Metal Anarchy

According to TMZ, Eddie Van Halen has been battling throat cancer. The legendary guitarist has reportedly been flying back and forth between the U.S. and Germany to receive treatment for five years. The article goes on to say that Eddie believes the disease was possibly caused by a metal guitar pick that he used to put in his mouth. However, Dr. Tom Micklewright, the medical officer at Push Doctor, told Insider that copper and the metals found in brass are not considered carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Eddie was previously treated for tongue cancer in 2000 and had to have a third of his tongue removed. TMZ reports that there were also times when cancer cells moved to his throat and had to be scrapped out. Treatment has reportedly kept the disease in check, but his current condition is unknown. However, some people who know Eddie believe he is doing okay. This news comes after Toto’s Steve Lukather recently claimed that Van Halen are on hiatus due to “health issues.”