Eddie Van Halen, the legendary guitarist who revolutionized the instrument — and helped the band reach stratospheric heights— died from throat cancer at age 65.
His son Wolfgang broke the news:
“I can’t believe I’m having to write this, but my father, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, 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.”
“Heartbroken and speechless,” tweeted Sammy Hagar, a lead vocalist for the band for years. “My love to the family.”
