According to the Pasadena Star-News, elected officials directed City Manager Steve Mermell to bring together a public group to create and review ideas on how to best honor the iconic guitarist, who passed away on October 6 at the age of 65 after a long battle with cancer.
Among the ideas initially discussed include a monument or statue, a plaque on one of the band’s former stomping grounds, turning Eddie’s childhood home into a historic landmark, renaming a walkway in the city-owned convention center where Van Halen played some of its early shows, or the renaming of a park or an alleyway.
A local tribute to Eddie Van Halen was spearheaded by residents Randa Schmalfeld and Julie Kimura, who raised $5,200 (exceeding their $3,000 goal) through the online fundraising platform gofundme.com.
Eddie and his family moved to Pasadena from Holland in 1962, with the guitarist and his drummer brother Alex attending local schools and starting several bands before forming Van Halen in 1974 after the addition of David Lee Roth and, later, bassist Michael Anthony.
See also:
Eddie Van Halen tribute set for Rock Hall Of Fame induction broadcast
Wolfgang Van Halen slams rumour about future of Van Halen
Eddie Van Halen memorial to be considered by Pasadena City Council
David Lee Roth featured on CBS Sunday Morning
Search Van Halen at hennemusic
