David Lee Roth shined more light on the current state of Van Halen, in an interview today with the Talkin’ Rock with Meltdown podcast from Detroit’s 101 WRIF.
The DJ asked, “People want to know… what happened with the Van Halen thing? Were you bummed out you couldn’t play with those guys during the summertime, or what?” [Referring to the widespread rumors that Van Halen might have been planning a stadium tour for the summer of 2019, possibly with original bassist Michael Anthony rejoining the band].
Roth answered, “That’s been canceled a number of times, and I think Van Halen’s finished, and this [Roth’s upcoming Vegas residency] is the next phase. I’ve inherited the band de facto — whatever that means. I think it means if you inherit it, carry this proudly.
“Van Halen isn’t gonna be coming back in the fashion that you know. And, uh… that being said, Eddie’s got his own story to tell. Not mine to tell it.”
Then Roth discussed his upcoming Las Vegas residency (at the House of Blues, beginning in January, where he’ll perform Van Halen classics, as well as solo material) and also said that at some point he will be releasing the album he recorded with guitarist John 5.
Today’s comments from Roth fit with what he said earlier in the month, when he told Phoenix radio station KSLX, “I’m the face of Van Halen from this point on, most likely. I’m not sure what’s happening with Ed, but he’s probably not gonna answer the bell this time. And it’s not my place to guess.”