The rock guitarist, a long time smoker, is reported to be suffering from cancer of the tongue. He began a 12-week treatment regiment last Thursday at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.  

"According to M.D. Anderson doctors, Eddie is planning to begin an outpatient clinical trial to prevent cancer," the report on the Van Halen web site said. "No further information is being released at this time."

Van Halen has been in the news recently in regards to a rumored reunion with original vocalist David Lee Roth. Depending on which story you believe, the reunited Van Halen is supposedly recording new material together and planning a major summer stadium tour. With the news that Eddie Van Halen is under going cancer treatment it is unlikely that a tour will take place anytime soon. 

UPDATE 5-30 9:00PM

See what happens when you issue vague statements?

Now according to a statement issued by the M.D. Anderson Cancer, Eddie Van Halen does not have cancer. He went to the hospital for an examination and decided to take part in an clinical trial that is designed to prevent cancer.

Some fans are speculating that the statement was issued as a publicity stunt to cool down the rumors of the David Lee Roth reunion.

All of us here at antiMUSIC are happy that Eddie is ok. We hope that when he returns home he will promptly fire those responsible for the web site statement. Or at least force them to listen to VH III as a punishment.

Why the misunderstanding? Such vague statements are in character for the closed lipped Van Halen of late. Perhaps if they let the fans know a little of what is going on these rumors wouldn't get started and picked up by respected news organizations like the Reuters News Service. Upon closer examination of the statement issued, they did say "Eddie is planning to begin an outpatient clinical trial to prevent cancer." Unfortunately, this statement was misunderstood by a well respected and reliable web site the Van Halen News desk(www.vhnd.com). Reuters, antiMUSIC (us), MTV, and many other news organizations then picked the story up and ran with it.

sorry

aG