The range of musicians, actors, directors and creatives around the globe publicly mourning the loss of legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen demonstrates how far his music and his talent reached. In the hour after his death was announced, Twitter was filled with tributes not just from musicians like former bandmate Sammy Hagar, Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx, Lenny Kravitz and Billy Idol, but also director and fellow Angelino Ava DuVernay (posted a video tribute) and even “Star Wars” actor Mark Hamill.
His son, Wolfgang Van Halen, posted this tribute on trailer. “He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I’ve shared with him on and off stage was a gift.” His mother Valerie Bertinelli, who was married to Eddie from 1981 to 2007 retweeted Wolfgang’s statement.
Former frontman Sammy Hagar posted a picture on a plane with Van Halen stating he was “heartbroken and speechless.”
Mötley Crüe member Nikki Sixx called Van Halen the “Mozart of rock guitar.”
Fellow guitarist Lenny Kravitz memorialized Eddie Van Halen with a black and white photo showing the musicians famous shirtless bandanna look mid jump splits. “Heaven will be electric tonight,” Kravitz wrote.
Billy Idol posted a collage of images of the two together and Van Halen performing on stage. “We will miss you” he wrote.
Flea (Michael Peter Balzary) called the Los Angeles musician a true rocker. The founding member of the Hot Chili Peppers hoped that Van Halen would ” jam with Jimi tonight” on Twitter.
Black Sabbath bassist and cofounder Geezer Butler, a legend himself, called him a “true gent and true genius.”
Director and producer Ava DuVernay posted a broken heart and a live performance of “Love Walks In.”
Mark Hamill replied to Wolfgang’s announcement of his father’s passing, urging him to “take solace in knowing that he will be long remembered and live on forever as one of Rock’s most extraordinary guitar virtuosos.”
Beach Boys cofounder and songwriter Brian Wilson weighed in about his fellow Angeleno.
Country superstar Kenny Chesney, no mean guitarist himself, called Van Halen “the best guitar player that ever lived.”
Veteran Canadian rockers Nickelback posted a lengthy tribute.
Comedian Dane Cook also responded to Wolfgang’s heartfelt tribute.
“Gremlins” actor Zach Galligan reminisced about a backstage encounter with the legend.
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