Van Halen have begun work on a new studio album, it has been confirmed.

The band's latest effort, which will be their first album in 26 years with original singer David Lee Roth, is being recorded alongside producer John Shanks.

Shanks, who has worked with the likes of Take That and more recently Bon Jovi, revealed details about the album on Twitter.

"Here we go kids… VH,” he wrote, before posting a picture of Eddie Van Halen's guitar amp.

Roth left Van Halen in 1985 but rejoined them for a concert tour in 2007 and 2008, which grossed $93million.

Details about the as-yet-untitled album have yet to be confirmed by the band. Rumours about the new album first surfaced in 2010.

(by Jason Gregory)