Eddie Van Halen has passed away at the age of 65 after a long struggle with cancer.
His death was confirmed by his son, and Van Halen bassist, Wolfgang Van Halen.
Wolfgang wrote 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 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. I love you so much, Pop.”
EVH was inarguably one of the most innovative and influential guitarists within rock, metal, or any other genre of music. Van Halen’s line of guitars and amps is currently produced by FMIC.
Fender CEO Andy Mooney commented: “The news of Eddie Van Halen’s passing today still seems unreal. Eddie was gracious enough to spend time with me at the studio in his home in L.A. in 2015, not long after I joined Fender. Eddie was prepping for Van Halen’s tour that year. I was in awe. We talked for hours. I watched him play in Arizona on the 2015 tour. Eddie was at the top of his game.
“Eddie’s singularly inventive style inspired an entire generation of players. He innovated not only in how he played but what he played and what he played through. He created some of the greatest guitars and amps the world has seen and heard.
“Eddie will be sorely missed by his legion of fans, as well as the many people at Fender and FMIC he worked with over the years and inspired in so many ways, myself included. Personally, I’ll miss his Christmas cards. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Eddie’s family and friends at this time.”
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