Eddie Van Halen, guitar guru, frontman of the rock band of his namesake, and overall musical icon has died as a result of throat cancer his son Wolfgang tweeted Tuesday. Eddie Van Halas was just 65-years-old.
According to TMZ, Eddie’s health took a massive turn for the worst within the last 72 hours as cancer spread to his brain and other organs after initially battling cancer in his throat for the past decade. The Rock Legend ended up passing away at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica surrounded by Wolfgang (who ended up becoming the bassist for Van Halen), his wife Janie, and Alex his brother and drummer of Van Halen.
Having formed Van Halen with his brother Alex in 1972, Eddie quickly made his mark on the musical world through his band throughout the ’70s and ’80s and is often regarded as one of the most influential guitarists of all time. Hits included “Runnin’ with the Devil,” “Unchained,” “Hot for Teacher,” “Panama” and “Jump” with David Lee Roth on vocals. Van Halen’s success would continue with Sammy Hagar on vocals after 1985 which was undeniably brought together by Eddie’s abilities on the guitar.