Rocker Eddie Van Halen, aged 65

Rever ed rock guitarist Eddie Van Hal en has died at the age of 65 following a battle with cancer, his son has said.

Van Halen was part of the classic Van Halen line-up alongside his brother Alex, Michael Anthony on bass and singer David Lee Roth.

The band has sold more than 80 million records worldwide.

In a statement shared on Twitter, Van Halen’s son, Wolfgang, said his father died yesterday, adding: “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 fully recover from this loss.”

Wolfgang, who became Van Halen’s bassist, added: “I love you so much, Pop.”

Van Halen, who fought alcoholism, had battled health issues. He first received treatment for tongue cancer in 2000 and the subsequent surgery removed about a third of his tongue.

He was declared cancer free in 2002. It was reported last year that Van Halen had been privately battling throat cancer for five years.

Tommy Thayer, lead guitarist for Kiss, said he was “so sad to hear this”.

Geezer Butler, founder member of Black Sabbath, said: “Just when I thought 2020 couldn’ t get any worse, I hear Eddie Van Hal en has passed. So shocking. One of the nicest, down to earth men I have ever met and toured with. A true gent and true genius.”

Van Halen was born in the Netherlands and raised in Pasadena, California.

He was a powerful creative force for the band as they blurred the line between hard rock and heavy metal.

Eddie Van Halen was the band’s main creative force.