TUNES & TIX: Everybody want some Van Halen?

Despite tens of millions of albums sold, constant classic rock radio play, and a tour that will surely bring out the masses, it's hard to be envious of Van Halen right about now.

Having reunited with their original (and arguably best) front man David Lee Roth for reunion laps in 2007 and 2008, the namesake brothers, with guitarist Eddie Van Halen's offspring Wolfgang filling Michael Anthony's spot on the bass, officially completed the reunion cycle on Tuesday with the release of "A Different Kind of Truth," the first Van Halen set of original material in 14 years. "Truth" is also the first full–length offering with Roth on the mic since that greatest hits in its own right "1984."

Of the six Roth–fronted Van Halen albums released between 1978 and "1984;" three — the 1978 self–titled debut, 1980's "Women and Children First" and 1981's "Fair Warning" — can be considered masterworks and hard rock benchmark.  

Unfortunately, "Tattoo," the new album's lead-off single, is a clunker. Where original Roth–era favorites come across as carefree both lyrically and musically, Van Halen is swimming against a sonic tide in "Tattoo" which, according to band lore, takes its melodic cue from a late 70s leftover which should've remained in the vault.

The masses, though, have embraced "Tattoo." It topped Billboard's Rock Songs chart when it was released last month. The true test, though, will come over the next few weeks, when "Truth" comes out in full. The set is to top the chart in the week following its release. And the masses will surely be turning out in droves for the supporting tour, competing with a past that includes "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love," "Everybody Wants Some" and "Mean Street" is a brave undertaking.

And if that wasn't something to ponder, the band's choice for show opener, Kool and the Gang, surely is.

Van Halen, Kool and the Gang, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 24, United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. $49.50, $79.50, $149.50. FYI: (312) 455–4500, UNITEDCENTER.COM

On sale now

For more information, contact the venues or ticket sales agencies listed below. Unless otherwise indicated, all shows are all–ages.

• Spiritualized, May 3, Metro (18 and older, METROCHICAGO.COM)

• Mastodon, April 13, Riviera Theatre (JAMUSA.COM)

• Death Cab for Cutie, April 16, Chicago Theatre (THECHICAGOTHEATRE.COM)

• Guns N' Roses, Feb. 19, House of Blues (21 and older, HOB.COM)

• The Fray, April 17, Riviera Theatre (JAMUSA.COM)

• Justin Townes Earle, May 10, Park West (JAMUSA.COM)

• War, Sugarfoot's Ohio Players, March 23, The Venue (21 and older, HORSESHOEHAMMOND.COM)

• Fountains of Wayne, April 27, Double Door (21 and older, DOUBLEDOOR.COM)

• Theory of a Deadman, May 4, House of Blues (HOB.COM)

The opinions expressed solely are those of the writer. Tim Shellberg can be reached at T.shellberg@comcast.net.