Certain dates instantaneously remind us of specific events. December 8, for example, will always be remembered as the day John Lennon was killed.

Of course, for me, the date dredges up memories of Darrell Abbott’s murder, but to each his own.

And so naturally, today, October 6, will always mark the day Eddie Van Halen departed this esoteric plane of existence.

In short, his influence cannot be overstated. The ‘80s and ‘90s just aren’t the same without Eddie and the band that bore his name.

This man’s gift for music is part of the soundtrack of countless lives. Thank you isn’t really enough, but I suppose it’ll have to do.

Thanks for everything, Ed. You’ll always be the best (and your boy Wolfie isn’t bad, either).