Alex Carson
Today, Eddie Van Halen is revered as being one of the best guitarists in the world. While his skills pale in comparison to some legends, such as Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, or Eric Clapton, Eddie Van Halen still made amazing contributions to the world of music. He pioneered new techniques that are still used by guitarists today, and he will likely inspire thousands to continue making music. Unfortunately, many music legends fail to take good care of themselves, and end up dying young as a result. Drug overdoses, excessive alcohol consumption, and years of smoking often contribute to young deaths in many rock legends.
Of course, back when Eddie Van Halen and his band, Van Halen, were at their peak, he and his fellow bandmates partied hard. When Eddie Van Halen was only twelve years old, he began smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol. Unsurprisingly, this young exposure to such dangerous substances led to an addiction that would plague him throughout his life. As a result, Eddie Van Halen suffered many health problems throughout his life. Furthermore, he didn’t just act wild during backstage parties. Even onstage, Eddie Van Halen was a partier. He was notorious for performing all sorts of acrobatics and hijinks while performing, which resulted in quite a few injuries throughout his career.
Amazingly, Eddie Van Halen managed to live a long life, despite all of the strain he put his body through. Still, years of hard partying and drug use would eventually catch up with him. In the year 2000, he was diagnosed with tongue cancer, and a third of his tongue had to be surgically removed. Sadly, the illness would eventually creep back in.
In 2012, Van Halen had to undergo emergency surgery due to a bout of diverticulitis. Finally, he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014. After six long years of battling the illness, Eddie Van Halen finally succumbed to it on October 6th, 2020. He was 65 years old.
Musicians and long time fans all over the world paid their respects to Eddie Van Halen. While he certainly wasn’t young when he died, had he taken better care of his body throughout his life, he could have been expected to live much longer.
Even months after his death, however, close friends, family, and other loved ones are still suffering from the loss. In today’s video, we’re going to take a look at the impact Eddie Van Halen’s death had on the world. Make sure you stick around, because we’re also going to reveal how Eddie Van Halen’s ex, Valerie Bertinelli, is still struggling to come to grips with the loss.
Janie Liszewski’s Tribute to Her Late Husband
Janie Liszewski is an accomplished actress, known for her work in films like Bubble Boy, From Dusk Till Dawn, and Mulholland Dr. She worked as Eddie Van Halen’s publicist for a time, but he soon fell in love with her. He proposed to her in 2008, and they married a year later. His brother, Alex Van Halen, was an ordained minister at the event. The two were close until Eddie Van Halen’s death in 2020, which left Janie Liszewski absolutely devastated.
A few days after his death, she posted a tribute to her husband on Instagram, stating, “My heart and soul have been shattered into a million pieces. I never knew it was possible to cry so many tears or feel such incredible sadness.” Finally, she ended the tribute with the words, “Saying goodbye is the hardest thing I have ever had to do so instead I say so long, I will see you again soon in a place with no pain or sorrow.”
Valerie Bertinelli Is Still Struggling with Van Halen’s Death
Janie Liszewski wasn’t the only person left devastated by Eddie Van Halen’s death. Van Halen’s ex-wife, Valerie Bertinelli, is still struggling with the loss. Valerie Bertinelli and Eddie Van Halen married one another on April 11th, 1981, and gave birth to one son, Wolfgang Van Halen, on March 16th, 1991. The two separated later in life, however, and in 2005, Valerie Bertinelli filed for divorce.
Despite the divorce, however, the two remained close friends and co-parents, and they still had an influence on each other’s lives. In a recent interview, Valerie Bertinelli opened up about the loss of Eddie Van Halen, describing it as “rough.” She even explained that, on multiple occasions, she has found herself getting ready to text Eddie Van Halen, only to remember that he is no longer there.
Support from Other Musical Legends and Celebrities
After Eddie Van Halen’s death, his memory received an outpouring of support and affection from people all over the world. Two of his former bandmates, David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar, paid a celebratory tribute to their close friend and fellow artist. While they were both deeply hurt by his death, they also took the opportunity to celebrate all of Eddie Van Halen’s amazing accomplishments.
Other rock legends also took the time to acknowledge Eddie Van Halen’s influence. Gene Simmons from the iconic band Kiss,as well as several members of the band Red Hot Chili Peppers all paid their respects to Eddie Van Halen on social media and through interviews.
Finally, it wasn’t just musical artists who wanted to pay homage to Van Halen. Countless other celebrities, including Piers Morgan, Jimmy Kimmel, and Patton Oswalt all took the time to pay their respects to Van Halen, as well as offer condolences to surviving friends and family members.
How Eddie Van Halen’s Son Is Dealing with the Loss
Eddie Van Halen’s only child, Wolfgang Van Halen, is now 29 years old. He is suffering the loss of his father greatly, but is determined to uphold his father’s legacy through his own music. This talented young musician was once a member of his father’s band, Van Halen, before it eventually disbanded. Today, Wolfgang is a member of his own band, Mammoth WVH. Wolfgang and his father were incredibly close to one another, so much so that Wolfgang even wrote a song called “Distance,” which explains how they will always be close, no matter how far they are.
Make sure you stick around until the very end, because we’re also going to reveal exactly how Eddie Van Halen’s loved ones are going to pay a final tribute to the rock and roll legend. And if you’re enjoying this video so far, please take a moment to like this video and subscribe to our channel for more!
Wolfgang Van Halen Disapproves of the Auction of His Father’s Guitars
After Eddie Van Halen’s death, three of his guitars were sold at an auction, but his son, Wolfgang, was incredibly disapproving of the entire event. While the auction claims that all three guitars were used onstage, Wolfgang Van Halen disagrees, and claimed that none of the guitars had ever been used onstage. On Twitter, he also added, “I don’t EVER plan on selling any of my father’s iconic guitars. The only place they’d possibly belong in is a museum.”
Sammy Hagar Reveals His Last Conversation with Eddie Van Halen
Close friend and fellow bandmate Sammy Hagar knew that Eddie Van Halen was losing his battle with cancer. After some internal debate, Hagar finally decided to call him. This proved difficult at first, because Sammy Hagar no longer had Van Halen’s phone number on record. He called around to his brother, manager, and everyone else he knew who was connected with Van Halen. Finally, he was able to make the car. Sammy Hagar explained there had been some distance between the two of them for some time, but they were finally able to find some closure before Van Halen’s death.
In an interview, Hagar explained, “Poor Eddie, broke my heart, but thank God we connected before [he died].”
Wolfgang Van Halen’s Favorite Memory of His Father
In one interview with 104.5 WJJK radio station, Wolfgang Van Halen was asked what his favorite memory of his father was. Wolfgang explained that his fondest memory of his father was when he was just seven years old. Both he and his father had eaten a ton of sweets, and were both high on sugar. They were dancing around the room and being absolutely silly with one another. Wolfgang Van Halen has been searching through home video tapes desperately hoping to find the video, explaining that he knows the memory was caught on tape somewhere.
Eddie Van Halen’s Ashes Will Be Scattered in Malibu
One reliable source explained that the final resting place of Eddie Van Halen has been determined. The iconic guitar player’s body was cremated 22 days after his death. The ashes were then given to his son, Wolfgang. Wolfgang Van Halen intends to follow his father’s wishes, and will scatter the ashes off the coast of his favorite town, Malibu.
Eddie Van Halen may be gone, but his legacy has touched so many people, and he will continue to influence musicians long after his death. Were you more surprised to learn that his ex-wife, Valerie Bertinelli, is still mourning the loss of Van Halen, or that he and Sammy Hagar were finally able to make amends and find some closure before his death? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to Facts Verse for more!
