Legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen dies aged 65

Rock star and guitar legend Eddie Van Halen, best known for hits like ‘Jump’, ‘Panama’ and ‘I’ll Wait’, has died at the age of 65 from throat cancer. His death was announced on Instagram by his son, Wolfgang, on Tuesday afternoon.

“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,” his son wrote.

“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.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGA4YQmlmSr/?utm_source=ig_embed

According to a News.com.au report, the American-Dutch musician had been battling throat cancer for more than a decade. Eddie was first diagnosed with tongue cancer in 2000 and had part of it removed.

Many celebrities and fans have since taken to social media to pay tribute, with musician Ozzy Osbourne leading the way. “@EddieVanHalen was one of the nicest guys I ever worked with and we shared so many laughs together,” he wrote on Twitter. “His influence on music and especially the guitar has been immeasurable. He was an absolute legend. Eddie, I’ll see you on the other side, my friend. Love, Ozzy.”

Australian rock singer Jimmy Barnes wrote: “I was lucky enough to meet Eddie in the mid-80s when he asked me if I was interested in joining Van Halen. I’d just started my solo career so the timing wasn’t right but still to this day, it’s an honour to have been asked to play with such a legendary rock band. RIP Eddie.”

I was lucky enough to meet Eddie in the mid 80s when he asked me if I was interested in joining Van Halen.
I’d just started my solo career so the timing wasn't right but still to this day, it's an honour to have been asked to play with such a legendary rock band. RIP Eddie pic.twitter.com/Q2faLXoHie

— Jimmy Barnes (@JimmyBarnes) October 6, 2020

Meanwhile, one fan @AgaAgnes666 wrote on Twitter: “Absolutely devastated to hear about the passing of Eddie Van Halen, your incredible talent and dedication to music will be with us forever. Rest In Power #EddieVanHalen.”