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This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

Arts & Entertainment

Van Halen, Call It A Comeback

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The end of times are approaching.

There's a female Speaker of the House, an African-American frontrunner for President of the United States, The Police are getting back together, there are no late fees at Blockbuster.

So of course Blabbermouth.net scooped the world in December when they were the first to report that Eddie Van Halen wanted to get David Lee Roth back on the mic to front a new Van Halen. One that excluded long-time bassist Michael Anthony, and now included Eddie's teenage son Wolfgang.

"I'm telling Dave, 'Dude, get your ass up here and sing, bitch! Come on!" Blabbermouth reported and today Billboard is confirming that yes, Los Angeles, Van Halen is coming back for your ass.

Coughcoachella.

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. - Billboard

And because he's a punk, of course Sammy Hagar, the Yoko of the band, is wondering aloud if Li'l Van Halen can do such a serious tour."That's a lot of pressure for Wolfie. Just 'cause he's Eddie's son doesn't mean he can go out and play in arenas and perform and entertain an audience for two hours," Hagar told Billboard. "I would love to see Eddie and Alex get behind Wolfie, with a kid of his age singing, and produce the record for him and help him launch a career. I'd rather see it go that way than come out and say 'Wolfie's the bass player in Van Halen and maybe singing, too.' Van Halen's got way too much history to have that put on him."
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Sammy's right, Van Halen does have history. With Dave and Without Dave. Without Dave the greenhouse effect took hold, 9/11 happened, Katrina, Steve Bartman, the rise of Fox News. With Dave everything was good.

Little Wolfie will be fine and LAist will be sure to bring a buxom friend to the show to flash a warm welcome to the cush life of playing bass in a classic rock band.

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