David Lee Roth returned to the stage for his first full solo concert in over five years on Saturday night (May 3) at the M3 Rock Festival in Columbia, Maryland. The former Van Halen frontman performed a 16-song set, nearly all of it packed with classic Van Halen hits — but for many fans, one detail overshadowed the nostalgia: his voice.
While Roth’s return was met with cheers and celebration, die-hard Van Halen fans were quick to notice a jarring issue — one that’s been quietly building over the years, but now impossible to ignore in a full-length live show.
“His voice is so destroyed he can’t hold a note for more than a second,” a fan said. “Sammy’s 7 years older and has toured longer and more concerts and still sounds decent, this is embarrassing.”
That brutally honest comment, found under fan-filmed footage from the show, echoes the sentiments of many. Roth’s energy was intact, his signature swagger still present — but vocally, it was rough. For some, it felt like watching a legend struggle to keep up with his own legacy.
Still, not all reactions were critical. One Van Halen fan offered a more reflective take, acknowledging the imperfections but focusing on what remains:
“One thing for all of the DLR critics: Just like with Sammy, we Van Halen fans took what we could get. My hero Ed is not with us anymore and there is no more VH. But if DLR and Sammy are still making the rounds on tour (separately, of course…), then catch them if you loved the music. Do this now if you can and I hope you love the experience as much as I would.”
There was also praise for Roth’s guitarist, Al Estrada — a familiar name to those who follow Van Halen tribute circuits.
“Al Estrada is a great player, nails all the EVH stuff. Satriani has been touring with a VH show for a year and still sounds nothing like Ed, it’s so odd.”
Despite vocal issues, there’s no denying the love for the music and the era Roth represents. At 69, Roth is still drawing crowds, still strutting across the stage, and still determined to bring the Van Halen legacy to life — voice be damned.
Setlist (May 3, 2025 – M3 Rock Festival):
- Panama (VAN HALEN)
- Drop Dead Legs (VAN HALEN)
- You Really Got Me (THE KINKS cover)
- Unchained (VAN HALEN)
- Dance The Night Away (VAN HALEN)
- Runnin’ With The Devil (VAN HALEN)
- Mean Street (VAN HALEN)
- Atomic Punk (VAN HALEN)
- And The Cradle Will Rock… (VAN HALEN)
- Jamie’s Cryin’ (VAN HALEN)
- I’m The One (VAN HALEN)
- Everybody Wants Some!! (VAN HALEN)
- Romeo Delight (VAN HALEN)
- Hot For Teacher (VAN HALEN)
- Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love (VAN HALEN)
- Jump (VAN HALEN)
Watch the entire show below.
