David Lee Roth (b. 1955)

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Biography

David Lee Roth known as "Diamond Dave" is an American rock singer. Known for his wild and energetic stage persona, he was the lead vocalist of the hard rock band Van Halen for three separate periods: from 1974 to 1985, during 1996, and from 2007 to when they disbanded in 2020. He has had a successful solo career, releasing eight albums, four of which have been RIAA-certified Gold or Platinum. After more than two decades apart, Roth re-joined Van Halen in 2006 for a North American tour that became the highest-grossing in the band's history, and one of the highest-grossing of that year. In 2007, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Van Halen. Roth had solo hits with the songs "California Girls", "Yankee Rose", and "Just Like Paradise" in the late 1980s.

Timeline

The story of David Lee Roth, told in moments.

1974 Event

Joined Van Halen as lead singer. The band played Pasadena backyard parties before signing with Warner Bros.

What were Pasadena backyard parties like before fame hit? When did you know Van Halen was special?

1984 Event

Van Halen's 1984 album sold 10 million copies. "Jump" hit No. 1. Roth left the band the next year.

Why leave the biggest band in rock at the peak? Was that confidence or madness?

1986 Life

Went solo. "Yankee Rose" and a cover of "California Girls" were hits. He trained as an EMT in New York City in the 2000s and rode ambulances between tours.

What made you become an EMT between records? What did riding ambulances teach a rock star?

2007 Event

Rejoined Van Halen for a reunion tour that became the highest-grossing in the band's history. In 2007, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the band.

Was the reunion everything you hoped or something else? What does the Hall of Fame mean to someone like you?