Runnin' with the Devil - The VH tour with Dave is ON!

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.

Breaking News: It's Panama! VH to Reunite, Tour!

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.

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.

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:

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.

So now the only question is, when can we buy tickets?

The Rage Reunion Is On!

Following up this story, MTV News has reported (via the LA Times) that Zach De La Rocha, Tom Morello, Tim Commerford, and Brad Wilk will indeed bring their unique blend of turbocharged activist rock to this year's Coachella festival:

...this year's major coup is a reunion of thrashing political rockers Rage Against the Machine, who have not played together for seven years. The band is expected to get together for a one-off headlining show at the eighth edition of the three-day festival, which they last played in 1999.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Bjork are also expected to be on the bill, although no official announcement has yet been made. Other acts likely to take the stage include: Arcade Fire, Interpol, the Roots, the Decemberists, Arctic Monkeys, Sonic Youth, Kings of Leon, Willie Nelson, Air and a reunited Crowded House, according to the Times. If it all goes down like that, this year's Coachella is set to be one of the best ever, a major accomplishment for the highly respected festival.

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival will take place April 27-29 in Indio, CA, with a three-day pass running you a cool $250 (although for this kind of lineup and that much music, it's certainly worth it). Tickets go on sale Saturday.

This is definitely one of those times where I wish I was on the other coast. Damn. What would your ultimate festival lineup be if you could choose, say, 20 bands over 3 days of music?