Eddie Van Halen Emerges from Rehab - 2007 Tour W/Roth Still a Go?

For those of us who grew up on Van Halen, the last several years of the band's history have proved less-than-inspiring to say the least. First was the ill-advised recording with Gary Cherone (I actually liked some of it, and am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt...). Then there were at least one or two "reunions" with David Lee Roth. Most recently there was the 2004/2005 reunion with Sammy Hagar - which resulted in 3 new songs and a high-priced tour. That series of events crashed and burned amid rumors of band fighting and Eddie Van Halen's return to drinking. Meanwhile, Eddie's marriage to Valerie Bertinelli ended and the VH brothers mom Eugenia passed away. Van Halen was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame this year as well.

Low and behold, we were treated to news this year (2007) that Van Halen would reunite *for real* with David Lee Roth. Equally staggering was the news that original bassist was to be replaced Wolfgang Van Halen, 16 year song of Ed and Valerie. Before you could say "Hang 'em High" the 2007 tour was indefinitely shelved due to various reports.

Eddie checked himself into rehab earlier this spring to get himself straightened out. He emerged much healthier in May 2007 when he appeared at a recent NASCAR event.

Now Edward is on the September 2007 issue of Guitar World magazine. He is plugging a new line of guitars and amplifiers called the EVH brand (in conjunction with Fender Musical Instruments). At the latest NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) show in January 2007, he unveiled this new equipment to a roomful of awestruck fans.

(footage is available on YouTube.com)

So now that Eddie is out of rehab, this begs the question, is the 2007 tour with Roth going to happen. As recently as yesterday (7/2/07), the rumor mills are again churning. The latest details albeit sketchy are that all involved parties are gearing up for a Van Halen tour starting in September 2007. It would be the first such tour for the Van Halens with Roth since the acrimonious 1984 tour which led to Roth leaving the band in 1985.

Since leaving Van Halen, David Lee Roth has had a varied (if stuttering) career. Most recently he has been a New York EMT, an ill-fated replacement for Howard Stern, and has released a bluegrass version of the hit "Jump" in 2006.

Stay tuned to the newsreels and the links below for more news as this latest chapter unfolds.