Take A Look Back At Eddie Van Halen's Final Capital Region Show

Six years ago today, October 6, 2020, we lost Eddie Van Halen. Arguably one of the greatest guitarists of all-time passed away after a long, multi-year battle with throat and lung cancer at the age of 65.

The last time Eddie Van Halen performed live was with Van Halen on October 4, 2015 at the Hollywood Bowl in California. Sadly, just 5 years later, almost to the date, Eddie would be gone. Were you lucky enough to see Van Halen here in the Capital Region? Let's take a look back.

In February of 1978 Van Halen had just released their very first album when they hit the road. On March 22, 1978 Van Halen played the Palace Theatre in Albany but they were not the headliner. Van Halen went on first, then Ronnie Montrose followed by Journey featuring their new singer Steve Perry.

In the 1990's Van Halen returned to the Capital Region for 3 shows. On October 23, 1991 and May 7, 1995 Van Halen performed at the Knickerbocker Arena in Albany with Sammy Hagar on vocals. On August 23, 1998 Van Halen, fronted by Gary Cherone, played Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

By 1998 Van Halen had gone through 3 singers, David Lee Roth, Sammy Hagar, and Gary Cherone. In 2004 the band got back together with Sammy Hagar for a reunion tour. Although the tour reviews were very negative VH did play 1 more show in Albany.

The last time Eddie Van Halen performed in the Capital Region was June 26, 2004 at the Pepsi Arena in Albany. The band played 23 songs that night including VH classics, and Sammy Hagar solos tunes. The last song Eddie Van Halen played in Albany was 'When It's Love'.