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Eddie Van Halen battling cancer; David Lee Roth reacts
Edward Van Halen issued a statement on Thursday night (4/26) confirming that he has cancer. The news comes 11 months after the legendary guitarist first said that he was participating in a clinical trial to prevent cancer at a renowned cancer hospital in Houston; hospital spokespeople said at that time that Van Halen did not have the disease.
"I'm sorry for having waited so long to address this issue personally,” Van Halen said in a statement posted on his band’s official website. “But, cancer can be a very unique and private matter to deal with. So, I think it's about time to tell you where I'm at. I was examined by three oncologists and three head & neck surgeons at Cedars Sinai just before spring break and I was told that I'm healthier than ever and beating cancer.
"Although it's hard to say when, there's a good chance I will be cancer free in the near future,” the guitarist continued. “I just want to thank all of you for your concern and support."
Last May, news surfaced that Van Halen had enrolled in a clinical trial to prevent cancer at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Rumors that the guitarist actually had tongue cancer quickly spread, but a hospital spokesperson denied those rumors.
In the early hours of Friday morning (4/27), former Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth issued a statement in response to the news about Van Halen’s health.
"I was stunned this morning to learn Eddie Van Halen has cancer,” Roth said. “My condolences. You can whip this, champ. See ya down the road.”
The revelation that Van Halen is battling cancer comes just one week after Roth’s April 19 issuance of a statement in which he said that he collaborated with the guitarist last summer, but hasn’t been in touch with him since.
Roth implied in his statement that he was hopeful for an immediate reunion with his former bandmates, but the band--Edward, drummer Alex Van Halen and bassist Michael Anthony--responded with a brief, vague statement of its own on April 20 that made no reference to Roth or the band’s potential future with him.
