The Pasadena Star-News reports Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo and fellow council members are expected to unveil a recently installed plaque outside of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on the morning of Monday, October 11 to honor the late guitarist and his connection to the city.
The public is not invited to Monday’s ceremony due to coronavirus protocols and the family will also not be present due to scheduling conflicts, officials said Thursday, but they hope residents will enjoy the memorial for years to come.
Local residents Randa Schmalfeld and Julie Kimura launched a gofundme page following Eddie’s passing to initiate an honor and brought the idea to local officials; last spring, the pair were invited to design a memorial plaque honoring Van Halen, which recently received final approval from city council.
“We have received formal approval for our plaque which is set to be installed at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium! This plaque will honor Edward Van Halen and highlight the role that the Pasadena Civic played in Van Halen's rise to international stardom," shared Schmalfeld and Kimura at the time. “Our plaque has been vetted by the Van Halen Family and approved by The City of Pasadena, and the Executive Board of the Pasadena Civic Operating Company.”
“The plaque will honor the early days of Van Halen and the importance of their performances at the Pasadena Civic in the 1970’s,” they added. “In addition to a brief description about the Van Halen family and the band, and their relationship to Pasadena, it will also include the infamous Van Halen logo, which the band has approved for display on the plaque. Pasadena 4 Van Halen will be acknowledged on the plaque for the generous donations that you have all made to support this effort. It’s going to be so beautiful and we can’t wait for you all to see it one day soon!”
Eddie died in a Santa Monica, CA hospital on October 7, 2020 at the age of 65 from a stroke and other complications following a lengthy battle with cancer. See also:
Wolfgang Van Halen shares tribute to Eddie Van Halen
Wolfgang Van Halen salutes David Lee Roth following retirement news
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Search Van Halen at hennemusic
