The following story appeared in yesterday’s Dallas Morning News:

The on-again, off-again rumors have come to this: Van Halen will officially go on tour this summer with original singer David Lee Roth in tow, founding band member Eddie Van Halen announced Friday.

“It feels like a whole new beginning to be back with Dave and to be playing with my brother and my son. We look forward to going on tour,” Mr. Van Halen said. He was referring to his brother Alex Van Halen, the drummer, and to his 15-year-old son by estranged wife Valerie Bertinelli, Wolfgang, who’ll be playing bass.

Mr. Roth, an original member, quit the group in 1985. He rejoined briefly in 1996, only to quit again a few months later. He hasn’t performed live with Van Halen since 1984.

Wolfgang Van Halen replaces longtime bassist Michael Anthony, who departed earlier this year. He’s already joined his dad and uncle for rehearsals in the studio and had played dates during the band’s 2004 tour. The song “316” on 1991′s For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge was named for his birth date that same year.

I have no doubt that young Wolfgang knows his licks on the bass guitar, but he can’t possibly replace Anthony on backup vocals. Van Halen’s harmonies were its trademark.