Elmer: If you don't know David Lee Roth, then you don't know Van Halen. He was their wildly sucessful singer & founding member. The only other successful singer that they had was Sammy Hager, who quit after 10 years because he was against them coming out with their Greatest Hits Disc.No sweat off Sammy's back as he still has a very successful Solo career for many years and he is still enjoying the Cabo Wabo lifestyle. I saw Sammy live a long time ago when he opened for the Legendary Rock group, Boston. Great concert. Gary Sharone the singer after Sammy's departure was terrible, and they got rid of him after one Record.
" David Lee Roth with Van Halen in 2008
Credit: AP Photo
Van Halen -- with classic vocalist David Lee Roth -- came back together for some limited tour dates back in 2008 and it's becoming clearer now that the band didn't want the reunion to stop there.
In a statement, the hard rock band's publishing company Warner Chappell announced that Van Halen extended its longstanding deal, and that the band was back in the studio with Roth for an album "that is due for release in 2011."
The press release did not specify if founding bassist Michael Anthony was returning for the album; Anthony was replaced by Eddie Van Halen's young son Wolfgang for the last tour.
Roth has not recorded an album with Van Halen since the 1984 album "1984." Diamond Dave was replaced by Sammy Hagar through 1996; Roth temporarily rejoined the band and then broke again. Gary Cherone was then the replacement vocalist through 1999."
Parts of this article above are false. When David came back to play with Van Halen in 2008, it was a total setup by Eddie Van Halen. Eddie still hated DLR for having left the group unexpectedly in 1984. Thery never forgave him. They allowed DLR to step in very briefly in 2008, and then they promptly kicked him out again. At that time, it was Van Halen's revenge then. Michael Anthony probably won't come back, since it was a nasty split. However, Eddie Van Halen's ex- wife, Valery Bertinelli was against their son, Wolfgang replacing Anthony. Whether he can stay with the group since his Mom wants him to get out of the group, remains to be seen. Regarding Eddie Van Halen & DLR's reunion coming true: Don't count you eggs 'til the chickens hatch. Considering their checkered past, I wouldn't bet on it. It's not over til the fat lady sings. Why would Van Halen go back with DLR now? It's very simple: Money, money & more money. Afterall, Van Halen doesn't have a clue who to get for a new singer. You can become friends again real fast when big money is in the picture. They were a failure when they took on Gary Sharone. Also, back in 1984, DLR looked like a star, sang like a star, and impressed with his jumps particularly for the song "Jump". Look at DLR now: He looks like a has been. Not even recognizable. He hasn't done anything worth a damn since 1984. These old Rock stars are only interested in getting back to their glory days and making $$$$$$$! There are many old Rock groups who came back togeather 20 years later only for the ol' mighty dollar. Here are a few examples: Simon & Garfunkle, Aerosmith, the Eagles, Styx. Many had not spoken wiuth each other for many years. Many parted on very negative terms. It's nice to see what a lot of money can do for old bandmates! DLR & EVH still dislike each other, but they will concentrate on the $$$$$$$!