Rock Legend Eddie Money Dead at 70
Rock & roll singer-songwriter Eddie Money died Friday, September 13, at the age of 70. The longtime rocker who reached mainstream success during the ’70s and ’80s with hits “Take Me Home Tonight,” “Two Tickets to Paradise” and “Baby Hold On” had been struggling with health issues over the past few years, and in August Money revealed he was battling Stage 4 esophageal cancer.
In a statement provided by his family via Variety, “The Money Family regrets to announce that Eddie passed away peacefully early this morning. It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our loving husband and father. We cannot imagine our world without him. We are grateful that he will live on forever through his music.”
In July, Money had to cancel a summer tour after developing pneumonia after a minor heart valve surgical procedure. He had delayed the needed surgery for several months in order not to miss previously scheduled concert dates. During an appearance on “Real Money,” his reality TV show on the AXS network, Money revealed his health struggles that would ultimately lead to today’s tragic news.
Eddie Money released a total of 11 studio albums, and in July released Brand New Day, his first new album in 15 years. The current summer tour was scheduled to promote the release of the new album and the second half of his reality show.
Born Edward Joseph Mahoney, in Brooklyn, New York Money spent his formative years in Levittown, Long Island, attending Island Trees High School, where he graduated in 1967. Coming from a law enforcement family, Money joined the New York Police Department as a trainee but decided to pursue a career in music. Money moved to Berkeley, California, in 1968, where he remained. Money is survived by his wife Laurie and five children.