Everybody Wants Some: The Van Halen Saga

Born in The Netherlands, Edward Lodewijk van Halen is a son of clarinetist, saxophonist & pianist father Jan van Halen and mother Eugenia (née Van Beers).

Eddie Van Halen is widely known for his innovative performing and recording styles in rapid guitar playing, tapping, and high frequency feedback; he is also known for energetic and acrobatic stage performances. The All Music category_ide has described him as “undoubtedly one of the most influential, original, and talented rock guitarists of the 20th century.”

Eddie’s mother Eugenia (née Van Beers) was originally from Indonesia. Eugenia was the one who brought musical discipline into the Van Halen home. She made Ed practice the piano until he got so good that he was winning competitions. According to interviews with the brothers, Ed and Alex, Eugenia was employed cleaning houses, in the family’s typical hard working way, when the family came to America. Unfortunately, Eugenia Van Halen died in 2005 at age 89.

I cannot wait to interview Eddie about the special influence that this extraordinary woman had on his life and on the life of his brother Alex!