Eddie Van Halen Dead at 65
Eddie Van Halen, the iconic guitarist of Van Halen who inspired generations of players, has died. He was 65.
Van Halen’s death was confirmed by his son, Wolfgang, who wrote 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 the 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.”
— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) October 6, 2020
Eddie Van Halen’s health has been in the news this past year with various reports stating his cancer had returned, but the guitar icon never issued any statement to the press confirming or denying the reports. He was diagnosed with tongue cancer in 2000, and the cancer was in remission as of 2002.
Van Halen remains one of the most influential and popular rock bands of all time. In total, they released 12 studio albums and sold over 80 million albums worldwide. Two of their albums – the 1978 self-titled debut album and 1984 – have been certified diamond in the United States selling over 10 million copies. Van Halen is one of only 22 artists in history with two diamond-certified albums in their catalog.
Van Halen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
Eddie Van Halen: On Stage
