Eddie Van Halen, a rock music legend and an expert guitarist, died on Tuesday, at the age of 65, following a ‘long and arduous’ battle with throat cancer.
His son Wolf Van Halen, confirmed the same on Twitter. “I can’t believe I’m having to write this but my father, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, has lost his long and arduous battle with cancer this morning”, he wrote. He added, “He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I’ve shared with him on and off stage was a gift. My heart is broken and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from this loss. I love you so much, Pop.”
— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) October 6, 2020
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Wolf Van Halen is a bass player himself and had played along with his father in the band. Eddie is among the top 20 best- selling artists of all time and has sold more than 75 million albums. According to Reuters, his band’s debut album, which released in 1978, shot to No.19 on the Billboard charts. The band’s hits include ‘Runnin’ with the Devil, and Eruption. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
Rolling Stone Magazine put Eddie at No. 8 in its list of the 100 greatest guitarist.
Upon his demise, fans and many of the music industry’s biggest names have paid tribute to him on social media.
I am so extremely sad about losing my friend and great inspiration, Eddie Van Halen. I love him and his contribution to the world. He was the greatest guitar player ever, and at the same time, so kind and compassionate. He supported me and my family in every way possible. pic.twitter.com/BNfItGseo2
— Jason Becker (@jasonelibecker) October 7, 2020
With a heavy heart, I want to share a piece I wrote for @variety about the late, great Eddie Van Halen #ripevh https://t.co/Zec3EVlazv
— Joe Trohman (@trohman) October 7, 2020
One of the greatest musicians of all time. His guitar skills are about as legendary as his career. Rest well, Eddie Van Halen. pic.twitter.com/0P6VCDFmWG
— Frederick Joseph (@FredTJoseph) October 6, 2020
Oh NO! Speechless. A trailblazer and someone who always gave everything to his music. A good soul. I remember first seeing him playing at the Starwood in 1976 and he WAS Eddie Van Halen. So shocked and sad. My condolences to Wolfie and the family. https://t.co/ExAWzFAEYJ
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) October 6, 2020
Legendary guitar and musical innovator Edward Van Halen. 1955-2020. Heaven will be electric tonight. pic.twitter.com/hdLd7atI74
— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) October 6, 2020
The world lost an icon, innovator, showman, virtuoso, master songwriter and perhaps one of the biggest inspirations ever to learn how to play guitar. Heartbroken to hear of Eddie Van Halen’s passing. Our love, condolences and best wishes to his his family, friends and fans. #RIP pic.twitter.com/pGhPUXRzyb
— Nickelback (@Nickelback) October 6, 2020