Before I say anything, I want to kick things off with a diatribe. If you don’t care to read it, skip down to the third paragraph. Ok, you’re still here. Cool. Ok, so now, to all the Diamond Dave haters. Go eat a big ol’ back of shit and go listen to “Why Can’t This Be Love” and do the Cabo Wabo, you dorks. Dave has always had haters since the big divorce with Van Halen back in 1985. Back in the Van Halen days, it seemed that Dave could do no wrong, but when the split happened, fans seemed divided. Some stuck with Dave, and others jumped ship to join Sammy Hagar and the boys.
David Lee Roth started his solo career with four fantastic and successful albums: Crazy from the Heat (EP), Eat ‘Em and Smile, Skyscraper, and A Little Ain’t Enough. Dave went on to release some other albums that were not commercially successful. Your Filthy Little Mouth (1994), DLR Band (1998), and Diamond Dave (2003). While the general public and fair-weather fans wrote Dave off, these albums were seriously fantastic, had banger after banger, and were far superior to Van Hagar’s drivel. While Van Hagar may have had the numbers and the crowds, Dave unapologetically continued to tour regularly, performing in smaller venues but still delivering the goods. What can I say? Quality over quantity, baby
Diamond Dave hit the stage with the DLR Band, which featured Al Estrada (guitar), Ryan Wheeler (bass guitar), Francis Valentino (drums), and an as-of-yet unnamed keyboardist. The band also featured a newly added four-piece backing vocal group of dudes who crushed it. I wish I had been there to see this set for myself, but thanks to the wonders of the interwebs, I got to watch the full show from the lack of comfort of my ergonomic office chair.
I fucking love it when an artist you feel is starting to run out of steam only to make a fucking comeback that kicks you in the ass. It’s no secret that David Lee Roth hasn’t sounded great over the last decade. His voice sounded bad, and I felt it was time for him to hang it up. Diamond Dave had me eating my foot because he made a comeback at the M3 Rock Festival in Maryland on Saturday, May 3. This was Dave’s first solo performance in more than five years.
Diamond Dave’s set was made up of 16 Van Halen songs kicking things off with “Panama” which is a fucking party in a to-go bag. All night long, Dave and his band were crushing it, and it was clear he was having the time of his life. Dave strutted around the stage, and Little Elvis took center stage (IYKYK). He goofed off with his band, talking to them like Frank Sinatra used to gab with Count Basie at the Sands. Dave also clowned with his four male backup singers, who have yet to be identified. These guys are without a doubt the special sauce that Dave needed.
David Lee Roth Setlist:
- “Panama”
2. “Drop Dead Legs”
3. “You Really Got Me”
4. “Unchained”
5. “Dance the Night Away”
6. “Runnin’ with the Devil”
7. “Mean Street”
8. “Atomic Punk”
9. “And the Cradle Will Rock…”
10. “Jamie’s Cryin'”
11. “I’m the One”
12. “Everybody Wants Some!!”
13. “Romeo Delight”
14. “Hot for Teacher”
15. “Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love”
16. “Jump”
While Dave sounded stronger than ever, it was apparent he wouldn’t hit those high notes like he used to 50 years ago, instead of cheating like so many others by using technology to fix vocal errors and at times even lip synching. Dave made it loud and clear that he doesn’t play that. At one point in between songs, Roth addressed the audience, saying, “Ain’t no tracks up here tonight, baby,” to which the crowd cheered. The four singer dudes up there helped Dave vocally and seemed to put some fire under him. I’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who smiles more than Diamond Dave, but this night, he appeared to be having the most fun he’s had in quite a while.
Dave also announced that this was his Final Tour, maybe yes, maybe no. Who knows. “We’ve reached the end of my first retirement,” the singer joked at one point. “How many retirements did Rocky have, nine?” Dave closed out his mammoth set with the Van Halen classic, “Jump.” While I loved his choice of Van Halen songs to perform, I was disappointed that his solo material was not represented. I love so many DLR songs that I would’ve been happy with mostly solo stuff and a handful of Van Halen tunes. Dave knows his audience and, in true showman fashion, he will give them what they want.
David Lee Roth is hitting the road in 2025 on his tour called “The Last Tour Unless It Isn’t. Roth Rocks. Dave will be trekking across the US with his band of merrymen. Dave’s 21-date trek is scheduled to launch on July 22 in Paso Robles, California, and conclude on September 14 in Napa.
A Live Nation pre-sale using the code “FREESTYLE” is underway, while a general on-sale starts Friday, May 9, at 10 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster.
David Lee Roth 2025 tour dates:
July 22 – Paso Robles, CA – California Mid-State Fair
July 31 – Davie, FL – Hard Rock Live
Aug. 03 – Tampa, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center
Aug. 06 – Bristol, VA – Hard Rock Live Bristol
Aug. 08 – Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
Aug. 10 – Huntington, NY – The Paramount
Aug. 13 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
Aug. 15 – Verona, NY – Turning Stone Resort Casino
Aug. 17 – Bethlehem, PA – The Wind Creek Event Center
Aug. 18 – Gary, IN – Hard Rock Live Northern India
Aug. 21 – Cincinnati, OH – Hard Rock Outdoor Arena
Aug. 23 – Du Quoin, IL – Du Quoin State Fairgrounds
Aug. 25 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory
Aug. 27 – Kansas City, MO – Grinders KC
Aug. 29 – Thackerville, OK – Lucas Oil Live At WinStar World Casino And Resort
Aug. 31 – Catoosa, OK – Hard Rock Hotel And Casino Tulsa
Sep. 04 – Chandler, AZ – Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass
Sep. 08 – San Diego, CA – Humphreys Concerts by the Bay
Sep. 10 – Temecula, CA – Pechanga Resort & Casino
Sep. 12 – Saratoga, CA – Mountain Winery
Sep. 14 – Napa, CA – Blue Note Summer Sessions
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