Iconic rocker Eddie Van Halen dead from cancer at 65

Sad news from the rock and roll community this week, as Eddie Van Halen—the legendary lead guitarist behind Van Halen—has passed away from cancer. He was 65 years old.Van Halen’s son, Wolfgang Van Halen, announced the news on social media on October 6, shocking fans around the globe. “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 wrote in a heartfelt tribute. “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.”

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— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) October 6, 2020

It didn’t take long for the star tributes and condolences to come flooding in shortly after Wolf made the announcement. His father was, after all, an innovative musician who spent two decades at the top of the charts.

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40 years ago my life changed forever when I met you. You gave me the one true light in my life, our son, Wolfgang. Through all your challenging treatments for lung cancer, you kept your gorgeous spirit and that impish grin. I’m so grateful Wolfie and I were able to hold you in your last moments. I will see you in our next life my love.

A post shared by Valerie Bertinelli (@wolfiesmom) on Oct 6, 2020 at 4:32pm PDT

Oh. No. I’m so sorry for your loss. ?

— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) October 6, 2020

So sorry man. ❤️

— Duff Goldman (@duffgoldman) October 6, 2020

Deepest condolences.

— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) October 6, 2020

Condolences. He was one of a kind

— Andy Richter (@AndyRichter) October 6, 2020

Sorry about your Pops Wolf. We send our love and deepest condolences

— Duane Dog Chapman (@DogBountyHunter) October 6, 2020

So sorry for your loss. A true rock legend.?

— Rachel Dratch (@TheRealDratch) October 6, 2020

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. #RIP pic.twitter.com/pGhPUXRzyb

— Nickelback (@Nickelback) October 6, 2020

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

— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) October 6, 2020

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.#RIPEdward https://t.co/XWoCe8nrZv

— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) October 6, 2020

Legendary guitar and musical innovator Edward Van Halen. 1955-2020. Heaven will be electric tonight. pic.twitter.com/hdLd7atI74

— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) October 6, 2020

Van Halen was born in the Netherlands and raised in Pasadena, California. He and his older brother Alex founded Van Halen alongside David Lee Roth and Michael Anthony. Their first album, Van Halen, sold more than 10 million copies. Their next five multi-platinum albums all reached the top 100, according to Variety. And when 1984 was released that same, titular year, the band’s single “Jump” became their only single to reach that coveted No. 1 slot.In addition to playing with the band, Van Halen also did the lead guitar work on Michael Jackson’s 1983 single “Beat It.” It was no surprise when, in 2015, he was ranked eighth among the greatest 100 guitarist in a Rolling Stone poll, solidifying his place as the legendary guitarist that he was.Van Halen had suffered from health issues for years, including a chronic joint problem (which led to hip replacement surgery in 1999), and the surgical removal of part of his tongue in 2000 after the onset of cancer that was likely caused by his heavy smoking habit.Van Halen shared his son Wolfgang with actress Valerie Bertinelli. They wed in 1981 and had their son in 1991. The pair divorced after 16 years in 2007 following a long separation. At the time it was believed Van Halen’s drug abuse and alcoholism was a factor. He went to rehab in 2007 and had reportedly been sober ever since. Eddie is survived by his son and his second wife, the band’s old publicist Janie Liszewski, whom he married in 2009.[video_embed id='-1']Before you go: 8-year-old drummer incredibly covers Van Halen's 'Jump'[/video_embed]