The iconic guitarist passed away on Tuesday morning (October 6) at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California after a long battle with throat cancer. His son, Wolfgang, broke 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 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 formed hard rock band Van Halen in 1972 with his brother and drummer Alex, releasing their eponymous debut album in 1978. Best known for their song Jump, which hit the top of the US album charts in 1984, he made history as one of the most celebrated guitarists of all time.
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