David Lee Roth is a name synonymous with rock music, known for his flamboyant style and powerful vocals. His journey from a small-town boy in Indiana to the frontman of one of the greatest rock bands, Van Halen, is nothing short of remarkable. Through trials and triumphs, Roth has left an indelible mark on the music industry, showcasing his versatility as both a band member and a solo artist.
Who Is David Lee Roth?
David Lee Roth played with a few different bands before joining Van Halen. The band released their first self-titled album in 1978 and quickly became a top hard rock act. In the mid-1980s, Roth launched a successful solo career. He has reunited with Van Halen twice over the years—briefly in 1996 and again in 2007. Since 2007, Roth has toured with the group and released a new album in 2012.
Early Life
Musician David Lee Roth was born on October 10, 1954, in Bloomington, Indiana. Now famous for his distinctive vocals and rowdy stage persona, Roth started life as the son of an ophthalmologist. Some of his early musical favorites were jazz artist Al Jolson and R&B legend Ray Charles. During the summers, Roth would often visit his uncle Manny in New York City, who ran the club Cafe Wha? in Greenwich Village, known for hosting famous talents like Bob Dylan.
Roth moved to California with his family as a teenager. He began performing in high school by joining a band. As a student at Pasadena City College, Roth studied music theory and befriended Eddie and Alex Van Halen, who played together in a band called Mammoth. Roth played with several bands himself, including Red Ball Jets, and later joined Mammoth, which changed its name to Van Halen after learning another group already had rights to "Mammoth." Michael Anthony came onboard as the group's bassist.
Van Halen
Van Halen became a popular fixture on the club scene. According to reports, KISS's frontman Gene Simmons attended one of the band's concerts and paid for them to make a demo recording. Van Halen landed a contract with Warner Bros. in 1977 and released their first self-titled album the following year. The album became a hit, featuring Roth's expressive vocals and Eddie Van Halen's revolutionary guitar work, with classic hard rock songs like "Runnin' with the Devil" and "Jamie's Cryin'." Roth wrote much of the lyrics, helping to change the face of hard rock.
In 1979, Van Halen had their first hit single with "Dance the Night Away." The band toured to support the record, and Roth proved to be quite the showman. With his long blond hair and flashy spandex outfits, he won over audiences with his energetic performances. Roth and his bandmates developed a reputation as one of rock's most hedonistic acts, living a lifestyle described as "a nonstop booze-and-babes party train." Roth famously claimed that Van Halen made Led Zeppelin look like Boy Scouts.
Solo Projects and Songs
Roth released a four-song EP, Crazy From the Heat, in 1985, featuring his take on various famous tunes. He scored a hit with "California Girls," written by the Beach Boys, and his homage to Louis Prima, "I'm Just a Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody," also performed well. However, these songs marked a departure from Van Halen's hard rock sound.
With 1986's Eat 'Em and Smile, Roth returned to his rock roots, featuring the successful single "Yankee Rose." He began experimenting with his sound with 1988's Skyscraper, which leaned more towards mainstream pop. While the album had strong sales, some fans were not pleased with his musical shift.
Recent Years
In 2005, Roth briefly ventured into radio as a DJ, filling in for Howard Stern after he moved to satellite. However, his radio career was short-lived due to low ratings. Roth made headlines again in 2007 when Van Halen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but he refused to attend after learning he wouldn't be able to perform.
Later that year, Roth rejoined Van Halen for a successful tour, which included Van Halen's son, Wolfgang, on bass. The band recorded 2012's A Different Kind of Truth, which hit the top of the rock charts. Critics had mixed reviews, but many praised Roth's return, calling him "the true hero" of the recording. Despite some postponed tour dates in 2012, Roth's legacy as one of rock's top lead singers remains secure, influencing pop-metal bands like Poison and Mötley Crüe.
Quick Facts
- Name: David Lee Roth
- Birth Year: 1954
- Birth Date: October 10, 1954
- Birth State: Indiana
- Birth City: Bloomington
- Birth Country: United States
- Gender: Male
- Best Known For: As the wild frontman for Van Halen and a solo artist.
- Industries: Rock
- Astrological Sign: Libra
- Schools: Pasadena City College
- Interesting Fact: Roth has sung in more than four octaves, a rare feat.
Quotes
- "Van Halen music is whisky in a paper cup! Short doses and not every night."
- "I've been rich. I've been poor. Rich is better."
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