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Culture October 6, 2020

Eddie Van Halen: Rock world reacts to the famed guitarist's death

WATCH: Tributes pour in for guitar, rock legend Eddie Van Halen

Members of the rock community are sharing their thoughts and condolences after the devastating loss of the legendary Van Halen shredder Eddie Van Halen, who died Tuesday at age 65 after a long battle with cancer.

The guitarist's son and bandmate, Wolfgang Van Halen, tweeted the news, adding that his dad 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," he added. "I love you so much, Pop."

MORE: Legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen is dead at 65

Wolfgang Van Halen's mother and Eddie Van Halen's first wife, actress Valerie Bertinelli, wrote in a subsequent tweet: "Through all your challenging treatments for lung cancer, you kept your gorgeous spirit and that impish grin. I'm so grateful Wolfie and I were able to hold you in your last moments."

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— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) October 6, 2020

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— Valerie Bertinelli (@Wolfiesmom) October 6, 2020

Eddie Van Halen's death rocked the music world, with many sharing their grief on social media:

What a Long Great Trip It’s Been.. pic.twitter.com/M5pmkVi7hW

— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) October 7, 2020

Heartbroken and speechless. My love to the family. pic.twitter.com/MQMueMF2XO

— Sammy Hagar (@sammyhagar) October 6, 2020

My heart is broken. Eddie was not only a Guitar God, but a genuinely beautiful soul. Rest in peace, Eddie! ...Eddie Van Halen Dead at 65 from Cancer https://t.co/gITtcndQVv

— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) October 6, 2020

Oh NO! Speechless. A trailblazer and someone who always gave everything to his music. A good soul. I remember first seeing him playing at the Starwood in 1976 and he WAS Eddie Van Halen. So shocked and sad. My condolences to Wolfie and the family. https://t.co/ExAWzFAEYJ

— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) October 6, 2020

Rest In Peace @eddievanhalen You will be missed! #Legend pic.twitter.com/A2dpG41dbS

— Aerosmith (@Aerosmith) October 6, 2020

I just heard about Eddie Van Halen and I feel terrible about it. Eddie was such a great guitarist and I remember how big Van Halen was, especially here in L.A. Love and Mercy to Eddie’s family & friends. pic.twitter.com/PY8fyrx1Lu

— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) October 6, 2020

Legendary guitar and musical innovator Edward Van Halen. 1955-2020. Heaven will be electric tonight. pic.twitter.com/hdLd7atI74

— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) October 6, 2020

Just when I thought 2020 couldn't get any worse, I hear Eddie Van Halen 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. RIP. So sad.Thoughts go out to his brother Alex, and his family. pic.twitter.com/fwIw040YMX

— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) October 6, 2020

Eddie Van Halen 🎸 Rest in Rock.

— Garbage (@garbage) October 6, 2020
View this post on Instagram

May you Rest In Peace @eddievanhalen ! You changed my life with your music, your band and your life's journey. Condolences to your family.... #ripeddievanhalen

A post shared by David Ellefson (@davidellefsonbass) on

I’m just devastated to hear the news of the passing of my dear friend Eddie Van Halen. He fought a long and hard battle with his cancer right to the very end. Eddie was one of a very special kind of person, a really great friend. Rest In Peace my dear friend till we meet again. pic.twitter.com/Qs8tsLPANJ

— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) October 6, 2020

https://t.co/QjAj45KED8 Apex talent. An unparalleled titan in the annals of rock n roll. One of the greatest musicians in the history of mankind. Rest In Peace, King Edward

— Tom Morello (@tmorello) October 6, 2020