Melbourne Herald-Sun - 11 January, 1998

Famed American hard-rock act Van Halen will test its new line-up in Melbourne.

The band will appear for the first time with new lead singer Gary Cherone, former vocalist with Extreme, at Festival Hall on April 1.

Following in the footsteps of two of the wild men of rock, former Van Halen frontmen David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar, is a daunting challenge for Cherone.

Members of Van Halen believe Australia is the ideal launching pad for their new line-up.

A Frontier Touring Company spokeswoman said:

"Having sold a staggering one million albums in Australia alone over the past 20 years, the decision to kick off the world tour Down Under is an easy one. The loyalty Australian fans have shown this quintessential American rock band has been unwavering."

The tour will coincide with the February release of Van Halen III, the band's first album with Cherone.