Earlier this week,VAN HALEN managerIrving Azoffconfirmed that a reunion of the band's classic lineup — featuringAnthony— very nearly happened for a 2019 stadium tour. Special guests likeFOO FIGHTERSandMETALLICAwere tentatively scheduled to joinVAN HALENin select cities. Unfortunately, due toEddie Van Halen's cancer-related health complications, the trek never materialized.
In early 2019, a rumor surfaced that the classicVAN HALENlineup would reunite that summer for a run of stadium shows. This would have been the first time that the four founding members of the band, includingMichael,Eddie,Alexand singerDavid Lee Roth, performed together since 1984.
The rumors originally started withRoth, who hinted toVulturethatVAN HALENwould be playing stadiums withAnthonyback in the lineup.
VAN HALENandAnthonyhad not been on good terms for more than a decade