Ritchie Blackmore / Eddie Van Halen “reinvented the guitar”

As the world continues to mourn the loss of one of the greatest Guitar Legends, Eddie Van Halen, Ritchie Blackmore has spoken of “the ultimate guitar hero.” 

Blackmore said: “Eddie Van Halen was a brilliant guitarist who started a technique of guitar playing which was emulated by a whole generation of guitarists.

“He was one of the nicest musicians I ever met in the music business. Very shy and not at all conceited about his ability as a guitar player.

“Frank Zappa said he [EVH] reinvented the guitar. I agree. He will be sadly missed but his brilliant legacy will always be remembered.

The ultimate guitar hero.”

Alex Van Halen and David Lee Roth shared messages via social media, while Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony also posted a video.

Gene Simmons, who produced demo recordings of Van Halen in 1976, said: “Your jaw will drop when you hear that demo and all that music coming out of four guys”, he told the LA Times.

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“He [EVH] knew the greatness in his fingertips. You could feel the confidence as soon as he picked up a guitar, but there was none of this ego and bullying that a lot of talented people seem to have. I’m no stranger to that myself.”

Simmons posted a short, tearful video to Twitter: “I’m heartbroken. He wasn’t just a guitar god. … He was a gentle soul. What can I say? Rest in peace, Eddie.”

 

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