Van Halen Shows Postponed: Update
Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 4:00 pmWorld Entertainment News Network wrote:Rockers Van Halen canceled a string of comeback gigs so guitarist Eddie Van Halen could return to rehab to be treated for alcoholism, according to reports.
The band rescheduled two concerts in Virginia and Georgia at the end of last month and another this week, prompting internet reports claiming all tour dates had been pulled indefinitely.
Representatives for the rockers insist the tour is still on, despite announcing Van Halen "is undergoing a battery of comprehensive medical tests to determine a defined diagnosis and recommended medical procedures."
Now sources tell the National Enquirer the 53-year-old guitarist checked himself into a clinic near San Antonio, Texas, so he could detox for a week after a furious backstage bust-up in Florida with his 17-year-old son and bandmate Wolfgang.
An insider says, "It was the big what-if of the tour - whether Eddie could stay sober."
"Wolf hates it when his dad drinks. He knew Eddie was drunk onstage that night, and was acting cold to him, which set Eddie off. Eddie went beserk and started yanking guitar cables from the pedal boards and throwing cigarettes around onstage."
"At the end of the concert, Eddie was so mad at Wolf, he punched the amp speaker, knocking it over."
Van Halen enjoyed a stint in rehab last year, which delayed plans for the comeback tour.
This all makes perfect sense. I'm sure the doctors told Eddie that he had to spend 30 days minimum in rehab at first (their standard policy) - which is why Van Halen management initially canceled the tour. Then when the promoters heard about it, they were like "no fucking way" and told Eddie to finish out the tour and then go into rehab for 30 days. I can see where they are coming from. Why should they lose millions at his expense? They probably told him to dry out for a week, reschedule three shows, and then finish out the last month of gigs. Then he can go to rehab for six months if he wants to.
