Eddie Van Halen, one of the most influential and legendary guitarists in the history of rock music, died on October 6 after battling cancer for several “long and arduous†years. Van Halen’s son, Wolf, confirmed the news in a statement, saying that “my heart is broken and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from this loss.†His ex-wife, actor Valerie Bertinelli, also remembered Van Halen on Twitter, writing, “I’m so grateful Wolfie and I were able to hold you in your last moments. I will see you in our next life my love.†Support also poured in from Roth’s Van Halen bandmates, like original singer David Lee Roth, who wrote, “What s Long Great Trip It’s Been…†alongside a photo of the pair. Original bassist Michael Anthony added, “No words…Heartbroken, my love to the family💔â€
In the hours following the announcement of Van Halen’s death, many prominent faces in the music industry paid their respects to the icon on social media. “Oh man, bless his beautiful creative heart,†Flea wrote. “I hope you jam with Jimi tonight. Break through to the other side my brother.†Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx said he was “so fucking crushed†by the news. “You were the Mozart of rock guitar,†he wrote. “Travel safe rockstar.†Gene Simmons added, “My heart is broken. Eddie was not only a Guitar God, but a genuinely beautiful soul.†Read on for more remembrances and tributes to Van Halen’s life.
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