Legendary hard rock guitarist Eddie Van Halen has died

The very sad news tonight is that one of hard rock's greatest ever guitar players, Eddie Van Halen, has passed away age 65.
Confirming the news, his son Wolfgang messaged: "I can't believe I'm having to write this, but my father 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 has been like a gift. My heart is broken and I don't think I'll ever fully recover from this loss."

Born in Amsterdam in January 1955, Eddie moved to the States as a seven-year old without a word of English, but quickly started impressing with his piano skills. Initially a Bach and Mozart devotee, he switched to electric guitar in 1964 after hearing The Sufaris' Wipeout'. He formed what became known as Van Halen in 1972, and scored a top 20 US hit with their eponymous debut album.

They became a major global force after embracing the MTV revolution with 1984, which included such mega-hits as 'Jump', 'Hot For Teacher' and 'Panama'. In 1982, Michael Jackson invited him to play on 'Beat It', with the resulting solo a real thing of beauty.

The tributes have been pouring in with his Black Sabbath Tony Iommi counterpart saying: "I’m just devastated to hear the news of the passing of my dear friend Eddie Van Halen. He fought a long and hard battle with his cancer right to the very end. Eddie was one of a very special kind of person, a really great friend. Rest In Peace my dear friend till we meet again."

His admirers aren't confined to the hard rock world with Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens adding: "Sad to hear Eddie Van Halen has passed away. A guitar innovator with a fierce spirit of musical and technical exploration. Prayers and thoughts with his family and friends."

Adds Thomas Dolby: "RIP Eddie Van Halen, dead today from cancer at 65. He was hilarious, mercurial, brilliant, and had the most beautiful relaxed expression as his fingers flew over the fret-board. He rarely guested for others, so I am privileged that he played on my album Astronauts And Heretics."

Scroll down for more tributes...

Heartbroken and speechless. My love to the family. pic.twitter.com/MQMueMF2XO

— Sammy Hagar (@sammyhagar) October 6, 2020

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— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) October 6, 2020

I’m just devastated to hear the news of the passing of my dear friend Eddie Van Halen. He fought a long and hard battle with his cancer right to the very end. Eddie was one of a very special kind of person, a really great friend. Rest In Peace my dear friend till we meet again. pic.twitter.com/Qs8tsLPANJ

— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) October 6, 2020

What a Long Great Trip It’s Been.. pic.twitter.com/M5pmkVi7hW

— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) October 7, 2020

Rest In Peace to a Eddie Van Halen, Rock God. Favorite riff: Eruption. What’s yours? pic.twitter.com/uP1k196Vw8

— Papa Roach (@paparoach) October 6, 2020

To say Eddie Van Halen had an impact on my childhood would be an understatement.

Rest in peace, to a legend. pic.twitter.com/wnziwH4Rl1

— Chris Illuminati (@chrisilluminati) October 6, 2020

Absolutely devastated to hear about the passing of Eddie Van Halen. He was a guitar legend !! Thank you for all the great music EVH. pic.twitter.com/eBWojZdoQL

— Goo Goo Dolls (@googoodolls) October 6, 2020

Just heard the news of Eddie Van Halen’s passing ..... this hit me hard. pic.twitter.com/RMuyq7arjK

— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) October 6, 2020

He was immortal even while he was alive. The name Eddie Van Halen has always been synonymous with insane ability. No matter what kind of style you play, no one can deny his colossal influence. To have a sound not only uniquely signature to the artist, but of an entire era. 🤘🎸⚡️ pic.twitter.com/DKdfkBdrsv

— Darren Criss (@DarrenCriss) October 6, 2020