Briefly: Van Halen, Coachella, Josh Groban, Brian Wilson
Van Halen is on the verge of signing a deal with concert promoter Live Nation for a 40-date reunion tour with original frontman David Lee Roth, Billboard reports.
Roth--who split with Van Halen in 1985 and was replaced by Sammy Hagar--apparently will be the only one in the band whose last name isn't Van Halen; as previously reported, group founders Eddie Van Halen (guitar) and brother Alex Van Halen (drums) recently canned original bassist Michael Anthony, and replaced him with Eddie's 15-year-old son, Wolfgang Van Halen.
A spokesperson for the band would neither confirm nor deny the Billboard report.
Van Halen last toured in 2004 with Hagar at the helm.
The Jesus and Mary Chain has been added to the lineup for this year's Coachella festival--which, as previously reported, will feature headlining performances from a reunited Rage Against the Machine, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Bjork.
Organizers have rolled out the day-by-day lineup for the three-day event, which runs April 27-29. Details are posted at the festival's website, as is information about tickets, which go on sale Saturday (1/27).
Singer Josh Groban has released a new Valentine's Day-themed album titled "With You," which is available exclusively at Hallmark stores, according to a press release.
"The Hallmark CD represents a little bit more of my romantic side," Groban said in a prepared statement. "I think there are many, many sides to me, but this CD most definitely represents the more emotional side of me, which all guys have, whether they want to admit it or not.
The disc will only be available during January and February.
Eagle Vision has announced a Feb. 6 release date for "MusiCares Presents a Tribute to Brian Wilson ," a DVD that captures the 2005 MusiCares Person of the Year Tribute Dinner at which the former Beach Boy was honored.
The set features The Red Hot Chili Peppers ("I Get Around"), Bon Jovi lead guitarist Richie Sambora ("City Blues"), Barenaked Ladies ("Brian Wilson"), John Legend ("I Just Wasn't Made For These Times"), the Backstreet Boys ("When I Grow Up To Be A Man"), Shelby Lynne ("Surfer Girl"), Michael McDonald and the late Billy Preston ("Don't Worry Baby"), Jeff Beck ("Surf's Up" and "Surfin' USA"), Earth, Wind & Fire ("Don't Talk, Put Your Head On My Shoulder"), and Darlene Love ("Wouldn't It Be Nice"), according to a press release.
Also featured is a show-closing, five-song performance from The Brian Wilson Band, during which all of the aforementioned artists joined the group on stage.
Festival Guide: Download, Los Angeles, CA [June 2008]
Festival Guide: Download, San Francisco, CA [June 2008]
Brian Wilson, Ben Harper Join Wyoming Festival [June 2008]
LiveDaily News Break, June 9: Van Halen, Gnarls Barkley, The Police and more [June 2008]
Van Halen books festival appearance [June 2008]
Van Halen tour grosses $93 million [June 2008]
Madonna's "Confessions on a Dance Floor" tour
The Duke Spirit on stage and in the studio
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with Stevie Nicks
Metallica at the KROQ Weenie Roast in Irvine, CA
R.E.M. at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, CA
Herbie Hancock at the Sonoma Jazz Festival
Brad Paisley, Jack Ingram and Kellie Pickler
Dengue Fever at The Independent, San Francisco, CA

