The Johnny Beane Podcast
Remembering Ken Deane: The Man Behind the Scenes at Eddie Van Halen’s 5150 Studios
On this episode of Exclusively Van Halen on Johnny Beane TV, we pay tribute to Kenneth “Ken” Deane, a key behind-the-scenes member of the Van Halen family who worked closely with Eddie Van Halen and Donn Landee at 5150 Studios. Ken passed away unexpectedly on September 3rd, leaving behind his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many other loved ones. Ken was a talented and hardworking audio engineer who worked with Warner Bros., Amigo, Universal, and Van Halen. He served as an engineer and studio manager at Eddie Van Halen’s 5150 Studios, where he worked alongside legendary chief engineer Donn Landee. Steve Rosen Remembers Ken Music writer and longtime Van Halen insider Steve Rosen also shared the news of Ken’s passing and some incredible memories of their time together at 5150. Rosen remembered Ken as: ️ The office engineer and manager at 5150 ️ Donn Landee’s go-to guy Someone who was deeply involved in the day-to-day world of 5150 A quiet, hardworking person who always took the time to greet and welcome visitors ❤️ Someone Rosen remembered as clearly loving Eddie and Donn Rosen first interviewed Ken on February 19, 1985, alongside Howard Weiss, who co-designed 5150. Rosen later spoke with Ken again on August 12, 1985. One of the things Rosen remembered most was learning that Ken lived in Big Bear, California. Ken would make the long drive to 5150, often arriving early and staying late to avoid traffic. Rosen described Ken as someone who valued his solitude and was willing to make that incredible commute to work at the studio he loved. Rosen has since made his original interviews with Ken available again in two parts, giving fans a rare opportunity to hear Ken's own stories and insights from his time inside 5150. As Rosen put it, Ken was there “in the very belly of the beast.” ❤️ Remembering Ken’s Life Ken's granddaughter Heather Durazo created a GoFundMe on behalf of his children, Diana and Kenny, as the family deals with his unexpected loss and the costs of his final arrangements. Unfortunately, Ken did not have life insurance, and in recent years he had experienced financial difficulties related to ongoing health problems. The family is asking for help with: ️ Funeral and final expenses ❤️ Giving Ken the farewell he deserves Supporting his family during this difficult time Sharing the fundraiser with others who may be able to help No donation is too small. And if you're unable to donate, simply sharing the fundraiser can make a difference. Ken is survived by his children Diana and Kenny; his first wife, Patricia Deane Hughes; grandchildren Heather, Monica, Audrianna and Milo; great-grandchildren Carter and Izabellah; niece Kathy Hyatt; nephew James Deane; and many more beloved family members. Ken Deane may not have been a household name to every Van Halen fan, but his work was part of the story happening behind the music. He was there at 5150 Studios, working alongside the people who helped shape some of Van Halen's most important music. Now, thanks to people like Steve Rosen and Ken's family, we have an opportunity to hear his stories and remember the man behind the scenes. Rest peacefully, Ken Deane. ❤️️ And thank you to Steve Rosen for preserving and sharing these rare interviews and memories of Ken. #VanHalen #EddieVanHalen #KenDeane #JohnnyBeaneTV
