Eddie Van Halen, the gleeful guitar prodigy who co-founded the legendary rock group Van Halen, has died after a long battle with throat cancer.
Van Halen’s son and bandmate broke the sad news on social media.
“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,” Wolfgang Van Halen, whose mom is actress Valerie Bertinelli, wrote.
“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,” he wrote.