00:00:00 - Intro to David Lee Roth interview 00:01:17 - Debbie Millman intro 00:02:19 - Start of David Lee Roth interview 00:02:47 - His Uncle Manny Roth 00:05:29 - His mother, Sibyl Roth, and her toughness on him 00:07:49 - Wearing leg braces as a kid 00:08:41 - His early jobs 00:09:34 - Where his youthful drive came from 00:11:14 - What the Roth family expected when they had get-togethers 00:12:29 - When he first realized he had a talent for singing 00:15:00 - Him being in plays as a child 00:16:11 - He tells where he really learned to sing from 00:18:59 - His parents threaten him with going to a foster home 00:19:16 - If “bad” Dave comes from his mother 00:21:08 - How he was taught to sing like the girls 00:22:43 - How many instruments he plays 00:23:25 - The first meeting with the Van Halen brothers 00:26:31 - Why he and the Van Halen brothers were crosstown rivals 00:28:26 - What inspired him to write music 00:30:57 - The near-death experience that chokes him up even today 00:34:38 - How much of his Playboy image is a story he was creating 00:37:15 - If he is confident he would make it in show business 00:37:33 - The idea of an album band 00:39:00 - An obscure Dutch radio reference 00:40:14 - Did they write Runnin’ with the Devil in 18 minutes 00:42:25 - Who are the best teachers and coaches 00:45:35 - When he has felt sorry for himself 00:46:45 - Why he hasn’t fallen into a lot of traps, other Rock and Rollers did 00:47:28 - Him stealing books 00:48:31 - What kept him from succumbing to drug abuse 00:49:55 - Where his ability to jump high comes from 00:53:46 - Why did he leave Van Halen in 1985 00:54:38 - Why didn’t he ever get married 00:56:44 - His ability to mimic others 00:58:54 - The teleplay he has been working on for three years 01:00:33 - Why his favorite audience is disbelieving nonbelievers 01:01:29 - Why he isn’t happy 01:02:14 - His window time 01:02:53 - How he’s always solving a catastrophe 01:05:12 - Why he decided to start Ink the Orginal 01:07:43 - Why take his life in this direction 01:09:41 - Tattoos today 01:12:11 - The process of making his product 01:13:53 - How the business is doing 01:14:22 - The difference between having a tattoo today and 30 years ago 01:17:37 - What advice would he give someone who has writer’s block 01:19:28 - Squeezing every single moment out of life
Just listened to this iconic interview from start to finish for a second time. Still blown away by Mr. Roths deep humanity, intelligence, sense of humor, and joy of life! What an amazing and inspiring individual. He's lived the American dream and conquered the globe several times over!
Even back then i loved this man HE WAS VAN HALEN to me. They might have owned the name but DAVID LEE ROTH TO ME WAS VAN HELEN. It was a sad moment when he left. Sammy Hager was not bad, but THE PARTY WAS OVER N BORING there was ceria void in Rock n Roll for me. I liked his solo albums but David Lee Roth with the boys. PARTY PARTY PARTY PARTY. I was only 10 in 1984 BUT I FELT IT DEEP. Of many rockers that used to talk shit about David are no longer here or have serious health problems. David HAS OUT DONE THEM ALL!!!! David IS STILL the rocking party, YES HE IS, he is positive and up beat. He obviously takes nothing or granted enjoys the moment to the hilt and his outlook in life is growth and repeat. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤PARTY ON DAVID PARTY ON.
In 1985 had a wallet full of money and i walked into the Seventh Veil strip club on Sunset Blvd and DLR and Frank Infante, Blondie's original lead guitarist were both sitting there drinking twelve dollar teaspoons of champagne...i was working at what was Cherokee Studios and i just started up a conversation with Frank about guitars and TEAC four track reel to reels. The three of us sustained ourselves with the oyster shell tinted ether based Peruvian stuff in Dave's pocket. Dave talked about Al Jolson and Philip Petite - amongst dozens of other people, theories, philosophies, low riders and the Zoot Suit Riots. Frank talked about Keith Moon, Clem Burke, Johnny Thunders, Stiv Bators... Darby Crash and Pat Smear walked into one bar on Sunset and La Brea and were immediately and literally picked up and hurled onto the sidewalk. Monday morning Dave jumped into a long black Limousine with Al Jorgensen and William Burroughs and raced up into the hills. Frank and i shook hands and he had a little 1920s bungalow on Franklin. I was squatting in an old house on Hawthorne, between Hollywood and Sunset Blvds. I'm fifty seven now. I own a small condo in a brand new high rise in downtown Seattle - high above all of the fentanyl and amphetamine zombies down on the street. I'm finally free of a thirty year addiction to heroin. I own lots of musical instruments; mostly guitars. Life is good. 🙏
Congrats on your life! You deserve all of your flowers 💐💐💐. I engineered the GERMS & The DEAD KENNEDYS ALBUMS with CHRIS DEJARDINS! I actually owned part of the studio (Program Studios) but had to remain silent because of my RACE (African American). However, they had to PAY ME TO KEEP MY SECRET FOR DECADES. I am now writing a book about my career in the ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY.
I just had a memory of being with Stephen Pearcy and dropping off a half gallon of Smirnoff Vodka on Coldwater Canyon Road outside the little trail/ road that led up to Eddie's 5150 home and studio's... Valerie wouldn't allow alcohol in the house - cocaine was a-okay with Val... But no cheap vodka for Eddie.
I finally understand him. I ever thought he would be a egomaniac. Know I just think his brain is ultra- and uncontrolled creative. Absolutely fascinating. That interview brought this new understanding to me.
I so agree with you. If Dave ever had been in science or leadership he might have been scary to be so amazing and yet smart and inclusive at everything. I am sad to hear he finds his life has been unhappy......but somewhere he had the idea that angst is a trendy thing to be, instead of happy and joy filled each moment no matter what......I like the little old man post where he is walking down his driveway .....it makes me feel he might be a happy old man.
Whatever psychological issue Dave had/has, it sure made him the Best front man ever and a great singer. His voice is not as high as it used to be, but like many of my favorite female Jazz singers, it has aged like a good wine and taken on more depth, which I love. I almost cried, literally, when he reunited with the Van Halen brothers. He always made me feel like everything will be ok. If you see this David Lee Roth, I believe early Van Halen saved me from suicide when my dad left our family. I like many bands, but Van Halen with Roth always made me feel better, and that is golden. Thank you!!
So well read and an incredibly articulate man. Say what ya want about Roth v Hagar or who is better or whatever...David Lee Roth played a MASSIVE part in getting Van Halen to where they got to. This guys lyrics and swagger were crucial in amassing radio play and fans. Props also to interviewer
Dave was exactly what they needed unfortunately he didn't mature when van Halen needed him to. His voice got worse and he couldn't give van Halen their "right now" when Sammy could.
@@user-qr7ee2cp4y yeah but Sammy turned them into "Journey Part 2" --- a lot of lame songs about being confused by love --- they stopped being a fun party band
@@m42037 Agree. But VH through Diver Down was special. Sammy could never get to that level. Few, if any could, that's what made VH. I was never a big fan at the time (didn't want be a follower), but as you get older you see nothing coming close. Hell, I saw Dave do an interview on the Charlie Rose (yes, the former PBS guy) show at 2 in the morning, early eighties and realized this effer is more then the surficial flash.
@@Oran-35 His age had nothing to do with his voice and shaving his head, I agree VH with Dave 78-84 was great and I still jam my drums to old VH, I was just making a point, why anyone still likes him is beyond me he looks rediculous and can't sing
In Ted Templeman's book, he said he was amazed at Dave's ability to speak endlessly, stream of consciousness and switch subjects on a dime, and how educated and well-read he was.
Noel Monk's book was very eye-opening --- he praised Dave's ability to command the stage, but also said he had a mean streak in him beyond the public persona
Wow! You’ve got something here that very few interviewers get. That’s DLR being more himself than the persona. I love hearing the real details of his life and development. He’s definitely a one off
Sort of. Maybe. There are several occasions where the interviewer doesn't get a straight answer. When she asks DLR what kept him from succumbing to drug abuse, he never gave her an actual answer. He started out being the man behind the personae. Some way into this, he slips in and out of the "Dave" character. He's been doing it to long to be able to step out of it completely. Conditioning dictates that when he's in the public eye at all, the "Dave" character will be present to some degree.
Dave really is sharp and knows the importance of details that make for a very intense story that is believable because it is the details that fill the empty shell with the life that makes everything real,alive and gives it motion. Guy is truly amazing 👍👍
He's being genuinely honest about his voice. He's not a bad singer, but he's gravelly, and has a limited range, excluding his falsetto squeals. But he's one of the single greatest frontmen and showmen ever seen. I enjoy his voice, but I know many who have expressed dislike for his voice, all the way back to the 80s, at the peak of VH. But he puts himself into it 100 percent, it's pure passion, and that means more than all the skill, training, range and smoothness in the world. DLR and Geddy Lee, both got a lot of grief for their voice when I was in high school. Whatever. I love DLR. More than I loved him in VH. I loved his book, I've listened to every interview I could. He's pure entertainment, and this interview is in the top three of the best I've heard.
I don't like this idea that only the winner of American Idol can be a lead singer --- DLR brought a lot to the table besides his signature growly voice and banshee screams
I fuckin love Diamond Dave. That's the real deal right there kids. They ain't no VH without the Diamond One. Period. That was the most enjoyable interviews I've ever heard. I'm 60 and yes, I've heard a lot of shit over the years
The interviewer Debbie Millman is really a great listener and gently tries to get Roth on track to answer questions - many of which he avoids. She did a great job.
It had to have been a difficult interview. DLR's self-absorption and narcissism are so in-your-face and endless; it must be maddening to try to hold a conversation with him.
Kudos to Debbie Millman. One of the best DLR interviews I've ever heard because she fought through most of his time-tested deflections. / The man inspires me as much talking as he does singing.
I like Dave. Immense talent. Saved the rest of the band from what probably would have been much more awful music....... But, for me, his interviews have always been awful and self indulgent. He turns me off more now than ever. Boring as hell, word salad..
@@odurandina You seem to be missing a lot of Dave's experience, intellect, and wisdom. True, you have to sort through the trees sometimes. This interview forced Dave to do some sorting for us.
Dave should be employed travelling around the country giving motivational and strategical talks to schoolkids,he`s so erudite and eloquent and inspiring I`m sure he could do a lot of good for them.
I totally agree with you. My little sons, just coming through a bad divorce, had old Unca Dave, a Godfather who urged them to stay in Scouts, school, religious training, and find their own path......he asked them to go to his Temple and go to Bar Mitzvah, not instead of their background but with......they both agree they remember him saying the WHY was because he learned, went to Scouts, and did the into adulthood waters ceremonies and look at him! At that time he had purchased the big mansion he needed for IRS reasons .......little kids just know their Godfather lives in a house with a dog house the size of their home. The original owners had kept Mastiffs to guard the property. I know watching him with the neighborhood kids that he was like his Pops, always calm, and a FORCE to deal with, and they came out loving and respecting him!
As Dave points out, he brought a soul-R&B-rumba like element you can hear in songs like "Dance the Night Away". No one had ever done that before w hard rock-metal. Like he says in this interview, it's what brought the chicks on board because it had a pop appeal to it. As magnificent as Eddie was, they NEVER would have had that initial insane success w/out Dave.
With a side of….its full blown narcissism😉but still entertaining and I d like to think deep doen he s quite a sweet man. But maybe thats wishful thinking😀
Van halen are all a year or two younger than myself. These were my people and were among the best of all boomer bands. When gen X took over in the 90s they destroyed all that came before with zeal. Eff em
@@ML-jk3sz Yes, but you should learn to listen to (what) someone says ahead of the (way) they say it because that is what is important. Oh wow, I didn't use commas.
I think David Lee Roth is a super genius. That's why, as they say, he was so active as a child it was his brain neurons & synapses zipping & crackling with activity. I chuckled when he said, "I read because I couldn't flip over." = sounds like a book title! Or maybe better - a chapter title! Thanks for posting this! Really fun to listen to David Lee Roth in this interview!
David Lee Roth has never ceased to amaze, a World Class Showmen and this is one hell of an interview. David Lee Roth at his most honest and authentic self. We're incredibly fortunate to have witnessed this moment in time with the legend himself.11/15/2023
Van Halen 1 changed my life, and certainly my guitar playing. I also loved DLR's vocals and persona. This is an incredibly insightful and listenable interview with a special, one-of-a-kind character. Thank you for this, and thank you Dave for the decades of work.
The most down to earth and serious interview of DLR I have heard in the 43 years I've been listening to and watching his interviews. Very insightful and I really enjoyed it. Because she was serious and set the tone, it was very real and conversational. Too many people try to be cool and funny and talk to his image; however she talked to the actual person. Nicely done.
I doubt any one woman could be enough for dave. He has a ferocious appetite for experiencing life at its finest ❤ Still I think many of us would love that challenge😂 Truly a very brilliant and insightful man who hides behind his musical persona.
Double D forever! I now understand why I loved VH so much. I have multiple ethnicities and can appreciate everything Dave says! Thank you sir for Decades of entertainment. I’m adding this decade because his interviews are so entertaining
David Lee Roth was a terrific singer, and really inspired the whole band to the dizzying heights of rock and roll infamy, and the music Van Halen produced after that, was never as great, I believe.
Dave brought all the pizzazz and razzle-dazzle to Van Halen and made them "Mighty" --- there was just an electric buzz in the air when VH came to your town to rock your ass off
Great work, Debbie, at making this one of the most coherent DLR interviews I've ever heard. Now that Ed's passed, and Dave is officially retired, I wonder if anyone could get him to give an honest assessment of hearing Eddie play in those early years. I know Dave is Dave, but it must have crossed his extremely sharp mind that he had stumbled into a band with a guitarist who would define a generation. At the same time, VH would never had been the same without Dave. I'd just love to hear, one time, Dave say something like, "That guitarist fucking knocked me out!" And I'm speaking as a fan of Dave.
His take on EVH could be interesting. IMO Roth was very crucial to their early success, it wasn't only all about Eddie. If you saw the first few tours, you know what im saying. Just as there was no guitarist like EVH, there was no frontman like DLR, so did Dave view Ed as above him? I don't think so. I think Dave thought he was as good and unique as Edward. Hence the tension between them.
Roth has praised EVHs greatness for decades! The man said Ed was a mentor to him all the way back in 1983-84. Since Ed's passing Roth has expressed his heartfelt love and gratitude for Ed numerous times!
Thank you God for David Lee Roth.... I had such limited interest in music.... but, this is one I fell MADLY in love with. A life of good clean fun will always be THE BEST LIFE.
Great interview and great questions of a man who has lived life to the fullest... He's always candid and is a very smart guy. He was the ultimate frontman of the late '70s to mid 80s..
Axel rose was a good front but suckef at keeping a show together. He was and is a jerkoff.roth was the best front man ever.from the start of the show to the end of a show, Roth put a show on every every second till the end and that's a fact. I'm not even a Roth fan but know just how good he was with the mighty Van Halen
I really didn't care much for David Lee Roth. Always thought he was bit to cocky. However after listening to this recorded tape Podcast. I think he is one of the only humans beings on planet earth that could talk, not stop for all eternity. And if what he said was being wrote down word for word and put into a book. Because of the power he has over the English vocabulary and his ability to tell a story or present information etc. He would have volumes of books 📚 that would require no editing. After watching this Podcast I greatly admire him now.
He's a fascinating person, and he's a lot wiser than his public image would suggest. It's too bad Eddie Van Halen couldn't get along with him. RIP Eddie. Steve Vai is still around, if David Lee ever wants to get a killer rock and roll band together again. Gld bless you, David Lee Roth!
I feel sad that people think Ed and Dave were such enemies, I think like all men, especially those that work closer than family for years, go through a period of sibling rivalry.....and in the public eye it gets enlarged......To me, both were great artists and both had the great egos that go with that....but in a good way, not until Dave and Ed both got addicted badly enough to feud I think it was a lot less than two teen and college age guys ranting at each other. When Ed passed, I think Dave was truly hurt that he had not done more to reconcile whatever had come between them. I think, like most adults, they just came to a fork in the road, and it was time for each to flow in their own path. Most adults do not know how to do that in love and respect, and media surely makes a big buck on gossip about the why!
First interview that he seems sober. He really opened up and stayed grounded in this one. Well for DLR saying grounded is the ability to remember the question somewhat staying within the conversation. He dodged questions seemingly to have been trying to give a show rather than an interview, but he was cooperating better here than what I have seen before. The one thing that still bothers me a bit about DLR is how he loves to laugh at his own jokes, when they fall flat and meet with no response. Other than that I like DLR for being the nut he is. Ego still intact.
Glad to see he's sober as well, but I still not sure what he's talking about half the time ;) The only concert I ever walked out of was on the "Fair Warning" tour in fall of '81 in Dallas. After about an hour, they had only played about 4 or 5 songs because Dave was really drunk and just kept yapping between songs - the typical stuff, "Who's ready to party?" and "We gonna rock and roll tonight!". I was a HUGE fan of the band since their debut, but this concert was such a huge disappointment and it was clear that the rest of the band was getting fed up with DLR's ego. I have genuine respect for DLR's talent, especially after reading Ted Templeman's autobiography, and it's a real shame the synergy of DLR, Michael Anthony and Alex/Ed couldn't have lasted a little longer - none of them could capture separately what they had collectively...
He is a philosopher, make no mistake. Most fascinating interview I have ever heard of a musician. Actually, not just a musician, but a student of LIFE. So fun! Thank you.
This is fantastic !! I always knew David was a Madman. Now it’s confirmed !!! Ha! Ha! To me, he’ll always be the greatest front man in rock music to ever live. Him and Freddie Mercury running neck and neck. As it just doesn’t get any better than that. I’m going to share this with everyone I know, as he illustrates what consequently, made him what he is, a Quasar. Every great musician lives to find that perfect front man. It gives them something to play to. If the features thing isn’t great, there’s nothing to accompany. It doesn’t matter how great a musician is, because without a great frontman, there is nothing, in a vocal band. Now if it’s an instrumental band, then that doesn’t apply. But without David Lee Roth, Van Halen would have never been heard of. As great as they were, they would have remained in obscurity. Great Interview !!!! Faubus
That was a wonderful interview! David is truly a great thinker n creative person. He is really a deep and intelligent guy. Excellent questions n humble n lovable answers! ❤😂😮😊
A sheer stroke of luck and a ton of diligence gave us the greatest Rock band in the world, because it is Davids ability to comment and his smartness to understand how to comment Eds music flow of consciousness in a creative and entertaining way, that gave Ed the room and the stage to let Ed's musical genius shine - and still package it into AM radio hits. There might have been the clash of egos, yet Dave was the one in a lifetime singer who, instead of pushing Ed aside to have himself vocally shine, commented musically what rock's Mozart did, created real-time stories out of it - and transformed his flashes of thought into songs to sing along with. Magic. And after hearing this interview I understand now how essential for the work of Van Halen's rock 'n' roll art Dave's kaleidoscope of talents & constant flow of inspirations was. Similar to a sports commentator, Dave translated intellectually and emotionally - and in very artful way - what Ed created - and put it on the big screen. Rocks greatest entertainer - no doubt.
I am so happy that I heard this. It too awhile longer than most. When Debbie Millman ,who was freaking awesome as interviewer, named a few songs and the movie "Free Solo"... I actually paused the interview and returned immediately after hearing a few of VH songs and "Free Solo".......... Debbie Millman is awesome and calming. David Lee Roth is so intellectual I was quite surprised. A great treat listening to this .
I was 17 for the 1984 panama tour they were always my favorite rock band I'm so glad to see he is not so much into the alcohol anymore and still around love you Dave 💋❣️
Great content tapes archive !! 💎 Diamond Dave is truly an inspiration. To have the success he’s had and still be reaching and grasping for more in life . Makes you want to be the absolute best version of yourself , time is so precious
GOOD TO LISTEN TO SOMEONE WHO ACTUALLY EXPRESSES HIMSELF ......USING A LOT OF BIG WORDS THAT YOU NEVER HEAR MOST SPEAK....NOT TRYING TO MAKE YOU FEEL STUPID ....BUT HIS WAY OF THINKING OPENING WAYS FOR YOUR THINKING
I've loved Dave since the 80s, low-key wanted to be him in my early 20s, and I've grown to appreciate his depth and layers in recent years. But the shtick becomes exhausting to listen to after a while. Seemed like it started ramping up in the 2nd half of the interview. It feels to me like he's drawing from a well of long-pondered musings and insights crafted into an improvisational performance in-character. Which is fantastic and the basis of all great interviews, until you get to the "In-character," because then it's like you're being petitioned for your reaction to every line or story. I think that In-character is where he's most comfortable, followed by the reward of feeling you gave a great performance. Dave, we love you and we'd love even more to meet "the real you," the off-stage Dave.
Mike Starr came to mind. That was before he mentioned the name "Ralf". 😅 I seriously do know a Mike Star though .He's the opposite of anything Steel Panther though. 😂
@@davidarwood6264 your probably thinking of Alice in Chains Mike Starr. Definitely not the same as Panther, but a badass bassist nonetheless!! R.I.P Mike Starr!!
Great job on this interview. It can take a lot to reel Roth in and stop him from overwhelming everything with his love-of-own-voice. This is a great mix of letting him run wild and bringing him back in.
Wow, barely 20 minutes in and already impressed. “Up the chimneys” stopped me cold. It also looks like Debbie Millman has quite an interesting mix of interviews on her site to check out. Mahalo!!
That was my Friday night out of left field with a chopper, sitting on the couch, listening and reading every word...as the tape spool unwound the meaning of creative universe. Damn Good Times! Amen.
Big surprise on his depth and humor. Also how well read he is along with his knowledge of cultures and accents. The interviewer is quick, and a pro. DLR is a brilliant enigma. I'm glad he's still sharp, and with us. He's a literal survivor.
My mom is 97 and survived Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen. When Dave was talking about his instructor holocaust survivor, it really hit home! Thank you David Lee Roth for your great respect and gift of the spoken word! You are a uniquely fantastic human!
This guy turns every question into something about himself. Had to skip forward so many times to get through it. DR is a piece of work! “The whole world revolves around me “ says it all!
I’ve always had this idea in my head that David was driven to living his philosophy through the active engagement with existence at every possible opportunity and that this thing he’s had going on wasn’t for show or to impress anyone. Although his gift for gab and extremely fluid conversations would lead one to think otherwise… he seems to at his core have a strong belief that knowledge and truth comes from actively engaging through physical interaction, and verbal communication is in adequate for conveying any real insights but can be played with wit, metaphorical inference, and they art of story telling all mixed up and delivered in a dancing playfulness to engage a listener to get an impression of his takes. I mean somethings he will convey with surprising clarity like his take on what the Van Halen’s came up out of, especially now that he’s older, which is a real treat to those of us who have been suspecting that that impenetrable song and dance that he’s always done is born out of a really thoughtful man who had a strong principled idea of what his role as an artist is. He’s always seemed to have a solid belief that the entertainers role is one of serving his audience. I don’t ever really remember him ever putting his issues onto his fans. In fact he’s always had this work ethic and view of entertainers that seems in line with the old school belief that it’s morally wrong to give the audience less than what they paid for and by less I mean he believes it’s his role and entertainers roles in general to lift you up out of the misery and pettiness that we pay them to help us escape from whether it’s that movie in the middle of the afternoon that gives you an oasis from the shit show of responsibilities of the grind or whether it’s the interview in the paper talking about the upcoming concert at the coliseum he takes those moments to entertain whomever he is lucky enough to catch their ear. I mean he said it here again. His problems are the problems of a millionaire rockstar and he’s not gonna insult your attention by forgetting that you deserve better than to hear him bitch and whine about his issues. He’s there to make you laugh, and in these later interviews impart a bit more of his approach to living because it may serve you. But he’ll really only imply these things to give you a sense of what the idea is rather than to diminish it by literalism and the over simplification that come with trying to impart ideas solely through words. I don’t know. My ex wife met him at a party once and said he was the most juvenile person she ever met. She’s very judgemental like that though but I just can’t help but think he’s got more layers and stories he could tell. I hope he continues to do his song and dance. I’d love to hear about how he sees himself in the lineage of great entertainers. I mean for Christ’s sake… say what you want about him but without Dave 80s rock would have been shy of character. He brought Louis Prima to us metal kids and he was responsible for the cover of Big Bad Bill with Jan Van Halen playing with his sons. He shepherded the documentation of some serious history with that one song. Tying vaudevillian tradition to the craft of his as singer and entertainer while also tying the improvisation and that fucking swing those Van Halen boys nailed im their most screaming hardest rocking tunes (as impressive to hear as their individual virtuosity on their respective instruments) with the swing jazz that they picked up performing with their Dad. I don’t know… it’s late … I’m rambling… Dave is just fucking awesome.
So many facets of DLR - so much more than his Rock and Roll persona. He's so aware of all of the things that influenced him and has such a deep understanding of himself, like few actually do. I love how he also has reverence for all of his tribe and how they influenced him. Also, how he sees the human being in them and holds them up, like they deserve, for all of their efforts. He's a work of art and a true gift to us all. One of a kind. This was a fantastic interview. Job well done. It didn't sound like a job. It was a getting to know you and I personally feel like I know Dave a little better for having listened to it. 💗
This is DLR...lots of energy and pizzazz So Cal style...he is a perfect frontman. Put it this way if Robert Plant is the quintessential Brit singer in all his Englishness then DLR is a perfect So Cal frontman...full on Diamond Dave love em!
The brother never dissapoints with his ability to sling a flurry of linguistic artistry. He just talks like a painter. Meaning he just creates images with all his words and non stop dialogue
Thank you for this having heard numerous interviews with him over the years this is the most he’s actually turned the persona down. I don’t think he is capable or comfortable turning it off completely. A “Showman” always has to be on, which is what drives everyone around them nuts. Very few of the greats ever admit they’ve lost steps and yes his voice isn’t there anymore but he , Eddie, Alex and Micheal made fantastic music together. IMO greatest US rock band in history and I like both both Dave and Sammy versions.
Heard an old DLR interview from 1991 where he was really tired and grouchy and almost doesn't sound like DLR --- he didn't try to crack jokes or anything, he was just pissed
@@Frip36 just my opinion. The past interviews I’ve seen with him for me we’re entertaining but almost unwatchable. He never really answered questions asked and just spouted nonsense most of the time.
He hasn't changed much. He's a kind of genius still. Even if he goes off the rails every 30 seconds. People forget, or don't absorb, that his childhood stories aren't just sensational for conversational effect. But true and indicative of a truly troubled kid. He's touched and likely autistic.@@cnph7067
Long ago, at a club in LA circa 89-90, happened to be standing off in a dark corner dealing with a girl who had been overserved. DLR was standing against the wall next to me, enjoying the attention of a woman who kept rubbing up and down on him, dropping to her knees, and he’s laughing, saying “exhale, EXHALE!” Anyway, I turn to him and motioning towards the girl I’m with and say jokingly, “Dude, you’re an expert on this…how do you deal with a gal like this?” He gets a mock serious look on his face, looks at her, looks at me, and says, “Some loose music, a slap across the face, and a chili dog.” I hear that in my head every time I hear him interviewed, and realize, he’s always ON. That’s him. There’s no “off”, and if there is, it’s probably window time. And we’re all luckier because of that.
The best interview of anyone; much less DLR. Probably, the only time we have ever heard David without the walls being up. His anger over Eddie's death really comes through in the 30 second answer he gives. Makes me feel of the Van Halens and DLR Much love over this interview!
Interesting. He was angry with Eddie. Sounded like he felt abandoned. I just assumed it was due to his death. Makes it a little more tragic. Of course, Eddie might not have shared why he couldn't work, at the time. Thanks again for the great recording.@@thefonzkiss
No. He said "I wasted ten years of my life waiting for the guitar player". Meaning waiting on the lazy van Halen brothers. Eddie was an asshole. Idk y people love him like he was some angel. Dave's probably talking about 96 - 2006
I am not a fan of DLR or VH with him. I actually like his voice but never thought he was a good singer at all. This said, this interview is a jewel! So interesting to hear DLR being himself and not playing the role of DLR. Educated, funny, entertaining, articulate. Kudos to Mrs. Millman for managing to get so much out of DLR. Best interview of DLR I have ever heard.
Sounds like he finally grewup. No more random crazy blurbs & ramblings & over the top bragging etc. great interview. he sounds more grounded & normal here
Finally an interview where he opens up on a personal level. After KISS, Van Halen were the next pop metal group that really had my attention. From '79 to '82 they were the best. The keyboards on Jump to me kind of killed their vibe- but whatever. Dave is perhaps the smartest and most deeply cultured rocker of all time. He has all the street smarts of New York and all the Zen Adventurer of California too. He was born for adventure, born to explore and to never settle down. He reminds me of Henry Rollins in that he is a natural storyteller who probably prefers his own company over anyone else. I also admire his sense of family, and the values they imparted. Chalk up another great Jewish musical genius a la Cohen, Reed, Dylan and all the rest. Something about the tragedy of the holocaust driving the survivors to relate to others who were persecuted unfairly runs through him. His love of Black music and dance music explains why he was never a one dimensional rocker- but more of a renaissance guy- with no limits to his curiosity. This is the best interview of him I've ever heard.
![The Roth Show: Episode 13: Alcohol & Cigarettes - A Personal History Part I [David Lee Roth]](/img/n.gif)
00:00:00 - Intro to David Lee Roth interview
00:01:17 - Debbie Millman intro
00:02:19 - Start of David Lee Roth interview
00:02:47 - His Uncle Manny Roth
00:05:29 - His mother, Sibyl Roth, and her toughness on him
00:07:49 - Wearing leg braces as a kid
00:08:41 - His early jobs
00:09:34 - Where his youthful drive came from
00:11:14 - What the Roth family expected when they had get-togethers
00:12:29 - When he first realized he had a talent for singing
00:15:00 - Him being in plays as a child
00:16:11 - He tells where he really learned to sing from
00:18:59 - His parents threaten him with going to a foster home
00:19:16 - If “bad” Dave comes from his mother
00:21:08 - How he was taught to sing like the girls
00:22:43 - How many instruments he plays
00:23:25 - The first meeting with the Van Halen brothers
00:26:31 - Why he and the Van Halen brothers were crosstown rivals
00:28:26 - What inspired him to write music
00:30:57 - The near-death experience that chokes him up even today
00:34:38 - How much of his Playboy image is a story he was creating
00:37:15 - If he is confident he would make it in show business
00:37:33 - The idea of an album band
00:39:00 - An obscure Dutch radio reference
00:40:14 - Did they write Runnin’ with the Devil in 18 minutes
00:42:25 - Who are the best teachers and coaches
00:45:35 - When he has felt sorry for himself
00:46:45 - Why he hasn’t fallen into a lot of traps, other Rock and Rollers did
00:47:28 - Him stealing books
00:48:31 - What kept him from succumbing to drug abuse
00:49:55 - Where his ability to jump high comes from
00:53:46 - Why did he leave Van Halen in 1985
00:54:38 - Why didn’t he ever get married
00:56:44 - His ability to mimic others
00:58:54 - The teleplay he has been working on for three years
01:00:33 - Why his favorite audience is disbelieving nonbelievers
01:01:29 - Why he isn’t happy
01:02:14 - His window time
01:02:53 - How he’s always solving a catastrophe
01:05:12 - Why he decided to start Ink the Orginal
01:07:43 - Why take his life in this direction
01:09:41 - Tattoos today
01:12:11 - The process of making his product
01:13:53 - How the business is doing
01:14:22 - The difference between having a tattoo today and 30 years ago
01:17:37 - What advice would he give someone who has writer’s block
01:19:28 - Squeezing every single moment out of life
Fantastic work ❤thank you!!!
Thanks for posting this. I definitely will listen to all of it.
1:00:50. Ralph/Michael Starr from Steel Panther??
He is so full of himself, thats why he is alone! 😢
Where's the part where Dave says why he shaved his head and trashed his voice 🙄
Just listened to this iconic interview from start to finish for a second time. Still blown away by Mr. Roths deep humanity, intelligence, sense of humor, and joy of life! What an amazing and inspiring individual. He's lived the American dream and conquered the globe several times over!
The guy is a genius in my book,nothing but total respect from me.
This is the real Dave. Excellent interview. His absolute best
Even back then i loved this man HE WAS VAN HALEN to me. They might have owned the name but DAVID LEE ROTH TO ME WAS VAN HELEN. It was a sad moment when he left. Sammy Hager was not bad, but THE PARTY WAS OVER N BORING there was ceria void in Rock n Roll for me. I liked his solo albums but David Lee Roth with the boys. PARTY PARTY PARTY PARTY. I was only 10 in 1984 BUT I FELT IT DEEP. Of many rockers that used to talk shit about David are no longer here or have serious health problems. David HAS OUT DONE THEM ALL!!!! David IS STILL the rocking party, YES HE IS, he is positive and up beat. He obviously takes nothing or granted enjoys the moment to the hilt and his outlook in life is growth and repeat. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤PARTY ON DAVID PARTY ON.
In 1985 had a wallet full of money and i walked into the Seventh Veil strip club on Sunset Blvd and DLR and Frank Infante, Blondie's original lead guitarist were both sitting there drinking twelve dollar teaspoons of champagne...i was working at what was Cherokee Studios and i just started up a conversation with Frank about guitars and TEAC four track reel to reels. The three of us sustained ourselves with the oyster shell tinted ether based Peruvian stuff in Dave's pocket. Dave talked about Al Jolson and Philip Petite - amongst dozens of other people, theories, philosophies, low riders and the Zoot Suit Riots. Frank talked about Keith Moon, Clem Burke, Johnny Thunders, Stiv Bators... Darby Crash and Pat Smear walked into one bar on Sunset and La Brea and were immediately and literally picked up and hurled onto the sidewalk. Monday morning Dave jumped into a long black Limousine with Al Jorgensen and William Burroughs and raced up into the hills. Frank and i shook hands and he had a little 1920s bungalow on Franklin. I was squatting in an old house on Hawthorne, between Hollywood and Sunset Blvds. I'm fifty seven now. I own a small condo in a brand new high rise in downtown Seattle - high above all of the fentanyl and amphetamine zombies down on the street. I'm finally free of a thirty year addiction to heroin. I own lots of musical instruments; mostly guitars. Life is good. 🙏
Good to hear you made it to other side, brother! Long live you and Diamond Lee! 🙏
Congrats on your life! You deserve all of your flowers 💐💐💐. I engineered the GERMS & The DEAD KENNEDYS ALBUMS with CHRIS DEJARDINS! I actually owned part of the studio (Program Studios) but had to remain silent because of my RACE (African American). However, they had to PAY ME TO KEEP MY SECRET FOR DECADES. I am now writing a book about my career in the ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY.
So what ur black.was that a problem?if it was it was ther problem.lucky 4 u.haha
@chiefauralist Program Recording Studios... I went there once with Earl Slick when Bowie was recording Station To Station at Cherokee. ✌️
I just had a memory of being with Stephen Pearcy and dropping off a half gallon of Smirnoff Vodka on Coldwater Canyon Road outside the little trail/ road that led up to Eddie's 5150 home and studio's... Valerie wouldn't allow alcohol in the house - cocaine was a-okay with Val... But no cheap vodka for Eddie.
"I never assumed I was great, but I have always assumed I could make YOU feel great" ... A very telling comment on what makes DLR tick.
Nobody can make David Lee Roth laugh like David Lee Roth
He's def his best audience.
Be the star of your life!
Self supporting
Ah yes, the cliched comment copied and pasted by people upset because his references are over their heads.
You have to admit he's very entertaining in the art of conversation --- I'd laugh at my own jokes if I came up with the DLR stuff
Ive been a DLR/VH fan for 46 years! Forevermore! Thank God for David Lee Roth existing on this planet !!
There won't be enough time on this earth for Dave Roth. He's an explorer.Always has been.Always will be.
I finally understand him. I ever thought he would be a egomaniac. Know I just think his brain is ultra- and uncontrolled creative. Absolutely fascinating.
That interview brought this new understanding to me.
I so agree with you. If Dave ever had been in science or leadership he might have been scary to be so amazing and yet smart and inclusive at everything. I am sad to hear he finds his life has been unhappy......but somewhere he had the idea that angst is a trendy thing to be, instead of happy and joy filled each moment no matter what......I like the little old man post where he is walking down his driveway .....it makes me feel he might be a happy old man.
I agree, just recently began to see his worldview.... interesting dude, rock legend... always be Diamond Dave.
Well said
Whatever psychological issue Dave had/has, it sure made him the Best front man ever and a great singer. His voice is not as high as it used to be, but like many of my favorite female Jazz singers, it has aged like a good wine and taken on more depth, which I love. I almost cried, literally, when he reunited with the Van Halen brothers. He always made me feel like everything will be ok. If you see this David Lee Roth, I believe early Van Halen saved me from suicide when my dad left our family. I like many bands, but Van Halen with Roth always made me feel better, and that is golden. Thank you!!
This interview needs to be in the radio museum.
What a bore people to death?
Gotta love Dave. Never has changed who he is and sounds exactly same as he did in 1978.
So well read and an incredibly articulate man. Say what ya want about Roth v Hagar or who is better or whatever...David Lee Roth played a MASSIVE part in getting Van Halen to where they got to. This guys lyrics and swagger were crucial in amassing radio play and fans. Props also to interviewer
Dave was exactly what they needed unfortunately he didn't mature when van Halen needed him to. His voice got worse and he couldn't give van Halen their "right now" when Sammy could.
@@user-qr7ee2cp4y yeah but Sammy turned them into "Journey Part 2" --- a lot of lame songs about being confused by love --- they stopped being a fun party band
Sammy still has a voice, Dave not only shaved his head but his voice back in the 90s
@@m42037 Agree. But VH through Diver Down was special. Sammy could never get to that level. Few, if any could, that's what made VH. I was never a big fan at the time (didn't want be a follower), but as you get older you see nothing coming close.
Hell, I saw Dave do an interview on the Charlie Rose (yes, the former PBS guy) show at 2 in the morning, early eighties and realized this effer is more then the surficial flash.
@@Oran-35 His age had nothing to do with his voice and shaving his head, I agree VH with Dave 78-84 was great and I still jam my drums to old VH, I was just making a point, why anyone still likes him is beyond me he looks rediculous and can't sing
And big props to Debbie Millman for conducting the absolute best interview of DLR ever done!!!
Beautiful, Honest, Artful, Esoteric, Philosophical, Entertaining, Funny, Knowledgeable...Diamond Dave.
You forgot, likes the sound of his own voice. He like a few famous people thinks what he has to say ia actually important.
Inspiring! Witty! Deep thinker, adventurous, ❤
In Ted Templeman's book, he said he was amazed at Dave's ability to speak endlessly, stream of consciousness and switch subjects on a dime, and how educated and well-read he was.
Noel Monk says he has a genius level IQ.
He sounds like Jeff Spicoli from Fast Times. Just as smart too.
Noel Monk's book was very eye-opening --- he praised Dave's ability to command the stage, but also said he had a mean streak in him beyond the public persona
So smart but can't figure out how he trashed his voice decade's ago in the mid 90s and only got worse since? And shaved his head bald 😒
And you're so smart but can't figure out that all singer's voices decline and that men go bald. @@m42037
Wow! You’ve got something here that very few interviewers get. That’s DLR being more himself than the persona. I love hearing the real details of his life and development. He’s definitely a one off
Sort of. Maybe. There are several occasions where the interviewer doesn't get a straight answer. When she asks DLR what kept him from succumbing to drug abuse, he never gave her an actual answer. He started out being the man behind the personae. Some way into this, he slips in and out of the "Dave" character. He's been doing it to long to be able to step out of it completely. Conditioning dictates that when he's in the public eye at all, the "Dave" character will be present to some degree.
@@augustusbetucius2931 he was just warming up backstage
Dave really is sharp and knows the importance of details that make for a very intense story that is believable because it is the details that fill the empty shell with the life that makes everything real,alive and gives it motion. Guy is truly amazing 👍👍
He's being genuinely honest about his voice. He's not a bad singer, but he's gravelly, and has a limited range, excluding his falsetto squeals. But he's one of the single greatest frontmen and showmen ever seen. I enjoy his voice, but I know many who have expressed dislike for his voice, all the way back to the 80s, at the peak of VH. But he puts himself into it 100 percent, it's pure passion, and that means more than all the skill, training, range and smoothness in the world. DLR and Geddy Lee, both got a lot of grief for their voice when I was in high school. Whatever. I love DLR. More than I loved him in VH. I loved his book, I've listened to every interview I could. He's pure entertainment, and this interview is in the top three of the best I've heard.
I don't like this idea that only the winner of American Idol can be a lead singer --- DLR brought a lot to the table besides his signature growly voice and banshee screams
Such a well rounded guy. His stories are so cool and interesting.
I fuckin love Diamond Dave. That's the real deal right there kids. They ain't no VH without the Diamond One. Period. That was the most enjoyable interviews I've ever heard. I'm 60 and yes, I've heard a lot of shit over the years
The interviewer Debbie Millman is really a great listener and gently tries to get Roth on track to answer questions - many of which he avoids. She did a great job.
Well said
Dave always respected ladies who could spar with him in conversation --- you can tell he is smitten with Debbie
It had to have been a difficult interview. DLR's self-absorption and narcissism are so in-your-face and endless; it must be maddening to try to hold a conversation with him.
@@humanbeing2420this sounds very much like jealousy
God Bless Dr. Roth and Mrs. Roth
I had the pleasure of seeing David and Van Halen in a small auditorium opening up for Journey in 1978… the stage was on fire 🔥 when they got through!
I saw them open for Sabbath in 1978 and after about two songs from the Sabs the entire crowd started chanting "Give us Van Halen!" LOL
@@kerzytibok3211sabbath is way better then VH, VH went pop and top 10 radio. First 4 VH albums were fire
Kudos to Debbie Millman. One of the best DLR interviews I've ever heard because she fought through most of his time-tested deflections. / The man inspires me as much talking as he does singing.
she's great with questions & handling interviews
I honestly thought Dave's interview on Rogans podcast was the best full length interview, this one is the best now!!
I like Dave. Immense talent. Saved the rest of the band from what probably would have been much more awful music....... But, for me, his interviews have always been awful and self indulgent. He turns me off more now than ever. Boring as hell, word salad..
@@odurandina You seem to be missing a lot of Dave's experience, intellect, and wisdom. True, you have to sort through the trees sometimes. This interview forced Dave to do some sorting for us.
words too big for you @@odurandina
Dave should be employed travelling around the country giving motivational and strategical talks to schoolkids,he`s so erudite and eloquent and inspiring I`m sure he could do a lot of good for them.
I totally agree with you. My little sons, just coming through a bad divorce, had old Unca Dave, a Godfather who urged them to stay in Scouts, school, religious training, and find their own path......he asked them to go to his Temple and go to Bar Mitzvah, not instead of their background but with......they both agree they remember him saying the WHY was because he learned, went to Scouts, and did the into adulthood waters ceremonies and look at him! At that time he had purchased the big mansion he needed for IRS reasons .......little kids just know their Godfather lives in a house with a dog house the size of their home. The original owners had kept Mastiffs to guard the property. I know watching him with the neighborhood kids that he was like his Pops, always calm, and a FORCE to deal with, and they came out loving and respecting him!
As Dave points out, he brought a soul-R&B-rumba like element you can hear in songs like "Dance the Night Away". No one had ever done that before w hard rock-metal. Like he says in this interview, it's what brought the chicks on board because it had a pop appeal to it. As magnificent as Eddie was, they NEVER would have had that initial insane success w/out Dave.
imagine him just hijacking every conversation ever. eccentric with a side of narcissism. what a gem and amazing nutty talent
Quite boorish
With a side of….its full blown narcissism😉but still entertaining and I d like to think deep doen he s quite a sweet man. But maybe thats wishful thinking😀
DLR never gets old, he is my age and inspiration to move forward in life
Van halen are all a year or two younger than myself. These were my people and were among the best of all boomer bands. When gen X took over in the 90s they destroyed all that came before with zeal. Eff em
@@markr.devereux3385The No-Fun-Allowed 90s ruined music forever more than any other decade.
@@doodlebob3758 but they left us so generously with lousy rap hip hop autotune alternative nerd rock.
Love him or hate him he is still apart of music history !
a part** apart is a completely different thing.
@@ML-jk3sz Yes, but you should learn to listen to (what) someone says ahead of the (way) they say it because that is what is important. Oh wow, I didn't use commas.
@@rodneylee4026 Are you saying 'apart' was used correctly in OPs post?
I think David Lee Roth is a super genius. That's why, as they say, he was so active as a child it was his brain neurons & synapses zipping & crackling with activity. I chuckled when he said, "I read because I couldn't flip over." = sounds like a book title! Or maybe better - a chapter title! Thanks for posting this! Really fun to listen to David Lee Roth in this interview!
Fascinating interview, I've always loved him. He's a true entertainer, I had no idea he had so much depth and diversity.
A very, very intelligent, enigmatic, well-versed man. Very entertaining...
He's always loved him too.
I really miss Rock and Roll. Thank god for the records.
One of the most interesting, talented people around.
A little crazy, but in a good way.
We need people like that.
David Lee Roth has never ceased to amaze, a World Class Showmen and this is one hell of an interview. David Lee Roth at his most honest and authentic self. We're incredibly fortunate to have witnessed this moment in time with the legend himself.11/15/2023
Whenever I listen to DLR I am educated, entertained and inspired
Van Halen 1 changed my life, and certainly my guitar playing. I also loved DLR's vocals and persona. This is an incredibly insightful and listenable interview with a special, one-of-a-kind character. Thank you for this, and thank you Dave for the decades of work.
The most down to earth and serious interview of DLR I have heard in the 43 years I've been listening to and watching his interviews. Very insightful and I really enjoyed it. Because she was serious and set the tone, it was very real and conversational. Too many people try to be cool and funny and talk to his image; however she talked to the actual person. Nicely done.
I doubt any one woman could be enough for dave. He has a ferocious appetite for experiencing life at its finest ❤
Still I think many of us would love that challenge😂
Truly a very brilliant and insightful man who hides behind his musical persona.
You couldn’t ask for a more real interview. DLR has had quite a life. Love hearing the stories and his expressiveness. Great job here!
Double D forever! I now understand why I loved VH so much. I have multiple ethnicities and can appreciate everything Dave says! Thank you sir for Decades of entertainment. I’m adding this decade because his interviews are so entertaining
David Lee Roth was a terrific singer, and really inspired the whole band to the dizzying heights of rock and roll infamy, and the music Van Halen produced after that, was never as great, I believe.
DLR made the band! Hagar albeit a good singer, but not DLR!
Dave brought all the pizzazz and razzle-dazzle to Van Halen and made them "Mighty" --- there was just an electric buzz in the air when VH came to your town to rock your ass off
I really don't understand why some do not like or appreciate good old' Dave@@kerzytibok3211
The fun in Van Halen ended when Shammy joined the band...
Fascinating interview. Incredibly interesting guy when he's not doing some of his usual schtick.
He may be one of the best read rock stars.
@@TheTapesArchive Undoubtedly.
Great work, Debbie, at making this one of the most coherent DLR interviews I've ever heard. Now that Ed's passed, and Dave is officially retired, I wonder if anyone could get him to give an honest assessment of hearing Eddie play in those early years. I know Dave is Dave, but it must have crossed his extremely sharp mind that he had stumbled into a band with a guitarist who would define a generation. At the same time, VH would never had been the same without Dave. I'd just love to hear, one time, Dave say something like, "That guitarist fucking knocked me out!" And I'm speaking as a fan of Dave.
His take on EVH could be interesting. IMO Roth was very crucial to their early success, it wasn't only all about Eddie. If you saw the first few tours, you know what im saying. Just as there was no guitarist like EVH, there was no frontman like DLR, so did Dave view Ed as above him? I don't think so. I think Dave thought he was as good and unique as Edward. Hence the tension between them.
Roth has praised EVHs greatness for decades! The man said Ed was a mentor to him all the way back in 1983-84. Since Ed's passing Roth has expressed his heartfelt love and gratitude for Ed numerous times!
Thank you God for David Lee Roth.... I had such limited interest in music.... but, this is one I fell MADLY in love with. A life of good clean fun will always be THE BEST LIFE.
So he's great at not answering questions, A natural politician.
Nuts to think he'd be considered a young politician in the US.
She called him out on that once. He then came back around and sorta did answer the question ....in a very lengthy way.😅
Dave is Unique and Purely Honest.. Not many can handle his Flamboyant intelligence 💜Rock on Diamond Dave my Favourite Person
The most incredible interview of the most fascinating dude
Great interview and great questions of a man who has lived life to the fullest... He's always candid and is a very smart guy. He was the ultimate frontman of the late '70s to mid 80s..
He's still the ultimate front man.
Axl Rose is the ultimate frontman
@@mikebrubaker7232lol
I only put Diamond Lee and Freddie Mercury as the GOAT of Frontmen --- people like Jagger, Plant, Bon Jovi as 2nd Tier
Axel rose was a good front but suckef at keeping a show together. He was and is a jerkoff.roth was the best front man ever.from the start of the show to the end of a show, Roth put a show on every every second till the end and that's a fact. I'm not even a Roth fan but know just how good he was with the mighty Van Halen
David Lee Roth reciting Mark Twain is Awesome...
I really didn't care much for David Lee Roth. Always thought he was bit to cocky. However after listening to this recorded tape Podcast. I think he is one of the only humans beings on planet earth that could talk, not stop for all eternity. And if what he said was being wrote down word for word and put into a book. Because of the power he has over the English vocabulary and his ability to tell a story or present information etc. He would have volumes of books 📚 that would require no editing. After watching this Podcast I greatly admire him now.
Roth's mental acuity is amazing.
He's a fascinating person, and he's a lot wiser than his public image would suggest. It's too bad Eddie Van Halen couldn't get along with him. RIP Eddie. Steve Vai is still around, if David Lee ever wants to get a killer rock and roll band together again. Gld bless you, David Lee Roth!
I feel sad that people think Ed and Dave were such enemies, I think like all men, especially those that work closer than family for years, go through a period of sibling rivalry.....and in the public eye it gets enlarged......To me, both were great artists and both had the great egos that go with that....but in a good way, not until Dave and Ed both got addicted badly enough to feud I think it was a lot less than two teen and college age guys ranting at each other. When Ed passed, I think Dave was truly hurt that he had not done more to reconcile whatever had come between them. I think, like most adults, they just came to a fork in the road, and it was time for each to flow in their own path. Most adults do not know how to do that in love and respect, and media surely makes a big buck on gossip about the why!
First interview that he seems sober. He really opened up and stayed grounded in this one. Well for DLR saying grounded is the ability to remember the question somewhat staying within the conversation. He dodged questions seemingly to have been trying to give a show rather than an interview, but he was cooperating better here than what I have seen before. The one thing that still bothers me a bit about DLR is how he loves to laugh at his own jokes, when they fall flat and meet with no response. Other than that I like DLR for being the nut he is. Ego still intact.
Glad to see he's sober as well, but I still not sure what he's talking about half the time ;) The only concert I ever walked out of was on the "Fair Warning" tour in fall of '81 in Dallas. After about an hour, they had only played about 4 or 5 songs because Dave was really drunk and just kept yapping between songs - the typical stuff, "Who's ready to party?" and "We gonna rock and roll tonight!". I was a HUGE fan of the band since their debut, but this concert was such a huge disappointment and it was clear that the rest of the band was getting fed up with DLR's ego. I have genuine respect for DLR's talent, especially after reading Ted Templeman's autobiography, and it's a real shame the synergy of DLR, Michael Anthony and Alex/Ed couldn't have lasted a little longer - none of them could capture separately what they had collectively...
DLR, what an eccentric, fascinating guy.
Really liked the woman doing the interview. Roth has an electric mind. My goodness.
Debbie is awesome! She's a pretty big deal in the podcast world.
Wow. DLR astounds me with his intellect and even more so with his heart and soul.
Dave is one of the people id really like ro meet, and hang out with. He was an 80s giant. Van Halen was such a part of my life
Well that would be OK if you don't expect to a conversation with him. But he will talk at you.
He is a philosopher, make no mistake. Most fascinating interview I have ever heard of a musician. Actually, not just a musician, but a student of LIFE. So fun! Thank you.
This is fantastic !! I always knew David was a Madman. Now it’s confirmed !!! Ha! Ha! To me, he’ll always be the greatest front man in rock music to ever live. Him and Freddie Mercury running neck and neck. As it just doesn’t get any better than that.
I’m going to share this with everyone I know, as he illustrates what consequently, made him what he is, a Quasar. Every great musician lives to find that perfect front man. It gives them something to play to. If the features thing isn’t great, there’s nothing to accompany. It doesn’t matter how great a musician is, because without a great frontman, there is nothing, in a vocal band. Now if it’s an instrumental band, then that doesn’t apply. But without David Lee Roth, Van Halen would have never been heard of. As great as they were, they would have remained in obscurity.
Great Interview !!!!
Faubus
He's had an exciting life
That was a wonderful interview! David is truly a great thinker n creative person. He is really a deep and intelligent guy. Excellent questions n humble n lovable answers! ❤😂😮😊
Dave’s brain just fires differently than most folks. He’s an enigma.
A sheer stroke of luck and a ton of diligence gave us the greatest Rock band in the world, because it is Davids ability to comment and his smartness to understand how to comment Eds music flow of consciousness in a creative and entertaining way, that gave Ed the room and the stage to let Ed's musical genius shine - and still package it into AM radio hits.
There might have been the clash of egos, yet Dave was the one in a lifetime singer who, instead of pushing Ed aside to have himself vocally shine, commented musically what rock's Mozart did, created real-time stories out of it - and transformed his flashes of thought into songs to sing along with. Magic.
And after hearing this interview I understand now how essential for the work of Van Halen's rock 'n' roll art Dave's kaleidoscope of talents & constant flow of inspirations was.
Similar to a sports commentator, Dave translated intellectually and emotionally - and in very artful way - what Ed created - and put it on the big screen.
Rocks greatest entertainer - no doubt.
I am so happy that I heard this. It too awhile longer than most. When Debbie Millman ,who was freaking awesome as interviewer, named a few songs and the movie "Free Solo"... I actually paused the interview and returned immediately after hearing a few of VH songs and "Free Solo".......... Debbie Millman is awesome and calming. David Lee Roth is so intellectual I was quite surprised. A great treat listening to this .
What a great interview!! Thanks for sharing it, Alan!!! \m/
Hey brother! Happy to share it with everyone. So unlike many of his other interviews.
I love listening to Dave riff. He reminds me of my uncle.
I have a new found respect and understanding of David Lee Roth after hearing this interview!!
I was 17 for the 1984 panama tour they were always my favorite rock band I'm so glad to see he is not so much into the alcohol anymore and still around love you Dave 💋❣️
Great content tapes archive !! 💎 Diamond Dave is truly an inspiration. To have the success he’s had and still be reaching and grasping for more in life . Makes you want to be the absolute best version of yourself , time is so precious
GOOD TO LISTEN TO SOMEONE WHO ACTUALLY EXPRESSES HIMSELF ......USING A LOT OF BIG WORDS THAT YOU NEVER HEAR MOST SPEAK....NOT TRYING TO MAKE YOU FEEL STUPID ....BUT HIS WAY OF THINKING OPENING WAYS FOR YOUR THINKING
I've loved Dave since the 80s, low-key wanted to be him in my early 20s, and I've grown to appreciate his depth and layers in recent years. But the shtick becomes exhausting to listen to after a while. Seemed like it started ramping up in the 2nd half of the interview. It feels to me like he's drawing from a well of long-pondered musings and insights crafted into an improvisational performance in-character. Which is fantastic and the basis of all great interviews, until you get to the "In-character," because then it's like you're being petitioned for your reaction to every line or story. I think that In-character is where he's most comfortable, followed by the reward of feeling you gave a great performance. Dave, we love you and we'd love even more to meet "the real you," the off-stage Dave.
I loved the Michael Starr of Steel Panther/Atomic Punk shout out. For those that dont know, Michaels real name is Ralph Saenz.
Mike Starr came to mind. That was before he mentioned the name "Ralf". 😅 I seriously do know a Mike Star though .He's the opposite of anything Steel Panther though. 😂
@@davidarwood6264 your probably thinking of Alice in Chains Mike Starr. Definitely not the same as Panther, but a badass bassist nonetheless!! R.I.P Mike Starr!!
Great job on this interview. It can take a lot to reel Roth in and stop him from overwhelming everything with his love-of-own-voice. This is a great mix of letting him run wild and bringing him back in.
I must be loosing my mind… I actually understood every message DLR wanted to convey… 🤔 great interview
Dave is one of the greatest on earth. He made my day... no wait my life.
Wow, barely 20 minutes in and already impressed. “Up the chimneys” stopped me cold. It also looks like Debbie Millman has quite an interesting mix of interviews on her site to check out. Mahalo!!
Same, I was not expecting that in a DLR interview.
That was a "stopped cold in my tracks" kind of story!
That was my Friday night out of left field with a chopper, sitting on the couch, listening and reading every word...as the tape spool unwound the meaning of creative universe. Damn Good Times! Amen.
Big surprise on his depth and humor. Also how well read he is along with his knowledge of cultures and accents. The interviewer is quick, and a pro.
DLR is a brilliant enigma. I'm glad he's still sharp, and with us.
He's a literal survivor.
My mom is 97 and survived Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen. When Dave was talking about his instructor holocaust survivor, it really hit home! Thank you David Lee Roth for your great respect and gift of the spoken word! You are a uniquely fantastic human!
What a dude… Literally one of a friggin’ kind.
This guy turns every question into something about himself. Had to skip forward so many times to get through it. DR is a piece of work!
“The whole world revolves around me “ says it all!
Wow, this might be my new favourite Roth interview! That part about New Guinea, Wow just WOW!! Thank for sharing!
Glad you liked it! What DLR interview was your #1 interview?
I’ve always had this idea in my head that David was driven to living his philosophy through the active engagement with existence at every possible opportunity and that this thing he’s had going on wasn’t for show or to impress anyone. Although his gift for gab and extremely fluid conversations would lead one to think otherwise… he seems to at his core have a strong belief that knowledge and truth comes from actively engaging through physical interaction, and verbal communication is in adequate for conveying any real insights but can be played with wit, metaphorical inference, and they art of story telling all mixed up and delivered in a dancing playfulness to engage a listener to get an impression of his takes.
I mean somethings he will convey with surprising clarity like his take on what the Van Halen’s came up out of, especially now that he’s older, which is a real treat to those of us who have been suspecting that that impenetrable song and dance that he’s always done is born out of a really thoughtful man who had a strong principled idea of what his role as an artist is.
He’s always seemed to have a solid belief that the entertainers role is one of serving his audience. I don’t ever really remember him ever putting his issues onto his fans. In fact he’s always had this work ethic and view of entertainers that seems in line with the old school belief that it’s morally wrong to give the audience less than what they paid for and by less I mean he believes it’s his role and entertainers roles in general to lift you up out of the misery and pettiness that we pay them to help us escape from whether it’s that movie in the middle of the afternoon that gives you an oasis from the shit show of responsibilities of the grind or whether it’s the interview in the paper talking about the upcoming concert at the coliseum he takes those moments to entertain whomever he is lucky enough to catch their ear.
I mean he said it here again. His problems are the problems of a millionaire rockstar and he’s not gonna insult your attention by forgetting that you deserve better than to hear him bitch and whine about his issues. He’s there to make you laugh, and in these later interviews impart a bit more of his approach to living because it may serve you. But he’ll really only imply these things to give you a sense of what the idea is rather than to diminish it by literalism and the over simplification that come with trying to impart ideas solely through words.
I don’t know. My ex wife met him at a party once and said he was the most juvenile person she ever met. She’s very judgemental like that though but I just can’t help but think he’s got more layers and stories he could tell. I hope he continues to do his song and dance. I’d love to hear about how he sees himself in the lineage of great entertainers. I mean for Christ’s sake… say what you want about him but without Dave 80s rock would have been shy of character. He brought Louis Prima to us metal kids and he was responsible for the cover of Big Bad Bill with Jan Van Halen playing with his sons. He shepherded the documentation of some serious history with that one song. Tying vaudevillian tradition to the craft of his as singer and entertainer while also tying the improvisation and that fucking swing those Van Halen boys nailed im their most screaming hardest rocking tunes (as impressive to hear as their individual virtuosity on their respective instruments) with the swing jazz that they picked up performing with their Dad.
I don’t know… it’s late … I’m rambling… Dave is just fucking awesome.
You’re awesome. Great comment.
David Lee Roth changed rock n roll history for the better!
Great interview..kind of a down to earth guy really. Sounds like he would be a great friend..humble
WHAT A GUY I HAD A DREAM LAST NIGHT I SPENT A DAY WITH HIM THEN WOKE UP FOUND THIS INTERVIEW NOW I KNOW WHY GOD BLESS DAVID AND THANKS DEBBIE
So many facets of DLR - so much more than his Rock and Roll persona. He's so aware of all of the things that influenced him and has such a deep understanding of himself, like few actually do.
I love how he also has reverence for all of his tribe and how they influenced him. Also, how he sees the human being in them and holds them up, like they deserve, for all of their efforts.
He's a work of art and a true gift to us all. One of a kind.
This was a fantastic interview. Job well done. It didn't sound like a job. It was a getting to know you and I personally feel like I know Dave a little better for having listened to it. 💗
This is DLR...lots of energy and pizzazz So Cal style...he is a perfect frontman. Put it this way if Robert Plant is the quintessential Brit singer in all his Englishness then DLR is a perfect So Cal frontman...full on Diamond Dave love em!
I know it's only Roth & Roll but I like it!
I never thought id like this ....... I really loved it ❤
The brother never dissapoints with his ability to sling a flurry of linguistic artistry. He just talks like a painter. Meaning he just creates images with all his words and non stop dialogue
Yes- The Blank Canvas! Ya ki da have to just Jump! DO Some Thing. Anything.
Thank you for this having heard numerous interviews with him over the years this is the most he’s actually turned the persona down. I don’t think he is capable or comfortable turning it off completely. A “Showman” always has to be on, which is what drives everyone around them nuts. Very few of the greats ever admit they’ve lost steps and yes his voice isn’t there anymore but he , Eddie, Alex and Micheal made fantastic music together.
IMO greatest US rock band in history and I like both both Dave and Sammy versions.
Heard an old DLR interview from 1991 where he was really tired and grouchy and almost doesn't sound like DLR --- he didn't try to crack jokes or anything, he was just pissed
"Thank you for this having heard numerous interviews with him over the years this is the most he’s actually turned the persona down." Did he.
@@Frip36 just my opinion. The past interviews I’ve seen with him for me we’re entertaining but almost unwatchable. He never really answered questions asked and just spouted nonsense most of the time.
He hasn't changed much. He's a kind of genius still. Even if he goes off the rails every 30 seconds. People forget, or don't absorb, that his childhood stories aren't just sensational for conversational effect. But true and indicative of a truly troubled kid. He's touched and likely autistic.@@cnph7067
Long ago, at a club in LA circa 89-90, happened to be standing off in a dark corner dealing with a girl who had been overserved. DLR was standing against the wall next to me, enjoying the attention of a woman who kept rubbing up and down on him, dropping to her knees, and he’s laughing, saying “exhale, EXHALE!”
Anyway, I turn to him and motioning towards the girl I’m with and say jokingly, “Dude, you’re an expert on this…how do you deal with a gal like this?”
He gets a mock serious look on his face, looks at her, looks at me, and says, “Some loose music, a slap across the face, and a chili dog.”
I hear that in my head every time I hear him interviewed, and realize, he’s always ON. That’s him. There’s no “off”, and if there is, it’s probably window time. And we’re all luckier because of that.
amazing
The wit and wisdom of DLR remains unmatched in the Rockstar world!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you for this anecdote.
Single funniest thang that I've ever heard him say!
WOW! David Lee Roth didn't sound like a jerk during this interview.
The best interview of anyone; much less DLR. Probably, the only time we have ever heard David without the walls being up. His anger over Eddie's death really comes through in the 30 second answer he gives. Makes me feel of the Van Halens and DLR Much love over this interview!
I somehow missed that. Where was it in the interview?
This was recorded the year before Ed died.
Interesting. He was angry with Eddie. Sounded like he felt abandoned. I just assumed it was due to his death. Makes it a little more tragic. Of course, Eddie might not have shared why he couldn't work, at the time. Thanks again for the great recording.@@thefonzkiss
No. He said "I wasted ten years of my life waiting for the guitar player". Meaning waiting on the lazy van Halen brothers. Eddie was an asshole. Idk y people love him like he was some angel. Dave's probably talking about 96 - 2006
I love this interview she’s a great interviewer and Roth at his honest best love it ❤thank you 🙏
I am not a fan of DLR or VH with him. I actually like his voice but never thought he was a good singer at all. This said, this interview is a jewel! So interesting to hear DLR being himself and not playing the role of DLR. Educated, funny, entertaining, articulate. Kudos to Mrs. Millman for managing to get so much out of DLR. Best interview of DLR I have ever heard.
Sounds like he finally grewup. No more random crazy blurbs & ramblings & over the top bragging etc. great interview. he sounds more grounded & normal here
Finally an interview where he opens up on a personal level. After KISS, Van Halen were the next pop metal group that really had my attention. From '79 to '82 they were the best. The keyboards on Jump to me kind of killed their vibe- but whatever. Dave is perhaps the smartest and most deeply cultured rocker of all time. He has all the street smarts of New York and all the Zen Adventurer of California too. He was born for adventure, born to explore and to never settle down. He reminds me of Henry Rollins in that he is a natural storyteller who probably prefers his own company over anyone else. I also admire his sense of family, and the values they imparted. Chalk up another great Jewish musical genius a la Cohen, Reed, Dylan and all the rest. Something about the tragedy of the holocaust driving the survivors to relate to others who were persecuted unfairly runs through him. His love of Black music and dance music explains why he was never a one dimensional rocker- but more of a renaissance guy- with no limits to his curiosity. This is the best interview of him I've ever heard.