Review by Scott - crackheadcurly@yahoo.com

I just seen David Lee Roth last night at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. God he rocked. He had the crowd going crazy from the moment he walked out. He was having a great time. Rememeber when Van Halen use to be fun that stopped in 1984. I seen Van Halen with Roth 3 times and seen all his solo stuff and this was by far the best he has ever been. He was funny - a girl came out and handed him a Jack Daniels bottle and he said honey you are so sweet - you shit sugar. He also told her he was going to floss with her g-string.

The best thing in the crowd was a banner that everyone agreed with that said ROTH IS VAN HALEN!!!! He showed everyone how to have fun again and not to cry about everything. While he made comments about Hagar which got a big ovation, and a couple boo's - he said hey Detroit like you don't know how to say fuck you!! The crowd went nuts. His leaps were great and he was the most energetic I have ever seen anyone.

When he did the final encore I seen something I have never seen before - Dave left the stage the crowd was screaming Roth-Roth-Roth. Then the house lights came on and everyone was booing the wanted more Dave. How many concerts have you been to where the crowd booed because the opener was done. He rocked and showed me there is some hope for concerts now. He should play Woodstock they would go nuts. Also his band was good and had good background vocal.

Van Halen should wake up and get Roth back and get rid of Gary. Example how many songs can anyone name by Gary - I have asked and no one can do it. With Hagar - who is better solo - he turned Van Halen into a wedding band - how come with Sammy the loudest applause where when they did Classic Van Halen?

Good job Dave - and Van Halen wake up and get back to being the greatest live band ever with the greatest front man ever - Dave's still got it do you?

What can you say about Dave?? I can say that DLR Era Van halen is my absolute favorite band of all time.

As we entered the Joe Louis Arena, I noticed there was more than your average crowd for a "Warm Up Band" like DLR. Overall the show was good, on Dave's part. But the music was terrible! While Dave belted out all the VH tunes (in an octave lower due to the fact he can't hit highs no more....he tried a few times..) The band tryed like hell to stay together.

Dave even remembered all the words!!! He has hair!!...The drummer (whatever his name is) was about the only good part. Dave thinks that every band he has is an exact copy plus even more than Van halen.....Sorry Dave...Where do you find these hacks? Every DLR solo album I have bought and every DLR concert I have gone to is for one thing and one thing only..DAVE!!

For the Past 13 years Dave has made anti-Sammy/Ed comments....so why would he stop now? He mentioned something about bass players from the past (Mike) and said "He isn't half as good as the man we have on stage tonight". Dave....what are you thinking?.. I couldn't even HEAR that damn kid!

The Guitarist...(sorry for no names...I haven't payed attention to names of members since Eat' Em) was a piss poor Eddie Van halen..(which is who he thinks he is).....Leave Eruption alone, kid...You'll never be the King...or anywhere close!

Dave also stopped during the "been to the edge" part of Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love to ruin a great song to say "Look..way down there...way down in the gutter...It's Sammy Hagar!!"... Get Over it Dave! I still love DLR to death, but wish he would grow up!

It was great to hear old VH tunes (that's all you heard!) but I tried to block out the band and imagine what good musicians sounded like with Dave Singing.

VH had a hit last tour by bringing out old tunes live...so of course Dave has to copy them (thinking his version is better). But even as much as I dislike Gary...I enjoyed hearing the real Van halen playing them with Gary..More than I did hearing the real singer with some garage band.

I love ya Dave....but you will never be VH..(I'll always go to see you though...you always put on a good show).

DLR once said "It's easy to replace a guitarist...anyone can do that. But the voice is what can't be duplicated"..or something like that ...Well....You ain't found a replacement yet!

EVH once said about newer bands and musicians "It's not that they are bad.....it's just that they haven't learned to play their instruments good enough yet!".....Right on Ed!!

Maybe VH will finish the new album with Gary...have DLR come in at the last minute and re-do all the vocals...and then pop out on Tour right away!.......(he will have enough practice by then). Oh well....a man can dream, can't he?

Someday if I live long enough...I'm gonna see these guys back together for one tour at least! We may be all in wheelchairs and depends...but I'll be there! Rock On Dave!

Facts: Dave walked onstage from stage left at 8:02 EST right after house lights went off, after Bart/Ray/Todd had first walked on with instruments and black leather clothing at 8:00 with house lights UP. Initial crowd of approx 7,000 immediately rose to feet, roared greetings and stuck hands in air. Dave wore purplish/pinkish outfit and white tennis shoes, crouched on center stage, hands and feet flying all over the place. Lots of body shimmying, back kicks, wiggles and non-stop, intentional grabbing/fondling of his crotch and behind.

Crowd of 7,000 grew to 9,000-9,500 two songs into set. Everyone on floor was standing with hands in air. Crowd roar after each song hit "jet engine" level. Only difference in Dave compared to Fair Warning or 1984 tours was his hairline. Voice as good/better; attention to lyrics much improved; physical condition as good; stage rap and showmanship the same style ("she must shit sugar, I'll floss w/her g-string, throw that BIC at me and I'll fuck your girlfriend, look at all the people here to-NIGHT!"; 'Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love' Sammy dig, peeing Jack Daniels on front row, etc)

Sound was much muddier - and about 20 decibels softer - than classic VH tour mixes. Dave seemed rushed for time. Kept stage raps between songs to a minimum, instead "pontificating" DURING songs. 75 second roaring, ballistic, deafening standing ovation at 8:57 after set, Dave stood by himself soaking it up with HUGE smile. Took very slow, graceful bow to audience. Came back for Jump encore.

Opinions: This is what the 1996 Original Lineup Reunion Tour would have sounded like. Bart sounds EXACTLY - EXACTLY!- like Eddie's album playing. Eddie's live sound is much more experimental, improvisational than his albums, but Bart goes for exact "Eddie-studio" replication. Judging by a smattering of boos versus a huge cheer, the Detroit audience was about 85% in favor of, 15% against the Sammy comment - "Look, Bart, it's Sammy Hagar!" This is better than the official worldwide polls reflecting that 66% of all VH fans prefer Dave over Sammy as lead singer 65% to 34%.

All in all, I came away far less concerned/confused about Dave's recent popularity status. Detroit just ate 'im up - and smiled. Hard. It'd be nice to have an original line-up reunion tour, but after last night, you think, "What for?" Dave really doesn't need Ed, Mike and Al any more at all. The crowds get the original frontman, lyricist, and vocalist, and the band sounds JUST LIKE the records. I mean, fuck - this is just what is/was done by Elton John, Rod Stewart, Elvis, Michael Jackson, David Bowie, George Michael, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, etc. - just go out with a backing band that sounds the original studio band.

Well what can I say, I was impressed. This comes from a guy who, prior to getting "slam-dunked" by last years DLR Band release, never cared much for any of the solo Roth material.

The set list consisted of all the old classics like Runnin' With The Devil , Mean Street and Unchained. Finally getting to hear these tunes performed live by the closest thing to old Van Halen you could ask for was a real thrill.

For the most part the band was right on. You could close your eyes and pretend you were back in the early eighties when VH was on top of the world. Bart Walsh, a poor man's Eddie Van Halen, gave his best to deliver classic EVH licks, and did a pretty commendable job.

DLR, unable to touch those screeching high notes like back in the day, sounded clear and crisp and left me feeling even more eager to hear the real thing.

But I must admit, the aura wore off towards the end of the show. It's just not Van Halen. It was close, but I want the real thing. If there's a chance in hell for this to happen, it's got to happen NOW!!

DETROIT. If you sing them... they will come. All Dave, all night, played to perfection. Welcome to Joe Louis Arena, Detroit’s real field of dreams.

For anyone wondering about the appeal of David Lee Roth, some 15 years after his departure from Van Halen, it’s as simple as this; His attitude and enthusiasm, two elements sorely needed in rock n’ roll today.

While it’s Bad Company’s song, it was Roth that made Detroit’s rock n’ roll fantasy the reality on this hot summer night. On July 9 the Motor City welcomed home its adopted son, the California Earthquake Diamond Dave, to Joe Louis Arena with a standing ovation and a promise that if he just keeps being Diamond Dave, well still keep loving him for it.

Its five minutes before the lights go down. People are shuffling through the gate, past the Red Wings paraphernalia and begin the task of getting their celebratory beer before heading for their seats. A collective glance of the watch draws a slow rumble from the crowd as fans yell out "Diamond DAVE!", "Roth Rules" and "Eat em’ and Smile, Dave!" I spot one kid in "Eat em’ and Smile" make-up as he glances toward me and smiles.

The lights disappear. A unanimous cheer fills the arena. The stage explodes as Roth, dressed in a flashy purple suit, takes center stage to announce his intentions. He is grinning, he’s limber and he’s ready to explode as strolls toward the front of the stage.

"Are you ready to ruuuuummmmbbllleeee?!" It’s so good to hear that voice again, his grin hinting at the fireworks yet to come. Audience members rise to their feet as the familiar locomotion of "Hot For Teacher" turns up the heat.

"Heard ya missed me.... well I’m back!" We did miss you, Dave. Welcome home.

Many people would have you believe this is a comeback of sorts, a chance to trot out the old songs for the old fans. Maybe for Bad Company it was. Not so for Roth. This is a brand new ride with brand new personnel and brand new takes on the classic songs. One fan’s sign says it all; "Dave’s On Fire."

The band introduces itself as drummer Ray Luzier quickly makes the first impression. Pound for pound, this guys hammers home the message. "We’re not just fucking around here folks. This team came to play." His muscular playing style is at its most primal through "Unchained", and sophisticated, even jazzy, for "So this is Love?"

Fans recognize Todd Jensen from the "A Little Ain’t Enough" team. He’s right on the money laying down rock-solid grooves that serve as the launching pad for jaw-droppers like "Runnin’ With The Devil" and "Panama". Imagine a bassist who can match the vocals of rival Halen flunky Mike Anthony and be a hit with the ladies as well. Looks like Dave’s found his foil in more than one subject.

Vocally, Dave is in fine form, tearing through songs he hasn’t featured in years. From "Little Guitars" to "Mean Street", Roth sounded better than ever. The difference between the much maligned VH3 and the David Lee Roth band? He didn’t just sing these songs, he lived them. And he sold the crowd on the fact right away, meaning every note, every scream.

Not as chatty as the previous times I’d seen him, Dave’s bond with the crowd goes beyond just a stand-up routine and lusty stories. He’s like the coolest kid in class who picks you to witness his hijinx, as Tom Sawyer did with Huck Finn. You feel immediately at home in Dave’s Clubhouse. You’re in on all the jokes, just the three of you; Roth, you and 7,000 friends.

"Is she with you. I think she looks like trouble pal. Why don’t you come up here and finish the song, and I’ll see if I can’t get into trouble..."

"I saw that cigarette lighter. That’s OK, take a shot at me. After the show, I’m STILL gonna fuck your girlfriend man."

Every note is golden as Dave mugs his way through more of his own standards like "(Oh) Pretty Woman", "Dance The Night Away" and a rollicking version of "Tobacco Road". Leap after leap, kick after kick, this isn’t just one small step for Roth, it’s one for all fankind.

Guitarist Bart Walsh leads the band through the past. He tells me he considers the Van Halen catalog the "Bach of rock", classics one and all. Like all great musicians Walsh is not content with simply rehashing cover versions of another man’s musical might. Throughout the night Walsh puts his own personal signature on the music’s legacy. While purists can dispute whether songs were played note for note, a quick listen is all it takes to know that Walsh is playing them with respect, intelligence and affection. What more could you ask for?

Roth even passed "The Piss Test". In my 8 years as a reviewer, watching hundreds of bands I couldn’t give a shit about, I’ve come up with my own system to really find out what the fans are thinking. Towards the end of my second beer I usually have to hit the restroom. In there no opinions are hidden, no feelings spared. Just a bunch of drunk guys talking about the show. My unscientific survey posed this question, "Man, that Dave can still sing pretty good huh?" to no one and everyone around me. Answers ranged from "Nobody puts on a fuckin’ show better than David Lee Roth!" to "That son of a bitch sounds better now than he did when they opened up for Black Sabbath in ‘78, man."

During one controversial moment in the show, Roth takes a stab at a rival. During the break in "Ain’t Talkin’ 'Bout Love" Roth extols a slam on Van Halen replacement singer Sammy Hagar. Roth’s been to the edge and there he stands and looks down, way down to the bottom of the bottom of the fucking bottom. Hey wait a minute, look .... that’s Sammy Hagar..."

Roth’s comment is met with simultaneous cheers and boos. Ever the showman Dave stops and looks out into the crowd letting both sides have their say. The cheers grow louder, then the boos. Then the cheers.

My take is this, there’s no doubt some in the crowd dug some of the music journeyman singer Hagar built with VH. Hagar, as a solo act, has always been popular in Detroit where no one can drive 55. But when it comes to Van Halen he’s a distant second to Roth, everyone knows that. Face it folks, Van Halen never sold Detroit on Sammy Hagar and they’ll never sell us on Gary fucking Cherone.

Roth acknowledges the booing. "What?..... The Motor City doesn’t know how to say ‘Fuck You Dave ?’" Laughter replaces the boos. When all was said and done the show continued and those unhappy in the crowd forgive him as if the offense was no worse than telling a dick joke in front of your Mom.

After tearing the joint apart with "Unchained" Roth pauses, "Did you have a good time here tonight? It’s been too long Detroit let’s do it again sometime." As the song grinds to an end the band bows triumphant. They leave the stage and a thunder erupts from beneath the stadium. Feet hitting concrete. Shoes kicking chairs. Bring back Dave. Now.

After a standing ovation Roth returns and "Jump" leaps smartly from the speakers. This has always been Dave’s defining moment. His chance to bask in the adoration of the crowd as well as one last chance to dazzle them, to make sure they leave smiling. The band tears through the tune, where Luzier in particular shines, and Dave thrusts himself forward cutting through the dark air in mid-flight. At that moment in time, suspended in mid-air at the apex of his flight, legs apart, his fingers touching his toes... David Lee Roth is the baddest motherfucker on the planet. That's something no one can take away.

The band again unites and takes its final bow. Roth stays as the others leave the stage. The crowd is screaming his name and he stands there smiling, arms outstretched as if to say, "I gave you my all. I hope you enjoyed the show. I love you too. See you next time."

The arena is again filled with boos. The lights have come on and the rock n’ roll fantasy is over. The crowd isn’t ready to leave that perfect place that Dave has created, a place where the music fits the attitude, the visuals, the fun. It's hard to turn off the soundtrack to so many of our lives. As long as Diamond Dave is on the radio, the TV, the Net, we’ll never have to.

Thanks again Dave, for another brilliant performance. Hurry back soon.

Hot For Teacher
Panama
Little Guitars
Dance The Night Away
Mean Street
Runnin' With The Devil
Eruption
You Really Got Me
So This Is Love?
(Oh) Pretty Woman
Tobacco Road
Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love
Unchained

Jump

DLR Solo: 01
Van Halen: 13

Total: 14

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