Guitar rock legend Eddie Van Halen dies of cancer at 65
- Eddie Van Halen founded Van Halen, one of the most popular rock acts ever, with his brother Alex
- He was considered one of the greatest American guitarists of his generation
Eddie Van Halen, the pioneering guitar player whose hard-rocking band emerged from the Sunset Strip music scene in Los Angeles in the early 1970s to stand at the top of rock ‘n’ roll for a decade, died of cancer on Tuesday. He was 65.
Van Halen’s death was announced by his 29-year-old son, Wolfgang, a bass player who joined the band, best known for songs like Jump and Ain’t Talkin ‘Bout Love, in later years.
“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,” Wolfgang Van Halen said on Twitter.
“He was the best father I could ever ask for,” the younger Van Halen said in the tweet. “Every moment I’ve shared with him on and offstage was a gift.”
Representatives for Eddie Van Halen did not disclose details of his death. People magazine reported the rocker died at a Los Angeles-area hospital with his wife, Janie, son and other family members at his side.
“Through all your challenging treatments for lung cancer you kept your gorgeous spirit and that impish grin,” his former wife of 26 years, actress Valerie Bertinelli, said on Twitter. “I’m so grateful that Wolfie and I were able to hold you in your last moments. I will see you in our next life my love.”