Rocker Eddie Van Halen Dead At 65
on Oct 06, 2020 • Updated Jan 15, 2025
One of the biggest names in rock music and the namesake of legendary rock band Van Halen has died today at just 65 years old.
Eddie Van Halen had been battling cancer for more than a decade and his health quickly declined over the last few days leading up to his death.
— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) October 6, 2020
Originally from The Netherlands, Van Halen and his band of the same name quickly rose to prominence after signing on with Warner Bros. Records in 1977 and releasing their self-titled debut album the following year.
According to various sources including TMZ, Eddie Van Halen had been traveling between Germany and the United States over the last five years for radiation treatments to help combat the cancer.
Many had expected that Van Halen’s heavy smoking for years had led to his diagnosis, but Van Halen explained that he had developed cancer from holding a metal guitar pick in his mouth for year after year.
Considered the epitome of a skilled guitarist and notably one of the world’s most influential, his style and techniques helped to develop a whole new class of musicians. Notably, the technique called “tapping” was highlighted in his 1978 instrumental “Eruption.”
The world will never see another musician like Eddie Van Halen and it’s a true loss to the entire music industry to have someone so great pass at such a young age.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Eddie Van Halen’s family, friends, and devoted fans.
