Legendary rocker Eddie Van Halen dead at 65

Sammy Haggar (left), & Eddie Van Halen, (right) perform with Van Halen at Forum Tues nite, April 4, 1995. (Gary Friedman/The Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Eddie Van Halen, the legendary guitarist and co-founder of rock supergroup Van Halen, has died after a battle with throat cancer.

He was 65.

Van Halen's son broke the news in a series of social media posts.

Sammy Hagar and Eddie Van Halen perform in a concert by the band Van Halen in Louisville, Kentucky, on July 6, 2004. Eddie Van Halen has died at age 65 of cancer. (Mark Cornelison/Lexington Herald-Leader/TNS)

"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," son Wolfgang Van Halen wrote.

"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. I love you so much, Pop," he wrote.

Sammy Hagar, left, and Eddie Van Halen perform with the rock group, Van Halen, at the United Center, Chicago, IL on Monday, July 19, 2004. (Jose M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen of rock band Van Halen celebrate Sunday, July 9th, 1978 at the Long Beach Arena during the rock band's return to town. Eddie Van Halen has died at age 65 of cancer. (The Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Eddie Van Halen performs during Van Halen's concert at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California, on Tuesday August 10, 2004. Behind Eddie is Alex Van Halen on drums. Eddie Van Halen has died at age 65 of cancer. (Sherry Lavars/Contra Costa Times/TNS)

Eddie Van Halen leads his band bearing his last name during a Fourth of July performance at the Blockbuster Pavillion in Devore, Saturday. (Robert Gauthier/The Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Eddie Van Halen performs during Van Halen's concert at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California, on Tuesday August 10, 2004. Behind Eddie is Alex Van Halen on drums. Eddie Van Halen has died at age 65 of cancer. (Sherry Lavars/Contra Costa Times/TNS)