David Lee Roth performing “Jump” on May 3, 2025
David Lee Roth has announced a 2025 summer tour. The news arrived two days after the legendary frontman returned to the stage at the M3 rock festival in Columbia, Maryland. The 70 year-old’s 16-song set at the Merriweather Post Pavilion was his first concert in over five years. (Watch several clips below.) A pre-sale for the surprise tour begins on May 6 at 10 a.m. local time. Tickets for the general public go on sale May 9 here. The tour begins July 22 with dates currently scheduled through September 14.
Roth’s set on May 3 was entirely comprised of Van Halen songs including “Panama,” “Dance the Night Away,” “Runnin’ With the Devil” and their cover of the Kinks’ “You Really Got Me.”
Watch Roth’s return to the concert stage on May 3, 2025
In 2022, Roth canceled an entire brief residency that he had planned in Las Vegas that were to have been the final concerts of his career. The iconic singer was scheduled to perform at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Sin City. His concerts were originally planned to begin with a pair of shows on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, but were kayoed at the time due to Covid and moved to February. However, on Jan. 3, 2022, Roth’s representative told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that the entire residency, that was to have continued throughout the month, was canceled. It was not rescheduled.
Not funny
At the time, Roth posted a graphic on his social media platforms, accompanied by the headline, all in caps, A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO LAS VEGAS, without explanation.
However, when reached for comment by EW a day later, Roth (through his manager) replied, “Sometimes you win, Sometimes you lose, We got rained out. Covid cancelled. Future shows? When the benefit concerts for Colorado, Farm Aid, and hospital workers ‘everywhere’ come up; Call me.”
In a phone interview on October 1, 2021, with the Review-Journal, the former Van Halen singer said, “I am throwing in the shoes. I’m retiring. This is the first, and only, official announcement. You’ve got the news. Share it with the world.”
David Lee Roth 2025 Tour (Tickets will be available here and here)
Jul 22 – Paso Robles, CA – California Mid-State Fair
Jul 31 – Hollywood, 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 19 – Gary, IN – Hard Rock Live Northern India
Aug 21 – Cincinnati, OH – Hard Rock Outdoor Arena
Aug 23 – Du Quoin, IL – Du Quoin State Fair
Aug 25 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory
Aug 27 – Kansas City, MO –
Aug 29 – Thackerville, OK – WinStar World Casino and Resort
Aug 31 – Catoosa, OK –
Sep 04 – Chandler, AZ – Gila River Resorts & Casinos
Sep 08 – San Diego, CA – Humphreys Concerts By the Sea
Sep 10 – Temecula, CA – Pechanga Resort Casino
Sep 12 – Saratoga, CA – Mountain Winery
Sep 14 – Napa, CA – Blue Note Summer Sessions
In 1974, Roth joined brothers Alex Van Halen (on drums) and Eddie Van Halen (on guitar and lead vocals), and Mark Stone (bass guitar) in Southern California in a band called Mammoth, replacing Eddie as the band’s lead singer. The band’s name was ultimately changed to Van Halen and as their local following grew, they began to play higher caliber venues, particularly in Hollywood. Stone departed, making the way for Michael Anthony to replace him on bass.
During their breakout years, and such hit records as “Dance the Night Away,” “Jump,” “Panama,” and their cover of “(Oh) Pretty Woman,” all for Warner Bros. Records, they became one of the biggest rock bands in the world, progressing quickly from opening slots for other bands, to headlining arenas and stadiums.
The two major visuals of the Roth-era Van Halen on stage were the singer’s prominent leg kicks and Eddie Van Halen’s signature guitar playing.
Two of their albums – their 1978 self-titled debut and 1984’s 1984 – have each been certified Diamond by the RIAA, signifying U.S. sales of ten million copies.
Roth departed the band in 1985 and was replaced by Sammy Hagar. His solo career flourished with several Platinum albums and the hit singles, “California Girls” and “Just a Gigolo/I Ain’t Got Nobody,” among them.
At the time of the planned Vegas residency, Roth told the Review-Journal that he had shared the news with Alex Van Halen. “We speak to each other constantly, two or three times a day. We laugh like pirates.”
Watch Roth perform “Dance the Night Away” at the House of Blues in 2020
Related: Our recap of opening night of Roth’s 2020 Vegas residency
In the interview, Roth referenced Eddie Van Halen, noting the recent “departure of my beloved classmate.” EVH died on Oct. 6, 2020. “I am encouraged and compelled to really come to grips with how short time is, and my time is probably even shorter,” Roth said.
“It’s been an amazing, great run, no regrets, nothing to say about anybody,” he said. “I’ll miss you all. Stay frosty.”
Related: Our Album Rewind of Van Halen’s debut LP
A boxed set of Roth’s 1985 – 1994 material was released on February 21, 2025. It’s available to order here.
1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationSave your money people.. that ship sailed a long time.. BUT! If you the groovy smooth sounds of a Crow being gutted then Diamond Dave is for you!!!