Stars React to Death of ‘Guitar God’ Eddie Van Halen

Eddie Van Halen's famous friends and fans are remembering the legendary rocker in the wake of his death.

Van Halen passed away on Tuesday after a battle with cancer.

His wife Janie shared a heartbreaking message to him on Twitter, "My husband, my love, my Peep, My heart and soul have been shattered into a million pieces. I never knew it was possible to cry so many tears or feel such incredible sadness. Our journey together has not always been an easy one but in the end and always we have a connection."

His ex-wife Valerie Bertinelli posted a string of broken hearts on Twitter, before following up with a heartfelt tribute.

She wrote, “40 years ago my life changed forever when I met you. You gave me the one true light in my life, ur son, Wolfgang. 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. I will see you in our next life my love."

KISS bassist Gene Simmons tweeted, “My heart is broken. Eddie was not only a Guitar God, but a genuinely beautiful soul. Rest in peace, Eddie!”

His former bandmate Sammy Hagar was speechless, writing on Twitter, “Heartbroken and speechless. My love to the family”

John Mayer wrote on Instagram, “Eddie Van Halen was a guitar superhero. A true virtuoso. A stunningly good musician and composer. Looking up to him as a young kid was one of the driving forces in my needing to pick up a guitar. I was so blown away watching him exert such control and expression over his instrument. Learning to play the guitar taught me so many things, but still absolutely nothing about how to play like Eddie Van Halen. And for that reason, I never stopped watching him in adolescent awe and wonder, and I promise you I never will.”

Lenny Kravitz shared on Instagram, “Heaven will be electric tonight.”

Tom Morello called him a “king” on Instagram, “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”

Keith Urban posted on Instagram, “There are lots of great guitar players in the world, but very VERY few true innovators. Players who seem to have arrived from a far distant planet, and who bring a completely new color to the rainbow. Eddie Van Halen was this and so much more. Even without the finger tapping, you had a player with extraordinary touch, tone, and a rhythmic pocket and bounce that floated like Ali in the ring. He was a master of complex solos that spoke to non musicians… THAT IS HARD TO DO. The reason was the exquisite melody in his heart, and the joy in his soul of playing FOR people – and it came through like a ray of sun we ALL felt.”

Billy Idol tweeted, “Rest in peace guitar legend Eddie Van Halen. We will miss you.”

Pete Townshend told Rolling Stone, “It's completely tragic that we have lost him. He was not just an innovative and stylish player with great taste, he was also a laidback virtuoso showman who just blew us all away every time. Every shredder today has lost their Master Teacher and Guide.”

Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers imagined Eddie playing with Jimi Hendrix. He wrote on Instagram, “I hope you jam with Jimi tonight and soar freely through the cosmos. A vibrant part of music has left this earth. Broken through to the other side. What a sweetheart, my brother.”