The Pasadena Now has reported that plans for an Eddie Van Halen plaque are moving forward and its location is sure to be one that is near and dear to the hearts of both band members and local fans.
Here’s the report from Andre Coleman of Pasadena Now:
The city appears to be getting closer to honoring legendary guitarist and former Pasadena resident Eddie Van Halen, who founded the group Van Halen with his brother Alex.
Earlier this week, organizers who have been pushing for a memorial said on their gofundme page that they had met with a city official and an official with the Pasadena Center Operating Co.
Randa Schmalfeld and Julie Kimura said as a result of the meeting they were invited to design a plaque honoring Van Halen, who died on Oct. 6 at age 65 after a long battle with cancer.
The plaque would be installed near the city Convention Center, which is next to the Civic Auditorium, where the band played a dozen times between 1975 and 1978.
According to the gofundme page established by Schmalfeld and Kimura, $6,500 has been donated by fans from around the world.
The shows that Van Halen played at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium brought the band widespread recognition and a fan base that helped to launch them into international stardom.
“Van Halen’s epic rise from local garage band to hometown heroes to international superstars is nothing short of incredible,” said Schmalfeld. “We are so delighted that Van Halen will be recognized with a plaque celebrating the band’s Pasadena roots, and the important role that the Pasadena Civic Auditorium played in the band’s early success. We are delighted to make this significant donation in celebration of Edward Van Halen’s extraordinary talent and in honor of Van Halen’s Pasadena roots”
According to Pasadena Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian, “The City is moving forward with a plaque in front of or adjacent to the Convention Center where the band performed on several occasions in their earlier years.”
Derderian said there is no time frame on when the memorial will be installed.
The plaque has not yet been created. First, the Pasadena Center Operating Co. will have to approve the donation. The next step is ordering a plaque, which will be delivered a few weeks later.
Due to legal issues, the pair have been told that the plaque cannot contain Van Halen’s likeness or even his famous “Frankenstrat” guitar.
You can read the rest of Coleman’s article HERE.