by John Johnson, photos by Chaz Dykes of Chaz D Photography
Many moons ago, way back in the 1980’s, I was a singer in a high school garage band. As an impressional young lad with more spunk than actual vocal ability, there were two singers I wanted to emulate more than any other frontmen of that era. One being Robin Zander and the other being David Lee Roth. I was so much inspired by the athletic Mr. Roth that I had my cheerleader sister teach me how to do a Russian while on stage (a jump with a midair split). Zander, the singer in Cheap Trick for the last fifty years, with the pinup good looks and the voice that, to this day, is still one of the most iconic and revered. Roth, on the other hand, never quite had the vocal chops of Zander, but was considered to be the quintessential front man of eighties heavier pop rock. Every hair metal bands lead singer, from 1983 to 1993, wanted to be Diamond Dave, even if a majority of them had better range and vocal control than Roth himself. It wasn’t so much about the voice as it was the party boy attitude and enthralling stage presence, which he possessed in spades. Being a self professed Van Halen snob I can say that Roth’s voice was at its peak on the first four Van Halen albums, which also happens to be their best. Not because of Roth’s voice, that’s merely a happy coincidence. No, it’s because they JUST ARE THEIR BEST albums. Period. See “Van Halen Snob” above. I digress. So, when Mr. Roth buzzed through town this past weekend I JUMPed (see what I did there) at the chance to witness my one time spandex wearing idol in his newly invigorated lounge act glory. Cautiously optimistic was I, after witnessing recent concert videos of Roth online, I was aware of his inability to belt out those beloved tunes of my youth, in quite the same way they sounded blaring from my car stereo. But I also knew that he’s always entertaining and surrounds himself with stellar musicians ever since “leaving” Van Halen in 1985, and his current touring talent is no exception.
Sunday evening David Lee Roth turned the Seminole Hard Rock’s Special Event Center into a Van Halen time machine, delivering a high-octane, all-Van Halen set that reminded Tampa exactly why he’s one of rock’s most electrifying frontmen. Decked out in shiny black leather, from head to toe, he strutted onto the stage and never stood still for the entire 17 song set. And although claiming to have “accidentally” taken “two Vicodin and a shot of Patron”, the soon to be 71 year old from Cali was spry as can be and in phenomenal shape. The one time hairy chested sex symbol, who now somewhat resembles Dr. Smith from Lost in Space (Google it), is covered in several tattoos, notably a large, traditional Japanese-style bodysuit that jackets his chest, upper arms, and entire back.
Backed by a tight 5 piece band, and 4 male back-up singers, they nailed every blistering guitar solo and thunderous drum fill. Al Estrada, filled in the un-fillable Eddie Van Halen spot, flawlessly recreating every pick, pluck and “hammer-on” as well as delivering the coveted Eddie “tone”. Running into Estrada after the show, and wanting to thank him personally, I discovered that his guitar virtuoso abilities are far superior to his personality. I digress again. Not to be outdone by Estrada, bass duties were handled by the cherubic Ryan Wheeler, while Francis Valentino bashed away on a very impressive double bassed kit. More than once, Roth admired his visage in the reflection of aforementioned bass drum, running his hands through his thinning coif. The one time lion’s mane of hair, that he quipped once “had its own zip code”, is now dishwater blonde (and gray), chopped short and brushed back. A keyboard player was tucked back and to the right of the drum riser, as well as another set of keys that were randomly played by one of the four gentlemen backup singers. Staying on the topic of said quartet for a moment, I have to say that they were the unexpected delight of the evening. Who knew that the choruses once harmonized by Michael Anthony and Sir Edward, would be so welcomed by such a Van Halen highbrow. Not only were they welcomed, but I found their almost Boyz II Men vocal capabilities were only topped by how much fun they appeared to be having. Roth seemed to appreciate them as well, often times telling the lighting crew to “keep the lights on the band the whole fucking night, stop with the dramatic lighting shit”.
Diamond Dave strutted and shrieked through show opener “Panama,” the heavier “Unchained,” and early fave “Ain’t Talkin’ ’Bout Love” with the swagger of a man who’s never left the stage. His trademark kicks and irreverent stage banter were on full display, giving longtime fans that unmistakable taste of the band’s wild heyday. For instance, during “Drop Dead Legs” he scatted and professed to his backend players that he “needed more bottom end you white motherfuckers”. A statement that only seems suitable coming from the ever outspoken Roth, and all while doing modified Tai Chi gestures. Occasionally there was the tongue jutting, arm slapping technique of the traditional Samoan HAKA thrown in for good measure. Some baton twirling action with a mic stand took Roth back to his marching band days at Pasadena High School and he even attempted some moonwalking while Estrada played a little “Beat It”. From subtle “Westside Story” interludes, his leading the audience in chanting “the roof, the roof, the roof is on fire” (you know the rest) and sexual entendres abound, it always feels like Diamond Dave is having a good time. And the attendees in the nearly packed gem of a venue, tucked into the center of the Casino, seemed to be having an equally stellar time as well. Shout out to Darien Cobb and the crack staff for their continued courtesy and professionalism.
Though the cadence is a tad off and his vocals wavered at times, Roth’s energy never flagged, and the crowd responded in kind—belting along with every chorus and raising their fists to each iconic riff. Highlights included a raucous “Hot for Teacher” and a surprisingly emotional “Dance the Night Away,” which had the entire room swaying. Other familiar favorites from the evening were “I’ll Wait”, “Running with the Devil” and “Everybody Wants Some”, as well as deeper cuts like “Atomic Punk” and “Romeo Delight”. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of Van Halen’s legacy, channeled through the spirit of its ORIGINAL ringmaster. For one loud, sweaty Sunday night in Tampa, Diamond Dave proved to this aged Van Halen snob, that rock and roll may grow older, but it never grows up.
Now, go out and See, Hear and Feel live music.
