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Eddie Van Halen, “Mozart of Rock Guitar,” Dies at 65

Eddie Van Halen inspired millions with his brilliant guitar skills.

Eddie Van Halen

Photo by MediaPunch/Shutterstock

The era of 80s hair bands may be over, but some of its gods will live on forever.

Eddie Van Halen was one of those gods, a rocker who fundamentally changed music, supercharged thousands of crowds with his infectious energy, and inspired infinite numbers of kids to pick up an electric guitar.

Van Halen passed away today after a prolonged fight with throat cancer. "I can't believe I'm having to write this, but my father, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, lost his long and arduous battle with cancer this morning," his son, bassist Wolfgang Van Halen, shared on social media. "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."

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