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Eddie Van Halen dies at 65 after long battle from cancer, Kenny Chesney remembers 'best guitar player ever'

The rock legend succumbed to throat cancer after battling with the disease for over a decade

Rockstar Eddie Van Halen died at the age of 65 due to throat cancer. The iconic guitarist who founded an eponymous band and was well known for his impressive technique, passed away after his long downhill battle with cancer. The news was shared by his son Wolf Van Halen on Twitter. He wrote, "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." He added, "My heart is broken and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from this loss. I love you so much, Pop." Wolf Van Halen also shared a picture of his father.

In response to this, fans and other celebrities shared condolence messages on social media. Zach Galligan wrote on Twitter, "I met him in '93 in Irvine after a show. Super nice guy actually gave me a hug. Total legend and one of the best guitar players EVER. RIP, dude, we'll never have another like you." Paul Feig, the director of 'Ghostbuster' also shared, "Just when you think 2020 couldn’t suck more. What is there to say about Eddie except he changed the face of rock music. I’ll never forget the first time I heard Eruption as a teen. My mind never recovered. RIP Eddie. And also Rest In Rock." Founding member of Black Sabbath, Geezer Butler shared, "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."

Kenny Chesney wrote, "I am devastated at the news of the passing of my friend Eddie Van Halen." He then shared a long emotional note along with pictures that he had taken with Eddie in the past. The note read, "He was a friend and a hero to anyone who has ever picked up a guitar and had a dream. Eddie and his brother Alex had joined us on stage at one of our stadium shows in Los Angeles and it was one of the highlights of my touring life in all my summers on the road. I will never forget that night and how happy we both were that our musical paths crossed that night on stage. Rest in Peace to the best guitar player that ever lived. We will miss you Eddie Van Halen. Your music will live on forever."

According to a report on TMZ, the iconic guitarist passed away on Tuesday at in Santa Monica. His wife Janie, his son Wolfgang, and Alex, Eddie's brother and drummer were all present and by his sides.