Stephen Pearcy Pays Tribute to Eddie Van Halen at Surf Ballroom
CLEAR LAKE – The iconic lead singer of RATT, Stephen Pearcy, is set to honor the late guitar virtuoso, Eddie Van Halen, on what would have been his birthday. This touching tribute comes just weeks before Pearcy takes the stage once again at the historic Surf Ballroom.
Pearcy took to social media to commemorate Van Halen’s legacy, posting, “On this day Happy Birthday brother Eddie Van Halen.” Born on January 26, 1955, Van Halen left an indelible mark on the music world before his untimely passing on October 6, 2020.
Having graced the same stage back in 2013, Pearcy often reminisces about the glory days of the 1980s. A time when big hair, neon lights, and rock ‘n’ roll reigned supreme, with his band RATT at the forefront of the scene.
Reflecting on his early influences, Pearcy shared, “If it wasn’t for meeting Ed and seeing this new band Van Halen at The Whisky A Go back in 1978, there might not have been a RATT.” It was this encounter that propelled him onto the Sunset Strip in the ’80s, where RATT quickly rose to fame with hits like “Out of the Cellar” and “Invasion of Your Privacy.”
Expressing his gratitude for their friendship, Pearcy wrote, “You changed the game, and the world of guitar playing forever.” Recalling the moment when Van Halen’s impact truly hit home, he added, “Everybody I told about VH before I moved back to L.A didn’t believe me until the first album and tour went through San Diego in 78. Then all hell broke loose.”
As Pearcy gears up for another unforgettable performance at the Surf Ballroom on February 22, he looks back on the journey that brought him to this moment. Sharing a glimpse into his past, he revealed, “I did get my wish, to have my band RATT open a show for VH. I never pushed the subject, but knew it would happen one day.”
In a heartfelt sign-off to his late friend, Pearcy concluded, “God bless brother, always an experience.” Fans can catch Stephen Pearcy live in concert at the Surf Ballroom, with tickets priced at $30.
