Famed Dutch-American rock and roll guitar icon Eddie Van Halen has passed away at age 65. The announcement was made by his son, Wolfgang Van Halen, who Tweeted “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… I love you so much, Pop.”
The rocker started his career when he formed a band with his brother called The Broken Combs. This band would ultimately carry their namesake, Van Halen. The band achieved commercial success with hits like “You Really Got Me,” “Runnin’ With the Devil” and their only song to reach #1, “Jump”. Other well known Van Halen songs include “Panama,” “Why Can’t This Be Love” and “Hot For Teacher”. All included, the band released 12 studio albums between 1978 and 2012. Despite Eddie Van Halen’s passing, the band
In 2007 the rock star was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The unique guitar style of Eddie Van Halen has earned him a place of recognition to any fan of rock.
Photo credit: Carl Lender, Flickr