There's a lot of concern about Van Halen's future after the tour. It's public that there were times during the tour when everyone showed their unhappiness and frustration (to say the list) regarding various aspects of the whole thing. Some say it's natural, refreshing and this is the way Van Halen's going to be from now on.

A new interview with Alex has been posted to the Wichita Eagle's website (interview by Travis Heying). While on a tour stop in Calgary last week, drummer Alex Van Halen said in an interview that the diverse faces in the audiences on this tour are a testament to the band's longevity. Alex goes on and says: "It means the music held up and (...) it's probably one of the most rewarding aspects of making music...".

Sammy Hagar, who replaced original vocalist David Lee Roth in 1985, turned 57 last month. "That guy's made of cast iron" Alex Van Halen said. Guitarist and brother Edward Van Halen has spent the previous four years battling tongue cancer. These days he jumps around on stage with an artificial hip. Alex Van Halen admitted that getting old is a fact of life: "At our age, you don't want to stop. Because if you stop, you might not get back up...".

The buzz on radio and the Internet is again predicting the band's demise, saying internal tensions have taken their toll. Alex Van Halen tried to lay those rumors to rest: "Our disagreements are about our music..." he said.

But more, "...the band plans to take a break after the tour and then enter the studio to begin work on a new album (...) with Sammy.", he also said.

Sammy also added a note in his website: "Everything has been great, the fans awesome, the fun meter in the red.

Listen here, all these crazy rumors flying around cyberspace are that. Plain and simple, I never said I was quitting Van Halen. There has been no discussion as to when or where we're going to pick this show up on the road and do it all over again cause quite honestly, 80 shows since June 11. Wow, I'm bushed... HA!

But baby, we are rockin'. The adrenalin in pumpin'. We're having a blast and you need to come check it out for yourself. If you ain't jacked when you get there, I guarantee you you'll be jacked when you leave.

Come November 20th, I'm looking forward to taking some time off, chill with Kari and the kids and head down to Cabo.

Of course - New Year's Eve with the Wabos down in Cabo. Our show dates will be December 31, January 2 and January 4.

And then, yes, here we go again. Hard to believe, but the one year anniversary of the Cabo Wabo Cantina in Tahoe is May. Get ready for 555.Cinco.Cinco.Cinco. That's right ­ May 5, 2005, Cinco de Mayo in Tahoe. It's "55" with an extra "5" for good measure."

End of speculation. We hope.