EDDIE VAN HALEN HAS PASSED AWAY FROM CANCER AT 65

Words by Nic Angeles

As if the barrage of unfortunate events in the year 2020 hasn’t been enough, news of the legendary Eddie Van Halen’s passing has put the world in mourning.

The renowned riff-master was the lead guitarist of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Van Halen, leading the timeless group through decades of explosive rock music. He passed away on October 6 after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer, according to his son Wolfgang Van Halen.

The Van Halen bassist tweets, “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.” The iconic guitarist, whose full name is Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, died at 65.

Given such a tremendous loss within and beyond the music world, tributes came pouring in. Eddie Van Halen’s bandmates in Van Halen through the years, across different lineups, have offered their condolences to his family.

David Lee Roth and Michael Anthony—both of whom had been part of the band’s core when Van Halen brothers Alex and Eddie formed the group in the early ’70s in Pasadena, California—looked back on the “wild ride it’s been” since the group’s inception. Vocalists Sammy Hagar and Gary Cherone also expressed their sympathies.

The inimitable guitar icon and keyboardist, considered to be one of the greatest of all time, will be sorely missed if the outpour of tributes is any indication. From Black Sabbath to Metallica, Gene Simmons to Angus Young, Steven Tyler to Brian May, to fellow virtuosos Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Eric Johnson, Paul Gilbert, John Petrucci, and more iconic names than anyone can count, heartfelt testimonies were expressed as proof of Eddie Van Halen’s lasting legacy and influence as a musician.

May the great Eddie Van Halen rest in paradise. PULP