LOS ANGELES – Tributes have started pouring in for rock legend Eddie Van Halen, who died on Tuesday, October 6, at age 65 after a long battle with cancer.
Actress Valerie Bertinelli, Van Halen’s ex-wife and mother of their son, Wolfgang, posted a moving photograph of them cradling their infant son.
"40 years ago my life changed forever when I met you. You gave me the one true light in my life, our son, Wolfgang.
Through all your challenging treatments for lung cancer, you kept your gorgeous spirit and that impish grin.
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."
Van Halen's former bandmate Sammy Hagar wrote on Twitter of his heartbreak, alongside a photo of himself with the guitarist.
Heartbroken and speechless. My love to the family. pic.twitter.com/MQMueMF2XO
— Sammy Hagar (@sammyhagar) October 6, 2020
David Lee Roth, who was the lead singer of Van Halen from 1974 to 1985, posted a backstage of himself with the guitarist, captioning the tweet, "What a Long Great Trip It's Been.."
What a Long Great Trip It’s Been.. pic.twitter.com/M5pmkVi7hW
— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) October 7, 2020
Daryl Hall, the American rock, R&B, and soul singer; keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter, and producer, best known as the co-founder and principal lead vocalist of Hall & Oates, simply posted on Facebook, a black and white photograph of the two of them from the 1980s, with the caption: “The greatest guitar player ever.”
The greatest guitar player ever
Posted by Daryl Hall on Tuesday, October 6, 2020
See more tributes to Van Halen below.
Legendary guitar and musical innovator Edward Van Halen. 1955-2020. Heaven will be electric tonight. pic.twitter.com/hdLd7atI74
— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) October 6, 2020
We are enormously saddened to hear about the untimely passing of Eddie Van Halen. We considered him an inspiration, an idol, and after spending a summer together on the road in '88, a friend. Sending love to Alex, @wolfvanhalen & everyone in the greater VH family.
— Metallica (@Metallica) October 6, 2020
? @RossHalfin pic.twitter.com/wZ9ZKNmK0q
Just when I thought 2020 couldn't get any worse, I hear Eddie Van Halen has passed. So shocking- One of the nicest, down to Earth men I have ever met and toured with. A true gent and true genius. RIP. So sad.Thoughts go out to his brother Alex, and his family. pic.twitter.com/fwIw040YMX
— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) October 6, 2020
Feeling deep sadness and overwhelming appreciation.
— Steve Vai (@stevevai) October 6, 2020
The appreciation and love for him is bigger though.
Let’s take a minute and try to imagine our world if he never showed up.
It’s unthinkable.
Thank you King Edward. You are deeply loved and will be missed. pic.twitter.com/H1mS4sYZIo
In Memoriam: Eddie Van HalenEddie Van Halen, legendary rock guitarist, dies at 65 https://ti.me/3jC1zlf
Posted by TIME on Tuesday, October 6, 2020– The Vibes, October 7, 2020
