The death of Eddie Van Halen, who lost his battle with throat cancer Tuesday, sent chords of sadness through those touched by the legendary guitarist.
The 65-year-old’s passing was confirmed via Twitter by his son Wolfgang, 29, as online tributes began pouring in for the Van Halen rocker.
“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,” wrote Wolfgang, who has filled in as the band’s bassist since 2006 replacing Michael Anthony.
“My heart is broken and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from this loss. I love you so much, Pop.”
Wolfgang’s mother, 60-year-old Valerie Bertinelli who was married to the “Jump” rocker from 1981 to 2007, tweeted a long string of broken hearts under her Twitter handle, @Wolfiesmom, in response to her son’s sweet message.
Sammy Hagar, who replaced singer David Lee Roth in Van Halen in 1985, shared a sweet photo with Eddie on Twitter. “Heartbroken and speechless. My love to the family,” the 72-year-old wrote.
KISS rocker Gene Simmons, 71, also shared his condolences. “My heart is broken. Eddie was not only a Guitar God, but a genuinely beautiful soul. Rest in peace, Eddie!”
The official Twitter account of fellow guitar legend Les Paul, who died in 2009 at age 94, posted this tribute: “The Les Paul Foundation is saddened by the news of Les’ great friend, Eddie Van Halen, who passed away today. Les and Eddie were very had a very special friendship. Our sympathies are with his family, his friends and fans. Rest in peace friend.”
“Crushed. So f–king crushed,” wrote Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx, 61, of the “Panama” rocker. “RIP Eddie Van Halen. You changed our world. You were the Mozart of rock guitar. Travel safe rockstar.”
Heavy metal band Pantera also honored the late rocker for shaping their music. “RIP Eddie Van Halen. Van Halen were a tremendous influence on both Vinnie & Dime & Pantera. Hopefully they are all rocking out together now!”
Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach, 52, also added condolences for Rush drummer Neil Peart, who died earlier this year. “Eddie Van Halen and Neil Peart were just too good for 2020. We all are My heart is broken.”
“Rest in peace guitar legend Eddie Van Halen. We will miss you,” Billy Idol, 64, also wrote.
Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea joined in to honor Van Halen. “Oh man, bless his beautiful creative heart. I love you Eddie Van Halen, an LA boy, a true rocker. I hope you jam with Jimi tonight. Break through to the other side my brother.”
“Farewell to a f–king legend,” Neil Strauss, author of Mötley Crüe autobiography “The Dirt,” added.
The rock and roll world wasn’t the only saddened by the loss of the iconic guitarist. Patton Oswalt, Piers Morgan, Dane Cook, Jimmy Kimmel, designer Kenneth Cole and many more posted heartbroken reactions.
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