“Regarded as one of the most successful bands of all time, Van Halen got their start in Pasadena in the 1970s. They played 14 sold out shows at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium between 1975 and 1978. Van Haln signed with Warner Brothers Records in 1977, released their debut album, and launched their first international tour in 1978. Pasadena is proud to recognize Van Halen and honor the band’s Pasadena roots and lifelong legacy.”
Previously identical plastic plaques were in place as the bronze ones were being prepared.
The plaques were donated by the Pasadena 4 Van Halen, a group that pushed for the City to honor Eddie Van Halen after he died.
“Our plaques at the Van Halen Stage here in Pasadena were installed today, on the 45th Anniversary of the band’s 1st album release!!!,” The group tweeted. “We are so excited, and love the timing! So grateful to everyone who helped make this happen!!!”
Van Halen died from complications caused by throat cancer on Oct. 6, 2020. He was 65.
The Van Halen family moved to Pasadena from Holland in 1962. They lived on Las Lunas Street. Eddie and his brother Alex later teamed with David Lee Roth to start the legendary group Van Halen.
Roth attended John Muir High School. The Van Halen brothers attended Pasadena High School.
In interviews, Alex and Eddie attended local schools where they were bullied because they were mixed race and spoke little English.
Despite those incidents, Van Halen said he was grateful for his experience as an immigrant.
“Coming here with approximately $50 and a piano, not being able to speak the language, going through everything to get to where we are, if that’s not the American dream, I don’t know what is,” he said in the interview.
The placement of monuments, including memorial plaques, is under the administrative jurisdiction of the city manager.
Monuments must meet criteria for appropriateness, compatibility with the surrounding environment, and impacts on the location’s existing use.
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