Rock guitarist Eddie Van Halen, co-founder of the hard rock and heavy metal group Van Halen, has passed away following a battle with throat cancer which was diagnosed last year. Van Halen had been battling various cancers for nearly 20 years. He was 65.
The Dutch born Van Halen and older brother Alex moved to the United States during the 1960's. Eddie soon became an accomplished pianist despite not being able to read music. He soon switched to guitar to the everlasting gratitude of rock 'n roll fans.
Eddie and Alex formed Van Halen in 1974 with David Lee Roth and Michael Anthony. By 1978, the group released its eponymous debut album reaching the pinnacle of their success in 1984 with their aptly titled album 1984 featuring the biggest hit "Jump". Roth would leave the group the following year and was replaced by Sammy Hagar who would help continue the group's success in the remainder of the 1980's and into the 1990's. Whether Van Halen was fronted by Roth or Hagar, the constant in the group was Eddie. He was a guitarist the caliber of Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page as exemplified by his guitar solo on Michael Jackson's "Beat It".
For many years, Eddie was married to actress Valerie Bertinelli. They had a son Wolfgang who would eventually join Van Halen replacing Anthony on bass.
Under the circumstances, I think one last eruption is in order. R.I.P.
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