It's official: Roth to tour with Van Halen

NEW YORK, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- The much-rumored reunion of American rock band Van Halen with its former lead singer David Lee Roth has been confirmed by the band's publicist.

The group said in a statement that it would conduct a 40-concert tour during the summer with Roth on vocals for the first time since 1984, Billboard said. Cities and dates haven't been announced.

"I am very excited to get back to the core of what made Van Halen," guitarist Eddie Van Halen said in a statement.

Van Halen's 15-year-old son, Wolfgang, plays in place of original bassist Michael Anthony in the new incarnation of the group, which also features drummer Alex Van Halen.

Van Halen last toured in 2004 with vocalist Sammy Hagar, grossing nearly $40 million, according to Billboard Boxscore. Hagar left the group in 2005, saying, "I don't get along with Eddie anymore."