Legendary rock guitarist Eddie Van Halen dies at 65 from cancer

Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen on 3/4/78 in Chicago, Il. (Photo by Paul Natkin/WireImage)

This is a breaking story. 

Legendary hard rock guitarist Eddie Van Halen has died at 65 from cancer. His son Wolf Van Halen announced the news on Twitter today.

“I can’t believe I’m having to write this,” the statement said, “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.”

As the guitarist for his namesake band, Van Halen, with he created a new hybrid of ultra-past guitar playing that would go on to influence countless guitarists over the ensuing decades.

Van Halen ruled the hard rock world in the late ’70s and ’80s with massive albums like their 1978 self-titled debut, and 1984, which brought them mainstream crossover success with singles like “Jump,” and “Panama.” That original Van Halen lineup of David Lee Roth on vocals, Eddie Van Halen on guitar, Michael Anthony on bass, and Alex Van Halen on drums remains one of the most successful and electric rock bands of the past four decades.

Relive some of Van Halen’s greatest hits below. Rest easy Eddie.