Plans for a memorial statute in honor of Eddie Van Halen are in the works, according to his former guitar tech.
Pasadena Now reported this story after receiving the following statement:
“Original Van Halen tech Rudy Leiren is chairing a team that will bring a memorial statue honoring the late, great guitar virtuoso to Pasadena, California. Details announced soon for all to participate.”
Pasadena Now also quoted the city of Pasadena’s Special Projects Manager Michelle Garrett.
“The city is reviewing various ideas that have emerged in the last two months and the city has been in touch with the firm that represents the interests of Van Halen,” said Garrett. “At the appropriate time, after a range of issues are more fully explored, staff will return to council with an update on the type of memorial that respects the family’s wishes and complies with local guidelines for memorials.”
In 1962, the Van Halen family moved from the Netherlands to the United States, settling in Pasadena. It was there Eddie and his brother Alex would form Van Halen with Michael Anthony and David Lee Roth.
According to The Van Halen Encyclopedia by C.J. Chilvers, Leiren became Eddie’s first guitar tech in May of 1974 after listening to Eddie’s various band incarnations at Marshall Junior High School.