Late Eddie Van Halen Honored on His 66th Birthday with a Mural — Artist Shares Its Story

The late rock star Eddie Van Halen has been honored for his contribution to the music industry. A mural has been recently unveiled in his memory, and we have the artistic image below.

The late Eddie Van Halen was honored on his birthday with a mural. The mural was unveiled on January 27, which would have been the late icon's 66th birthday.

A 1-minute video from YouTube shows Robert Vargas, an artist, working behind the scenes painting the late rock star's mural. Vargas narrated his work on the wall as he recalls his memories of Van Halen.

"We're here at the Guitar Center, Sunset Boulevard, I am in the middle of painting Eddie Van Halen, guitar icon, guitar hero, and friend of mine," he said. Vargas revealed that he teamed up with Guitar Center to come up with the wall as the platform to paint the mural.

The mural is titled "Long Live the King" and was unveiled in Hollywood, California. The 17-by-105-foot portrait depicts the musician shredding his signature “Frankenstrat” guitar.

Vargas shared that he imagined him play the song "I'm The One." Speaking on his craft, Vargas added that we still need to feel touch and tangibility and pick up an instrument, as he held two guitars in both hands.

Vargas explained that the venue is an anchor to the guitar center. Notably, adding that music and art contribute to the quality of our lives, he is passionate about creativity.

The Los Angeles artist delivered a masterpiece of artwork in a “completely freehand with all brushwork, with no projections, no grids, and no stencils” style in just ten days. Referencing his amazing work, Vargas said, “I feel exhilarated. It’s a triumph.”

Vargas added that creating the mural for Van Halen was a “labor of love.” Noting that it was just not in respect and appreciation for him but to also share with fans.

Asked what inspired him to take on such a project, Vargas shared that Van Halen was one of his creative heroes. Not only that, but the legendary musician also inspired him throughout his life.

Sharing that he has idolized Van Halen ever since he was a kid. Vargas was able to converse with the former rock band member about the creative process before he died, and the songwriter was able to see him draw, too.

Vargas revealed that Van Halen's debut record was the first album he ever owned when he was younger. Thinking back to when he first heard the sad news of his passing, he shared that it dawned on him that he had to do something creative in his image.

The talented muralist added that the Guitar Center was the perfect venue. The reason being that it is where the band performed their music, "I can't think of a better place for this tribute for him," he said.

Van Halen died on October 6, 2020, at the age of 65, from his long battle with throat cancer. After the news of his death came, his fellow rock bandmates shared outpouring tributes on social media.

The tributes came from lead vocalist Sammy Hagar, singer Billy Idol, including Van Halen's son Wolf Van Halen, and ex-wife Valerie Bertinelli. Van Halen's only child announced his passing on Instagram.

Van Halen was cremated 22 days after he died, and his 29-year-old son received his ashes. At the time, Wolf was reportedly expected to honor his dad's last wishes and scatter his remains in the Pacific Ocean.

Since his father's death, Wolf has been open about grieving and shared how much he misses him and that he is in his heart and mind always. Van Halen co-founded the rock band "Van Halen" with his brother Alex in 1972.