Kenny Chesney took to social media after learning of the death of rock legend, and Van Halen co-founder Eddie Van Halen, calling him “a friend and a hero.”
In 2006, Eddie Van Halen and brother Alex joined Kenny and his band onstage at a show in Los Angeles and Kenny commented: “I will never forget that night and how happy we both were that our musical paths crossed that night on stage.”
He also said that he was a friend and a hero to anyone who ever picked up a guitar and had a dream. Kenny ended with: “Rest In Peace to the best guitar player that ever lived. We will miss you Eddie Van Halen. Your music will live forever!!”
Many other country artists posted their regrets. This from Keith Urban: “This hit me hard. There are lots of great guitar players in the world, but very VERY few true innovators.” And Brad Paisley wrote: “Eddie, your influence will live on forever.”
Eddie Van Halen was 65.