Reaction and tributes are pouring in following the death of guitar legend Eddie Van Halen. Actress Valerie Bertinelli, who was married to Van Halen from 1981 to 2007 and is the mother to his only child Wolfgang, wrote on Instagram: “I’m so grateful Wolfie and I were able to hold you in your last moments. I will see you in our next life.”
— valerie bertinelli (@Wolfiesmom) October 6, 2020
“40 years ago my life changed forever when I met you. You gave me the one true light in my life, our son, Wolfgang,” she wrote next to a photo of the family when Wolfgang was a baby. “Through all your challenging treatments for lung cancer, you kept your gorgeous spirit and that impish grin.”
Rocker Eddie Van Halen is shown with then-wife Valerie Bertinelli in Los Angeles, Jan. 13, 1993.
AP
Van Halen died Tuesday at age 65 after an “arduous” battle with cancer, his son said.
“He was the best father I could ask for,” Wolf Van Halen wrote in a social media post. “Every moment I’ve shared with him on and off stage was a gift.”
Other prominent musicians, including former Van Halen lead singers David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar, reacted to the rock star’s death:
What a Long Great Trip It’s Been.. pic.twitter.com/M5pmkVi7hW
— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) October 7, 2020
Heartbroken and speechless. My love to the family. pic.twitter.com/MQMueMF2XO
— Sammy Hagar (@sammyhagar) October 6, 2020
Sad to hear Eddie Van Halen has passed away. A guitar innovator with a fierce spirit of musical and technical exploration. Prayers and thoughts with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/TI4ipeIXbR
— Yusuf / Cat Stevens (@YusufCatStevens) October 6, 2020
Rest in peace guitar legend Eddie Van Halen. 💔 We will miss you. #fuckcancer @eddievanhalen #eddievanhalen pic.twitter.com/S4vnN3tyWc
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) October 6, 2020
My heart is broken. Eddie was not only a Guitar God, but a genuinely beautiful soul. Rest in peace, Eddie! …Eddie Van Halen Dead at 65 from Cancer https://t.co/gITtcndQVv
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) October 6, 2020
“Crushed. So (expletive) crushed. RIP Eddie Van Halen. You changed our world. You were the Mozart of rock guitar. Travel safe rockstar,” tweeted Nikki Sixx.
Oh NO! Speechless. A trailblazer and someone who always gave everything to his music. A good soul. I remember first seeing him playing at the Starwood in 1976 and he WAS Eddie Van Halen. So shocked and sad. My condolences to Wolfie and the family. https://t.co/ExAWzFAEYJ
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) October 6, 2020
I’m just devastated to hear the news of the passing of my dear friend Eddie Van Halen. He fought a long and hard battle with his cancer right to the very end. Eddie was one of a very special kind of person, a really great friend. Rest In Peace my dear friend till we meet again. pic.twitter.com/Qs8tsLPANJ
— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) October 6, 2020
Guitars are gently weeping everywhere. Shred In Power Eddie Van Halen.🎸💔
— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) October 6, 2020
https://t.co/QjAj45KED8 Apex talent. An unparalleled titan in the annals of rock n roll. One of the greatest musicians in the history of mankind. Rest In Peace, King Edward
— Tom Morello (@tmorello) October 6, 2020
Rest In Peace to a Eddie Van Halen, Rock God. Favorite riff: Eruption. What’s yours? pic.twitter.com/uP1k196Vw8
— Papa Roach (@paparoach) October 6, 2020
RIP Eddie Van Halen. Van Halen were a tremendous influence on both Vinnie & Dime & Pantera. Hopefully they are all rocking out together now! pic.twitter.com/XtnL33aGsd
— Pantera (@Pantera) October 6, 2020