By JOHN DALY
Eddie Van Halen, co-founder of Van Halen, has passed away from cancer at the age of 65, his son reported via 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,” posted son Wolf Van Halen on social media.
“He was the best father I could ever ask for,” he wrote. “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.”
Van Halen had been battling cancer for more than 10 years and has undergone chemo, but in recent days his battle with cancer took a turn for the worse. The throat cancer metastasized, spreading to other organs to his body, according to reports.
Van Halen was formed in Pasadena in 1972. At that time, Van Halen’s brother Alex played drums, Michael Anthony was on bass and David Lee Roth was the frontman. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.