Eddie Van Halen Donates 75 of His Guitars

Van Halen Gives Back in a Big Way

When you're a rock star like Eddie Van Halen, you're cool by definition -- you know, the whole sex, drugs, rock and roll thing.  But, this week, Van Halen, the consummate guitar player for his eponymous band, proved that he's also cool in another way -- he's generous. 

Eddie Van Halen, 56, considered by many to be one of the most talented players to ever pick up an electric guitar, has just opened his vault and donated a staggering 75 guitars from his personal collection to Los Angeles area public schools.

Ed, working with a group called Mr. Holland's Opus that aims to find resources for school with under-funded music programs says that, “Music is the universal language," Van Halen said in a statement. "It has the ability to transcend and convey every human emotion that exists without saying a word. Music kept me off the streets and out of trouble and gave me something that was mine that no one could take away from me."

Read: The List of 30 Most Generous Celebs Will Shock You (Oprah's Not On It)

The rocker, who's poised to head back on the road with his band (and former nemesis/lead singer David Lee Roth) and has a new record hitting stores on February 7, also said, "Music education and families are dealing with the economic times, and I wanted to help them. If I can help a kid discover a liking, or even a passion for music in their life, then that's a wonderful thing. Music has provided a good life for me and hopefully it can help make life better for others with this donation."

Gotta love a guy that gives back. Can you imaging how stoked those kids who get to play an ACTUAL EVH guitar will be?  Sweet.

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