Really?

Guitarist Eddie Van Halen has said in a new interview with Guitar World that the current version of the band, featuring original singer David Lee Roth, did not just sign up for one album and a couple of years of touring. Eddie insisted that they're in it for the long haul, explaining, "It feels more like a band and a family than it ever has, and not just because three-quarters of it is family. Working with Dave has been very productive. We're all very opinionated about things, but it's all for the benefit of the music."

Eddie added that the group's past dramas and lineup changes are all behind them, saying, "It wasn't really us, it was people around us. When you're doing drugs, drinking and partying, you start believing the s*** people tell you. Those days are gone. We've gotten rid of people who don't belong here."

The guitarist also said that he's personally feeling the best he has in a long time, adding, "I have a wonderful wife, wonderful friends and a son who doesn't smoke, drink or do drugs . . . What more could I ask for?"

Although the group postponed 31 shows -- basically the entire second leg -- of its North American tour, which now ended earlier this week, the group will play Japan in November and possibly do more U.S. shows in early 2013. A Super Bowl halftime appearance is also rumored.

After that, Eddie wants to get to work sooner rather than later on a follow-up to this year's A Different Kind Of Truth album. He said, "That's what I hope to do. I'm pretty sure that's what our intention is." A Different Kind Of Truth is Van Halen's first album in 14 years and first with Roth since 1984.

Rock 101 question: What year was Van Halen inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Rock 101 answer: 2007.

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Here's Van Halen performing "Unchained" in San Antonio: