In 2004, Van Halen reunited with Sammy Hagar, their second vocalist from 1985–1996. The original plan was to release a full-length album, titled The Best of Both Worlds. It would have featured the instrumentals from the aborted second album with Gary Cherone, with Hagar on vocals. This plan was abandoned because Ed, in the condition he was in, could only complete three of the tracks. They decided to release a new compilation double album featuring those three new songs on it as their first move. This was followed by a reunion tour, featuring these new songs among others on the set list. The new songs were "It's About Time", "Up for Breakfast" and "Learning to See". Initially 28 dates were announced, but this was extended to 80 across five months – all of which were performed. The tour included many controversies, some leading to Hagar's permanent departure following the tour. Michael Anthony, longtime bassist for the band was hired as a touring musician but not a 'real' member, being paid a reduced commission. Initially the Van Halen brothers didn't want him on the tour at all, but Hagar refused to tour without him. Hagar also accused Eddie Van Halen of drinking far too much, despite Eddie's denials: "It was horrible to know a person that was in that kind of shape." The tour grossed almost $55 million and Pollstar listed Van Halen in the Top 10 grossing tours of 2004. However, Rolling Stone revealed that promoters did not actually profit from the tour, losing money. This was largely attributed to overpriced tickets of up to $250 slowing down ticket sales. Concerts were met with positive reviews from critics and fans, though some did notice Eddie's alcohol abuse. Wolfgang Van Halen, Eddie's young son, would join the band for rhythm guitar during the instrumental "316". In 2006, Wolfgang joined Van Halen permanently, replacing Anthony on bass. Throughout the tour, reports of Eddie's alcohol abuse cropped up in reviews. In the band's first Chicago, Illinois show, Eddie tripped over his guitar cable multiple times. 18 times it actually became unplugged and a guitar tech had to chase Eddie around the stage keeping things together. Eddie later stopped in the middle of a guitar solo, lying down and simply saying "I'm sorry folks, I done run outta gas". Eddie did however, recover and finish the solo. The other major event occurred on the final date of the tour, in Tucson, Arizona, when Eddie finished the set by smashing his guitar, sending shrapnel into the audience and running off stage. The tour consisted of three legs, with the first two being in the United States, and the third was a mixture of American and Canadian dates. By playing a date in Puerto Rico, Van Halen became the first rock act to ever play at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum, one week after the venue's inauguration. The tour was extended repeatedly, leading to a "Summer" tour lasting until late November. This was not originally planned. There were rumors that the tour would expand to Europe, Asia and South America into 2005. However, the idea was shot down, particularly because Hagar was dissatisfied with the band dynamics – Eddie did not like all the promotion for Hagar's Cabo Wabo business in the tour, and while travelling, the Van Halen brothers were on one jet and Hagar and Anthony in another to avoid fights. To date, neither Hagar nor Anthony has performed with Van Halen again.
