According to a recent press release, Van Halen is currently prepping for a new album – their first with original vocalist David Lee Roth after almost 30 years – that is slated to surface next year. The album will still be under the Warner/Chappell Music label as they decided to extend their contract with Eddie and Alex Van Halen and the entire band.

The record label confirmed the news on Thursday, August 5, through an official statement. The album marks Roth’s return to the recording scene with the band since his departure in the late ‘90s and was replaced by Extreme’s Gary Cherone.

Meanwhile, the Associated Press came out with a report that Van Halen will be touring next year in support of their forthcoming album, along with “Bionic” songstress Christina Aguilera and country superstars Kenny Chesney, Fleetwood Mac and Neil Diamond.

Speaking with Live Nation CEO and Van Halen manager Irving Azoff, the Associated Press quoted him in saying “their livelihood depends on touring”, referring to the future of music acts including Van Halen in an industry where touring is not as lucrative as it was in the past. “Acts are not going to stop touring. They’re just going to try and tour smarter”, Azoff said.

If Van Halen would take Azoff’s advice seriously, their supposed 2011 tour will be the first time for the band to go back on the road with Roth after three years, after the conclusion of their ’07-’08 tour.

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