Why David Lee Roth Called Van Halen’s Music ‘Whiskey In A Paper Cup’
There is no doubt that Van Halen built a strong reputation with its unique sound and became one of the most prominent acts in the ’80s rock scene. Although there were many devoted fans of the decade’s rock scene, some claimed that the genre had lost its identity and started to become ridiculous. This criticism also indirectly targeted Van Halen.
David Lee Roth‘s history with the band stretches back to their formation years. Although he rose to prominence with Van Halen, the frontman decided to part ways with the band in 1985 due to creative differences but remained on the rock stage with his solo career.
Nonetheless, he was there almost since the band’s foundation and witnessed both the band’s rise to success and the criticism they received. After he returned to the band years later, the musician once responded to the negative comments directed at Van Halen and rock music in general with an interesting analogy.
Did David Lee Roth Like Van Halen’s Music?
The band members, whose paths crossed in Los Angeles, left their mark on the ‘80s rock scene, mainly thanks to Eddie’s guitar playing techniques and Roth’s energetic and loud stage performances. However, during the era they first introduced themselves to the music world, some were saying that rock ‘n’ roll had lost its early spirit. Some of these comments also targeted them, as Van Halen was one of the cornerstones of the rock music of that time.
In an interview with the Guardian in 2012, Diamond Dave made an interesting analogy. While referring to the lengthy discussions people often have about what can be considered art and what cannot, David Lee Roth stated that both the music of Van Halen and generally rock ‘n’ roll were often more discussed than listened to.
It seemed like the musician considered these long discussions somewhat irrelevant and unnecessary. Thus, he humorously compared Van Halen’s music to ‘whiskey in a paper cup’ and recommended people listen to them in short doses and not every night.
Diamond Dave’s comments on Van Halen’s music:
“You are compelled into an argument. Consequently, arguing about our band and our rock’n’roll – you can do that certainly for longer than actually listening to it. Van Halen’s music is whisky in a paper cup! Short doses and not every night, please!”
While it’s a little hard to understand what exactly he was trying to say with this analogy, it seems like Roth recommended fans to listen to Van Halen’s music without overthinking it and enjoy themselves because keeping a drink in a paper cup and or drinking whisky every night is never a good idea!