The late rock iconic legend’s Eddie Van Halen massive colorful mural painted outside Guitar Center’s flagship store in Hollywood is now complete and was just unveiled yesterday (Jan. 26) on what would have been Eddie’s 66th birthday.
A massive colorful mural was painted by Los Angeles artist Robert Vargas, the 17-by-105-foot at the Guitar Center on the Sunset Strip along with Eddie’s signature “Frankenstrat” guitar.
In respect of the mural, Vargas stated, “Eddie was one of my creative heroes. When I was young, the debut VAN HALEN record was the first album I ever owned. He influenced me over the years in so many different ways. A soon as the news hit of his passing, I knew I had to do something creative to memorialize him, and Guitar Center was the obvious venue. Right here on the Sunset Strip, where the band made their bones – I can’t think of a better place for this tribute to him, and I thank Guitar Center for giving me the canvas to share it with the world.”
In earlier October 6, Van Hallen’s co-founder, Eddie Van Halen has died at 65 after a long battle with throat cancer. Heartbreaking news was confirmed by his son Wolfgang. Legendary rock icon guitarist was diagnosed with the disease for 20 years and treated for tongue cancer. In 2002 it was declared that Eddie’s third of the tongue was removed in surgery.
“Happy 6th Birthday, Pop,” Eddie’s son Wolf Van Halen wrote Tuesday on Instagram, “I wish I could give you the biggest hug and celebrate it with you. I love and miss you so much it hurts. I don’t even know how to put it into words. I’m doing my best to hold it together, but goddammit it’s really tough being here without you.”
Happy birthday, Eddie Van Halen.
