Eddie Van Halen, legendary guitarist and founding member of rock’s iconic Van Halen has lost his long battle with throat cancer, passing away on Tuesday (October 8th) at St John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California.
According to TMZ, Doctors reportedly discovered the throat cancer had spread to other parts of his body early last week. His wife Janie, was by his side, as well as his brother and Van Halen drummer Alex, and son, Wolfgang.
Van Halen's son and Van Halen bassist, Wolfgang, 29, confirmed the terribly sad news in a post on Instagram saying Eddie was the “best father I could ever ask for.”
“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.”
Brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen first formed the iconic band back in 1972. The guitar virtuoso’s blazing speed and innovation of the instrument quickly propelled Van Halen into rock God status, fuelled by his unmistakably fiery energy. By the early 1980s, Van Halen was one of the most successful rock bands on the planet.
Eddie first confirmed his initial cancer diagnosis in 2001 and had been battling the disease since. He will be so greatly missed by fans, peers and the entirety of rock 'n' roll. Our thoughts go out to his family at this very difficult time.
RIP Eddie Van Halen.
Listen to Van Halen on Spotify:
Listen to Van Halen on Apple Music:
