Van Halen Debuts New Song 'Tattoo'

(EndPlay Staff Reports) - Van Halen, preparing to kick off a 45-date tour next month, premiered its first new song, "Tattoo," with David Lee Roth.

Roth is back with the rock powerhouse as they embark on the tour Feb. 18 in Louisville, Ky. "Tattoo," released on YouTube shortly after midnight today, is from the album "A Different Kind Of Truth" slated for release on Feb. 7.

Watch the video for the new Van Halen song "Tattoo."

The black and white video was shot at Hollywood's Sunset Strip club The Roxy. NoiseCreep.com reported that the band has been rehearsing at the club.

The Hollywood Reporter described the song as "mid-tempo bluesy" with a breakdown spoken by Roth, who's back with his manic dance moves and signature scream. There's also an Eddie Van Halen guitar solo.

Rolling Stone reported Van Halen cut the video late last year.

The album will also include the song "She's the Woman," which demoed in 1976 but was never officially released before. NoiseCreep stated the band performed the song at the band's recent Café Wha? club appearance in New York City.

Reaction to the song by fans has been mixed, with some missing original bassist Michael Anthony who has been replaced with Eddie's son Wolfgang Van Halen.

"I love hearing Eddie's riffs, and he sounds as good as ever, but if they are going to get the band back together, then do it for real," a Hollywood Reporter reader commented.

"It's an okay song with plenty of hip lyrics to give the old fans a sense of connection," a Rolling Stone reader said. "However as a song, it lumbers along without a lot of excitement and leaves this listener wondering if this was indeed their best effort on the album."

A group of YouTube viewers, meanwhile, welcomed the reunion of Roth and the band.

"Absolutely loved this song!" one commented. "I love the ending where they incorporate both Eddie and Dave into the pic as it ends; kind as if this could be a second beginning for the both of them!"

Tickets for the tour go on sale today.

Watch the video for Van Halen's "Tattoo."