Eddie Van Halen, the guitarist and co-founder of the rock band Van Halen, has died. He was 65.
Van Halen’s son, Wolf Van Halen, announced his father’s death Tuesday on Twitter. He said the legendary musician “lost his long and arduous battle with cancer” earlier that day.
“He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I’ve shared with him on and off stage was a gift,” Wolf Van Halen wrote. “My heart is broken and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from this loss.”
— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) October 6, 2020
The Runnin’ With the Devil guitarist died at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California, with his wife, son, and brother present, according to TMZ. Van Halen had been battling throat cancer, which reportedly moved to his other organs, and saw a severe decline in his health over the past few days.
Van Halen formed his namesake group with his brother, Alex Van Halen, in 1972. His brother played the drums, while Eddie Van Halen played lead guitar.
The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
Gene Simmons, the singer and bassist of Kiss, paid tribute to the guitarist on Twitter, saying: “My heart is broken. Eddie was not only a Guitar God, but a genuinely beautiful soul. Rest in peace, Eddie!”
