Van Halen founder and guitarist Eddie Van Halen has passed away at the age of 65. Van Halen, known for his innovative guitar style, died on Tuesday morning after a long battle with cancer.
His son Wolfgang revealed the news on twitter with a heartfelt post.
— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) October 6, 2020
Along with his brother Alex, Michael Anthony and David Lee Roth, Eddie formed Van Halen in California in the late 1970s. They would go on to become one of the biggest bands of the 80s with an extensive catalog of songs.
Reactions from the Rock N Roll world:
There will be many words written and spoken about Eddie Van Halen over the next few days, months, and years. Those words will never come close to expressing what he meant to rock music, what he meant to guitarists, and what he meant to the guitar itself.
Rest easy sir,
-SG pic.twitter.com/d40xqEsunT— Steve Gorman Rocks (@gormanrocks) October 6, 2020
Heartbroken and speechless. My love to the family. pic.twitter.com/MQMueMF2XO
— Sammy Hagar (@sammyhagar) October 6, 2020
I just found out that my guitar hero Eddie had passed away. I have fond memories of the tours we did together! He’s up there shredding!!!! RIP my friend. pic.twitter.com/CCLZf1IVsw
— Vince Neil (@thevinceneil) October 6, 2020
Crushed. So fucking crushed. RIP Eddie Van Halen. You changed our world. You were the Mozart of rock guitar. Travel safe rockstar.
— —Nikki Sixx— (@NikkiSixx) 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
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
Eddie Van Halen and Neil Peart were just too good for 2020.
We all are
My heart is broken— Sebastian Bach (@sebastianbach) October 6, 2020
God Bless you Eddie ✝️ I’ll always remember the great times we had. My sincere condolences to all Family and friends. I am heart broken 💔✝️ RIP Brother xo pic.twitter.com/WHC72yberX
— NEAL SCHON MUSIC (@NealSchonMusic) October 6, 2020
Rest in peace guitar legend Eddie Van Halen. 💔 We will miss you. #fuckcancer @eddievanhalen #eddievanhalen pic.twitter.com/S4vnN3tyWc
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) October 6, 2020