(Photo: Debby Wong/Shutterstock.com)
One of the biggest names in rock music Eddie Van Halen has passed away aged 65.
His son, Wolf Van Halen confirmed the news on Twitter:
“He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I’ve shared with him on and off stage was a gift,” he writes.
“My heart is broken and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from the loss.”
— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) October 6, 2020
Van Halen’s ex-wife Valerie Bertinelli also shared a heartfelt message:
— Valerie Bertinelli (@Wolfiesmom) October 6, 2020
Van Halen had been battling mouth cancer and lost part of his tongue before the cancer spread to his oesophagus and lungs.
He was a classically trained pianist but was known for his incredible guitar riffs which eventually lead Rolling Stone magazine to name him one of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time.
His friends and fellow rockers are remembering him for his creativity, passion and true dedication to music:
Very sad to hear about the passing of the legendary @eddievanhalen. You will be missed. #RIPEddieVanHalen
📸: @markweissguy #EddieVanHalen @VanHalen pic.twitter.com/x4J6nfxOqY
— Def Leppard (@DefLeppard) October 6, 2020
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RIP to my friend and man who changed guitar playing forever …F😪CK!!! no words
Unbelievable. Hard to imagine a world without you in it. So many treasured memories attached to your music, your sound, your image, your attitude. My condolences to your family. All I can do is join the chorus of so many others in saying: Thank you for everything. #vanhalen pic.twitter.com/iJLPSSHjmL
— William DuVall (@WilliamDuvall) October 6, 2020
Eddie literally changed the way players play the guitar. That band upstairs is getting pretty damn amazing. Prayers and healing to his family, friends, and fans. ❤️ @eddievanhalen #eddievanhalen
— Rick Springfield (@rickspringfield) October 6, 2020
So long #eddievanhalen RIP pic.twitter.com/2cKAmFDbDl
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) October 6, 2020
Rest in peace, Eddie, a true innovator. ❤️ to your family. Godspeed. @eddievanhalen #eddievanhalen pic.twitter.com/v3ps3iN7Ye
— Rick Springfield (@rickspringfield) October 6, 2020
My heart is broken. Eddie was not only a Guitar God, but a genuinely beautiful soul. Rest in peace, Eddie! …Eddie Van Halen Dead at 65 from Cancer https://t.co/gITtcndQVv
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) October 6, 2020