Guitar legend Eddie Van Halen has died, the musician losing a battle with cancer at age 65. Van Halen’s son Wolfgang shared the news on Twitter. Over more than four decades his work influenced generations.
Van Halen has been the subject of near-death rumors for years following his getting tongue cancer in 2000. Doctors removed a third of his tongue, though Van Halen was declared cancer free two years later. In recent months came reports he was battling throat cancer.
Born in the Netherlands and moving to Pasadena as a kid, Van Halen came from a family of classical musicians but branched out into more experimental instruments and effects with music – popularising and advancing the ‘tapping’ technique. His inventive streak led to a number of patents for guitar body technologies.
He formed the band Van Halen with brother Alex as drummer, Mark Stone as bassist and David Lee Roth on vocals. They released a dozen studio albums during the band’s on-and-off run. Eddie also played the solo on Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” and made guest contributions to albums by the likes of Sammy Hagar, Brian May, Roger Waters, LL Cool J and David Garfield.
Van Halen himself was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, while his band has sold more than 80 million albums worldwide. He was married to both actress Valerie Bertinelli and Jane Liszewski. Our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and many fans.
Source: THR
