David Lee Roth Rocks M3 Festival: Van Halen Legend Returns After 5 Years!
David Lee Roth, the iconic frontman of Van Halen, made a triumphant return to the stage at the M3 Rock Festival in Columbia, Maryland, electrifying fans with his first full show in five years. The performance, held at the Merriweather Post Pavilion, showcased Roth's enduring energy and his commitment to delivering classic Van Halen hits.
Roth's setlist was a nostalgic journey through Van Halen's discography, featuring anthems like "Runnin' with the Devil," "Jamie's Cryin'," "Hot for Teacher," "Ain't Talkin' 'bout Love," and the ever-popular "Jump." Social media buzzed with excitement as attendees shared clips and commentary, praising Roth's performance and stage presence. One X user exclaimed, "Not too many 70-year-old guys can pull off wearing a leather suit (or singing like they did at 35) but David Lee Roth triumphed Saturday night!"
The performance marks a significant return for Roth, who last graced the stage as an opening act for KISS in March 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic brought live music to a halt. While a planned reunion tour with Alex Van Halen didn't materialize after Eddie Van Halen's passing, Roth's M3 performance offers fans a taste of the Van Halen magic. According to Ultimate Classic Rock, Roth joked with the crowd, "We've reached the end of my first retirement... How many retirements did Rocky have, nine?" His humor and high energy were very welcome amongst the ecstatic fans.
Roth's band, featuring guitarist Al Estrada and four backup singers, delivered a polished and powerful performance, replicating Eddie Van Halen's iconic licks and enhancing the harmonies on classics like "Jump" and "Dance the Night Away." Between songs, Roth shared anecdotes about Van Halen's early days, adding a personal touch to the show.
Interestingly, Roth also touched up on moments from his personal life, reminiscing about an ex-girlfriend who would drunkenly sing along with "Dance the Night Away," to reiterate how meaningful that song still is to him.
While the relationship between Roth and the Van Halen camp has been complex, Roth's energy seems all there and makes it seem as though things may be back on track. Sammy Hagar recently groused about the Sam and Dave tour, but on stage with his own band, Roth appeared to be enjoying every minute.
Beyond his Van Halen legacy, Roth also boasts a successful solo career with hits like "California Girls" and "Just a Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody." He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Van Halen in 2007 and has upcoming shows, including a performance at the Mountain Winery's 67th Summer Concert Series in Saratoga, California on September 12. What do you think of Roths come back? Let us know in the comments below!
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