The Californian city of Pasadena has a brand new landmark that will no doubt attract thousands of metalheads from across the globe.
A memorial plaque to the late, great Eddie Van Halen has just been unveiled in the guitar legend’s hometown, just over a year since his passing.
The result of a GoFundMe campaign that garnered US $6.5K in donations from Van Halen fans all over the world, the plaque is situated near the city’s Convention Center, which sits next to the Civic Auditorium where VH played multiple shows between 1975 and 1978.
“This event brings together history and community to celebrate a world-renowned artist,” Pasadena city councilor Felicia Williams said, according to local paper Pasadena Now.
“It’s not just the history of Eddie as a guitar legend, but also the challenges he faced growing up mixed race in Pasadena, which always spoke to me. And the community support and initiative to make this happen is inspiring. Thank you to everyone.”
The text on the plaque reads:
“The Van Halen family emigrated from the Netherlands to Pasadena in 1962. Alex and Eddie Van Halen attended schools in Pasadena and began playing music together with Eddie on guitar and Alex on drums. Years later, the brothers formed the band Van Halen, along with bassist Michael Anthony and vocalist David Lee Roth. Between 1975 and 1978, Van Halen performed 14 concerts at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium and Conference Center. Regarded as one of the most successful bands of all time, Van Halen will forever be remembered for reinventing Rock ‘n’ Roll and their connection to Pasadena.”
Eddie Van Halen died on October 6 last year following a long battle with throat cancer.
According to the local paper, the memorial was not allowed contain Ed’s likeness or his famous “Frankenstrat” guitar, due to legal issues.
Check it out below.
Image via Facebook / David Carrido
