VAN HALEN drummer Alex Van Halen turned 68 on Saturday, May 8. It was his first birthday since the death of his brother, iconic VAN HALEN guitarist Eddie Van Halen.
Alex commemorated the occasion by sharing the following statement: “First birthday without you, Ed. The view from my drum set will never be the same. VH forever!”
Eddie passed away last October at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California. Alex was by his side, as were Eddie‘s wife, Janie, and son, Wolfgang.
The axeman died from complications due to cancer, his son confirmed.
Eddie‘s final Instagram post was a tribute to Alex. On May 8, 2020, the guitarist shared a black-and-white photo of him and his brother to his followers to wish the drummer a happy birthday.
He captioned the picture: “Happy Birthday Al!! Love Ya!! #vanhalen #alexvanhalen #birthday #may #drummer #musician #musicians #family #rock #classicrock #rockband #love”.
Eddie and Alex formed VAN HALEN in 1972 in Pasadena, California, with David Lee Roth on lead vocals and Michael Anthony on bass.
VAN HALEN was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2007.
Rolling Stone magazine ranked Eddie Van Halen No. 8 in its list of the 100 greatest guitarists.
After undergoing hip replacement surgery in 1999 due to a chronic joint problem, Eddie was diagnosed with mouth cancer in 2000 and had to have part of his tongue surgically removed. He later battled throat cancer and reportedly had been receiving radiation treatment in Germany. It is believed that his heavy smoking over the years led to his long battle with cancer.
