Eddie Van Halen dies of cancer at the age of 65

Eddie Van Halen has died at the age of 65.

The legendary guitarist and founder of Van Halen had battled throat cancer for ten years.

His health is said to deteriorated rapidly over the last 72 hours with doctors discovering his cancer had spread to other organs including his brain, reports TMZ.

Eddie's wife Janie was by his side in his final moments, along with his son Wolfgang and Alex, Eddie's brother and drummer before the rock star died at St Johns Hospital in Santa Monica on Tuesday.

His devastated son broke the tragic news to fans on Twitter this evening.

"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.

"My heart is broken and I don't think I'll ever full recover from this loss.

"I love you so much, Pop," shared Wolfgang, who became Van Halen's bassist in 2006.

While Eddie was a heavy smoker, he maintained that he developed throat cancer from his habit of carrying a metal guitar pick in his mouth so frequently.

Over the last five years he had been flying back and forth from America to Germany for radiation treatment.

Despite his ongoing illness, Eddie continued to perform regularly to fans.

Van Halen were formed by Eddie back in 1972 with his brother Alex on drums, Michael Anthony on bass and David Lee Ross on vocals.

With Eddie the mastermind behind their songwriting, the band shot to fame in the 80s with their debut self-titled debut album and are now regarded as one of the most successful rock acts of all time.

After selling 56 million albums in the States and 80 million worldwide, the band took their place in the Rock and Roll hall of Fame in January 2007.

While in 2012 Eddie was voted number one in a Guitar World magazine reader's poll for The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.

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