Several reports are indicating that Van Halen have either signed with Columbia Records or are coming close to sealing a deal with the label. According to the Hollywood Reporter, no deal has been signed just yet, but the Sony-owned company is "in the lead" in the race to release the band's first album with original frontman David Lee Roth since 1984. That record is expected to hit stores sometime next year.

Photos: Van Halen Through the Years
If Van Halen does indeed sign with Columbia, it would be the first time the band would work with a label other than Warner Bros. Records in 35 years. The group have not release a record of new material since Van Halen III, their only album with vocalist Gary Cherone, came out in March 1998.

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