On October 6, 2020, the music world felt a deep loss when Eddie Van Halen passed away at the Providence St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica. The cause of his death was complications from cancer. While fans mourned the loss of one of the greatest guitar players ever, Wolfgang Van Halen, Eddie’s son, lost not just an iconic musician but his father and best friend. “He was the best father I could ever ask for,” Wolfgang expressed on Instagram. “Every moment I’ve shared with him on and off stage was a gift. My heart is broken, and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from this loss.”
Eddie’s Final Wishes and Legacy
Following his sad departure, Eddie’s family decided to cremate his body. Wolfgang was entrusted with his father’s ashes and, respecting his wishes, scattered them in the Pacific Ocean off of Malibu. However, not all of the ashes were released into the ocean. Wolfgang kept a part of his father close in an extraordinary way. He had a necklace made that included his father’s thumbprint and some of his ashes. “He’s hanging on my neck,” Wolfgang shared in an episode of “Behind the Music” as reported by People. This was a small glimpse into the untold story of Wolfgang Van Halen, who had debuted on stage with Eddie as a teenager and was by his side until his final moments.
Eddie Van Halen co-founded the band Van Halen in 1974 alongside his brother Alex on drums, singer David Lee Roth, and bassist Michael Anthony. The band saw its rise to stardom over the years, with Eddie’s unique guitar skills mesmerizing audiences globally. He experienced personal milestones too; marrying actress Valerie Bertinelli in 1981 (they divorced in 2007) and welcoming Wolfgang into the world in 1991. Van Halen underwent several changes through the years, including breakups and reunions. In 2007, at just 16 years old, Wolfgang joined the band, replacing Michael Anthony on bass. The band eventually disbanded following Eddie’s death.
Eddie’s Health Battles and Final Moments
Eddie’s health struggles began in 2000 with a diagnosis of tongue cancer, which led to part of his tongue being removed. He was declared cancer-free in 2002 but faced more health battles ahead. In 2017, he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, and in 2019, a brain tumor was discovered. Wolfgang was there through it all. “I held my dad’s hand,” Wolfgang recalled. “I held it up to my face until he left. I felt the warmth of his hand on my face until I couldn’t feel him anymore.” Eddie’s final words to Wolfgang were “I love you.”
Following Eddie’s passing, the family, including Bertinelli, gathered in the hospital room for pizza, one of Eddie’s favorite meals, to celebrate his life.
Wolfgang Fulfilling Eddie’s Final Wishes
Twenty-two days after his death, Eddie’s body was cremated at LA’s Forest Lawn Memorial Parks and Mortuaries. It had been one of Eddie’s last requests to have his ashes scattered off the coast of Malibu, a place he cherished and where he once lived. Wolfgang had taken upon himself to fulfill this wish, also deciding to keep a part of his dad closer in the form of a necklace.
Since Van Halen’s final breakup, Wolfgang has been dedicating himself to his music career with his solo project, Mammoth WVH. In 2023, he released his second full-length album, “Mammoth II,” and continues to tour. Though Eddie Van Halen couldn’t witness his son’s growing solo success, Wolfgang makes sure his father is with him at every performance. Wearing the necklace with his father’s ashes, he said, “No matter what I do, we’re always together.” He added, “His ashes are in here. … Every show I’ve ever played – he’s with me all the time no matter what. So even if I don’t feel him spiritually, I can get away with saying he’s literally here with me at all times.”