Jon Bon Jovi Honors Eddie Van Halen: 'He Was An Innovator'

Jon Bon Jovi has nothing but high regards for Eddie Van Halen, who lost his battle with cancer on Tuesday (October 6) at age 65.

During a sneak peek at the former's upcoming appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, which was obtained by ETCanada, the Bon Jovi frontman shared some kind words about the late rock icon. Asked if he knew Van Halen since Clarkson assumed all the "rock guys know each other," the performer admitted that he had met Eddie "a number of times over the years” and honored his talent as a musician. "Any kid who ever looked at the electric guitar had to think of Eddie Van Halen," he declared.

"He was an innovator, a genuine unique soul, and there’s a huge hole there now forever," he continued. "We were lucky to have had him. He was an incredible talent." Expect more from Bon Jovi’s appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show when his scheduled episode airs on November 2.

As we reported, the Van Halen co-founder died at St. Johns Hospital in Santa Monica, California with his wife Janie Liszewski at his side. According to TMZ, his health began to deteriorate over the last 72 hours when doctors discovered that his throat cancer had spread to his brain and other organs.

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