Eddie Van Halen (1955-2020)

Eddie Van Halen, the guitar virtuoso whose blinding speed, control and innovation propelled his band Van Halen into one of hard rock’s biggest groups, fueled the unmistakable fiery solo in Michael Jackson’s hit “Beat It” and became elevated to the status of rock god, has died. He was 65.

Section:Gallery

Tue., Oct. 6, 2020

In this June 22, 2004, photo, Eddie Van Halen plays the final chord of "Jump" during the Van Halen concert at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, N,.J. Eddie Van Halen, the guitar virtuoso whose blinding speed, control and innovation propelled his band Van Halen into one of hard rock’s biggest groups, died Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. Van Halen, who had battled cancer, was 65. (John Munson

John Munson Nj Advance Media Via Ap
Sammy Hagar, left, and Eddie Van Halen headlined the Monsters of Rock concert at Joe Albi Stadium in 1988.

J.Bart Rayniak The Spokesman-Review
Eddie Van Halen, left, embraces his son Wolfgang Van Halen after the rock group Van Halen officially announced their North American tour during a news conference in Los Angeles on Aug. 13, 2007. Eddie Van Halen, who had battled cancer, died Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. He was 65.

Kevork Djansezian Associated Press
Musician Eddie Van Halen and his wife Janie Liszewski attend the Esquire 80th Anniversary and Network Launch Event in New York on Sept. 17, 2013. Van Halen, who had battled cancer, died Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. He was 65.

Evan Agostini Invision
This July 14, 1984photo shows Van Halen guitarist Eddie Van Halen, left, performing "Beat It" with Michael Jackson during Jackson's Victory Tour concert in Irving, Texas. Van Halen, who had battled cancer, died Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. He was 65.

Carlos Osorio Associated Press
Van Halen is seen in Los Angeles, Jan. 17, 1993. From left are, Michael Anthony, bass guitar, Sammy Hagar, lead singer, Alex Van Halen, drums, and Eddie Van Halen, lead guitar. The rock group made a "jump" into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Monday, Jan.8, 2007.

Kevork Djansezian Associated Press
David Lee Roth, left, and Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen perform at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre on Tuesday, July 14, 2015, in Irvine, Calif.

Rich Fury Associated Press
Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen performs at the Nikon at Jones Beach Theater on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, in Wantagh, N.Y.

Greg Allen Associated Press
Valerie Bertinelli, left, arrives at the premiere of the film "America's Sweethearts" with husband Eddie Van Halen in Los Angeles on July 17, 2001. Van Halen, who had battled cancer, died Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. He was 65.

Kevork Djansezian Associated Press
Van Halen guitarist Eddie Van Halen performs Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004, at America West Arena in Phoenix.

Tom Hood Associated Press