SONiC artists react to Eddie Van Halen's passing

On Tuesday, October 6, Eddie Van Halen lost his battle to throat cancer. He was 65. The iconic rocker inspired generations of musicians and music lovers alike, with many taking to Twitter and Instagram to pay their respects.

Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea

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Oh man. Damn. I love you Eddie Van Halen. A true rocker, a deep musician, a HUGE heart, and an LA boy through and through. A bold innovator and the undisputed king of all wheedlers. What a sound!!! I hope you jam with Jimi tonight and soar freely through the cosmos. A vibrant part of music has left this earth. Broken through to the other side. What a sweetheart, my brother. All love and condolences to your family. ??????

A post shared by Flea (@flea333) on Oct 6, 2020 at 12:50pm PDT

Tom Morello

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Rest In Peace, EVH. One of the greatest, most inventive, truly visionary musicians of all time. An unparalleled titan in the annals of rock n roll. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for every spectacular note.

A post shared by Tom Morello (@tommorello) on Oct 6, 2020 at 12:50pm PDT

Muse

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One of the greatest guitarists of all time! Rest in peace Eddie Van Halen

A post shared by MUSE (@muse) on Oct 6, 2020 at 2:47pm PDT

Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready

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Can’t believe Eddie Van Halen died. I saw them on the VH2, Women and Children First, Fair Warning, and Diver Down tours. Also when they came back with Dave. I started playing guitar about a year after Van Halen I came out. It sounded like Eddie was from another planet and the energy from Van Halen was undeniable. Amazing songs too. Romeo Delight, On Fire, Unchained, Mean Street, DOA, Light up The Sky, Ain’t Talkin' bout Love, Eruption, Atomic Punk, Everybody wants some, on and on I can go… Tim Dijulio and I would skip school and wait in line all day for Van Halen back in the day. Eddie was like Mozart for guitar. Changed everything and he played with Soul. RIP EVH. – Mike McCready

A post shared by Pearl Jam (@pearljam) on Oct 6, 2020 at 2:33pm PDT

Tool’s Adam Jones

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~ Eddie Van Halen ?? RIP

A post shared by Adam Jones (@adamjones_tv) on Oct 6, 2020 at 1:18pm PDT

Billy Talent

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#RIPEddieVanHalen a true legend.

A post shared by Billy Talent (@billytalentband) on Oct 6, 2020 at 2:55pm PDT

Ed Solomon (co-writer of Bill and Ted)

Super sad to hear about the passing of Eddie Van Halen. He was a big influence on Chris & me as we were writing Bill & Ted. In fact, when director Stephen Herek was reading the script he got 3 pages in, stopped, put on 1984 & resumed. We wanted the movie to be a cinematic “Jump.” pic.twitter.com/B2oTnDMWdH

— Ed Solomon (@ed_solomon) October 6, 2020

Lenny Kravitz

Legendary guitar and musical innovator Edward Van Halen. 1955-2020. Heaven will be electric tonight. pic.twitter.com/hdLd7atI74

— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) October 6, 2020

Nickelback

The world lost an icon, innovator, showman, virtuoso, master songwriter and perhaps one of the biggest inspirations ever to learn how to play guitar. Heartbroken to hear of Eddie Van Halen’s passing. Our love, condolences and best wishes to his his family, friends and fans. #RIP pic.twitter.com/pGhPUXRzyb

— Nickelback (@Nickelback) October 6, 2020

Billy Idol

Rest in peace guitar legend Eddie Van Halen. We will miss you. #fuckcancer @eddievanhalen #eddievanhalen pic.twitter.com/S4vnN3tyWc

— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) October 6, 2020

Metallica

We are enormously saddened to hear about the untimely passing of Eddie Van Halen. We considered him an inspiration, an idol, and after spending a summer together on the road in '88, a friend. Sending love to Alex, @wolfvanhalen & everyone in the greater VH family.

@RossHalfin pic.twitter.com/wZ9ZKNmK0q

— Metallica (@Metallica) October 6, 2020

Aerosmith

Rest In Peace @eddievanhalen You will be missed! #Legend pic.twitter.com/A2dpG41dbS

— Aerosmith (@Aerosmith) October 6, 2020

Jimmy Kimmel

Two of the best hours of my life were spent chatting with Eddie Van Halen. A great musician, yes – also a funny and lovely guy who will be missed terribly. Sending love to Janie, Wolf, Alex & all those who loved him.

— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) October 6, 2020

Tommy Chong

Just heard the news that Eddie Van Halen passed away today! We miss you already Eddie! You made a difference! You were a Rock God! C U Soon!

— Tommy Chong (@tommychong) October 6, 2020

Guy Fieri 

#RIP to a legend, Eddie Van Halen. So sad! pic.twitter.com/RWaMKdkFHr

— Guy Fieri (@GuyFieri) October 6, 2020