Legendary star guitarist, songwriter, and producer Eddie Van Halen has passed away after a decade long battle with throat cancer. He was 65 years old.

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,” his son, Wolfgang Van Halen, wrote on Twitter.

The Dutch musician came to the U.S. as a child from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with his family, who were all musicians.

Eddie was destined for musical greatness, and he proved that through his blinding speed as a guitarist and unique sound. When his band Van Halen formed, they would become known for being one of the biggest rock band groups to ever top the charts in the late 70s and early 80s. The band was composed of lead singer David Lee Roth, Michael Anthony, the bass player, and Eddie’s brother Alex, who played drums. His son, Wolf, would later joy the band after the departure of Michael Anthony in 2006.

The band produced hits such as “Dance the Night Away,” “Jump,” and “Panama.” Eddie was also featured in Michael Jackson’s Iconic hit “Beat It.”

Van Halen became one of the top 20 best-selling artists of all time and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

“He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I’ve shared with him on stage and off stage was a gift,” Wolf said. “My heart is broken, and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from this loss.”