Toto guitarist Steve Lukather has stepped into the Van Halen rumour mill, claiming the band are only on hiatus due to a number of “health issues”.
For some time now, fans have been wondering whether or not rock icons Van Halen would ever take to the stage again. While rumours of a US stadium tour were floated earlier this year, David Lee Roth let fans down last week by revealing that he thinks Van Halen is “finished”.
Although this was undoubtedly a huge blow for longtime fans of the band who had been hoping that they would play their first gig since 2015, or even record their first album since 2012.
However, according to Toto guitarist Steve Lukather, the band isn’t necessarily done just yet, with “health issues” reportedly the cause for the band’s lengthy hiatus.
Speaking to The Eddie Trunk Podcast (via Blabbermouth), Lukather explained that he’s been friends with Eddie and Alex Van Halen for 40 years, and labels himself as one of the biggest supporters of a potential comeback from the group.
“Everybody wants Van Halen back — nobody more than me, ’cause I still think they’re one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time,” he explained. “Eddie changed the planet [with his guitar playing].
“Him and Alex are sitting there laying back and they’re waiting to see what happens next. I think they’re on a hiatus.
“There’s been some health issues that they’re dealing with and stuff like that. We’re older guys now, and to go on the road, and stuff like that, it requires a lot of extra effort in terms of as a human being.
“All I’m gonna say is I don’t think there’s any drama issues that are keeping them from working right now,” Lukather concluded. “I’m not the guy to say anything. I love those brothers so much and we’ve always had a great relationship. I’m a big fan and also adore them as human beings.”
Although the specifics of what the health issues faced by the band are, some fans would recall how Eddie Van Halen faced a number of obstacles a few decades ago, including hip replacement surgery, and the removal of a third of his tongue due to tongue cancer in 2000.
While the future of Van Halen definitely hangs in the balance, Steve Lukather’s informed opinion definitely seems to give fans a little bit more hope than David Lee Roth’s recent comments.
Check out ‘Jump’ by Van Halen:
