David Lee Roth and his Van Halen bandmates hardly parted on friendly terms. Bitter tension between Roth and guitarist Eddie Van Halen was reportedly at the heart of the split in the hit rock band.
Now, 27 years after Roth walked away the band announced that it will reunite with their flashy former lead singer for a 2012 tour and possibly a new album, according to Rolling Stone magazine and a few other press outlets. It would be the first time they record together since 1984.
So it would seem that Roth and Van Halen decided to kiss and make up.
In truth, this has been coming for some time. Roth took to the stage again with Van Halen and his drummer brother, Alex, in 2007. So, the ice has been melting for a few years now, it would seem. Just how the re-formed band will be received by rock fans is another matter altogether. There’s no doubting that Eddie Van Halen is one of the most remarkable rock guitarist of his generation, and whatever damage he did to himself through his years of well-publicized alcohol abuse, you would think that his fingers remain as nimble as ever.
But it’s been a long time since they were on the charts, last doing so with Sammy Hagar taking Roth’s spot. Hagar left in a huff in 2006 as well, and his replacements – with all due respect – didn’t have the same star power.
It’s also not a complete reunion of the band’s original lineup. Bassist Michael Anthony was booted from the band and was replaced by Wolfgang Van Halen, Eddie’s son with actress Valerie Bertinelli. Bass prowess aside, Anthony’s high-pitched backup vocals were part of the band’s signature sound.
So, best of luck to Roth, Eddie and the boys. We’ll see how they sound.
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1 Comment
I’d like to see this show when it comes around. You’re right about Michael Anthony being tough to replace. Plus, seeing that entire original lineup would be part of the draw. And geez, I remember when the kid was born. They included the instrumental 3:16 on For Unlawful Carnal Knowldge to mark his birthday, I believe. Seems like some kind of reunion has been in the offing for 15 years, with a few false starts along the way. Be interesting to see if they can bring it off. And if they can stand upright on a stage for two straight hours at their ages.