Pasadena Now reports a tribute to the guitar icon in his adopted hometown 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 in hopes of having a street or alley named in Van Halen’s honor.
“We are delighted that the City Council is moving so quickly to consider a dedicated public space here in Van Halen’s hometown,” said Schmalfeld. “We envision a place where fans can forever honor and celebrate the brilliance of Eddie Van Halen and the phenomenal success of Pasadena’s Hometown Band. The overwhelmingly positive response to our campaign demonstrates the desire of our community to honor Eddie and his bandmates.
“We are hopeful that the council will decide in our favor and we are looking forward to next steps in forever honoring Pasadena’s favorite Rock Stars!”
Shmalfled confirmed the surplus money raised will be donated to music programs at Pasadena High School.
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.
After Van Halen released their self-titled debut album in 1978, the influential project went on to sell more than 10 million copies in the US; they would deliver a dozen studio records and a pair of live albums through a series of lineup changes before touring for the final time in 2015.
Inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2007, Van Halen have sold more than 80 million albums worldwide.
See also:
David Lee Roth featured on CBS Sunday Morning
Van Halen planned reunion for farewell tour
Jack White tributes Eddie Van Halen on Saturday Night Live
Alex Van Halen mourns loss of brother Eddie Van Halen
Search Van Halen at hennemusic
