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.
Although Roth teamed up with Van Halen in 1996 to record two songs for a greatest-hits collection, the tour will mark his first time performing live with the band since 1984, the year of their landmark album 1984, which featured "Jump," "Panama" and "Hot for Teacher."
"Playing these timeless hits only works with Dave," Eddie told MTV News in an exclusive statement. "After one rehearsal, it was pure magic."
Dates for the North American outing have yet to be confirmed, but the tour will kick off this summer and hit 40 cities.
"I am very excited to get back to the core of what made Van Halen," Eddie added.
The original Van Halen lineup formed in the '70s, scoring early hits with "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love," "Runnin' With the Devil" and a cover of the Kinks' "You Really Got Me."
Roth either quit or was fired from Van Halen (depending on whom you ask) in 1985 over feuds with Eddie. He launched a solo career that has ranged from legitimate rock hits hits (1988's "Just Like Paradise") to stints in shock radio and bluegrass, both in 2006 (see "David Lee Roth Reportedly Being Replaced By Opie & Anthony").
In 2001, the singer confirmed rumblings that the original lineup had recorded some new material, but it never surfaced. Rumors started back up last summer, when Roth said there were talks between the two camps.
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