Millions of fans were thrilled earlier this year when Van Halen semi-officially announced reunion plans with original vocalist, egomaniac David Lee Roth, including a 40-date US tour this summer. Uncertainty set in shortly thereafter, however, when news broke that the tour had been put on hold indefinitely, for undisclosed reasons.
The announcement that only bassist Michael Anthony would be present at Van Halen's induction into the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame Monday night was even more discouraging, as the band was previously scheduled to perform at the ceremony. Upon hearing the news that Eddie Van Halen was skipping the event, Roth also chose not to attend. "I don't make speeches for a living; I sing and dance for my dinner," Roth said, obviously disappointed. Velvet Revolver will play in their place.
Still, hope lingered for many that the legendary act would make their triumphant and long-awaited return this year. Those hopes seem indefinitely deflated, now that Eddie Van Halen's checked himself into rehab.
In a statement earlier released earlier today, Eddie offered the following to fans:
I would like Van Halen fans to know how much I truly appreciate each and every one of you. Without you there is no Van Halen.
I have always and will always feel a responsibility to give you my best. At the moment I do not feel that I can give you my best. That's why I have decided to enter a rehabilitation facility to work on myself, so that in the future I can deliver the 110% that I feel I owe you and want to give you.
Some of the issues surrounding the 2007 Van Halen tour are within my ability to change and some are not. As far as my rehab is concerned, it is within my ability to change and change for the better. I want you to know that is exactly what I'm doing, so that I may continue to give you the very best I am capable of.
I look forward to seeing you in the future better than ever and I thank you with all my heart.
Love,
Ed
The dream is over, as they say...
Tagged:
