David Crosby clarifies comments on EVH, says he “didn’t remember” that the latter had died recently

Earlier this week, David Crosby kicked up an internet storm with comments on the late Eddie Van Halen, who died at the beginning of this month. Now, Crosby has attempted to clarify his comments and apologised for any offence caused.

Initially, when asked by a fan about his opinions on Van Halen, Crosby responded with simply the word “Meh…” which, after the terse reply was taken as insensitive by many given the late icon’s recent passing, Crosby followed up with “Hendrix changed the world of guitar. Nobody else really. “Look I get it. Many of you loved Van Halen. And the one time I met he was nice. And he was talented. ‘Meh’ to me means I don’t care that much. And I don’t. Doesn’t mean he wasn’t good, he was, but not for me.”

This in itself was also a source of backlash, as many were quick to rebut against Crosby painting Hendrix as the only guitar innovator. Guitarist Pete Thorn, for example, responded: “David, there were two electric guitar game-changers. The first was Hendrix, the second was Eddie Van Halen. Just because you weren’t tuned into it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.”

Crosby has since clarified that he thought his response was “an answer that was not cool,” and added: “The even more embarrassing truth is I didn’t even remember he had just died or I would have kept my mouth shut. I do make mistakes. No offense intended.”

yes you Van Halen fans I did just toss off an answer that was not cool …the even more embarrassing truth is ..I didn't even remember he had just died or I would have kept my mouth shut….I do make mistakes …no offense intended

— David Crosby (@thedavidcrosby) October 13, 2020

As musicians continue to mourn Eddie Van Halen, it was revealed last week (8 October) that the late guitarist’s brand, EVH Gear, will be run by his son Wolfgang Van Halen and longtime guitar technician Matt Bruck.

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