Van Halen confirm US reunion tour

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Legendary rock band Van Halen have confirmed they will reunite with the group's original singer, David Lee Roth, for the first time in 22 years.

A 25-date North American tour, which had been postponed when guitarist Eddie Van Halen entered rehab in March, will get underway in September.

Roth, who left the band in 1985, has indicated their reunion might lead to a world tour and a new album.

The 52-year-old said: "The idea is that this will continue on and on and on."

'Young energy'

Roth quit in 1985 following after falling out with Van Halen, to be replaced by Sammy Hagar.

Despite resolving past differences for the comeback tour, the band's original line-up is still not complete.

Original bassist Michael Anthony has been replaced by Van Halen's 16-year-old son, Wolfgang.

Roth praised the group's newest member, saying he "brings a young energy and a spirit to this that'll knock you out of your socks".

Lee Roth and Van Halen fell out in 1984

The singer briefly reformed with Van Halen in 1996, resulting in two new songs for a greatest hits compilation.

He insisted their comeback would be worth seeing.

"We think we got it right this time," he said.

"Come and judge the performance harshly, please. I beg you, come on down and see."

Van Halen released their self-titled debut album in 1978 and became one of the most influential rock bands of the 1980s, selling an estimated 75 million albums worldwide.

Roth went on to have a solo musical career, and in 2006 became a radio host in the US, temporarily replacing "shock jock" Howard Stern after his move to a satellite-based radio station.

The group's biggest hit was Jump, which reached number one in the US and number seven in the UK.