Eddie Van Halen Mural Installed At Hollywood Guitar Center

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Guitar Center's Hollywood location is now graced with an Eddie Van Halen mural, the store revealed Tuesday. The late musician passed away in October 2020, and January 26 would have been his 65th birthday.

Guitar Center teamed up with artist Robert Vargas to complete the mural, which shows Van Halen playing his iconic "Frankenstrat" guitar. The mural covers the entire outer wall of the building's rear entrance, measuring about 17 feet tall and 105 feet long.

"Eddie was one of my creative heroes," Vargas said. "When I was young, the debut Van Halen record was the first album I ever owned. He influenced me over the years in so many different ways. As soon as the news hit of his passing, I knew I had to do something creative to memorialize him, and Guitar Center was the obvious venue. Right here on the Sunset Strip, where the band made their bones -- I can't think of a better place for this tribute to him, and I thank Guitar Center for giving me the canvas to share it with the world."

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The mural was unveiled Tuesday afternoon, and a mural signing was held to celebrate Vargas and Van Halen. Actor George Lopez was on hand to watch the ceremony, and touched on his friendship with the iconic guitarist.

"Ed was a great guy, friend of mine, golf buddy," Lopez said. "I had to come out and see this happen. I think he'd be happy they used a photo from the 80s, and not one with gray hair and everything. But he's a great guy, today's his birthday, and I'm glad he's in Hollywood where he belongs."

Van Halen's handprints are also prominently featured in the store's "RockWalk," along with several of his instruments and memorabilia.

City News Service contributed to this report.