"It got progressively worse to the point that about three months ago I wasn't able to play at all," says Van Halen. "My pinky and my thumb were totally locked up and felt like there was something broken."

Although specialists in Germany initially treated Van Halen for arthritis, they soon found the real problems: a bone spur, twisted tendon and a cyst in the joint of his left thumb. - more on this story

Preview and Purchase Van Halen CDs