Eddie Van Halen Has Cancer

In a Web post on April 26th, Eddie Van Halen confirmed rumors that he has cancer. Last May, Van Halen entered M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston as an outpatient to undergo what was described as "prevention treatment," but a source close to the band denied that he was suffering from cancer.

"I'm sorry for having waited so long to address this issue personally. 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," Van Halen wrote.

"I was examined by three oncologists and three head and 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. I just want to thank all of you for your concern and support."

The announcement came a week after the band placed a post on its site addressing recording rumors spread by former frontman David Lee Roth. Van Halen informed fans that Van Halen were in the studio working on their next album, but to visit their official Web site, www.van-halen.com, for information.

As for Roth, he added a new post to his site in response to Van Halen's cancer announcement. "I was stunned this morning to learn Eddie Van Halen has cancer," he wrote. "My condolences. You can whip this, champ. See you down the road."

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Song Stories

“(We're Not) The Jet Set”

George Jones and Tammy Wynette | 1973

George Jones and Tammy Wynette were still married when they recorded the tongue-in-cheek "(We're Not) The Jet Set." The lyrics, written by Nashville songwriter Bobby Braddock, who also penned Wynette's "D-I-V-O-R-C-E" and Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today," make fun of the good life by declaring, "We're not the Jet Set/We're the old Chevrolet set." Braddock recalled that while writing the song, he needed the name of a city that evened out the rhyme he had with "Riviera" and "Missourah." “I got out a Rand McNally atlas," he said. "In the first part are the maps. The last part is an alphabetical listing of cities. I wanted a rustic, small-time sound. I went to the listing for Missouri. And I found 'Festus.' I loved the sound of it."

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