Eddie Van Halen Dead at 65

Image: Laurence Faure via creative commons

Eddie Van Halen has passed away after a long battle with cancer. He was 65 years old.

TMZ is reporting he died at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica Tuesday. His wife, Janie, son, Wolfgang, and Alex, Eddie’s brother and drummer were by his side.

His death was confirmed by his son, and VAN HALEN bassist, Wolfgang Van Halen.

Wolfgang wrote: “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.

“He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I’ve shared with him on and off stage was a gift.

“My heart is broken and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from this loss. “I love you so much, Pop.”

Eddie was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, and is widely considered one the greatest guitar players of all time.