Eddie Van Halen, rock legend, loses battle with cancer at 65

eddie van halen with a guitar on stage

Eddie Van Halen passed away after a battle with cancer at the age of 65 on October 6, 2020. (Photo by Greg Allen/Invision/AP)

One of the most well-known rock guitarists in music history has passed away. According to the Associated Press, Eddie Van Halen has lost his battle with cancer at the age of 65. Van Halen’s son, Wolf, also confirmed the news on Twitter.

“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 on social media. “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."

Van Halen is among the top 20 best-selling artists of all time. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. Rolling Stone magazine listed Eddie Van Halen at No. 8 in its list of the 100 greatest guitarists.

Van Halen released its first album in 1978. The band is known for hits “Jump,” “Panama,” “Why Can’t This Be Love,” “Right Now," “Hot For Teacher" and “Runnin' With The Devil.”

Eddie Van Halen is also known for having one of most memorable guitar solos of all-time on Michael Jackson’s hit “Beat It."

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