was lauded for the speed, fluidity, and melodicism of his playing, as well as the two-handed tapping technique he perfected. The guitarist and his brother, drummer Alex Van Halen, led their namesake band throughout its 40-year history.
Eddie also was Van Halen’s main songwriter, co-writing such classic songs as “Runnin’ with the Devil,” “Dance the Night Away,” “Unchained,” “Jump,” “Panama,” “Hot for Teacher,” “Why Can’t This Be Love,” and “Finish What Ya Started.”
To commemorate what would’ve been Van Halen’s milestone birthday, some of his former bandmates, musical associates, and famous fans shared posts paying homage to Eddie on their social media pages. Here’s a look at some of the tributes:
Wolfgang Van Halen
Eddie’s son, Wolfgang Van Halen, who also became Van Halen’s bassist in 2006, marked his dad’s birthday with a poignant note that reads, “70. That’s a lot of candles. Happy Birthday, Pop. Love and miss you more than you could ever know.”
He accompanied the message with a jokey photo of Eddie sticking a finger in his nose as the unseen photographer appears to be squeezing the guitarist’s head between their thumb and index finger.
Sammy Hagar
Former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar shared a message that reads, “happy 70th birthday, my brother wherever you are. i will love and miss you and what we did together forever. [Ex-Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony] & i will keep it live, and alive.”
The Red Rocker’s post also features a black-and-white photo of him with Eddie smiling and playing guitars together onstage.
Michael Anthony
Anthony, who was Van Halen’s bassist from 1974 To 2005, posted a brief message that reads, “Happy Heavenly Birthday Ed, miss ya.”
The post also features two photos of Michael and Eddie playing together in concert. Since Anthony’s departure from Van Halen, he and Hagar have continued to collaborate and tour together. Since 2024, Michael taken part in Sammy’s The Best of All Worlds Tour, which mainly celebrates the music of Van Halen.
Don Felder
Ex-Eagles guitarist Don Felder wrote on his socials, “Happy Birthday to this rock legend, @eddievanhalen! You are missed so much, but we will jam again one day my friend.” Felder also included a pic of him and Eddie smiling together.
Steve Lukather
Toto guitarist Steve Lukather shared a brief note that reads, “Love you Ed xx,” along with a photo of him and Van Halen looking at each other and smiling.
Lukather was a close friend of and an occasional collaborator with Van Halen. Eddie co-wrote and played bass on a track on Steve’s debut solo album while Lukather contributed backing vocals to a couple Van Halen tunes.
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