David Lee Roth erupted on the crowd at Humphrey’s By The Bay.
Legendary vocalist David Lee Roth performed an incredible solo headline show on Monday September 8th, 2025 bringing his “Roth Show” tour to Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay on Shelter Island in San Diego, California. Roth of course being known as the infamous front man of legendary hard rockers Van Halen, as well as for having his own string of solo hits throughout the 1980’s, was shot out of a cannon on this cool September evening. Coming out of what he called his “first retirement” the veteran 70 year old vocalist sang an expansive eighteen song set list made up entirely of Van Halen favorites and covers from throughout his time with the legendary group. Roth coincidentally last performed here in San Diego with Van Halen on their final tour in Chula Vista on September 30th, 2015, almost exactly ten years ago.
The audience in attendance this evening at Humphrey’s certainly seemed happy with the set list choices, as the demographic for this show was clearly folks with Van Halen shirts, records, and various memorabilia in hand, many clamoring for autographs even while the front man was still on stage. An interesting choice was the complete lack of merchandise actually for sale at this show, also no VIP, meet and greet, or “experiences” advertised either. Despite the relatively high ticket price, Roth seems to be touring for a love of performance, and not just in an end of career cash grab. No backing tracks were heard in the great sounding mix, as was no onstage teleprompter visible, a rarity in the classic rock realm these days.
The amazing backing band assembled for this show must be discussed and heard to be believed. Guitarist Al Estrada was an absolute spot on clone of Eddie Van Halen’s classic guitar tone and ripping solos, Ryan Wheeler on bass was phenomenal as well laying down a powerful low end while also singing great harmonies, and drummer Francis Valentino powered out some absolutely thunderous drumming and double bass rumble. A five piece choir of amazing singers was also present onstage seemingly to help Roth through some of the more difficult vocal parts in these classic songs. The entire ensemble seemed specially designed to play to Roth’s strengths like dancing, performing, and somehow still being unnaturally energetic. Clad in skin tight leather, Diamond Dave is as full of charisma as ever, doing his signature dances, telling improv jokes, throwing out karate moves and just being a fantastic old school performer. They simply don’t make entertainers like this anymore and it was a blast to see Roth perform in such a small an intimate venue up close and personal.
Van Halen Songs like “Panama” “Jump” “Running with the Devil” “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘bout Love” and “Hot for Teacher” of course made every single person in the venue sing along. And as Roth loudly made clear and even had the crowd chant in a call and response, Roth – “Who’s the Show?” Audience- “We’re The Show.” Much has been made about Roth’s vocal abilities or his performances on this tour. This entire concert was entertaining and a blast to experience from top to bottom, and the audience on this night gave a huge standing ovation for Roth at the end of the concert. David Lee Roth at 70 still somehow has the power, stamina, and sheer will to command an audience better than a lot of artists touring today. This solo tour was unfortunately a brief one, traveling through the US in July and September. Here’s hoping Diamond Dave doesn’t take another decade to return to San Diego again. If he’s still able to climb onstage again ten years from now, Diamond Dave will probably be dancing the night away.
