By now you've probably seen the pushback to last night's In Memoriam segment at the 2021 Grammys. Eddie Van Halen passed away last October and only got a 15 second tribute. His son, Wolfgang Van Halen was asked to play "Eruption" but declined and has since been vocal about the possible snub.
Eddie Van Halen is on the short list of greatest guitarists of all time. The Grammys did give EVH an award in 1991 for Best Hard Rock Performance with Vocals for Van Halen's record, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. Yet last night in their In Memoriam segment, he only got15 seconds? That being said, his son Wolfgang did turn down being asked to play "Eruption." Are the two connected? I have no clue. He declined to play that song b/c he said no one could play like his dad. Perhaps paying tribute to his dad by playing at the Grammys last night would have pacified fans like you and me while bringing more attention the passing of his dad, a true musical icon.
I will say that seeing EVH for 15 seconds crushing that song while also looking at his famous guitar on stage was emotional. Perhaps the Grammys did get it right in asking Wolfgang to play. I would have loved to see that tribute. Mixed emotions for sure.