The Reason Why David Lee Roth Refused To Open For Mötley Crüe

David Lee Roth was invited to open for Mötley Crüe in their 2022 Stadium Tour featuring Def Leppard, Poison, and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. However, according to Los Angeles Times, the musician declined because he was the one who inspired these bands in the first place.

Roth had an on-and-off tenure with Van Halen and officially left the band in 2020 when they disbanded after Eddie Van Halen’s death. Roth hasn’t been very active in the music scene lately, especially following the pandemic outbreak. That is why the fans were excited when the news about Mötley Crüe inviting Roth to open for them went public.

However, Mötley Crüe was formed in 1981, whereas Van Halen was a ’70s band. Because of this, it is highly possible that Van Halen and David Lee Roth inspired Mötley Crüe. Therefore when Mötley Crüe offered him to open for them in their upcoming Stadium Tour, the singer couldn’t accept to be the person who introduces the people he inspired.

Here is what he simply stated as the reason for his rejection:

“I don’t open for bands that I influenced.

The fans expressed their confusion in the comments section under the article as Diamond Dave’s statement didn’t make sense to them. They gave examples, such as Alice Cooper, who opened for anyone, regardless of whether they were formed before or after him. They mentioned that Alice Cooper once opened up for Iron Maiden, and it was one of the best things they have ever watched. 

Unfortunately, some people stated that no matter who Roth is opening for, they wouldn’t go and listen to him because his voice is getting rusty now. Known for his snarky and honest comments, they even brought up Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider and stated they wonder what Snider thinks about this situation and David Lee Roth’s ego.