The biggest news in the rock world over the weekend was the return of original Van Halen singer David Lee Roth to the live stage. Roth performed at the M3 Rock Festival in Maryland, and was widely praised for his set which was made up entirely of Van Halen classics.
Roth last played back in 2020 as part of his Las Vegas residency, and he canceled shows in 2022 after vowing he was retiring from touring. In addition to his M3 appearance, Roth is scheduled to play in September in California, and it’s strongly rumored he will announce a series of tour dates soon.
In addition to immense fan reaction, KISS singer/guitarist Paul Stanley also had high praise for Roth’s return. “I watched Diamond Dave’s return at M3 Festival and LOVED IT!” Stanley wrote on X. “Looks Great. Great staging. Great band. Great vibe. The whole thing was cool. Back-up posse too. Check it all out on YouTube. Welcome Back Dave!! @DavidLeeRoth”
KISS and Van Halen go way back, and late, legendary guitarist Edward Van Halen actually wanted to join the band back in the early ‘80s, but was talked out of it by KISS bassist Gene Simmons. Simmons also produced the band’s early demos.
He previously told the LA Times about the first time he saw the group saying: “I was thinking, ‘My f*cking God, listen to these guys.’ As soon as Eddie started playing, the thing that struck me right away was that the guy was amazingly fast and light on touch… Eddie was just swimming over that fretboard, and I couldn’t believe the control he had. Everybody’s head just turned around like Linda Blair in The Exorcist: what is that?”
