Tributes have flooded in for the “Mozart of rock guitar” Eddie Van Halen following his death at the age of 65.
The revered musician and co-founder of influential group Van Halen died on Tuesday following a battle with throat cancer.
Kiss singer Gene Simmons, Lenny Kravitz and Billy Idol were among those from the world of rock to pay their respects.
His son, Van Halen bassist Wolfgang, announced the news with a statement on social media.
He said: “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.”
Wolfgang added: “I love you so much, Pop.”
— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) October 6, 2020
Following the announcement of Van Halen’s death, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry.
Sammy Hagar, a former Van Halen frontman who departed the band under acrimonious circumstances, shared a picture of him and the guitarist together.
He said: “Heartbroken and speechless. My love to the family.”
