While millions of fans and musicians are remembering Eddie Van Halen’s one-of-a-kind talents, Gene Simmons is also remembering his one-of-a-kind smile.
“”He always had that on, whether he was onstage playing for packed houses or in videos or meeting a stranger. He just smiles and says, ‘Hey, how you doing?'” Simmons recently told PEOPLE.
Simmons also shared an inspirational conversation he had with Eddie amidst his battle with cancer.
“I ran into Eddie on Sunset Boulevard. This was after he caught the disease and I didn’t know what to say to him,” Simmons said. “I didn’t want to bring up the subject. Should I grab him and hug him and tell him how sorry I am? Should I put my hand on his shoulder?”
At that moment Simmons said it was Eddie who broke the ice: “He brought it up. He said, ‘Hey man, I got cancer. What are you gonna do?’ and he smiled.”
Simmons also appeared on Entertainment Tonight and became emotional when looking back on his fondest memories of Eddie.
Watch the entire segment below:
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