Kenny Chesney Reflects On Performing With Eddie Van Halen

Kenny Chesney Reflects On Performing With Eddie Van Halen

Kenny Chesney was one of the lucky musicians who had the chance to perform on stage with the late Eddie Van Halen, which is a moment he won't soon forget.

"It was one of those moments that every kid who dreams about rock music dreams of," Chesney recently told People. "It was so alive, so in the moment, and both Van Halen brothers [Eddie and Alex] played like it was their show, their fans."

"They just brought it and every single person onstage was losing their mind," he continued. "The audience loved it and so did Eddie and [his older brother] Alex ... They were so generous with their time."

Chesney went on to share how the band's manager Irving Azoff asked him "Is it alright if Eddie Van Halen gives you a call?" "And then looking down a little bit later to see that 818 area code and thinking, 'That’s Eddie Van Halen,'" the "Happy Does" singer recalled.

"I answered and he sounds just like you'd think but then he falls into talking to you about music, life, road life and all these things," Chesney said. "It's like you've always been friends and he knows your life and he understands."

Van Halen died on Tuesday, October 6 at age 65 after a long battle with throat cancer. When Chesney heard the heartbreaking news, he turned to social media to tribute the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.

"I am devastated at the news of the passing of my friend @eddievanhalen," he wrote alongside a pair of photos from the show. "He was a friend and a hero to anyone who has ever picked up a guitar and had a dream. Eddie and his brother Alex joined us on stage at one of our stadium shows in Los Angeles and it was one of the highlights of my touring life in all my summers on the road. I will never forget that night and how happy we both were that our musical paths crossed that night on stage. Rest In Peace to the best guitar player that ever lived. We will miss you Eddie Van Halen. Your music will live forever!!"

Photo: Getty Images


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