General Hospital’s Coby Ryan McLaughlin Remembers Friend Eddie Van Halen

Tuesday saw the death of legendary rocker Eddie Van Halen, a guitar virtuoso, songwriter, inventor, and also an incredible man according to a pal, General Hospital alum Coby Ryan McLaughlin. He paid tribute to his one-time idol with a very moving social media post.

Coby Ryan McLaughlin Opens Up About Eddie Van Halen

The actor who brought the charismatic cult leader Shiloh to life (and death) reflected about meeting Van Halen with a stunning image of the musician on his Instagram account. (Note: The actor uses profanity in his tribute we have chosen not to edit out.)

“They say never meet your heroes…. well, in the case of this guy, that was total bullshit,” begins the actor. “We were only pals for a short time, but I’ve yet to meet a kinder, gentler, more talented soul on this plane of existence.

“When we were hanging out, he was a bit of a mess. Searching for something that at that time, he had yet to reach. We sat and chatted for hours about music, what it meant to be a ‘Rock star’ and the weight and responsibility of it all. Tying yourself to people, and the artistic journey that once started and became successful, could never be left. ‘Careful what you wish for’ he’d say to me often… he got it.

“He knew that all the fame and money in the world didn’t mean fuck all if you didn’t have something bigger to tie it to. Love. Family. Children. Legacy. And that’s exactly what he leaves behind… a son that he was able to pass down his legacy to, and love expressed by a legion of millions whom he touched with his musical genius. RIP, Eddie. You were and will forever be one of the greats…..”

Soap Hub sends our condolences to Coby Ryan McLaughlin and Eddie Van Halen’s family and loved ones during this very difficult time. General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes.