Dutch-American musician (guitarist, keyboardist), songwriter and producer, of Indonesian descent. Co-namesake of American hard rock band Van Halen.
Born January 26, 1955, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Died October 6, 2020, in Santa Monica, California, USA (aged 65).
Son of Jan Van Halen; brother of Alex Van Halen; father of Wolfgang Van Halen; married to Valerie Bertinelli (married April 11, 1981; divorced 2007); married Janie Liszewski (June 2009). His family relocated to the U.S. in 1962 and he was raised in Pasadena, California.
Began piano lessons at age 6; bought a drumkit, but traded it to his brother Alex for his guitar. Formed his first band, "The Broken Combs," with Alex in elementary school. Later renamed The Trojan Rubber Co. and then Genesis. Co-founded hard rock band Mammoth with Alex in 1972, which changed its name to Van Halen circa 1973-74.
Considered one of the best rock guitarists ever and was famous for his "two-handed tap" technique that has been copied by an uncountable number of guitar players to this day. He is listed as no. 4 on the list of best guitar players of all time.
Died at age 65 of a stroke, at St. Johns Hospital, Santa Monica, California, after a long battle with throat cancer.
