Van Halen [ tickets ]'s publicist has confirmed what's long been rumored: original lead singer David Lee Roth [ tickets ] will rejoin the venerable--and volatile--rock group this summer for a lengthy North American tour.

Roth will be fronting Van Halen on tour for the first time since he departed the group more than 20 years ago. Nonetheless, the trek won't mark a full reunion of the band's original lineup: bassist Michael Anthony--whose background vocals were integral to Van Halen's sound--has been ousted.

Anthony's spot will be filled on the tour by 15-year-old Wolfgang Van Halen, Eddie Van Halen's son, a press release confirms. Alex Van Halen, Eddie's brother, will assume his regular spot behind the drum kit.

The group is expected to play 40 shows this summer, with set lists that will feature the most popular songs from Van Halen's catalog, the press release said. The specific itinerary hasn't been released.

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

Van Halen last toured in 2004, with Sammy Hagar [ tickets ] at the helm. Hagar replaced Roth in 1985.