Legendary Rock artist David Lee Roth is calling it quits on his decades-long career.
The on and off singer of the popular band “Van Halen” recently revealed that it is almost time to hang his singing boots permanently.
He disclosed this decision during a conversation with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, stating that he had some unfinished business before he finally stepped off the stage for good. He referred to his upcoming shows in Las Vegas at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, as his final acts in the rock and roll world.
“I am throwing in the shoes. I’m retiring,” he told the news outlet. “This is the first, and only, official announcement … You’ve got the news. Share it with the world.”
Read on to find out more about his impending retirement.
Roth Kept Mute On His Retirement Reasons
Roth’s retirement news came in the form of a bombshell for fans of the music group. They were surprised that he was leaving the grand stage at only 67, while some of his rock music colleagues are still pushing strong, like Bob Dylan, 80, Paul McCartney, 79, and Mick Jagger, 78.
He refused to give a direct reason why he wanted to part ways with music, saying, “I’m not going to explain the statement. The explanation is in a safe. These are my last five shows.”
However, fans unraveled a possible cause for his decision as the singer hinted at health concerns while giving a final remark on his career.
“My doctors, my handlers, compelled me to really address that every time I go on stage, I endanger that future,” he said during the same chat with Las Vegas Review-Journal.
“I’ve given you all I’ve got to give. It’s been an amazing, great run, no regrets, nothing to say about anybody. I’ll miss you all. Stay frosty.”
Roth’s Speech On Eddie Van Halen’s Tragic Death
The demise of fellow bandmate, songwriter, and guitarist Eddie Van Halen might have played a part in Roth’s retirement reasons.
“I have been thinking about the departure of my beloved classmate recently,” the Indiana-born said.
“I am encouraged and compelled to really come to grips with how short time is, and my time is probably even shorter.”
He added that he was surprised that Eddie died before him, “I thought I might have been the first, frankly. I might have thought the Marlboro Man would’ve got me. ‘Hey Ed, objects in the rear-view mirror are probably me.”
Eddie died late last year after a long-drawn-out battle with throat cancer. His son, Wolfgang took to Instagram some months ago to show that he was still reeling from his father’s death.
“I’ve had so many dreams lately where Pop and I are just doing normal things and then I realize it’s a dream, stop whatever I’m doing and hug him for as long as I can until I wake up,” he said.
“I miss the f–k out of him. I can’t believe he’s not here anymore. Still doesn’t feel real.”
The ‘Van Halen’ Band
David Lee Roth is like a modern renaissance man. He is a state-licensed emergency medical technician, trained martial artist, and visual artist. He also co-founded “INK the Original,” a full line of skincare products that protect tattooed skin.
Before all this, Roth was a team member of the famous Van Halen Band who got praised for making “hard rock” popular again in the music scene.
He met Eddie and Alex Van Halen in the 1970s at Pasadena City College in California. He was part of the original crew which also included Michael Anthony as a bassist. He acted as the lead vocal for the band’s first six albums before leaving in 1985 to start a solo career.
After leaving for a long time, he rejoined them full-time in 2007. He remained as a member till Eddie’s recent death that spelled the end of the band.
Roth’s Final Concert
Roth has revealed that original “Van Halen” drummer Alex Van Halen will join him on stage for his last five tangos with rock. The concert is scheduled to be held at the Las Vegas nightspot on New Year’s Eve, January 5, and January 7-8, 2022.
He was quoted saying, “I’ve got a band that is doing what Al and I used to call a ‘block’ — that means 75 rehearsals for one show.”
“We are bringing it in classic VH style. … There is no torch being passed. There is no other side to this coin. This is classic, in-your-face Van Halen.”
Roth was most recently seen in public at the MTV Video Music Awards. He presented the final award of the night titled Video of the Year. For Van Halen’s fans interested in attending Roth’s final concerts, tickets are already on sale.
