Dave: "I'm Retiring"

[Va Beach VH Fan]

Hey Everyone, hope you're all doing well.

Sad news from Dave - He's retiring. Lengthy audio message in here from him.

[moose]

Sad News!

[Seshmeister]

My initial thought is this and it won't be popular with some of you.

At the very start of Dave's career Gene Simmons came along got involved and failed him producing a crap demo, failed to get them a deal, tried to get him replaced as singer and tried to steal Ed away from the band.

At the end of his career Simmons says Dave is "bloated, naked Elvis on the bathroom floor".

I think it goes like this in the Roth mind although who knows?

"FUCK YOU!"

"ACTUALLY HOW FUCKING DARE YOU". "YOU MIME EVERY NIGHT! YOU FAKE FUCK! I AGREE TO SUPPORT WHICH MEANS NO SHOW, HALF EMPTY ARENAS 10 TIMES MORE DIFFICULT AND I'M DOING FINE EVEN WITHOUT A SHOW, MAKEUP, ORIGINAL MEMBERS"

"Wait did you just call me bloated you fat fuck?"

"You are fucking terrible"

"I'm not as good as I was, I can't reach some notes and I can't jump off the drum riser and I'm going back to paying for a backing band"

"Actually you know what? Fuck it. The more I think about it why bother? I don't want to be anything that even reminds me of being Gene Simmons. Or Sammy Hagar. I'm out"

[DFVH5150]

Fuck.

[DFVH5150]

Guess I'm flying to Vegas.

[FORD]

Guess I'm a little shocked, but probably shouldn't be. It's not like Dave's made a lot of new music in recent years, with or without Van Halen, and who wouldn't get tired of doing the same old set lists year after year.

Don't want to read too much into the semi-cryptic nature of his comments, but there sure seems to be an implication there that health issues are involved, and if so, that sucks.

Also just as cryptic were the "me & Al references". Wonder if Al's going to show up for these final shows?

[Nickdfresh]

Oh fuck, he'll be back in some form or another...

[Vony]

He's ill.

[ELVIS]

My initial thought is this and it won't be popular with some of you.

At the very start of Dave's career Gene Simmons came along got involved and failed him producing a crap demo, failed to get them a deal, tried to get him replaced as singer and tried to steal Ed away from the band.

At the end of his career Simmons says Dave is "bloated, naked Elvis on the bathroom floor".

I think it goes like this in the Roth mind although who knows?

"FUCK YOU!"

"ACTUALLY HOW FUCKING DARE YOU". "YOU MIME EVERY NIGHT! YOU FAKE FUCK! I AGREE TO SUPPORT WHICH MEANS NO SHOW, HALF EMPTY ARENAS 10 TIMES MORE DIFFICULT AND I'M DOING FINE EVEN WITHOUT A SHOW, MAKEUP, ORIGINAL MEMBERS"

"Wait did you just call me bloated you fat fuck?"

"You are fucking terrible"

"I'm not as good as I was, I can't reach some notes and I can't jump off the drum riser and I'm going back to paying for a backing band"

"Actually you know what? Fuck it. The more I think about it why bother? I don't want to be anything that even reminds me of being Gene Simmons. Or Sammy Hagar. I'm out"

:drunk:

[ZahZoo]

No surprise here… the passing of Edward closed a significant path forward and a life long motivational influence… if it isn’t a health issue then it’s a loss of motivation from a known strike of lightning in you Cheerios. .. I can only hope retirement only means no more live performances but maybe the future will include musical contributions!

[ELVIS]

I just want to give a true thanks to Dave and Edward and to Van Halen as a whole. I've been to the bottom of life and the Lord Jesus Christ saved me and I'm not adding to that in any way, but Van Halen has always been dear to my heart and there's never been a greater musical influence in my life. They picked me up when I was down and I want to say thanks to all involved.

RIP Edward and thanks Dave !!

[DFVH5150]

I love ya, Diamond Dave. You bring happiness, laughter, year-long sunshine, and yes, after listening to you I do feel like a building could fall on me and I'd be just fine.

And your greatest hits was so appropriately titled, because you are. Coolest voice and stage presence in rock 'n' roll.

Damn GREAT times, and look at the people here toniiiiight...

[ELVIS]

Click!

[Nitro Express]

He's ill.

He was on some interview. I think it was Joe Rogan and he said he had a lot of back surgeries. He’s a smoker. Not as heavy as Ed was but that catches up to you in your 60’s. It was sad to see Ed go but he played great and looked happy his last tour. It was great to see Dave fronting VH.

[Nitro Express]

Well Dave may be hanging it up on the stage but he’s going to do his thing and pop in on Rogan and other places and tell us what mischief Dave has been into.

[Romeo Delight]

Don't know how I feel about this yet. That was a nice statement though

[twonabomber]

And my doctors, my handlers, compelled me to really address that every time I go on stage, I endanger that future

That doesn't sound like they're worried about him falling and breaking an ankle or hip.

Thanks, Dave.

[twonabomber]

And I hate to bring it up, but how long before someone else makes light of this announcement?

[ZahZoo]

And I hate to bring it up, but how long before someone else makes light of this announcement?

You had to go there... LOL

It's inevitable. Stay tuned... Stay Frosty...

[ZahZoo]

Prophetic..? Check the last minute starting at the 3:54 mark... the date and Gene Simmons' fat Elvis remarks recently...

[riggodrill44]

IMG_0284.jpgThe GOAT.

[ELVIS]

Best part of the video, but I'm not fat...

[private parts]

I thought this place would be flooded with comments today. I guess word hasn't reached everyone yet.
End of an era for sho. Hopefully nothing serious health wise other than a bad back. We ain't heard the last of DLR.

[Mushroom]

This sets the stage for his Comeback Tour and the ensuing Retirement Tour! Regardless, he will be around creating art in some form or fashion. Enjoy it. He's not dead yet!

[ashstralia]

The dude has nothing to prove to nobody.
Well played, Diamond Dave!

[Jérôme Frenchise]

It feels strange, hyperactive Dave, retiring, after Ed's trespassing...
It had been tough vocally since the 2012-13 Tour, maybe because he'd put so much into singing on ADKOT.

It's all happening... And year after year, Dave would have had more and more trouble performing, always farther away from his glorious self.

Let's just hope he isn't done with recording music, he is so resourceful.

[Terry]

Overall, I think it's a positive thing.

Just going from the statement, one thing that certainly rings true is Roth saying when he's in the audience watching a performance, as an audience member all he expects from whoever is performing - regardless of what they're doing - is that they give it their all...100%.

From some of what he said, there is a tacit admission that he's not in a physical condition to give it his all anymore. He's nearly 70.

There's no shame in Roth just flat-out coming out and saying what he said. As others on the thread have mentioned, Roth has nothing left to prove. For me, his status was established decades ago...it's not something he needs to keep reestablishing by continuing to perform. Not for me. And if Dave has come to the realization that it's time to retire, then clearly it IS time to retire. Particularly if he can't perform at the level or up to the standards that he expects of himself.

As a live performer, for me Roth has been slowly waning over the last twenty years. Out of no reason other than just age and natural decline and the high standards and high energy Roth had set in his peak in the 1980s. As the years wound on, it was only natural that degree of showmanship was going to be more and more difficult to attain. With the ADKOT gig I saw, Roth was struggling. Viewing subsequent performances, it was clear that 2012 show wasn't an anomaly. He just couldn't do it anymore.

Playing shows in Vegas or opening slots for KISS fronting a band of nobodies, churning out CVH tunes, unable to sing the songs properly...I'd have a hard time imagining any longtime Roth fans would really want Dave to have continued doing that...particularly if he wasn't able to do it well. I dunno...I was as nostalgic and excited for Roth to reunite with Van Halen as anybody. I enjoyed seeing Dave perform as much as anybody...until he reached the point where he couldn't do it well anymore. Once that point was reached for me, seeing Dave perform was a case of the real time result not eliciting pleasant nostalgic vibes but a realization that...as a live act...at least in terms of recreating the CVH vibe/era...Dave was done. It was over.

But I don't feel bummed about Dave retiring. Sort of along the same lines as when Eddie passed, I wasn't bummed. With Eddie, part of that was because at least with his passing Eddie wasn't struggling with his health anymore and his pain was over (and like others here I certainly hope Dave isn't currently suffering from any particular malady that necessitated his retirement), but Dave's retirement is similar to Eddie's passing in that both events have reminded me of how much the CVH music still means to me...how much it still resonates with me today.

I too hope Dave's retirement is strictly from live performing, and not from creating and recording new music. From the smattering of solo recordings that have been leaked out over the last few years, there's still creative juice in the tank.

So, thanks to Dave for the music, for the performances and for giving it his all as long as he could.

[moose]

Overall, I think it's a positive thing.

Just going from the statement, one thing that certainly rings true is Roth saying when he's in the audience watching a performance, as an audience member all he expects from whoever is performing - regardless of what they're doing - is that they give it their all...100%.

From some of what he said, there is a tacit admission that he's not in a physical condition to give it his all anymore. He's nearly 70.

There's no shame in Roth just flat-out coming out and saying what he said. As others on the thread have mentioned, Roth has nothing left to prove. For me, his status was established decades ago...it's not something he needs to keep reestablishing by continuing to perform. Not for me. And if Dave has come to the realization that it's time to retire, then clearly it IS time to retire. Particularly if he can't perform at the level or up to the standards that he expects of himself.

As a live performer, for me Roth has been slowly waning over the last twenty years. Out of no reason other than just age and natural decline and the high standards and high energy Roth had set in his peak in the 1980s. As the years wound on, it was only natural that degree of showmanship was going to be more and more difficult to attain. With the ADKOT gig I saw, Roth was struggling. Viewing subsequent performances, it was clear that 2012 show wasn't an anomaly. He just couldn't do it anymore.

Playing shows in Vegas or opening slots for KISS fronting a band of nobodies, churning out CVH tunes, unable to sing the songs properly...I'd have a hard time imagining any longtime Roth fans would really want Dave to have continued doing that...particularly if he wasn't able to do it well. I dunno...I was as nostalgic and excited for Roth to reunite with Van Halen as anybody. I enjoyed seeing Dave perform as much as anybody...until he reached the point where he couldn't do it well anymore. Once that point was reached for me, seeing Dave perform was a case of the real time result not eliciting pleasant nostalgic vibes but a realization that...as a live act...at least in terms of recreating the CVH vibe/era...Dave was done. It was over.

But I don't feel bummed about Dave retiring. Sort of along the same lines as when Eddie passed, I wasn't bummed. With Eddie, part of that was because at least with his passing Eddie wasn't struggling with his health anymore and his pain was over (and like others here I certainly hope Dave isn't currently suffering from any particular malady that necessitated his retirement), but Dave's retirement is similar to Eddie's passing in that both events have reminded me of how much the CVH music still means to me...how much it still resonates with me today.

I too hope Dave's retirement is strictly from live performing, and not from creating and recording new music. From the smattering of solo recordings that have been leaked out over the last few years, there's still creative juice in the tank.

So, thanks to Dave for the music, for the performances and for giving it his all as long as he could.

Well said!

[Fairwrning]

Not sure why this is news..How long ago was that last solo lp?..When Ed died I considered Dave and Alex retired.

[ZahZoo]

The one thing that feels oddly uncomfortable about Dave's retirement announcement... it broke with a long held tradition, coming from the Van Halen camp, of never say what's really happening and always "keep em guessing"... them being the fans, media, the world.

This places a finality where the band, Van Halen, is making it real... the passing of Edward signals that's it, it's over. As obvious as that is... having 3 founding members, 2 former members and Wolfgang Van Halen still around it left open a possibility, however unlikely, that something could come in the future. I'm happy that possibility has been put to rest. Without Eddie... there's no point. It's that simple.

One final footnote from Roth coming in January... then on to living the dream of retirement life...

[bluemustard]

Eddie's gone. I'm not surprised..good move. Some magic feeling died too. I hope he is ok. Maybe he will draw a lot or do a podcast...or just chill. Thanks for the music. Best frontman next to Freddie. Peace , love & Diamond Dave

[78/84 guy]

Bummer news. Makes me feel old. After Ed's passing this seems like piling on. I just hope his overall health is good. His voice seems a little trembly in that video at times. Best wishes Dave. One of the best ever. His music will be around forever. Live it up people ! Time flies.I see Elvis is back. LOL !

[Terry]

The one thing that feels oddly uncomfortable about Dave's retirement announcement... it broke with a long held tradition, coming from the Van Halen camp, of never say what's really happening and always "keep em guessing"... them being the fans, media, the world.

This places a finality where the band, Van Halen, is making it real... the passing of Edward signals that's it, it's over. As obvious as that is... having 3 founding members, 2 former members and Wolfgang Van Halen still around it left open a possibility, however unlikely, that something could come in the future. I'm happy that possibility has been put to rest. Without Eddie... there's no point. It's that simple.

One final footnote from Roth coming in January... then on to living the dream of retirement life...

Without Eddie, Van Halen was over. I can't imagine who would have wanted Van Halen to have attempted to continue without Eddie...like, who the fuck would have wanted that?

Yeah, Dave's announcement in and of itself - just the fact of there being ANY announcement - was certainly out of character with Van Halen's press strategy...which is to say a lack of a strategy, and either doing something tangible or doing nothing and keeping mum. That has certainly been the approach for the last twenty years.

But I suppose Dave made the announcement because there was something specific to talk about, and to perhaps give folks the heads up that his upcoming shows in January will be his last, so if you wanna see him then here's your last chance.

[Terry]

Not sure why this is news..How long ago was that last solo lp?..When Ed died I considered Dave and Alex retired.

When Ed died, I tended to doubt Alex was going to do anything going forward...certainly not joining a new band or going on the road or anything.

With Dave, I was hoping (still am) that he would start putting out some new solo material on one platform or another. That last full-length solo lp of his...not so good.

[twonabomber]

I figured Al was done.

[Seshmeister]

Prophetic..? Check the last minute starting at the 3:54 mark... the date and Gene Simmons' fat Elvis remarks recently...

I think we were laughing recently about how much of that video looks wrong now but yeah 2021, chose that I guess because they just added 30 years which was the amount of time jumped back and forward in the first 2 Back to the Future movies.

[Seshmeister]

I've been to the bottom of life and the Lord Jesus Christ saved me and I'm not adding to that in any way,

Pity he only pulled you up one rung...

[bluemustard]

Prophetic..? Check the last minute starting at the 3:54 mark... the date and Gene Simmons' fat Elvis remarks recently...

This is the time I met Dave at LAX airport. He was sooo fucking nicee!! I met a lot of famous rockstars and Diamond Dave , Steve Vai and Prince were the most polite to their fans hahahaha and sweet. I was a lil scared to talk to him..i thought he might beat me up..aww man was I wrong.

[ZahZoo]

I think we were laughing recently about how much of that video looks wrong now but yeah 2021, chose that I guess because they just added 30 years which was the amount of time jumped back and forward in the first 2 Back to the Future movies.

Yeah, there's several elements within that video that would feed the cancel and woke cultures into a frenzy today...

[Seshmeister]

Some funny YouTube comments on there as well as a bunch of people highlighting the weird date thing...




I can't find the name of the director of this video. There is something, actually quite a lot of weird things going on with it. I wonder if he didn't do it himself. Some of the shots are extremely long for a rock video, the last one is 20 seconds without a cut which is strange for a major artist rock video.