David Lee Roth
David Lee Roth has canceled the entire brief residency that he had planned in Las Vegas that were to have been the final concerts of his career. The iconic frontman 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 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’s not expected that the shows will be rescheduled.
Not funny
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 on Jan. 4, 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.”
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.
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. The singer turned 67 on Oct. 10.
“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
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8 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationBased on just the video, Roth should have called it quits two years ago. That performance of ‘Dance The Night Away’ was tragically bad.
Should have hung up the guns 25 years ago.
Not that I was ever really a fan, but I wish I hadn’t see that. I imagine maybe someone showed him that video, and he decided it was time to retire. Queens getting old is never a good look — or sound, apparently.
Totally agree with previous 3 comments but with an ego the size of Dave’s, I’m sure it’s difficult to let go of the attention he must desperately crave.
To use Van Halen backing tracks and to croak and squeak all the way through the…song. Yeah, man, just give it up already. You got good money, right
Holy Shit. I’ve seen Van Halen a few times back in the good old days. Dave has shot his load and is DONE. That was the worst performance I’ve ever heard and it’s way past his time to call it quits. He’s so off key that his manager must have quit on him. RIP Dave.
Man! That was awful. I understand not wanting to give up performing, but at some point you have to realize your time is up.
I just puked up dinner!
You do know David is deaf, right?