LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 17: Musician Wolfgang Van Halen of Van Halen performs onstage during the 2015 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images).
While Eddie Van Halen’s contributions to rock music are well documented and recognized, his son Wolfgang says there were two other musicians who made just as big an impact on the evolution of guitar playing. “I think there are only about three guitar players that influenced the instrument, and that would be Les Paul, Jimi Hendrix and my father,” the younger Van Halen says. “I feel like you can’t really argue the monumental effect that they each had on the instrument.”
Eddie Van Halen lost his battle with cancer in October at the age of 65. Would you add anyone else to that list?