When Gene Simmons recalled his friend and renowned guitarist Eddie Van Halen, he became emotional.
After a protracted fight with throat cancer, Eddie passed away on Tuesday at the age of 65 at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica.
According to sources, Eddie’s health deteriorated during the past 72 hours. The artist, who co-founded the rock band Van Halen, passed away with his wife Janie by his side, along with his brother Alex and son Wolfgang.
Physicians found that his cancer had spread to other organs, including his brain.
During his Wednesday appearance on Good Morning Britain, Gene praised his close friend Eddie and described him as a “monster of a talent,” recalling his first encounter with the celebrity.
“Fortunately, I got to know some greats, and I will tell you that they don’t usually heap praise on people that pick up a guitar,” the Kiss bassist said to hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid.
Eddie toyed with emotions and self-taught. You witnessed a phenomena. They were the main attraction, it was their first time in New York, I got backstage, and Eddie was beaming. I will never forget it. He was always the good guy.
During his video connection appearance from British Columbia, Gene was spotted sporting dark sunglasses and a baseball cap, which he admitted he had put on to keep from sobbing.
He had to pause occasionally to gather himself when talking about Eddie because he became emotional. Gene revealed, “Only the good die young and I’m devastated.
Rockers hide behind a façade, which is part of this [points to clothing]. I would be crying like a 12-year-old if I removed everything.
Regarding Eddie’s passing, he remarked: “Life isn’t fair.” This sweet, lovely soul, who also possesses a monstrous ability, was snatched from us at such a young age. It was disastrous.
“I’ve never seen Eddie hang around the silly part of fame,” Gene added. It was always about his passion for his music and his instrument.
Eddie grinning was the first thing that came to me when I heard the heartbreaking news that he had died away, thank God.