Edward Van Halen: The Guitar Player’s Bodhisattva

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Today, on what would have been Edward Van Halen’s 67th birthday, I want to officially declare it “Edward Van Halen Day” and make it a worldwide holiday for fans of Edward. Hopefully, my little “movement” will become “viral” as they say, and other people will recognize and begin to celebrate this day in remembrance of the Greatest Of All Time, EVH. 

Setting aside a day to honor someone who, through his selfless contributions, helped shape the world in a positive way, is the best way to keep his spirit alive in the hearts of future generations. This would ensure that Edward’s memory will continue, even beyond his music. His humility, his integrity and his example as a true bodhisattva would be canonized by remembering his legacy on the day of his birth. 

What would EVH Day look like? Let me explain… Every year, on January 26th, exactly one month and one day after billions of Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus (one of the greatest bodhisattvas in history), by gathering with family, being kind to one another, and offering gifts in an effort to create peace, EVH Halen Day would be much the same. We’d all vow that on this day, our words and actions will create that same atmosphere  of kindness, generosity and family harmony. We’d make a point to help others, not disrespect or harm anyone - even if we disagree with them and instead, try to help one another and compliment instead of insult, give rather than take, smile rather than frown and be more mindful of others.  I think that Edward would approve of that as a way to honor his name on his birthday. 

Here’s why I believe this… 

Anyone who loves Edward knows what an incredibly genuine and kind individual he was and how he was always smiling in just about every photo and most of all, how humble and sincere he was, despite being recognized as the guitar icon he will forever be. 

Stories of Edward’s humility, as well as his kindness and generosity are abundant.  Anyone fortunate enough to have known him, worked with him or met him even once have always commented on how sincere and unpretentious he was. Whether you’d seen him in the street and approached him, tapped him on the shoulder to ask for an autograph as he was eating dinner at a restaurant, met him at a concert or trade show, or in my case, stopped by his house, uninvited! (true story…), he’d treat you as his peer and make you feel significant, whether you were a stranger or close friend, even if you were just another one of his fans. 

Throughout his life, he’d made millions of people happy with his music and never took his fame or status for granted. Anyone who knew him would say he was the consummate gentleman, a good natured, kind human being and an absolute mensch. Fame and fortune never changed who he was inside. Even through his struggles & numerous demons he’d fought throughout his career, you’d be hard pressed to find instances where he was disrespectful, hurtful or boastful. 

As an immigrant kid growing up in America, he overcame persistent bullying and alienation from other kids his age. As a result, he learned to speak English and managed to hone his talent on a few instruments, then went on to attain his universal guitar hero status by earning it through hard work, persistence and doing what he loved. Nothing stopped him. 

As an adult, he overcame major health issues that would’ve sidelined and defeated most people, including cancer, multiple surgeries and substance abuse. His marriage to his soul mate and best friend ended after 26 years, yet he carried that love with him, eternally. This was exemplified, up to the moment he took his last breath, with his family beside him. 

Throughout all of it, he remained stoic and continued to make millions of people happy with his contributions and his dedication to his craft of making music. He bared his soul to the world through his guitar and did it with a smile on his face, always grateful for being able to do what he loved and never holding his godlike status over anyone. Deep down, he was always just that “punk kid from Pasadena who played guitar.” 

This is precisely what a “buddha” is - an ordinary human being who uses their life to create value in the world and through their actions, contribute to the happiness of others, by opening their minds to the truth and walking the walk, staying on the path and leading others to do the same. 

Edward Van Halen did exactly that. Even though he’s left us, his legacy continues to do that. He wasn’t a god in the religious sense, but to many guitar players and musicians, he was a Guitar God… and many “worship” him  as such… However, just like the Buddha, (and Jesus) he never wanted to be worshipped or deified, he only wanted others to follow in his footsteps and live out their dreams and contribute to their happiness - and so many have done just that… 

The Dharma of Edward will be heard, felt and passed down for as long as there are human beings and as long as there is music in the world. Edward moved the needle and set the example in so many ways, even aside from his music. He set it through his life and the way he lived it. He walked the walk. 

He proved that with passion, hard work, tenacity and the ability to fall on your face and just get back up, dust off and continue working, even a bi-racial, immigrant kid, who grew up in Pasadena, could change the world. And he did. 

So, let’s always remember Edward Van Halen on the day of his birth, January 26th and let’s do our best to be kind to each other, give more than we take and smile wherever we are. I think with enough people doing this around the world, it won’t be long before January 26th becomes the most peaceful, kind and generous day of the year - and EVH will smile upon all of us, because that’s what he would’ve wanted. 

If you agree and would like to seriously make this happen and OFFICIALLY make January 26th “Edward Van Halen Day” you can start by being kind to each other and putting aside your differences and misfortunes and instead, putting on a smile and giving some of your time to do something nice for someone else. In this way, Edward’s legacy will always be remembered and his kindness, generosity and humility will be carried on in his name. Most importantly, you must play Ed’s music, loudly and proudly, all day! Thank you all for reading this and thank you, Edward Van Halen! Rock In Peace!  

namaste