The late Eddie Van Halen left over $1 million to a music education charity in his will.
The veteran rocker – who passed away in 2020 aged 66 – gave an unspecified donation to Mr Holland’s Opus Foundation (MHOF), with the non-profit organisation hailing the seven-figure sum they received as “transformative”.
The charity, which is named after the titular character in 1995 movie ‘Mr Holland’s Opus, provide school-aged children from low-income backgrounds access to musical instruments and other opportunities to enjoy music education and Eddie’s donation will provide a “significant [increase to] the non-profit’s capacity to support music programmes across the country.”
MHOF CEO Felice Mancini added in a statement: “Eddie’s support and friendship over the years meant the world to us and to his fans. His passion for music and our work created a strong bond, which is evident in his extraordinary bequest.
“To know how much our foundation meant to Eddie is intensely humbling and gratifying to all of us – and we know that Eddie’s family is confident that his powerful legacy and values live on through our efforts.”
Before his death, the ‘Jump’ rocker had been a big supporter of the organisation and in 2012, he donated 75 guitars from his personal collection.
His son Wolfgang – who donated the proceeds from the sale of his 2020 debut solo single, ‘Distance’, to MHOF – has vowed to continue his father’s links to the charity.
He said: “Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation and the work they do for music education was always something that was important to my father.
He said: “Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation and the work they do for music education was always something that was important to my father.