Eddie Van Halen ‘Rock Legend’ Dies Today at 65
Eddie Van Halen, often called the greatest guitar player of all time, reportedly died today at the age of 65. The death was posted on Twitter by his son, Wolfgang Van Halen, saying that his father had lost his battle with cancer.
credit: Anirudh Koul from Montreal, Canada / CC BY
“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,” wrote Wolfgang.
“He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I’ve shared with him on and off stage was a gift… I love you so much, Pop.”
Eddie was the legendary heart and soul of the iconic rock bank Van Halen which bore his name. The band rose to fame in the 1970’s and 80’s. At the heart of their sound was the incredible guitar play of Eddie.
“Ed’s a once- or twice-in-a-century kind of guy. There’s Hendrix and there’s Eddie Van Halen,” said friend and guitarist Jerry Cantrell.
Eddie and older brother Alex started the band and teamed up with lead singer David Lee Roth. The band’s California vibe and hard rock sound was a hit with millions, leading to 10 multi-platinum albums.
While Roth left the band in the mid-80’s, the group had been back together touring again in recent years. Plenty of fans embraced the opportunity to see them all together once again.
Eddie had been battling throat cancer, and sadly passed away on Tuesday. He will be sorely missed.
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