David Lee Roth, Van Halen's star frontman, delivered a thrilling performance at the M3 Rock Festival in Columbia, Maryland, this past weekend. The concert marked his first full show in five years and Roth reportedly captivated fans at Merriweather Post Pavilion with his signature energy and vocal power.
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Roth energized the crowd with a 16-song setlist of Van Halen classics. He performed "Runnin' with the Devil," "Jamie's Cryin'," "Hot for Teacher," "Ain't Talkin' 'bout Love," and "Jump." His usual avibrant stage presence and theatrical flair was also on full display.
Needless to say, social media buzzed with excitement as fans posted clips and photos. One X user shared a video of Roth singing "Panama," writing, "Few 70-year-olds can rock a leather suit and sing like they're 35, but Roth nailed it." Another posted, "Diamond Dave's M3 return was epic! Great band and killer vibe."
Rock Star Vibes
Roth led Van Halen as vocalist from 1974 to 1985, briefly in 1996, and from 2006 until the band's end in 2020. His last full show before M3 was opening for KISS on March 10, 2020, per Consequence. Roth's solo career also shone, producing gold and platinum albums. His hits include "California Girls," "Just Like Paradise," "Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody," and "Yankee Rose." In 2007, he joined the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Van Halen, solidifying his legacy.
What's Next for Diamond Dave
Roth's M3 performance signals a strong return. Fans can see him next at the Mountain Winery's Summer Concert Series in Saratoga, California, on September 12. More shows are also in the works -- as Roth continues to captivate with his bold persona and talent.
And the M3 Rock Festival performance only proved that Roth remains a rock icon. His ability to electrify fans after a five-year break shows Diamond Dave is actually more than, you know, just a giggilo.
Per Consequence: "Leading up to his hiatus from the stage, Roth's performances were often criticized, specifically for his vocals, but comments on YouTube are overwhelmingly positive for his set at the M3 Rock fest."
Here was the show's setlist, per Consequence and M3:
Panama (Van Halen song)
Drop Dead Legs (Van Halen song)
You Really Got Me (Van Halen version of The Kinks song)
Unchained (Van Halen song)
Dance the Night Away (Van Halen song)
Runnin' With the Devil (Van Halen song)
Mean Street (Van Halen song)
Atomic Punk (Van Halen song)
And the Cradle Will Rock... (Van Halen song)
Jamie's Cryin' (Van Halen song)
I'm the One (Van Halen song)
Everybody Wants Some!! (Van Halen song)
Romeo Delight (Van Halen song)
Hot for Teacher (Van Halen song)
Ain't Talkin' 'bout Love (Van Halen song)
Jump (Van Halen song)
