David Lee Roth
David Lee Roth | |
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Background information | |
Also known as | Diamond Dave |
Born | Bloomington, Indiana, U.S. | October 10, 1954
Genres | |
Occupation(s) |
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Discography | David Lee Roth discography |
Years active | 1972–present |
Labels |
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Formerly of | |
Website | davidleeroth |
David Lee Roth (born October 10, 1954)[1] is an American rock singer. Known for his wild and energetic stage persona, he was the lead vocalist of the hard rock band Van Halen for three stints: from 1974 to 1985, during 1996, and from 2006 to when they disbanded in 2020. He has also had a successful solo career, releasing numerous RIAA-certified Gold and Platinum albums.[2] After more than two decades apart, Roth re-joined Van Halen in 2006 for a North American tour that became the highest-grossing in the band's history,[3] and one of the highest-grossing of that year.[4] In 2007, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Van Halen.
Early life
Roth was born in
Roth spent much of his youth in New Castle, Indiana. In a 2019 interview with Q95's "Stuck and Gunner" he explained: "My grandparents moved to New Castle in 1913. It's in the sense of humor, the 'get it done' and how we do get it done approach work ethic of Van Halen, frankly. It's a Midwest approach, not some flakey Hollywood horse manure."[10] The Roths also briefly lived in Swampscott, Massachusetts.
In his teens, the family relocated to
First run with Van Halen: 1972–1984
In his late teens, Roth was singing solo, as well as with an R&B-influenced rock band named the Red Ball Jets. Roth says the name was in reference to the red dye used in food at that time, including red candy balls, which would exacerbate his hyperactivity and lead to "monkey hour" at the family home. (Red Ball Jets was also the name of a brand of sneakers popular from 1951 to 1971.)[12] Another Los Angeles band, Mammoth (featuring Alex Van Halen on drums and Eddie Van Halen singing and playing lead guitar), occasionally rented the Red Ball Jets' PA system for $10/night. After a couple of failed auditions, Roth joined Mammoth as lead singer. In 1974, Mammoth officially changed its name to Van Halen.[13] According to Roth,[1] this was his brainchild. He felt it was a moniker that offered long-term identity, aesthetic, and marketing advantages, like Santana.[14]
Performing original and cover songs, Van Halen eventually gained success in the Pasadena, West Hollywood, and Los Angeles areas, becoming a regular feature on
Released in 1978, the debut album Van Halen was recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders and immediately earned the band significant national attention and radio airplay. They toured for three months at the bottom of the bill supporting rising superstars Journey and Montrose, then another nine months opening for heavy metal icons Black Sabbath. The album reached number 19 on the Billboard 200 and eventually sold more than 12 million copies by 2014, certified Diamond by the RIAA.
Van Halen recorded four more platinum-selling albums over the next five years, often within 12 to 14 days and immediately returning to the road to tour. Roth is often credited with promoting Van Halen's image, described by David Fricke in Rolling Stone as "a nonstop booze-and-babes party train." Yet despite this 'wildman' image, Roth was key to the band's success not just as a high kicking, tight pantsed,
Despite the band's seven-year financial and artistic success, a creative rift developed between Roth and Eddie Van Halen early on. Roth was interested in popularity via original or even cover songs about partying, dancing, women and sex, along the lines of
In early 1985, while still a member of Van Halen, Roth released Crazy from the Heat, an eclectic solo EP of off-beat pop standards. Some months before Roth's departure, Noel Monk, their manager of seven years was fired suddenly by the Van Halen brothers; he speculated that (Roth) was testing the waters for a potential separate, solo career.
According to Monk, Roth formally parted ways with his Van Halen bandmates in August 1985 (although an urban legend persists that it was April 1,
1996 reunion
In June 1996, Roth briefly reunited with Van Halen, to great public fanfare. He recorded two new songs for Van Halen's Best Of – Volume I, "Can't Get This Stuff No More" and "Me Wise Magic". After an infamous appearance on September 5, 1996, at the MTV Video Music Awards during which Roth and Eddie Van Halen reportedly threatened each other,[16] Roth was passed over for Van Halen's vocalist job in favor of Gary Cherone. In 2012, Cherone confirmed the longtime rumor that he had already been chosen long before the MTV incident, suggesting that Van Halen used Roth to create public interest in the hits collection.[17] "Me Wise Magic", Van Halen's display of psychedelia-influenced rock with Roth on vocals, became a No. 1 Billboard Mainstream Rock hit in 1996.
2001 reunion
In 2001, rumours circulated that Roth and the members of Van Halen had recorded several new songs together and were attempting yet another reunion. Roth and bassist Michael Anthony later confirmed that information, but nothing came of the music. The music would later be used for 2012's A Different Kind of Truth, but with Wolfgang Van Halen replacing Anthony. A rumored box set did not materialize. Instead, Warner Bros. issued remastered versions of all six early Van Halen studio albums.
Solo career: 1985–2006
Commercial success: 1985–1991
In 1984, Roth wished to record a solo EP quickly and shoot a film. "We've created a whole retinue of characters," he noted of his vision with Angelus. "It's a genuine film. It's not 'Dave Singing' or 'Elvis'."[18] Entitled Crazy from the Heat, the EP was released in January 1985, while the film was budgeted at $20 million by CBS Films; however, the project folded after the consolidation of CBS Studios.[14]
In late 1985, now separated from Van Halen, Roth assembled a
In January 1988, Roth released
Roth hired 19-year-old guitar virtuoso
Commercial decline: 1992–2003
In April 1993, Roth was arrested in New York City's Washington Square Park for buying what he described as "$10 worth of Jamaican bunk reefer" from an undercover police officer. The arrest made headlines[24] and became a late-night television punch-line. When asked by Howard Stern whether the bust was a publicity stunt, Roth said, "Howard, in New York City this small of a bust is a $35 traffic citation. It literally says 'Buick, Chevy, Other'. Your dog poops on the sidewalk, it's $50. If I was looking for publicity, I would have pooped on the sidewalk."
In March 1994, Roth released
In 1995, Roth returned with an adult lounge act, performing largely in
In 1998, Roth released
In 2002, The "Song for Song: The Heavyweight Champions of Rock and Roll Tour" paired Roth with his 'nemesis'
Other ventures: 2004–2006
In 2004, Roth appeared on the TV series The Sopranos as a poker-playing guest of Tony Soprano. Regarding this, Roth was quoted on his website as saying, "Mom says I'm going to look like Lee Marvin in 10 years whether I'm in movies or not, so I might as well get after it!" On July 4, 2004, Roth performed with the world-renowned Boston Pops Orchestra at Boston's annual Pops Goes the Fourth celebration. The performance was witnessed by over 100,000 people live in Boston, and by millions more on US television. In 2006, Roth covered two Van Halen songs for an album titled Strummin' with the Devil, a tribute to his old band in bluegrass style. The album topped out at 66 on the U.S. Billboard country charts.[31]
In 2006, Roth was tapped to replace his friend
Later, on October 14, 2012, Roth began broadcasting a video webcast/podcast on his YouTube channel, Spotify and iTunes.[32]
Return to Van Halen: 2007–2015
On January 24, 2007, after much anticipation, Billboard.com reported that Roth would rejoin Van Halen for a 40-date arena and amphitheater tour in mid-2007.[33] This report, among many others, was confirmed with an official press release posted on the official Van Halen website on February 2, 2007.
On February 2, 2007, the official Van Halen website released information that Roth had rejoined the band along with current members Alex, Eddie, and Valerie Bertinelli's and Eddie's teenage son, Wolfgang Van Halen. On March 8 the official Van Halen website posted a letter from Eddie Van Halen stating that he did not feel he could perform his absolute best, and the tour with Roth would be postponed.
In March 2007 five members of Van Halen (the four original members and Sammy Hagar) were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Van Halen brothers did not attend due to Eddie's condition. Roth was to perform with the band Velvet Revolver; however, conflict with the band caused his part to be canceled. Roth subsequently did not attend the induction, leaving only Michael Anthony and Sammy Hagar to represent Van Halen. Both Anthony and Hagar thanked Roth publicly for his contribution to the band during the awards acceptance. Roth did not attend the ceremony and the event was considered yet another public embarrassment for the band.[34] The conflict was rumored to be based on song selection. Roth wanted to perform "Jump", the band's highest-charting song, but Velvet Revolver would only agree to play "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" or "You Really Got Me". When it was finally agreed upon that Paul Shaffer would perform "Jump", Roth claimed there was no longer enough time to rehearse and opted not to attend the ceremony.
On August 13, 2007, six months after the initial reunion tour was postponed, it was finally confirmed by Van Halen with Roth at a press conference in Los Angeles that they would start the tour again in September 2007. At that conference, Eddie Van Halen stated that he and Roth were "like brothers" now. Calling Van Halen a "real band", both Van Halen and Roth spoke of the possibility of further worldwide touring and a new album in mind for the future.
On June 5, 2008, Van Halen announced that the 2007–2008 tour with Roth grossed more than $93 million, a record for the rock band. Van Halen played to nearly one million people during 74 arena shows throughout the United States and Canada, beginning September 27, 2007, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and wrapping June 3, 2008, in Quebec City, QC, for the 400th anniversary of the city.
In December 2011, Van Halen announced a 2012 tour with Roth.[35] The new Roth-fronted Van Halen album A Different Kind of Truth was released on February 7, 2012, and a tour commenced that month.
In March 2015, a new live album was released, Tokyo Dome Live in Concert, recorded in June 2013 during the A Different Kind of Truth Tour. That same month, the band made its first foray into American television by appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, announcing a new tour in the process.[36]
Van Halen disbanded after Eddie's death from cancer on October 6, 2020.[37]
Later years: 2016–present
In 2014, Roth had recorded sessions with John 5 on guitar.[38] Roth confirmed in October 2019 the album will soon be released now that he can start making "real plans" without Van Halen.[39] In 2019 Roth announced a nine-date solo residency at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino House of Blues in 2020, with shows scheduled for January 8, 10 and 11 and March 18, 20, 21, 25, 27 and 28. He also went on an American tour with the band Kiss, playing 43 cities as the opening act.[40] While Roth did complete some of the dates, the tour was postponed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. In August 2020, Kiss announced on their website that the tour would commence with Dave and his band opening on some dates.[41] However, by August 2021, the band dropped Roth from their tour, with bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons referring to him as being "past his prime."[42]
In October 2020, Roth paid tribute to his late bandmate Eddie Van Halen by sharing his track "Somewhere Over the Rainbow Bar and Grill," from the 2014 sessions. It was the first of five singles from the sessions released between late-2020 and early-2022.
In October 2021, Roth announced his intentions to retire from performing following a final residency set at the House of Blues Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas from December 2021 to January 2022.[43][44] Following the cancellation of all shows, Roth retired from performing, with a March 2020 performance in Texas with Kiss being his final performance.[45]
Following his retirement from performing, and the five original singles, Roth proceeded to release a series of covers of Van Halen songs throughout the second half of 2022.[46]
Personal life
Roth has never married.[47] He dated actress Apollonia Kotero in the 1980s.[48][49] In a 2013 interview, he said he had four great loves in his life, but would not name them out of respect for his privacy. He said during the 20 years of Van Halen, he "slept with every pretty girl with two legs."[47]
In 2018, Roth and tattoo artist Ami James created INK the Original, which was a line of skincare products designed to protect tattooed skin.[50] Roth spent more than 300 hours getting tattooed in Japan between 2013 and 2014, and noticed the body art market was expanding.[51] After investing more than $7,000,000 in the company, and countless hours, the business closed in March 2022 for reasons not stated.[52]
Roth maintains residences in New York City, Los Angeles and Tokyo.
Roth is a visual artist working in painting and drawings with a theme of social commentary.[55]
Solo band members
- Guitars Steve Vai (1986–1989)
- Bass guitar Billy Sheehan (1986–1988)
- Percussion Gregg Bissonette (1986–1989)
Band member timeline
Guitar
- Al Estrada - lead guitar (2019–2021)[56]
- Jake Faun - rhythm guitar (2020)
- Frankie Lindia - rhythm guitar (2020)
- Brian Young - lead guitar (2002–2006)
- Toshi Hiketa - rhythm guitar (2003–2006)
- Bart Walsh (1999–2001) (died 2019)
- Mike Hartman (1998) (died 2000)
- John 5 (1998, 2012, 2019)
- Steve Hunter (1990–1992, 1997)
- Terry Kilgore (1993–1994)
- Rocket Ritchotte (1993–1994)
- Joe Holmes (1991–1992)
- Desi Rexx (1991, a few shows in Europe only)[57]
- Jason Becker (1990–1991)
- Steve Vai (1985–1989)
Bass guitar
- Ryan Wheeler (2020)
- Todd Jensen (1990–1991, 1999–2000, 2004–2006)
- James LoMenzo (2001–2004)
- B'urbon Bob (1998)—pseudonym for John 5
- John Regan (1994)
- James Hunting(1993–1994)
- Matt Bissonette (1988–1990)
- Billy Sheehan (1985–1988)
Drums
- Francis Valentino (2020)
- Mike Musselman (2019–2020)
- Jimmy DeGrasso (2006)
- Ray Luzier (1997–2000, 2001–2005)
- Ron Wikso (1993–1994)
- Larry Aberman (1994)
- Joseph Hudson (1993–1994, 1995–1997)
- Gregg Bissonette (1985–1992)
Keyboard
- Danny Wagner (2020)[nb 1]
- Marcus Margand II (2000–2001)
- Patrick Howard I (1998–1999)
- Billy Thompson (1996–1998)
- Richard Hilton (1994–1995)
- Brett Tuggle (1988–1994, 1997) (died 2022)
- Jesse Harms (1986)
Discography
Studio albums
- Eat 'Em and Smile (1986)
- Skyscraper (1988)
- A Little Ain't Enough (1991)
- Your Filthy Little Mouth (1994)
- DLR Band (1998)
- Diamond Dave (2003)
Extended plays
- Crazy from the Heat(1985)
with Van Halen
- Van Halen (1978)
- Van Halen II (1979)
- Women and Children First (1980)
- Fair Warning (1981)
- Diver Down (1982)
- 1984 (1984)
- A Different Kind of Truth (2012)
Books
- Roth, David Lee (1997). ISBN 0-7868-8947-0.
Explanatory notes
- ^ Danny Wagner is the keyboardist who performed with Warrant, not the drummer from Greta Van Fleet.
References
- ^ ISBN 0-7868-8947-0.
- ^ "Gold & Platinum – November 12, 2010". RIAA. Archived from the original on June 26, 2007. Retrieved August 9, 2011.
- ^ Waddell, Ray (June 4, 2008). "Van Halen Tour Grosses More Than $93 Mil". Billboard.
- ^ "News Headlines". Cnbc.com. February 3, 2009. Archived from the original on June 11, 2011. Retrieved August 9, 2011.
- ^ a b c "The Rolling Stone Interview: David Lee Roth". Rolling Stone (Interview). April 1985 – via olho.nu.
- ^ Trop, Jaclyn (May 18, 2016). "How David Lee Roth's Sister Brought Rock & Roll to Kids' Music". Fortune.com.
- ^ Boucher, Geoff (January 29, 2012). "When David Lee Roth talks, it's 'A Different Kind of Truth'". Los Angeles Times. p. 2. Archived from the original on March 5, 2012. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
- ^ "Tom Hanks e Katty Perry entre os 'Notáveis dos Açores'". dn.pt (in European Portuguese). October 27, 2012. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
- ^ "What I know about women". Brisbane Times. April 3, 2013.
- ^ "Van Halen's David Lee Roth: Bob Marley, Weed & Vegas Baby!" (podcast). Q9.iheart.com. Retrieved October 11, 2020.
- ^ "Diamond David Lee Roth Biography". davidleeroth.com. Archived from the original on July 28, 2011. Retrieved August 10, 2011.
- ^ "Red Ball Jets". Skooldays.com. Retrieved October 11, 2019.
- ^ "Van Halen | Biography & History". AllMusic.
- ^ a b c d "David Lee Roth: Information from". Answers.com. Retrieved August 9, 2011.
- ^ Fricke, David (November 3, 1994). "Talk this way – the Rolling Stone interview with Aerosmith's Steven Tyler". Rolling Stone. p. 61.
- YouTube[dead link]
- ^ "Gary Cherone Reflects on his Three-Year Stint In Van Halen". Rollingstone.com. February 10, 2012.
- ^ Swift, David (December 3, 1988). "I laugh to win". NME. p. 21.
- ^ [1] Archived October 14, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Billy Sheehan, Interview, David Lee Roth, Talas, Mr. Big, Van Halen". Fullinbloommusic.com. Retrieved August 9, 2011.
- ^ "David Lee Roth – Albums and Tours". Waddywachtelinfo.com. Retrieved August 9, 2011.
- ^ "David Lee Roth – Just Like Paradise HD". February 17, 2010. Retrieved August 9, 2011 – via YouTube.
- ^ "David Lee Roth – I've Just Seen A Face". Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved August 9, 2011 – via YouTube.
- ^ "David Lee Roth Is Arrested". The New York Times. April 17, 1993. Retrieved August 9, 2011.
- ^ "Unchained: David Lee Roth and the Mambo Slammers: VegasTripping News Desk". VegasTripping.com. Retrieved August 9, 2011.
- ^ "Henry Rollins: 'Mark Twain Meets Groucho Marx, Who's Also A Black Belt…That's David Lee Roth'". Van Halen News Desk. March 6, 2022. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
- ^ "Songs of Love is a Hit on the David Lee Roth Radio Show!!". Songsoflove.org. April 12, 2006. Archived from the original on April 20, 2014. Retrieved April 19, 2014.
- ^ Martinez, Erika. "David Lee Roth a NYC Paramedic" Archived July 4, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, New York Post on FoxNews.com, November 16, 2004.
- ^ "The DLR Cast: Episode 53: A Little Bit More Vegas & An Interview With Dave's EMT Trainer on Apple Podcasts". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
- ^ "When Sammy Hagar Made 'Temporary' Peace With David Lee Roth - Rock Celebrities". June 7, 2022.
- ^ "Various Artists Strummin' With The Devil: The Southern Side Of Van Halen Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
- ^ a b Baltin, Steve (February 12, 2013). "QA: David Lee Roth Vents About Van Halen's Future". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 19, 2014.
- ^ "Exclusive: Van Halen Reuniting With Roth For Tour". Billboard.com. Retrieved August 10, 2011.
- ^ Boudreau, Mark (March 13, 2007). "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony hits highs and lows while the Van Halen saga continues". The Rock and Roll Report. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved April 24, 2012.
- ^ "Van Halen Announces 2012 tour with David Lee Roth". CBS News.
- ^ "VAN HALEN Announce 2015 Tour, Jimmy Kimmel Performance". vhnd.com. March 24, 2015. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
- ^ Hiatt, Brian (November 16, 2020). "Van Halen Considered Reunion Tour With Both David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 16, 2020.
- ^ "This Unreleased David Lee Roth + John 5 Clip Sounds Amazing". Loudwire. May 10, 2019. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
- ^ "David Lee Confirms New Album With John 5 Will Eventually Be Released". Loudwire. October 1, 2019. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
- ^ Greene, Andy (December 17, 2019). "David Lee Roth to Open the 2020 Leg of the Kiss Farewell Tour". Rolling Stone. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
- ^ Online, KISS. "KISS Online :: News". KISS Online. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
- ^ "KISS drops 'past his prime' David Lee Roth from tour: Gene Simmons". Torontosun.com. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
- ^ "David Lee Roth Is Retiring After New Year's Las Vegas Residency: "These Are My Last Five Shows"". Consequence of Sound. October 1, 2021. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
- ^ Irwin, Corey (October 2021). "David Lee Roth: 'I'm Retiring'". Ultimateclassicrock.com. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
- ^ Greene, Andy (January 4, 2022). "Flashback: David Lee Roth Sings 'Jump' at Possible Final Solo Concert". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
- ^ Iahn, Buddy (December 26, 2022). "David Lee Roth shares 2022 version of Van Halen's 'Everybody Wants Some'". The Music Universe. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
- ^ a b "David Lee Roth reveals he's in love, opens up about his troubled childhood". vhnd.com. April 6, 2013. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
- ^ "Appolonia Says Prince Didn't Want Her Dating David Lee Roth In Public While 'Purple Rain' Was In Theaters". Van Halen News Desk. June 2, 2021. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
- ISBN 978-1-4516-7812-3.
- ^ Shapiro, Bee (December 19, 2018). "Is David Lee Roth the Estée Lauder of Tattoos?". The New York Times. Retrieved December 28, 2018.
- ^ Seymour, Corey (December 11, 2018). "131 Totally Uncensored Minutes With David Lee Roth, From His New Tattoo Skin-Care Line to the Secret of Van Halen". Vogue. Retrieved December 28, 2018.
- ^ "DAVID LEE ROTH's Skin-Care Line INK THE ORIGINAL Closes Its Doors". Blabbermouth.net. 2022.
- ^ Hann, Michael (February 2, 2012). "David Lee Roth: 'I've been rich and I've been poor. Rich is better'". The Guardian. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
- ^ Kurchak, Sarah (April 9, 2015). "David Lee Roth is the best martial artist in rock". Vice. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
- ^ Bienstock, Richard (July 13, 2020). "David Lee Roth Is Letting His Art (Mostly) Do the Talking". The New York Times. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
- ^ "David Lee Roth Kicks Off 2020 Vegas Residency: Photos, Video, Setlist". Van Halen News Desk. January 8, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
- ^ Harward, Randy. "R'Solved". Salt Lake City Weekly. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
Further reading
- Kandell, Steve (April 12, 2013). "David Lee Roth Will Not Go Quietly". Buzzfeed.
External links
- Official website
- David Lee Roth at AllMusic
- David Lee Roth at IMDb