Fittingly, I think, I heard the news on the radio late yesterday afternoon.  Eddie Van Halen passed away at age 65.  He had cancer. 

It hit me.  I immediately took a trip back to high school.  All the kids were diggin' Van Halen.  Their first record, released in '78, is still one of my favourites.   

I thought of all my friends who love Van Halen, including one who used to and probably still does emulate Eddie on his own electric guitar. 

Eddie Van Halen was certainly one of the greatest rock 'n roll guitar players of all time.  He was always smiling on stage.  Playing his guitar brought him pure joy.  That was part of the attraction. 

Many of my friends and followers on social media are impacted by the news. 

One writes, "No matter what kind of music you listen to, this guy has influenced it.  My first guitar hero...crushed by the news today." 

In fact, the legendary Burton Cummings paid tribute on Facebook, writing, "Probably isn't a guitarist alive that doesn't know the name Eddie Van Halen.  He virtually perfected the tapping technique...and took it to dizzying heights...he'll be talked about for generations and will NEVER be forgotten.  R.I.P. Eddie...you were ONE OF A KIND".