Eddie Van Halen thrilled to be back with David Lee Roth

Forget all the tension and bad feelings -- the Van Halen-David Lee Roth reunion is nothing but happiness and sunshine. At least, that's what Eddie Van Halen is saying. After the official announcement was made last week about "Diamond Dave" being back in the group, Eddie told MTV News, "Playing these timeless hits only works with Dave. After one rehearsal, it was pure magic." He also told Rolling Stone, "I am having a blast playing songs we wrote with Dave and I can't wait to get on stage and get it on with and for the fans!"

In addition, Eddie told TMZ.com, "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."

Van Halen will do a 40-date tour this summer, making it the first time Roth has performed with the group since their 1984 tour, back in 1984. Roth's time with the group ended in April 1985, though whether he quit or was fired depends on who you ask.

While Roth is back, bassist Michael Anthony is out, having been replaced by Eddie's 15-year-old son Wolfgang.

In other news, blabbermouth.net is reporting that the Roth-era compilation Best Of (1978-1984) has been pushed back. It was originally supposed to come out March 13th, the day after Van Halen is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but it will now be released March 27th.