Van Halen is the latest band set for a comeback.
The iconic SoCal hard rockers — with original singer David Lee Roth, who rejoined the band in 2006 — are reportedly signing with Interscope Records, after having a home at Warners Bros. family for over 35 years.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the deal will likely be sealed this week.
Earlier negotiations with Columbia Records imploded when Roth and the three other current members — guitarist Eddie Van Halen, bassist Wolfgang Van Halen (Eddie’s son) and drummer Alex Van Halen (Eddie’s bro) — couldn’t agree on terms, with Roth insisting on being on an L.A.-based label. Columbia is based in NYC.
The quartet is reportedly putting the finishing touches on a album, which will be Roth’s first with the band since “1984” in, um, 1984. The record is aiming for a release sometime in 2012.
Van Halen is heavily rumored to be the ” secret act” scheduled to play the Grammy Nominations Concert, later this month in L.A. They are expected to announce their plans for the album and a possible (read: inevitable) tour.
With Roth back in the fold and Wolfgang on bass, it looks like Sammy Hagar and original bassist Michael Anthony (who now play in Chickenfoot, with Joe Satriani) won’t be part of Van Halen’s future plans.
Here’s some vintage VH to get you in the mood: