The Van Halen Reunion Tour, its first with singer David Lee Roth in two decades, grossed more than $93-million, a record for the rock band. The group played to nearly one million people during 74 arena shows throughout the U.S. and Canada, beginning Sept. 27 in Charlotte, N.C., and wrapping Tuesday, June 2nd in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Roth, who left the band in 1985, rejoined guitarist Eddie Van Halen and drummer Alex Van Halen. But it was not a reunion of the classic lineup, as the brothers replaced bass player Michael Anthony with Eddie’s son Wolfgang Van Halen, who turned 17 while on tour.
In March 2008 rumors surfaced that Eddie was back in rehab causing multiple dates on the tour to be postponed. There was talk of a “furious backstage bust-up in Florida with his 17 year old son Wolfgang”, which was said to be Eddie’s motivation to seek immediate help.
Valerie Bertinelli, ex wife of Eddie and mother to Wolfie, would not substantiate the rehab claims but did acknowledge that Wolfie was temporarily home while his father was having some medical tests. Wolfie rejoined the band on April 17 in Reno.
Roth made it a point to state multiple times during their final show in Grand Rapids, Michigan that this would not be the end of the line for the group – good news indeed for their fans.
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