I was really hoping that VAN HALEN would be announced for one of the festivals this summer as I do every summer, but again I was left dissapointed this year.

Today however I received news that would give hope to this happening in the future.

Respected Metal Show host, Eddie Trunk, tweeted that he heard gossip from a “reliable source” that the “VH album is close to done and will come out this year as cited by the VAN HALEN fan site Van Halen News Desk

The site adds that the LP will likely drop this fall, which is when VAN HALEN is also expected to hit the road in support of the effort.

Former VAN HALEN bassist Michael Anthony told ABC News Radio that he’s “looking forward” to hearing the band’s new album. Anthony said, “I’m looking forward to seeing what they’ll do,” adding that he has “no hard feelings” about being replaced by Eddie Van Halen’s son, Wolfgang, in 2005.

Anthony said he has not spoken to anyone in VAN HALEN since the end of the band’s 2004 tour, which featured a reunion with singer Sammy Hagar after an eight-year split. The currenct line up features David Lee Roth back behind the mic for the first time in 27 years.

VAN HALEN’s last full album, “Van Halen III”, came out in 1998 and featured the only appearance of EXTREME singer Gary Cherone as lead vocalist.

Hopefully the band will annnouce a huge tour to support the new album – this is one show I have been waiting my whole life to see!