Van Halen dies after long battle with cancer

Eddie Van Halen, the legendary rock guitarist has died at the age of 65 after “a long and arduous battle” with throat cancer, his son has announced.

The Van Halen founder had his wife Janie and son Wolf by his side during his final moments at St John’s Hospital in Santa Monica yesterday.

In a statement, Wolf said: “He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I’ve shared with him on and off stage was a gift.”

Eddie formed the band Van Halen in California in 1972 with David Lee Roth on vocals, his brother Alex on drums, and bassist Michael Anthony. He had been battling cancer for a decade and it is believed to have spread to his brain.