UPDATE on Eddie Van Halen’s health problems: Is it throat cancer? This doesn’t sound good.
Earlier this week, stories began to emerge about a hiatus in any Van Halen plans because Eddie is not well. It seemed that we were on the verge of a big VH reunion, something that quickly and quietly fell apart.
David Lee Roth had this cryptic statement: “Van Halen isn’t gonna be coming back in the fashion that you know. And that being said, Eddie’s [Van Halen] got his own story to tell. [It’s] not mine to tell it.” He also went on to say that “Van Halen is finished.”
Former VH bass player Michael Anthony hasn’t said much, although he’s responded to rumours of Eddie’s ill health.
Then guitarist Steve Lukather mentioned in a podcast that “”I look you right in the eye and say, listen, I’ve been in contact with Ed. We text all the time. I really can’t say much, man. I don’t wanna say anything.”
UPDATE: TMZ reports that Eddie has been quietly flying back and forth to Germany for the past five years to for treatment for throat cancer. One theory is that this is the result of his former habit of holding a metal guitar pick in his mouth that somehow compromised varies bits of oral tissue.
In 2015 he told Billboard (via the Daily Mail): “I used metal picks – they’re brass and copper – which I always held in my mouth, in the exact place where I got the tongue cancer.
“Plus, I basically live in a recording studio that’s filled with electromagnetic energy. So that’s one theory. I mean, I was smoking and doing a lot of drugs and a lot of everything. But at the same time, my lungs are totally clear. This is just my own theory, but the doctors say it’s possible.”
He’s been making these trips so doctors could scrape away the cancerous cells and blast others with radiation.
A few websites have posted recent pictures of Eddie. This shot was posted by his wife Janie with the note “Within you is the power to rise above any situation or struggle, and transform into the Brightest, Strongest version of you EVER!”
Eddie has had other health problems over the last couple of the decades.
Remember that Eddie had to deal with tongue cancer back in 2000, a battle that nearly killed him and saw one-third of his tongue removed. He’s also had repeated issues with his hips thanks to something called vascular necrosis, resulting in hip replacement surgery in November 1999.. Then there was the emergency surgery in 2012 over a bad case of diverticulitis.
Something’s definitely going on here. However, if we go back to the TMZ report, it’s said that Eddie is doing okay “at least on the surface.”
This post will be be updated as new information becomes available.
I think Eddy’s on his way out. “5 to 1 baby… 1 in 5… no one here gets out alive.”
Very positive attitude bud! I don’t think anyone is interested in your opinion. So go back to your job at McDonald’s
hey Rich…great Reply to such a negative fry cook comment. I grew up 20 minutes from Eddie in Southern Cal. that band one of my top 5 all time favorites… i saw them atleast 30 times and saw both reunion shows where i live now Philadelphia. a d with the thought of Michael Anthony joining for a tour would be off the hook. Eddie dont want to leave this earth, he has more to live for…stay strong Eddie our thoughts are with you
Yeah, your a real bag of laughs you smartass!
@Blake West: Keep trading your hours for a handful of dimes, loser…
Eddie get well, we love u man, dont listen to all these lost souls satin has consumed them, you are very special brother, we love u!!
Man, this is all bullshit….. Eddie’s fine having a huge laugh, but not jumping on the hype. He’s leaving us all wonder…
Laughing ? I Doubt that little man
Warm Wishing to Eddie, Al, Wolfgang and the entire VH family.
Eddie I hope you are well. We care about you and the many years of great music. Hope to see you soon. From one Dutchman to another. If you ain’t Dutch you ain’t much.
Praying for you Eddie, stay strong, be strong. Much love to you and your family.
Your body put it in there so your body can kick it out. Absolutely true.
Please be well Eddie! Still watch your videos and love em!!! Your music rocked!
Geez just the guy have his privacy alright!
I think Eddie deserves his privacy just like everyone else.
Grab your guitar and play
You will get better
I beat cancer Eddie can too… be positive Eddie that’s what I did and I’m over 6 years cancer free love you xo