During the 2020 Billboard Music Awards, which aired October 14th, host Kelly Clarkson paid special tribute to Eddie Van Halen, whom she called a “true giant.” The “ones we lost” segment featured other recent losses, including Kenny Rogers and Little Richard.
Of Eddie, Clarkson said:
“He was a legendary guitarist, an amazing musician and an incredible songwriter.”
Watch Clarkson’s tribute:
Clarkson’s comments were followed by a clip of Eddie playing with the band, including Dave, Alex and Wolfgang, at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards.
“That moment is one that all who saw will always remember,” the singer said.
Watch the full 2015 performance:
After the clip, the screen cut to an image of a stage, a lone spotlight shining on Eddie’s Frankenstein guitar.