In 1996, rock band Van Halen had a falling out with their second lead singer, Sammy Hagar, who had been with the band since 1985. After a failed reunion attempt with original lead vocalist David Lee Roth, who had been with Van Halen from 1974–85, Van Halen was once again without a lead vocalist. At the urging of Van Halen's manager, Cherone was called for an audition.