Angus Young Opens Up On His Thoughts Of The Late Eddie Van Halen

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AC/DC’s Angus Young has spoken about his thoughts on the passing of late guitar legend Eddie Van Halen. The guitarist notes that his passing “leaves a big hole” and discusses his innovative approach to the guitar. In a brand new interview with Radio.com, Young discusses his appreciation for the guitar god.

Eddie was, I would say, besides his guitar playing to the world, he definitely was innovative with his guitar style. And to the world, he reinvented the way guitar had to be, and he influenced a lot of people that you would know out there.”

“I think, really, the first time I met him was in the ’90s, I think, when we did some touring through Europe; we were doing shows together,” Angus continued. “And he was just such a warm person. The first thing you noticed about him was, as soon as you saw him, he had a big smile, a big laugh, and he gave me a big hug. He was excited to see you.

“To the music world, it’s a big loss. But again, for those of us lucky to have met him, it’s an even probably bigger tragedy. And also for his family and everyone close to him. When you hear the news that cancer had come back to Eddie, you’re really hoping and you’re praying the guy gets through it. But that’s what I always remembered [about] him,” Young added.

He also remembers seeing Eddie when AC/DC toured in America, on the Black Ice tour. “[Eddie] came out to Los Angeles, and he came to the shows to see us. And he was still the same — big smile, happy, and he was ever so happy to see [us]. And he was very fond of [late AC/DC guitarist] Malcolm [Young].

“It’s a tough thing. And he definitely leaves a big hole. If you knew him, he does leave a big hole in a lot of people.”

You can check out the full interview here.

Eddie lost his battle with throat cancer on October 6th

Eddie sadly died at the age of 65 on October 6th at St. John’s Hospital, Santa Monica in California. He lost his battle with throat cancer after he had been sick for over a decade. The cancer had travelled to his brain and other organs and he had a sudden decline, according to reports. His wife, Janie, was by his side, along with his son, Wolfgang, and Alex, Eddie’s brother and VAN HALEN drummer.

VAN HALEN has been in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame since 2007. Rolling Stone magazine ranked Eddie Van Halen No. 8 in its list of the 100 greatest guitarists. You can check out my pick of Van Halen solos here.