David Lee Roth announced his retirement. The former Van Halen frontman revealed the news in an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Vegas is where Roth will perform his final shows with a five-show residency at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay December 31, January 1, January 5 and January 7 – 8 on the books. “I am throwing in the shoes,” Roth told the Review-Journal.” I’m retiring.”
Roth co-founded what would become Van Halen in 1972 in Pasadena, California with guitarist Eddie Van Halen and drummer Alex Van Halen. A short-time later, bassist/vocalist Michael Anthony rounded out the classic lineup. Diamond Dave, as he would come to be known for his flamboyant stage presence, cited his getting older as one of his reason’s for retiring.
“I am encouraged and compelled to really come to grips with how short time is,” Roth said, “and my time is probably even shorter.” The singer also hinted tht the death of Eddie Van Halen on October 6, 2020 played a factor in his decision, describing Eddie’s passing as “the departure of my beloved classmate recently.”
Addtionally, Roth said he felt that he had left everything on the stage. “I know that when I am in the audience, whether you come out with a ukulele or a marching band, all I ask you give me everything you’ve got to give,” he added. “That’s what I did for the last 50 years.”
“I’ve given you all I’ve got to give,” Diamond Dave said in conclusion. “It’s been an amazing, great run, no regrets, nothing to say about anybody. I’ll miss you all. Stay frosty.”
