The memorial plaque honoring legendary VAN HALEN guitarist Eddie Van Halen was unveiled today (Monday, October 11) in his hometown of Pasadena, California.
Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo and council members Tyrone Hampton, Andy Wilson, Gene Masuda and Felicia Williams stood by as the plaque was unveiled near the city Convention Centre.
“This event brings together history and community to celebrate a world-renowned artist,” Williams said, according to 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 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.”
The public was not permitted to attend the ceremony due to covid-19 protocols. Eddie’s immediate family were also not present due to scheduling conflicts, according to officials.
The memorial tribute was spearheaded by Randa Schmalfeld and Julie Kimura, two local VANHALEN fans and Pasadena residents who raised $6,500 through GoFundMe donations.