Eddie Van Halen Dead at 65: Sammy Hagar, Billy Idol & More Pay Tribute
Legendary rock star and guitarist Eddie Van Halen died on Tuesday after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 65.
Van Halen’s son and bandmate, Wolfgang — whom he shared with ex-wife Valerie Bertinelli — announced the news on social media.
“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 shared. “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.”
The news led to an outpouring of tributes to the Van Halen founder — who was widely regarded to be one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time.
“Heartbroken and speechless,” Van Halen’s former bandmate, Sammy Hagar, shared on social media. “My love to the family.”
Heartbroken and speechless. My love to the family. pic.twitter.com/MQMueMF2XO
“My heart is broken,” KISS frontman Gene Simmons wrote on Twitter. “Eddie was not only a Guitar God, but a genuinely beautiful soul. Rest in peace, Eddie!”
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
“Crushed. So f**king crushed,” Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx wrote. “RIP Eddie Van Halen. You changed our world. You were the Mozart of rock guitar. Travel safe rockstar.”
Crushed. So fucking crushed. RIP Eddie Van Halen. You changed our world. You were the Mozart of rock guitar. Travel safe rockstar.
“Rest in peace guitar legend Eddie Van Halen,” Billy Idol shared. “We will miss you.”
Rest in peace guitar legend Eddie Van Halen. ? We will miss you. #fuckcancer@eddievanhalen#eddievanhalenpic.twitter.com/S4vnN3tyWc
“Eddie Van Halen and Neil Peart were just too good for 2020. We all are,” added Sebastian Bach. “My heart is broken.”
Eddie Van Halen and Neil Peart were just too good for 2020.
We all are
My heart is broken
See more tributes below:
Legendary guitar and musical innovator Edward Van Halen. 1955-2020. Heaven will be electric tonight. pic.twitter.com/hdLd7atI74
Rest In Peace @eddievanhalen You will be missed! #Legendpic.twitter.com/A2dpG41dbS
Oh man, bless his beautiful creative heart. I love you Eddie Van Halen, an LA boy, a true rocker. I hope you jam with Jimi tonight. Break through to the other side my brother. ❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/XpcTlPJq9A
I just heard about Eddie Van Halen and I feel terrible about it. Eddie was such a great guitarist and I remember how big Van Halen was, especially here in L.A. Love and Mercy to Eddie’s family & friends. pic.twitter.com/PY8fyrx1Lu
I am devastated at the news of the passing of my friend Eddie Van Halen. pic.twitter.com/hUyIdKXsdG
I'm tearful. Fucking, fucking, fucking cancer. Eddie Van Halen gone too soon. Total rock legend. Never met him but admired completely. Jump is a jam! https://t.co/IS63qxMxLY
Eddie Van Halen and Neil Peart were just too good for 2020.
We all are
My heart is broken
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
RIP Eddie Van Halen. Van Halen were a tremendous influence on both Vinnie & Dime & Pantera. Hopefully they are all rocking out together now! pic.twitter.com/XtnL33aGsd
Two of the best hours of my life were spent chatting with Eddie Van Halen. A great musician, yes – also a funny and lovely guy who will be missed terribly. Sending love to Janie, Wolf, Alex & all those who loved him.
Guitar Hero is an understatement. Van Halen forever man.
RIP Edward Van Halen and the inimitable guitar sound of my youth. https://t.co/WHjqIajHxV
So sorry for your tragic loss @WolfVanHalen, but take solace in knowing that he will be long remembered and live on forever as one of Rock's most extraordinary guitar virtuosos. Condolences to you, Valerie @Wolfiesmom and the entire Van Halen family.#RIPEdwardhttps://t.co/XWoCe8nrZv
RIP A genius, musical change maker, one of the greatest to ever do it! ? Eddie Van Halen, legendary guitarist, dies of cancer at 65 https://t.co/U8TvDvZzIF via @USATODAY
The world lost an icon, innovator, showman, virtuoso, master songwriter and perhaps one of the biggest inspirations ever to learn how to play guitar. Heartbroken to hear of Eddie Van Halen’s passing. Our love, condolences and best wishes to his his family, friends and fans. #RIPpic.twitter.com/pGhPUXRzyb
God bless you #EdwardVanHalen, your work with @vanhalen and your music has done more to make the world a happier place than you’ll ever know. And one more thing….after taking #NeilPeart, @kobebryant and now #EVH from us, 2020, will you kindly just FUCK OFF already? pic.twitter.com/MJTOU19gKn
Rock and roll lost a great man today. Eddie Van Halen, your guitar was legendary, and your music will live on forever.
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