Eddie Van Halen has been sidelined for up to six months after undergoing emergency surgery, the band have revealed.
The iconic guitarist, 57, was rushed to hospital after suffering severe internal pains, and was diagnosed with diverticulitis – a serious infection of the colon.
It’s another blow to the band’s comeback schedule following the release of A Different Kind of Truth after they cancelled a planned tour of Australia, with frontman David Lee Roth explaining: “We bit off more than we could chew.” They were also forced to shout down rumours they’d started in-fighting once again.
Last night a band statement reported: “Eddie Van Halen underwent an emergency surgery for a severe bout of diverticulitis.
“No further surgeries are needed and a full recovery is expected within four to six months.
“Van Halen’s scheduled November 2012 tour of Japan is currently being rescheduled and the band looks forward to seeing and playing for their fans in 2013.”
Diverticulitis is caused when pockets, known as diverticula, form in the colon, then become infected and inflamed. The cause is not known, although previous belief that a high-fibre diet was a contributory factor have been discounted in recent years.
In 2009 Van Halen underwent a specialist operation on his left hand to address a wearing-down of the cartilage. At the time he admitted: “They said the only way to fix it was surgery, which scared the shit out of me. It was a success – now I just have to let it heal. My hand will feel like I’m 18 again, thank God.”
A Different Kind of Truth was released in February. It’s Van Halen’s first album since 1998 and their first with Roth since 1984. Eddie’s son Wolfgang Van Halen, who replaced original bassist Michael Anthony, is credited with being a driving force in the rejuvenation of the band.
-Classic Rock Magazine
You must log in to post a comment.