Rock guitar maestro Eddie Van Halen dies of cancer at 65

NEW YORK

Eddie Van Halen, the guitar virtuoso whose blinding speed, control, and innovation propelled his band Van Halen into one of hard rock's biggest groups, died on October 6, 2020.

He was 65 and died due to cancer, Van Halen's family confirmed.

He fueled the unmistakable fiery solo in Michael Jackson's 'Beat It' and became elevated to the status of a rock god.

With his distinct solos, Eddie Van Halen fueled the ultimate California party band to fame.

He helped knock disco off the charts starting in the late 1970s with the self-titled debut album and then with the blockbuster record 1984, which contains the classics Jump, Panama, and Hot for Teacher.

Van Halen is among the top 20 best-selling artists of all time and went into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

Rolling Stone magazine put Eddie Van Halen at No 8 in its list of the 100 greatest guitarists.

Music legends have come in solemn on Twitter reflecting moments with Van Halen.

"Our hearts are stunned frozen with grief, Our incredible guitar GOD EDDIE VAN HALEN transitioned into heaven’s stage with Jimi Hendrix SRV Sonny Sharrock Wes Montgomery so many others. We send our spirits and light to the family. We see your eyes shining free from pain and your mercurial fingers speaking the language of angels. We love you and offer you Respect love and gratitude." - Carlos Santana

"Eddie Van Halen was one of the nicest guys I ever worked with and we shared so many laughs together. His influence on music and especially the guitar has been immeasurable. He was an absolute legend. Eddie, I’ll see you on the other side, my friend." - Love, Ozzy.

He is survived by his actor-wife Valerie Bertinelli and son Wolfgang.

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