Van Halen fans are in a frenzy right now. Word on the curb is that Van Halen is set to head out on a full-fledged stadium tour in 2019 with the band’s original lineup. If the rumor is true, this will be the first time the original lineup stepped on the stage together since 1984. The original lineup features David Lee Roth, Michael Anthony, Eddie Van Halen, and Alex Van Halen. Roth was shortly replaced with Anthony until his return with the band in 2007, Anthony was replaced with Eddie’s son Wolfgang Van Halen in 2006.
Roth recently gave interviews with Vulture and radio host Eddie Trunk. With Vulture, Roth stated “When we come back through town in the summertime and do the original thing, maybe somewhere sportin’, maybe with somebody famous, I’ll make sure we get you all tickets so you can see what we do for gainful employment,” adding, “Because, you know, next time my rock band will be playing the same place that the Yankees play. Okay?”
In the same interview, Roth mentioned that he did get in contact with other legendary rock acts to join the band on tour including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and the Foo Fighters. “The band is solvent. And I can say that I contacted colleagues about being part of the show — Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Jason Aldean, the Foo Fighters, [Eric] Church, and [Chris] Stapleton. And they all said that, if everything happens, they would certainly be involved.”
Roth then went on to Eddie Trunk’s SiriusXM show, where Trunk talked about the much talked about rumor. “The rumors from reliable sources — but still rumors that are unconfirmed — is that the band will tour in 2019 with the original band, which would mean the return of Michael, and that it’s gonna be some sort of stadium package.”
If this is in actual full force, it will be a must-see tour/show for 2019. The band’s last proper tour was in 2015.