Ultimate Classic Rock Staff

Producer, who popularized the "Wall of Sound" technique, died of natural causes.

Guitarist was reportedly planning to purchase Spanish-style home at the time of his death in 1970.

Their debut LP 'Climbing!' featured the signature, cowbell-heavy single "Mississippi Queen."

Even during trying times, many of rock's biggest artists have delivered exciting new material.

It was a year of monolithic rock albums and intimate singer-songwriter releases.

Guitarist suffered from multiple final issues while battling long-term cancer.

"Red Rocker Refuses to Fly 55 in Afterlife," reads Van Halen singer's newspaper-styled drawing.

The lucky fan will also take home two band-themed face masks.

They garner instant name recognition, of course, but also unreasonable expectations.

"As [Eddie Van Halen] continued to struggle with various health issues, I was imagining what my life would be like without him," musician says.