Alright, let’s dive into a story that hits right in the heartstrings. Guitarist John 5 recently opened up about the final days of the legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen. In a candid conversation with, Lipps Service, John 5 revealed that David Lee Roth shared a poignant moment that sheds light on Eddie’s battle with illness.
John 5, known for his work with artists like Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson, collaborated with Roth in 1998 on the “DLR Band” LP. Their partnership extended beyond that album, leading to the creation of several unreleased tracks. One such song, “Nothing Could Have Stopped Us Back Then Anyway,” was finally released in 2022. This track serves as a heartfelt tribute to Van Halen’s heyday, encapsulating the band’s spirit and camaraderie.
During their collaboration, Roth confided in John 5 about Eddie’s health issues. He pointed to his chest and said, “The Marlboro Man got him,” referencing Eddie’s battle with cancer, which was exacerbated by his smoking habits.
“Maybe the worst day ever, when Eddie passed…we had this song, ‘Nothing Could Have Stopped Us Back Then Anyway’, that me and Dave did, and it was about his time in Van Halen. And it’s just this beautiful song as tribute.”
“I remember Dave telling me [Eddie] was sick, and I was like, ‘What’s going on? What’s going on?’ I’ll never forget this, man. He pointed [to his chest], he goes to ‘The Marlboro Man got him.'”
