Well, the tour that was never actually announced has been all but canceled. Pollster.com is reporting that Van Halen will not be touring together and the Rocky Daily News is reporting that their upcoming scheduled performances are in jeopardy of being canceled too. No reason has been given.
Following up on the reported Van Halen reunion, MTV News today exclusively quotes Eddie Van Halen himself as saying, "Playing these timeless hits only works with Dave." Here's the latest:
Van Halen's long-rumored reunion tour with original singer David Lee Roth came one step closer as ink dried on the final contracts Friday (February 2). The tour will feature Roth alongside founding members Eddie and Alex Van Halen, with Eddie's son, Wolfgang Van Halen (who recently replaced Michael Anthony), on bass.The long-awaited and much anticipated Diamond Dave-led VH will mark the first time the band has performed together since 1984 (both the year and the album). MTV notes that dates are still being worked out, but the tour is expected to hit 40 cities this summer. To acknowledge this rock n' roll event, Eddie said it best:
"I am very excited to get back to the core of what made Van Halen," Eddie added.More info will be posted here as it becomes available.
It's been a theme lately. First you have your rampant Police reunion rumors, then there's the news that Coachella will be full of Rage, now it seems that the constantly reshuffled Van Halen is getting into the act. Billboard gives us the scoop:
Sources tell Billboard.com a contract could be signed as soon as today for Live Nation to produce a 40-date amphitheatre tour by Van Halen this summer, with original frontman David Lee Roth back in the fold for the first time in more than 20 years.Anyone who remembers the unfortunate experiment that was Van Halen III, starring Gary Cherone (we love you in Extreme, Gary, but not in VH), should be particularly hopeful that redemption is, in fact, quite close. Rolling Stone further reports that the band has been rehearsing without Roth and working on material for a new album (which would be the band's first since Van Halen III in 1998). Meanwhile, any concerns about the aptitude of new VH bass player and Eddie's son, Wolfgang Van Halen, can be alleviated:
As previously reported, guitarist Eddie Van Halen's 15-year-old son Wolfgang has stepped in for original bassist Michael Anthony in the new incarnation of the group, which also features drummer Alex Van Halen.
The Van Halen brothers say they’ve been inspired by Wolfgang’s youth and energy — and that he’s changed the sound of the band. “Wait until you hear this kid play,” says Eddie. “I pick him up from school every day and we jam. We’ve got a shredding bass player now that’s laying down the law for Alex, so I get to weave in and out."There is, of course, still the issue about exactly what will go down (and what won't) when Van Halen is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March. No one really knows what representation of Van Halen will be performing, but Hagar, at the very least, is ready to make the best of it. Check out the RS article for full coverage.
