The larger than life David Lee Roth first established himself as the loudmouth showman fronting Los Angeles upstarts VAN HALEN, the band who virtually destroyed a flagging BLACK SABBATH every night on a support slot to the British Metal legends in Britain during 1978. The son of an eye surgeon, David Lee Roth was born in Indiana in 1954 and moved to Pasadena, California with his family at an early age. He had joined VAN HALEN in 1973 when the High School band were known as MAMMOTH.

In downtime away from the main act, Roth's first solo affair, 'Crazy From The Heat', was cut with a host of session players. Names included renowned Blues great EDGAR WINTER on keyboards and saxophone, guitarists Eddie Martinez, Sid McGinnis and Dean Parks, bassist Willie Weeks, synth players Brian Mann and James Newton Howard and drummer John Robinson.

Working with long-time VAN HALEN producer Ted Templeman, Roth recorded covers of DAN HARTMAN's 'Easy Street', the BEACH BOYS' 'California Girls' plus 'Coconut Grove' and a medley that combined 'Just A Gigolo' and 'I Ain't Got Nobody'. The videos for 'California Girls' and 'Just A Gigolo' caught Dave in his element, the consummate showman. Roth quit VAN HALEN in 1985, wishing to pursue his own projects rather than stick around waiting for the quartet to regroup and begin work on a follow-up to the '1984' album.

With the success of his 'Crazy From The Heat' record, Roth laid ambitious plans to enter the movie world with a project titled after the album put together with Pete Angelus. His partner was a former sound engineer at Hollywood club Gazzari's who became VAN HALEN's tour production manager, the two becoming well known as 'The Fabulous Picasso Brothers' in future solo videos.

Roth and Angelus held auditions for the movie project at the Palladium in Hollywood but not a single frame would be shot as the CBS movie company dissolved and Roth promptly sued in order to at least claim his director's fee. Although the project was shopped to a couple of other companies there were no takers and Roth chose to just concentrate on his day job. By this time, Roth had assembled his post VAN HALEN supergroup by recruiting ex FRANK ZAPPA and ALCATRAZZ guitarist STEVE VAI and former TALAS bassist Billy Sheehan. Vai had just played on PUBLIC IMAGE LTD's 'Album'.

Roth recorded the 'Eat 'Em And Smile' album, the title being inspired by a sticker found on melons in the 1920s, with longtime VAN HALEN producer Ted Templeman. The album was supported by memorable Fabulous Picasso Brothers videos for the album tracks 'Yankee Rose' and 'Goin' Crazy'. The record also contained a cover of 'Shy Boy' that Sheehan had brought with him from TALAS.

Roth also cut a Spanish vocal version of the album 'Sonrisa Salvaje' in acknowledgement to the huge Hispanic fan base in North and South America. A producer was not involved in the recording of the follow-up to 'Eat 'Em And Smile' as Roth and Vai took the bull by the horns and co-produced the album themselves.

During the recording of what would be the 'Skyscraper' album Roth parted company with Sheehan, the ex-TALAS man being swiftly replaced by ex-A=440 bassist Matt Bissonette, the brother of Greg. Former STEPPENWOLF and DETROIT man Brett Tuggle was added on keyboards to give the band more dimension. 'Skyscraper' (with its cover shot of Roth climbing the Yukotan mountain) tended to take Roth into new directions musically, away from the VAN HALEN-ish Arena Rock of 'Eat 'Em And Smile'.

Following the subsequent world tour, which included a slot on the bill at the 'Monsters Of Rock' show at Castle Donington in 1988, Roth parted amicably with Vai as the guitarist went solo again although he would end up joining WHITESNAKE by April 1989. Roth replaced Vai with former BLACK ROSE, STEPPENWOLF and STAN BUSH AND BARRAGE guitarist Ron 'Rocket' Richotte, the new guitarist making his live debut at the Sage Brush Cantina Club in Los Angeles. Richotte would make way for CACOPHONY guitarist JASON BECKER and the more veteran Steve Hunter for the recording of 'A Little Ain't Enough' in 1991. Session drums were handled by former HUSTLER man Tony Beard. The album was recorded at Little Mountain Studios with Bob Rock behind the desk.

For touring purposes ex-D'MOLLS man Desi Rexx and former LIZZY BORDEN and TERRIFF guitarist Joe Holmes were added after Becker was tragically stricken with Lou Gehring's Disease that would leave the promising young star in a wheelchair. Installed on bass guitar would be Portland, Oregon native Todd Jensen, a scene veteran holding credits with SEQUEL, MOVIE STAR, AMERICAN MAN, DORO and HARLOW. The 'A Little Ain't Enough' did enthusiastic business in Europe but fared less well in the USA, where Grunge had now begun to take a hold on the Rock scene. With the dates wrapped up, Jensen joined up with JOURNEY guitarist NEAL SCHON's new band HARDLINE.

The Nile Rodgers (CHIC) produced 'Your Filthy Little Mouth', featuring ex-OUTLAW BLOOD and DIRTY LOOKS drummer Larry Aberman, was released in early 1994. Initial demos had been laid down with Jamie Hunting, later of UNION, on bass and a track from Hunting's then band WILD ULTRA WILD entitled 'Everybody's Got The Monkey' would make it onto the record. Unfortunately the album was immediately acknowledged as far from being one of Roth's best efforts. Roth was also arrested buying a $10 bag of pot in New York's Washington Square Park and fined $35 making headlines across the world as to how the mighty Diamond Dave had fallen. Holmes became guitarist for OZZY OSBOURNE.

Roth had relocated to New York to pick up a new vibe and had been working with guitarist Terry Kilgore, an old associate from Pasadena who Dave had played in bands with pre VAN HALEN. However, Kilgore was soon ousted when it came time for Roth to tour. From out of the blue Roth reunited with VAN HALEN in 1996 cutting two new tracks 'Can't Get This Stuff No More' and 'Me Wize Magic' for a compilation best of record. The union soon fell apart in bitter recriminations and VAN HALEN pulled in former EXTREME singer Gary Cherone for the band's least successful album to date.

Roth had his autobiography, 'Crazy From The Heat', published by Hyperion in late 1997 with Warner Brothers in Japan releasing a greatest hits compilation, 'Yankee Best', during the summer months. A year later a brand new Roth album appeared under the title of 'DLR Band' and including tracks such as 'Slam Dunk' and 'King Of The Hill' that found the former with guitar supplied by ex-BONE ANGELS and TWO man John Lowery and the latter with Mike Hartman. Bass was supplied by THE ZOO and DAVID BECKER TRIBUNE man Tom Lilly and drums from Ray Luzier, a veteran session man having played on albums by 9.0, DARREN HOUSEHOLDER and HOWLING IGUANAS. Luzier was also a member of spoof Metal band METAL SHOP and also THE NIXONS.

Although part of the recording line up Hartman lost his position in the band when he and his wife were badly injured in a car accident. Hartman later issued a solo album 'Black Glue' in 1999 that included contributions from DLR compatriots Gregg Bissonette and Ray Luzier. (Tragically the young guitarist died from complications due to cystic fibrosis in the summer of 2000).

Despite talk from Roth that he would be reunited with bassist BILLY SHEEHAN in a new touring band, the MR. BIG man totally strenuously his involvement. Roth toured America in 1999 as special guest to BAD COMPANY with new guitarist Bart Walsh. John Lowery joined MARILYN MANSON under his new stage name of Johnny 5.

Rumours still persisted regarding a reformation of the classic VAN HALEN line up which despite the cloak screens put out by management and record companies became apparent during mid 2000. Roth issued a new track straight from net to radio in November 2000 titled 'Look At All The People Here Tonight'.

By May of 2001 it had become apparent that, although both parties admitted new tracks had been recorded, the VAN HALEN reformation had stalled. Eddie Van Halen himself stated at a charity golf tournament that this material was unlikely to emerge. Uncharacteristically Roth, his PR and even his official website maintained a stony silence on the issue.

Undaunted Roth announced a plan to get back on the road and confirmed shows for June 23rd at the Rock in Minneapolis alongside BLUE OYSTER CULT and FIREHOUSE and as part of the 'Rollin' the Hills Classic Rock Festival' in Bottineau, North Dakota sharing billing with VINCE NEIL, SURVIVOR, STEPPENWOLF and CREEDANCE CLEARWATER REVISTED. Other dates soon followed with fans and media alike impressed by Roth's new found vigour. Fuelled by the VAN HALEN "Will he, won't he" rumour mill and his renaissance live performances Roth would find his status elevated to a new high by August.

However, fresh murmurings suggested that Roth had been offered a landmark deal with Elektra Records should he be able to entice his classic 'Eat 'Em And Smile' line up of STEVE VAI, BILLY SHEEHAN and GREG BISSONETTE back together. These Chinese whispers gathered pace when it was learned that Sheehan had cut ties with his own successful act MR. BIG despite that band only having just released the laudatory 'Actual Size' record.

News of Roth's activities finally leaked in January of 2002, the legendary frontman apparently getting to grips with a video project in Henson Studios in Los Angeles in league the production team of Bob Rock and Bob Marlette, JOHN 5 from MARILYN MANSON's band, JOE COCKER and the METALLICA pairing of guitarist Kirk Hammett and drummer Lars Ulrich.

The following months matters got rather confusing in the DLR camp, guitarist Bart Walsh announcing his departure, to be duly replaced by Toshi Hiketa, then returning to the fold less than two weeks later. Meantime Roth issued a promotional video of the track 'Crablouse', a LORDS OF ACID cover, via his website.

Matters got even stranger with the release of a promotional video 'No Hold Bar-B-Q'. In typical over the top fashion Roth put in over an hours worth of bizarre visual entertainment including pregnant women, big game hunting, martial arts and dwarves. The musical soundtrack hosted a glut of cover versions including the Jazz standard 'Adrift In Tangiers', DJANGO REINHARDTS 'Lime House Blues' and 'Exactly Like You', the CHEMICAL BROTHERS 'Dig Your Own Hole', THE BEATLES 'Tomorrow Never Knows', GERRY RAFFERTY's 'Baker Street', ZZ TOP's 'Fool For Your Stockings', ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA's 'Shine A Little Love' and JAMES BROWN's 'Living In America'.

During mid March, in a move that not only surprised but even shocked VAN HALEN fans Roth announced that plans were afoot for a joint American summer tour in allegiance with none other than his old verbal sparring partner SAMMY HAGAR. Apparently the two singers had finally met and got on so well together that an alliance was proposed soon after. Within days this union was confirmed, the two stars alternating headliners each night on a tour commencing on the 29th of May in Ohio. Roth's band for these shows comprised of guitarist Brian Young, bassist James

Lomenzo and drummer Ray Luzier. The opening show, at the Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls would surprise many by comprising solely of VAN HALEN material. The tour pulled in major numbers of Rock fans and soon the Roth / Hagar dates were extended into a North American second leg. Between shows Roth would remain active tracking new material. His rhythm section of Luzier and Lomenzo, in league with guitarist Toshi Hiketa, also made space to work up their side project THE HIDEOUS SUN DEMONS.

Opening in Charlotte, North Carlona on 24th May DAVID LEE ROTH embarked upon a headline tour taking him through until late June. A brand new studio album 'Diamond Dave' was projected for release that summer on the Magna Carta label. Featuring a whole host of covers the album contained no less than three SAVOY BROWN songs 'You Got The Blues, Not Me', 'Made Up My Mind' and 'Stay While The Night Is Young', two JIMI HENDRIX tracks 'If 6 Was 9' and 'Bold As Love', a take on THE BEATLES 'Tomorrow Never Knows', STEVE MILLER BAND's 'Shu Ba Da Du Ma Ma Ma' and THE DOORS 'Soul Kitchen'. Also featured would be a re-recorded version of his prior hit 'Ice Cream Man' with Nile Rogers on guitar and EDGAR WINTER on saxophone.

Roth would hospitalise himself in the midst of a September US headline tour. Performing at the Kenswick Theatre in Glenside, Pennsylvania the singer struck himself on the forehead with a stage prop. Although covered in blood Roth finished the show but subsequently received 21 stitches for the injury. A 20th September show at House Of Blues in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was pulled in order to allow the frontman to recover. The following day all the remaining tour dates were pulled with sources claiming Roth had contracted pneumonia. Having recovered, Roth laid out plans for UK shows in November and Japanese dates for January 2004. The British shows saw support coming from THE QUIREBOYS.

The singer put in a cameo appearance on the popular gangster TV series 'The Sopranos' that March, seen playing cards alongside mafiosi. Drummer Ray Luzier also made time for extracurricular activities, laying down drums on ex-DIO guitarist TRACY G's solo album 'The Tracy G Group Vol. 2' as well as contributing to his DRIVEN band project.

It was revealed in June of 2004 that David Lee Roth had relocated from his Pasadena, California estate to a modest apartment in New York's Lower East Side in order to train as an emergency medical technician. In November it was revealed that Roth, having cut off his hair, had been riding incognito and totally unrecognized with ambulance crews in The Bronx, Manhattan and Brooklyn several nights a week.

DAVID LEE ROTH band guitarist Brian Young assembled an all new group in early 2005 involving singer LENITA ERICKSON and MADAM X and VIXEN drummer Roxy Petrucci. Drummer Ray Luzier announced his exit from the band in early August to form up a fresh band unit billed ARMY OF ANYONE in collaboration with FILTER frontman Richard Patrick and the ex-STONE TEMPLE PILOTS pairing of guitarist Dean CeLeo and bassist Robert DeLeo. Pulled in as replacement would be Pat Torpey, a seasoned campaigner holding MR. BIG, MONTROSE and ROBERT PLANT credentials.

As 2006 was ushered in DAVID LEE ROTH revealed he had recently spoken with Alex Van Halen and stated that, in terms of a reunion, "the inevitable will happen". That March it was learned Roth had contributed vocals to two Bluegrass re-works of VAN HALEN tracks, 'Jump' and 'Jamie's Cryin', included on the album 'Strummin' With The Devil'.

After much conjecture, on January 24th 2007 Billboard reported VAN HALEN, fronted by DAVID LEE ROTH, were setting up a 40 date US amphitheatre tour.