History of David Lee Roth in Timeline
David Lee Roth is an American rock singer best known as the energetic frontman of Van Halen across three stints. His powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence became synonymous with the band's success. Beyond Van Halen, Roth has maintained a successful solo career, releasing multiple albums certified Gold and Platinum. In 2006, he rejoined Van Halen for a record-breaking reunion tour, solidifying his legacy as a rock icon. His contributions to music were recognized in 2007 with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Van Halen.
1913: Roth's Grandparents Move to New Castle
David Lee Roth's grandparents moved to New Castle, Indiana, in 1913, a place that would later have a significant influence on his life and music career.
1951: Red Ball Jets Sneakers Gain Popularity
The Red Ball Jets sneakers, which inspired the name of one of David Lee Roth's early bands, rose in popularity starting in 1951.
October 10, 1954: Birth of David Lee Roth
David Lee Roth was born on October 10, 1954.
1971: Red Ball Jets Sneakers Lose Popularity
The popularity of Red Ball Jets sneakers waned, marking the end of an era for the brand.
1974: David Lee Roth Joins Van Halen
In 1974, David Lee Roth joined the band Mammoth, which would later be renamed Van Halen. He suggested the name change, believing it offered better marketing and branding opportunities.
1974: Mammoth Becomes Van Halen
In 1974, the band Mammoth officially changed its name to Van Halen, a decision heavily influenced by David Lee Roth.
1976: Gene Simmons Discovers Van Halen
Gene Simmons of KISS discovered Van Halen in 1976 and helped them produce a demo tape, although it didn't immediately lead to a major record deal.
1977: Van Halen Signs with Warner Bros.
In early 1977, Van Halen signed a record deal with Warner Bros., marking a significant turning point in their career.
1978: Release of Debut Album
Van Halen released their self-titled debut album in 1978, which achieved significant commercial success and propelled them to fame.
1979: Van Halen Renegotiates Contract
Van Halen's manager successfully renegotiated their contract with Warner Bros. in 1979, securing a better royalty rate for the band.
1983: Eddie Van Halen Builds Home Studio
Eddie Van Halen built a state-of-the-art recording studio in his home in 1983. While this gave the band more creative control, it also led to tensions with Roth regarding creative direction.
1984: David Lee Roth's Film and EP Project
In 1984, David Lee Roth aimed to record a solo EP and create a film titled "Crazy from the Heat." He envisioned the film to showcase a "retinue of characters" rather than being solely focused on him singing. While the EP was released in January 1985, the film project, unfortunately, fell through due to the consolidation of CBS Studios.
1984: Release of Album '1984'
The release of the commercially successful album '1984' in 1984 marked a significant point in Van Halen's career, pushing them further into the mainstream pop genre.
1984: Release of '1984' and Chart Success
Van Halen released their album '1984' in 1984, which became their first and only album to reach number one on the Billboard pop charts. The album's success solidified their place as one of the biggest rock bands of the decade.
January 1985: Release of "Crazy from the Heat" EP
David Lee Roth released his solo EP "Crazy from the Heat" in January 1985. The EP was initially planned to accompany a film, also titled "Crazy from the Heat," which was budgeted at $20 million.
August 1985: Formal Departure from Van Halen
David Lee Roth officially parted ways with Van Halen in August 1985.
1985: David Lee Roth Leaves Van Halen
David Lee Roth officially left Van Halen in August 1985 after creative differences with Eddie Van Halen. He took a significant portion of the band's staff with him, marking a significant turning point in his career.
1985: Formation of David Lee Roth's Supergroup
Following his separation from Van Halen in 1985, David Lee Roth formed a supergroup with guitarist Steve Vai, bassist Billy Sheehan, and drummer Gregg Bissonette. This talented lineup would go on to record and tour extensively, achieving both commercial success and critical acclaim.
1985: Release of Solo EP 'Crazy from the Heat'
While still a member of Van Halen, David Lee Roth released his solo EP, 'Crazy from the Heat,' in early 1985, showcasing his diverse musical interests.
July 1986: Release of "Eat 'Em and Smile"
In July 1986, David Lee Roth released his debut solo LP, "Eat 'Em and Smile." This album marked Roth's return to hard rock after his departure from Van Halen.
1987: Recording of David Lee Roth's Second Album
Following the success of "Eat 'Em and Smile" and its supporting tour, David Lee Roth and his band returned to the studio in 1987 to work on their follow-up album. This period showcased their dedication to their craft and hinted at further musical explorations to come.
January 1988: Release of "Skyscraper"
In January 1988, David Lee Roth released "Skyscraper," his third studio album. Produced by Roth and Steve Vai, the album was more experimental than his previous work and featured the hit single "Just Like Paradise."
January 1991: Release of "A Little Ain't Enough"
David Lee Roth released his third solo LP, "A Little Ain't Enough," in January 1991. The hard rock album, produced by Bob Rock, quickly achieved gold status.
April 1993: Arrest for Marijuana Possession
In April 1993, David Lee Roth was arrested in New York City's Washington Square Park for purchasing a small amount of marijuana from an undercover police officer. The incident drew significant media attention and became a subject of jokes on late-night television.
March 1994: Release of "Your Filthy Little Mouth"
David Lee Roth released "Your Filthy Little Mouth" in March 1994, an eclectic album produced by Nile Rodgers. Unfortunately, the album didn't achieve the same level of commercial success as his previous works, becoming his first solo album not to reach gold or platinum status soon after release.
1995: Adult Lounge Act in Las Vegas
David Lee Roth returned to the stage in 1995 with an adult lounge act, performing primarily in Las Vegas casinos. The act featured a brass band that included notable musicians like Nile Rodgers and Edgar Winter, as well as a troupe of exotic dancers.
June 1996: Second Reunion with Van Halen and Recording
David Lee Roth briefly rejoined Van Halen in June 1996, resulting in the recording of two new songs, 'Can't Get This Stuff No More' and 'Me Wise Magic'.
September 5, 1996: MTV Video Music Awards Incident
David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen were involved in a public confrontation at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 5, 1996, leading to further tensions and Roth's eventual departure from the band.
September 5, 1996: MTV Video Music Awards Altercation
The MTV Video Music Awards on September 5, 1996, became infamous for the reported threats exchanged between David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen.
1996: Brief Reunion with Van Halen
In June 1996, David Lee Roth briefly rejoined Van Halen, recording two new songs for their greatest hits album. However, the reunion was short-lived and fraught with conflict.
1997: Release of Memoir "Crazy from the Heat"
In 1997, David Lee Roth released his well-received memoir, "Crazy from the Heat." The book, a New York Times bestseller, presented a collection of Roth's monologues, offering an insightful and often humorous glimpse into his life and career.
1998: Publication of Autobiography 'Crazy from the Heat'
David Lee Roth released his autobiography, 'Crazy from the Heat,' in 1998, offering his perspective on his career and his time with Van Halen.
1998: Release of "DLR Band" Album
David Lee Roth released the album "DLR Band" in 1998. The album featured the popular song "Slam Dunk," co-written with John 5. Critics considered it a return to form for Roth.
1999: EMT Work and "Song of Love" Recording
In the late 1990s, David Lee Roth trained and worked as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in New York City, participating in over 200 ambulance rides. In 1999, he also recorded "Song of Love" for a young fan battling leukemia.
2001: Van Halen Reunion Rumors and Remastered Albums
In 2001, rumors of a Van Halen reunion with David Lee Roth started circulating, with reports of recorded songs. While Roth and bassist Michael Anthony confirmed the recordings, the reunion didn't happen then. The music was later used for the 2012 album "A Different Kind of Truth," but without Anthony. Instead of a rumored box set, Warner Bros. released remastered versions of Van Halen's first six studio albums.
2002: "Song for Song: The Heavyweight Champions of Rock and Roll Tour"
David Lee Roth embarked on the "Song for Song: The Heavyweight Champions of Rock and Roll Tour" with Sammy Hagar in 2002. The tour was a success, revitalizing interest in both musicians' careers. In the same year, Roth's song "Yankee Rose" was featured in the video game "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City."
2003: Release of "Diamond Dave" Album
In 2003, David Lee Roth released the album "Diamond Dave." The album included a mix of cover songs and one original track co-written with John 5.
July 4, 2004: Performance with Boston Pops Orchestra
On July 4, 2004, David Lee Roth performed with the Boston Pops Orchestra at the annual "Pops Goes the Fourth" celebration in Boston. The performance drew a massive live audience and was broadcast to millions on television.
2004: Roth Becomes a Licensed EMT
In 2004, showcasing his diverse interests, David Lee Roth obtained his license as an emergency medical technician (EMT) in New York. This unexpected career move demonstrated his commitment to helping others and pursuing different passions outside of music.
April 21, 2006: Roth's Radio Show Ends
On April 21, 2006, David Lee Roth's stint as Howard Stern's replacement on terrestrial radio came to an end, culminating in a lawsuit against CBS. Roth expressed his dissatisfaction with WXRK's management, citing issues like his firing, problems with the podcast, and his show being cut short.
2006: Second Reunion with Van Halen
David Lee Roth rejoined Van Halen in 2006 for a reunion tour, marking the beginning of his third stint with the band. The tour was a massive commercial success.
2006: End of Hiatus from Van Halen (Second Reunion)
The year 2006 marked the end of a significant period of separation between David Lee Roth and Van Halen as they reunited for a successful tour.
2006: Release of "Strummin' with the Devil" Album
David Lee Roth contributed to a bluegrass tribute album titled "Strummin' with the Devil" in 2006. The album featured bluegrass versions of Van Halen songs, with Roth covering two tracks.
January 24, 2007: Van Halen Reunion Tour Announced
January 24, 2007, marked a significant day for Van Halen fans as Billboard.com broke the news of Roth's return to the band. The announcement generated considerable buzz and was later confirmed in an official statement on the band's website on February 2, 2007. A 40-date arena and amphitheater tour was planned for mid-2007.
February 2, 2007: Van Halen Reunion Tour Confirmed
After much anticipation and speculation, February 2, 2007, saw Van Halen officially confirm their reunion tour with David Lee Roth. The announcement, made on the band's website, solidified the news that had been circulating since January, exciting fans worldwide.
March 2007: Van Halen's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
In a moment of recognition for their musical contributions, Van Halen, including its original members and Sammy Hagar, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March 2007. However, the event was marred by internal conflicts and disagreements over song choices, leading to Roth's absence and a sense of public embarrassment for the band.
August 13, 2007: Van Halen Confirms Reunion Tour After Postponement
After a six-month delay, Van Halen, with Roth back in the fold, officially confirmed their reunion tour at a press conference in Los Angeles on August 13, 2007. The tour's kickoff was set for September 2007, marking a new chapter in the band's career.
September 2007: Van Halen Reunites for Tour
September 2007 saw the highly anticipated Van Halen reunion tour finally get underway, with David Lee Roth back as frontman. The tour followed a six-month postponement and marked a period of reconciliation and renewed energy for the band.
September 27, 2007: Van Halen Kicks Off Reunion Tour in Charlotte
Van Halen's highly anticipated reunion tour, featuring David Lee Roth, commenced on September 27, 2007, in Charlotte, North Carolina. This marked the beginning of their immensely successful tour across the United States and Canada, reuniting the band with their fans after years of anticipation.
2007: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
David Lee Roth was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 as a member of Van Halen, cementing his legacy in rock music history.
June 3, 2008: Van Halen Concludes Reunion Tour in Quebec City
On June 3, 2008, Van Halen concluded their triumphant reunion tour with David Lee Roth in Quebec City, QC. The final show, coinciding with the city's 400th anniversary, marked the culmination of a remarkable run that had spanned several months and numerous cities across North America.
June 5, 2008: Van Halen's Record-Breaking Tour
On June 5, 2008, Van Halen proudly announced the remarkable success of their 2007–2008 reunion tour with David Lee Roth. The tour, spanning from September 27, 2007, to June 3, 2008, grossed over $93 million, setting a new record for the band. They performed 74 arena shows across the United States and Canada, captivating nearly one million fans.
December 2011: Van Halen Announces 2012 Tour with Roth
In December 2011, Van Halen delighted fans by announcing a 2012 tour featuring David Lee Roth. The news signaled a continuation of their successful reunion and a commitment to creating new music and performing for their dedicated fans.
February 7, 2012: Van Halen Releases "A Different Kind of Truth"
February 7, 2012, witnessed the release of Van Halen's new album, "A Different Kind of Truth," featuring David Lee Roth on vocals. The album's release coincided with the start of their tour that same month, marking a return to their signature hard rock sound.
October 14, 2012: Roth Launches Webcast and Podcast
On October 14, 2012, David Lee Roth embraced the digital age by launching his own video webcast and podcast. These were made available on popular platforms including YouTube, Spotify, and iTunes, allowing Roth to connect with his audience in a new way.
2012: Roth Discusses EMT Experiences
In 2012, David Lee Roth shed light on his experiences as a licensed EMT, revealing that he had responded to over 200 emergency calls in the preceding six years. This revelation highlighted his dedication to his EMT work and his desire to use his skills to make a difference in his community.
2012: Gary Cherone Confirms Rumors
In 2012, Gary Cherone confirmed that he had already been chosen as Van Halen's new vocalist before the 1996 MTV incident, suggesting that the brief reunion with Roth was a publicity stunt.
2012: Release of "A Different Kind of Truth"
In 2012, Van Halen released the album "A Different Kind of Truth," which featured songs recorded in 2001 during a rumored reunion attempt with David Lee Roth. However, this reunion didn't fully materialize, and Wolfgang Van Halen replaced Michael Anthony on bass for the album.
June 2013: Van Halen Records "Tokyo Dome Live in Concert"
In June 2013, during their "A Different Kind of Truth" tour, Van Halen recorded a live performance at the Tokyo Dome in Japan. This recording would later be released as a live album, "Tokyo Dome Live in Concert," in March 2015, capturing the energy and excitement of their live shows.
2013: Roth Embraces Japanese Tattoo Culture
From 2013 to 2014, David Lee Roth immersed himself in Japanese tattoo culture, spending over 300 hours getting tattooed. This experience ignited his interest in tattoo care, eventually leading him to co-found a skincare company dedicated to preserving and protecting body art.
2013: Roth Discusses Personal Life in Interview
In a revealing 2013 interview, David Lee Roth provided insights into his personal life. Despite never marrying, he acknowledged having four significant relationships but chose to keep their identities private. He also alluded to his reputation as a ladies' man during Van Halen's peak, stating that he had been involved with numerous women.
2014: Roth and Eddie Van Halen's Recording Sessions
Throughout 2014, David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen engaged in recording sessions, resulting in a collection of unreleased tracks. These sessions represented a period of creative collaboration between the two musicians, leaving behind a musical legacy.
2014: Van Halen's Debut Album Certified Diamond
By 2014, Van Halen's debut album had been certified Diamond by the RIAA, marking it as one of the best-selling rock albums of all time.
2014: Roth Records with John 5
During 2014, David Lee Roth collaborated with renowned guitarist John 5 for recording sessions. These sessions would later yield an album's worth of material, showcasing Roth's musical exploration beyond Van Halen.
2014: Roth Continues Tattoo Journey in Japan
David Lee Roth continued his exploration of Japanese tattoo artistry in 2014, dedicating significant time and resources to expanding his body art. This experience deepened his appreciation for the craft and inspired him to venture into the skincare industry, focusing on tattoo aftercare.
March 2015: Van Halen Releases "Tokyo Dome Live in Concert" and Appears on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"
March 2015 was a busy month for Van Halen. The band released a live album, "Tokyo Dome Live in Concert," recorded during their 2013 tour. They also made their first appearance on American television, performing on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and announcing a new tour, much to the excitement of their fans.
2018: Roth Co-Founds Skincare Company
In 2018, driven by his passion for tattoos and recognizing a gap in the market, David Lee Roth co-founded INK the Original with tattoo artist Ami James. The company aimed to provide specialized skincare products for individuals with tattoos, reflecting Roth's personal interest in body art.
October 2019: Roth Confirms Upcoming Album and Announces Residency
In October 2019, David Lee Roth confirmed the upcoming release of an album he had been working on with guitarist John 5. He also announced a nine-date solo residency at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino House of Blues in Las Vegas scheduled for early 2020, signaling his continued activity as a solo artist.
2019: David Lee Roth Interview
In 2019, David Lee Roth gave an interview where he discussed his youth in New Castle, Indiana, and how the town's work ethic influenced Van Halen's approach to music.
March 2020: Roth's Final Performance
In a turn of events, David Lee Roth's final performance took place in March 2020 in Texas with the band Kiss. This performance, initially part of a larger tour, became his last due to unforeseen circumstances and his subsequent retirement.
August 2020: Roth's Tour with Kiss Postponed; Tour Rescheduled with Roth
David Lee Roth's tour with Kiss, intended to cover 43 cities, faced postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the setback, Kiss announced in August 2020 that the tour would resume, with Roth remaining as the opening act for select dates.
October 6, 2020: Eddie Van Halen Dies, Leading to Van Halen's Disbandment
The music world mourned the loss of legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen on October 6, 2020, following his battle with cancer. His death marked the end of an era for Van Halen, leading to the band's disbandment and leaving a void in the rock music landscape.
October 2020: Roth Pays Tribute to Eddie Van Halen
In a heartfelt gesture following Eddie Van Halen's passing, David Lee Roth released the track "Somewhere Over the Rainbow Bar and Grill" in October 2020. The song, taken from their 2014 recording sessions, served as a tribute to his late bandmate and friend.
2020: Van Halen Disbands
Van Halen disbanded in 2020, marking the end of an era for the iconic rock band.
August 2021: Roth Dropped from Kiss Tour
In August 2021, Kiss made the decision to remove David Lee Roth from their ongoing tour. Bassist Gene Simmons' comment about Roth being "past his prime" sparked controversy and marked a definitive end to their collaboration.
October 2021: Roth Announces Retirement
David Lee Roth surprised fans in October 2021 by announcing his retirement from performing. His decision came after a long and illustrious career in the music industry, leaving many to reflect on his impact and legacy.
December 2021: Roth's Final Residency Set Canceled
Originally planned as his farewell performances, David Lee Roth's residency shows at the House of Blues Las Vegas in December 2021 were canceled. The cancelation marked an unexpected end to his planned farewell tour.
January 2022: Roth's Retirement Plans Continue
David Lee Roth's retirement plans extended into January 2022, with more farewell residency shows initially scheduled at the House of Blues Las Vegas. However, these shows were also canceled, signifying a shift in his retirement plans.
March 2022: Roth's Skincare Company Closes
In a surprising turn of events, David Lee Roth's skincare company, INK the Original, ceased operations in March 2022. The company, specializing in products for tattooed skin, had been a passion project for Roth, but the reasons behind its closure remain undisclosed.
2022: Roth Releases Series of Covers
Following his retirement from performing, David Lee Roth embarked on a new project in 2022, releasing a series of covers of classic Van Halen songs. These releases allowed him to revisit his musical roots and share his interpretations of the band's iconic tracks.
2022: Roth Releases Van Halen Covers
In 2022, after announcing his retirement from performing, David Lee Roth focused on studio work, releasing a series of covers of Van Halen songs. This project allowed him to explore his musical history and pay homage to the band's legacy.