Legendary rock star Eddie Van Halen has passed away after a battle with throat cancer, TMZ is reporting .
Van Halen, songwriter and founder of the band of the same name, had a massive impact on the music world.
With hit songs like “Jump,” “Panama,” “Running With The Devil,” and “Hot For Teacher,” the band had massive success, providing a lasting influence on the rock industry that is still felt today in modern-day rock songs.
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Van Halen, the band, was formed by Eddie and his brother, Alex Van Halen, in 1972.
David Lee Roth and Michael Anthony were also among the original line-up. Past members of the band include Sammy Hagar, Mark Stone, and Gary Cherone.
The band has released 12 studio albums and two live albums since their formation.
Many of these albums, like Van Halen; 1984; 5150; OU812; For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge; and Balance , were hugely successful and helped cement Van Halen’s spot as an icon in rock music.
The band was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2007.
Eddie Van Halen revealed in 2019 that he had been fighting cancer for over five years.
TMZ reported at the time that Van Halen had been fighting throat cancer for over five years just before a brief hospitalization to treat the illness.
TMZ likewise reported that Van Halen lost his fight against throat cancer on October 6.
They wrote that in “the last 72 hours Eddie’s ongoing health battle went massively downhill,” despite a recent chemotherapy treatment.
Van Halen is survived by his wife, Janie, and his son, Wolfgang.
Wolfgang Van Halen confirmed the news on his Twitter.
“I can’t believe I’m having to write this,” he tweeted , “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,” Wolfgang continued.
“Every moment I’ve shared with him on and off stage was a gift,” he added.
Wolfgang became a member of the band Van Halen in 2006, joining his father and uncle, Alex Van Halen.
Wolfgang ended his emotional statement with a message of love.
“My heart is broken and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from this loss. I love you so much, Pop,” his tweet concluded.
Alongside the message, he included a joyful black and white photo of his father.
Fans took to social media to share their condolences.
“I’m so incredibly sorry . He was a brilliant musician and seemed like a wonderful man and an incredible father I’m so sorry for your loss the world’s poor for having him gone,” one fan replied .
Fans and friends also took to social media to share and celebrate the many accomplishments in Van Halen’s life.
Fellow rock star and KISS frontman, Paul Stanley, tweeted , “Oh NO! Speechless. A trailblazer and someone who always gave everything to his music. A good soul. I remember first seeing him playing at the Starwood in 1976 and he WAS Eddie Van Halen. So shocked and sad. My condolences to Wolfie and the family.”
Rest in peace.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and loved ones at this tragic time.
This story is developing…
h/t: TMZ
