Spinner

Van Halen's David Lee Roth: Don't Call It a Reunion



After several recent furtive tries, the reunion between the Van Halen brothers Eddie and Alex and former frontman David Lee Roth has been one of the most anticipated in rock since the Roth departed the group after 1984's eponymous album and subsequent tour. Now that the threesome have announced they will rejoin forces to embark on a tour that kicks off Sept. 27 in Charlotte, N.C. -- along with Eddie's son Wolfgang, who will be playing bass in this lineup -- Roth clarified, "This is not a reunion; this is a new band."

That was just one of several memorable quotes that emanated from an L.A. press conference Monday morning where Roth, whose shtick may not have played on radio (as his jokes about his failed stint as an on-air personality revealed), reminded those in attendance why rock 'n' roll is a better thing with his color and bravado back in the scene.

Walking in with Eddie, Alex and Wolfgang to the strains of the band's 1984 smash 'Jump,' Roth waved to the assembled press and, like the most skilled of politicians, shook hands on his way from the back of the conference room to the stage. Serving as the band's and the conference's emcee, he welcomed everybody, got in a couple of quick jokes and then said, "I'd like to start with this" before hugging Eddie, to the delight of many in the room.

For all Diamond Dave's humor, which included jabs at Bono, Michael Jackson and the Police, the crowded room was ultimately gathered to receive news of the impending tour, after all. Roth promised that the reunited Van Halen would not disappoint. "The bar is set unbelievably high," he said. "We know what your expectations are. Are you prepared for it to be better than it ever f***ing was?"

Maybe the most surprising sentiment came from Eddie Van Halen after Roth spoke about the band's upcoming plans. After Roth said, "Saving the world is Bono's job. We just want to save a hundred cities; then we want to save Europe; then I want to talk to you about Hong Kong. Then we make an album; lots of big dreams here, lots of ambitions." Eddie simply added, "Just know this: We are a band; we will be continuing."

As for what fans can expect on the tour, Roth says it will be vintage Van Halen. "We've got 25 of your greatest hits, all the favorites that you've been hearing tearing out of the back of a pickup truck at the Burger King drive-thru for how many summertimes?" he spieled. "It's all very well intact; the same s***ty attitude with a whole new look, stereo sound in hi-fi style."

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Karin

I went to this show on Thursday night in Orlando...and after hanging out backstage and watching the show - it was an absolute blast!!! They were excellent! I WANT TO SEE IT AGAIN. David, was amazing, Eddie was superb, Alex rocked amnd Wolfie was incredible. For a 16 year old...he ROCKED! What a talented kid... ... ...

February 18 2008 at 9:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
BiggieX

I just attended the 2/08/08 VH Concert at the New Orleans Arena. For anyone to say they can't still bring it.. too old or whatever the excuse, is VERY badly mistaken! Diamond Dave has 6 pack abbs, Eddie is still a guitar god making it look so easy. If you get an opportunity to go see them in concert you should definately go. You will not be disappointed at all!

This was my first VH concert. Most of the crowd in attendance was older then me (33), but many of the older crowd had their childeren with them, passing the torch. When 1984 was released I was only 10. I like Sammy okay, but VH is not VH with out Diamond Dave.

VH Brought thier A game for sure!

February 09 2008 at 6:09 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mike

I can't wait to hear the chemistry in action again...WELCOME BACK BOYS!!!! Hey, you lookin' for warm up bands??

January 21 2008 at 4:46 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
craig

ITS ONLY ROCK & ROLL, DONT GET YOUR PANTIES IN A BUNCH PEOPLE! I LIKED SAMMY WHEN HE WAS WITH MONTROSE. GOOD STUFF. I LIKED VH WHEN THEY BECAME KNOWN, MORE GOOD STUFF. SH*T HAPPENS! LISTEN,OR DONT LISTEN. BUY,OR DONT BUY.CRANK UP YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC, POUND A FEW BREWS, GET A TATTOO,AND SERVICE YOUR WOMAN. ROCK ON. POPPING A COLD ONE FOR VH RIGHT NOW. LETS SEE WHERE THE RIDE TAKES US NOW.

November 16 2007 at 12:53 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
JT

Van Halen with Sammy was the best the band could ever be. David Lee Roth is a cartoon character..and the fact that he now 50 yrs old and bald will only add to his cartoon status...
I would pay to see Sammy and Michael Anthony....wouldn't walk across the street to see anything involving David Lee Roth.

November 04 2007 at 9:04 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Roxie

I never liked Van Halen till my husband had went and bought tickets to the concert in Washington DC. I had the best time of my life. They really put on the best concert I have ever been to. Keep it up...

November 04 2007 at 6:03 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Michael

All i can say is WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO FKN HOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!!!!
I know its a big ask dudes, but can you please come back and play australia ?? Saw you here with gary cherone; and saw Dave here solo in 1988, both very good shows,but you guys together again ?
Oh Yeh,oh yeh oh Yeh OH YEAH !!!!!!
Oh and can you please come to australia ????
Yours sincerely, Mick...

October 11 2007 at 7:18 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Flower Gallegos

I am a Van Halen girl & I will alway's be a VH girl. I love these guys, I've alway's loved DL Roth. I don't care how these guys look now, they will alway's be my guys. They will alway's sound awsome to me. Alex, Eddie, and my love David, keep on rock'n & kick'n ass. Love, Flower.

October 08 2007 at 3:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
wayne

sat. nite greensboro n.c. 2nd show of the tour was better than I could have expected. I am deeply saddened I dont have the funds to catch the show 10 more times before they hibernate again. The formula is PERFECT (minus michael anthony), but hey
dont blowoff wolfgang until you have seen the show. This kids got GUTS and talent to go along wwith it. (all these obsurd post about boycotting tthe tour) PLEASE SHUT-UP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!iIf you even think you once kinda liked VANHALEN

October 01 2007 at 8:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tennis

looking forward to the next "album"

October 01 2007 at 3:28 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply