When Eddie Van Halen passed away in October 2020, the music world lost one of its most innovative guitarists. Among the many tributes that poured in, few carried the weight of admiration more than those from Led Zeppelin legend Jimmy Page.

In a rare statement, Page reflected on Van Halen’s groundbreaking style, acknowledging not only his technical brilliance but also the spirit behind his playing. “He pioneered a dazzling technique on guitar with taste and panache that I felt always placed him above his imitators,” Page said. “He was the real deal.”

For Page, a guitarist often hailed as one of the architects of hard rock and heavy metal, Van Halen’s arrival in the late 1970s represented a generational shift. Where Led Zeppelin had dominated arenas with riffs steeped in blues and mysticism, Van Halen burst onto the scene with explosive speed, jaw-dropping tapping techniques, and a joyful sense of showmanship.

Despite their stylistic differences, Page respected Eddie’s approach as both revolutionary and authentic. He recognized that Van Halen was more than just a virtuoso; he was a player who reshaped how the instrument could be used. From Eruption to Jump, Van Halen blurred the line between technical wizardry and mainstream appeal, inspiring countless guitarists to push boundaries.

Page’s tribute carried an added poignancy because it came from someone who had himself been a benchmark for innovation. Much like Page’s legendary riffs in Whole Lotta Love and Kashmir, Eddie’s work with Van Halen became cultural touchstones. Both guitarists transformed rock music, but each did it in their own time, with their own voice.

As fans continue to celebrate Eddie Van Halen’s legacy, Jimmy Page’s words stand as a reminder that greatness recognizes greatness. For one guitar hero to call another “the real deal” is perhaps the highest honor of all.