Eddie Van Halen, one of the most influential rock guitarists who enthralled fans with his signature right-hand tapping technique from the late 1970s through the 1980s, has died of cancer, U.S. media reported Tuesday. He was 65.

His son Wolfgang Van Halen said the same day on Twitter that his father "lost his long and arduous battle with cancer this morning" in a post that set off a flurry of condolences and tributes on social media.

Guitarist Eddie Van Halen joins pop star Michael Jackson on stage to perform his hit song "Beat It" during The Jacksons Victory Tour on July 14, 1984 at Texas Stadium in Dallas, Texas. (Getty/Kyodo)

"He was the best father I could ever ask for," he added. "Every moment I've shared with him on and off stage was a gift."

A native of the Netherlands, Eddie Van Halen moved to the United States in his youth and formed the rock band Van Halen in California, using the family name shared by him and his brother Alex, the group's drummer.

Van Halen's guitar playing attracted huge numbers of fans around the world as the rock band, fronted by David Lee Roth, became a sensation, producing many smash hits such as "Jump" in 1984.

Eddie Van Halen is pictured in April 2017. (Getty/Kyodo)

Lending his unique style and talent to another era-defining hit, Van Halen contributed a guitar solo to Michael Jackson's "Beat It," released in 1983.

With Sammy Hagar taking over lead vocals among other personnel changes, the band has remained in the rock music spotlight even into the 21st century.

Many guitarists in the United States and elsewhere have emulated Van Halen's playing style with right-hand tapping.