After weeks of rumors, a Van Halen reunion tour is now official. David Lee Roth will join his former bandmates Eddie and Alex Van Halen to perform in 40 North American cities starting this summer. Original member Michael Anthony (bassist/background vocals), however, will not be part of the tour. Instead, Eddie’s son Wolfgang will fill his spot.
According to an exclusive statement Eddie made to MTV News, “Playing these timeless hits only works with Dave. After one rehearsal, it was pure magic.”
Eddie’s right, of course. His and Alex’s musical virtuosity mixed with Dave’s raw, in-your-face charisma is one-of-a-kind. Not only was their partnership among the most exciting in rock history, the Van Halen formula was the most imitated blueprint for success in the '80s. Most of their pop metal successors had either a lightning quick, finger-tapping guitarist, an over-the-top, macho frontman, or both. Plus, the band released five unique, landmark albums (and the intriguing half covers/half originals Diver Down) from 1978 to 1984.
When Sammy Hagar replaced Diamond Dave, the band continued to release quality albums and maintain their lofty levels of success. It was never the same, though. The band lost much their edge and wrote more and more love songs, as opposed to the sex romps of the past.
In 1996, we were teased with two new David Lee Roth/Van Halen songs on Best of Volume 1. “Can’t Get This Stuff No More” and particularly “Me Wise Magic” proved the chemistry was still there. These tracks were accompanied by the announcement of a reunion, but the plans were quickly canceled due to Eddie and Dave’s inability to get along. The failed return of the true Van Halen was heartbreaking for a life-long fan. You hoped they could check their egos enough to realize that they were made to make more music together.
Article comments
1 - Mark
You know, they will probably overdub Mikey's voice and have Wolfie lipsync the backing vocals.
2 - Mark Saleski
that's the key! i mean, the bass parts were nothing special, but Anthony's high backing vocals are the x-factor.
3 - gabriel
I really hope nothing bad happens on March 12th. That's the D-Day. If all goes well...Van Halen will be immortalized with this summer tour.
4 - Johhny C
Who cares about Mike Anthony after years of Hagar? His absence will be felt, but nothing compared to Roth's. This will be the closest to Van Halen since 1984. Definitely the MUST SEE show this year.
5 - El Bicho
"Definitely the MUST SEE show this year."
I'll be there, but the MUST SEE show this year for me will be all The Police over 3/4 VH, especially if Eddie is still drinking. He was a bit of a mess on some nights of the '04 Van Hagar tour.
6 - Eric Yates
A reuion tour without Michael Anthony,is not the origial lineup, makes no sense. The tv show Craig Ferguson, Dave had his" Bluegrass" version of the Van Halen song "Jump?"
Dave is not needed, Sammy rocks.
7 - candice barker
its about time sammy steps back and lets david play with vanhalen the first lead singer is always the best david you still rock and i love you eddie vanhalen will always be the best the world will ever see
8 - DqK
Yes... I aggree. Van Halen is Back Man... I dug Sammy when he was w/ Montros and solo.. But w/ Van Halen he took it in low gear.... With Roth; Van Halen Rocks!!! They have a special chemistry which is so freakin' special Man. I am going to try & see a show even if it kills me...