Rock fans worldwide paid tribute to Eddie Van Halen, sharing memories, photos, and videos of the guitar legend’s final live show after his passing last October 6, 2020. His son Wolfgang revealed that Eddie had lost his long battle with throat cancer at age 65.
His Final Tour with Van Halen
Eddie’s last tour was in the summer of 2015, marking Van Halen’s third major run since David Lee Roth rejoined the band in 2007. Their final show happened on October 4, 2015, at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. It was a night filled with energy, nostalgia, and one emotional tribute from Roth himself.
Midway through the set, Roth turned to Eddie and said, “The best years of my life, the high points of all my life – onstage with you, homeboy.” He then added, “I will always do the half-Jesus towards you, Eddie Van Halen.” The heartfelt moment captured the deep bond between the two musicians, despite their well-known ups and downs over the years.
A Long Battle with Cancer
Eddie had been fighting throat cancer since 2000. He believed years of holding metal guitar picks in his mouth contributed to his illness. Despite the diagnosis, he continued performing, recording, and inspiring millions.
Earlier in 2020, Wolfgang had expressed hope that his father might one day return to the stage, but sadly, that dream never came true.
A Legacy That Lives On
Van Halen, formed in 1972, revolutionized rock music with Eddie’s iconic guitar solos, Alex Van Halen’s thunderous drumming, and Roth’s electrifying vocals. Their music continues to influence generations of musicians and fans even today.
Check out and relive Eddie’s brilliance with his final performance of “Dance the Night Away” and the band’s full setlist below:
Van Halen’s 2015 Hollywood Bowl Set List
1. “Light Up the Sky”
2. “Runnin’ With the Devil”
3. “Romeo Delight”
4. “Everybody Wants Some!!”
5. “Drop Dead Legs”
6. “Feel Your Love Tonight”
7. “Somebody Get Me a Doctor”
8. “She’s the Woman”
9. “I’ll Wait”
10. Drum Solo
11. “Little Guitars”
12. “Dance the Night Away”
13. “Beautiful Girls”
14. “Women in Love …”
15. “Hot for Teacher”
16. “‘Dirty Movies’”
17. “Ice Cream Man”
18. “Unchained”
19. “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love”
20. Guitar Solo
21. “You Really Got Me”
22. “Panama”
23. “Jump”