Eddie Van Halen died Tuesday morning after a long battle with cancer, a rep confirmed to Variety. He was 65.
Van Halen is survived by his second wife, Janie Liszewski, the band’s former publicist whom he married in 2009, and Wolfgang, his son with his former wife, actress Valerie Bertinelli.
Wolfgang shared the news on Twitter, “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. I love you so much, Pop.”
— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) October 6, 2020
Kenny Chesney reacted to the news saying, “I am devastated at the news of the passing of my friend Eddie Van Halen. He was a friend and a hero to whoever picked up a guitar and had a dream.”
I am devastated at the news of the passing of my friend Eddie Van Halen. pic.twitter.com/hUyIdKXsdG
— Kenny Chesney (@kennychesney) October 6, 2020
Brad Paisley shared a video honoring the legendary guitarist saying, “Eddie, your influence will live on forever.”
Keith Urban wrote, “This hit me hard. There are a lot of great players in the world but VERY few true innovators…”
Just heard the news of Eddie Van Halen’s passing ….. this hit me hard. pic.twitter.com/RMuyq7arjK
— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) October 6, 2020
and Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts paid tribute saying, “My God. Another legend taken away from us…. This is absolutely heartbreaking…. 2020 just keeps on and on and on… RIP peace, one of the absolute greatest of all time.”
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