Dweezil Zappa [ tickets ] apparently has been telling anyone who asks that Van Halen [ tickets ] is recording a new album with David Lee Roth [ tickets ], the first of the band's three estranged frontmen. As usual, however, Van Halen's camp won't confirm the rumors.

Zappa told Launch, however, that Roth has been in the studio with Van Halen, and that the group has recorded at least five or six new songs. In a recent Internet chat, Zappa also claimed that Roth has rejoined the band.

According to Pete Townshend's official website and the venue's site, Townshend plans to perform a benefit concert for the La Jolla Playhouse in La Jolla, Calif., this spring. Proceeds will go to a new building program, according Playhouse interim artistic director Des McAnuff. Townshend and McAnuff collaborated at La Jolla Playhouse on “The Who’s Tommy” in 1992. More information will be provided by the venue once a date is confirmed.

Jennifer Lopez will participate in an MSN webchat on Monday (1/22) at 3 p.m. Eastern Time.

Someone stole Sting's Gabriela Mistral Medal--a Chilean medal that he received for his work for human rights--from his dressing room before a concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Tuesday (1/16), SonicNet reported.

R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck [ tickets ] will tour with Seattle band the Minus 5, Billboard reported. Confirmed dates are Los Angeles (3/1), San Francisco (3/3-4) and New York (3/12). The Minus 5 includes Scott McCaughey [ tickets ] (Young Fresh Fellows), who has played in R.E.M.'s touring band.