Unexpected news today from the official Van Halen website: "Eddie Van Halen underwent an emergency surgery for a severe bout of Diverticulitis. No further surgeries are needed and a full recovery is expected within 4 – 6 months. Van Halen's scheduled November 2012 tour of Japan is currently being rescheduled and the band looks forward to seeing and playing for their fans in 2013."

Diverticulitis, for those unfamiliar with it, is when the pouches of the inner lining of the intestine become inflamed or infected. It's not a rare condition. Usually it begins with severe abdominal pain, vomiting and sharp pains. It used to be commonly believed that eating seeds or nuts could aggravate the condition. Surgery is usually a last resort.

No further details were released.