David Lee Roth returned to the stage with a vengeance on August 3 at the Hard Rock Event Center in Tampa, Florida, delivering an electric performance packed with Van Halen classics — reminding everyone why he remains one of rock’s most iconic frontmen.
This concert marked the third stop on Roth’s Summer 2025 U.S. tour, which is set to conclude on September 14 in Napa, California.
Backed by a powerhouse band featuring:
- Al Estrada (guitar)
- Ryan Wheeler (bass)
- Francisco Valentino (drums)
- Danny Wagner (keyboards)
Roth delivered a 17-song set with zero breaks, no encore, and nonstop energy.
🎵 Full Setlist – August 3, Tampa:
- Panama (Van Halen)
- Drop Dead Legs (Van Halen)
- I’m The One (Van Halen)
- I’ll Wait (Van Halen)
- You Really Got Me (The Kinks cover)
- Runnin’ With The Devil (Van Halen)
- Romeo Delight (Van Halen)
- Dance The Night Away (Van Halen)
- Mean Street (Van Halen)
- Atomic Punk (Van Halen)
- Jamie’s Cryin’ (Van Halen)
- Unchained (Van Halen)
- Oh, Pretty Woman (Roy Orbison cover)
- Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love (Van Halen)
- Hot For Teacher (Van Halen)
- Everybody Wants Some!! (Van Halen)
- Jump (Van Halen)
🎤 Fans React: Roth Shuts Down the Doubters
Despite being 70 years old, Roth’s energy and delivery impressed even the most skeptical fans. One concertgoer wrote:
“Amazing setlist. 17 songs, no breaks in between. No encore. No one in the band even took a drink of water. Great backing band. 70 years old. The crowd loved every minute of it from what I could see and hear. I wish he would have played a second night. I would have went again.”
Another fan directly compared Roth to his glam metal peer:
“He sounds better than Vince Neil, that’s for sure. I’d pay to see him.”
Even those who felt his vocals weren’t what they used to be were still wowed by the overall show:
“I mean the band sounds great. 4 singers to fill in the holes. Dave is trying to put on a good show. He’s just washed up vocals. But… it is entertaining.”
And for others, it was pure nostalgia magic:
“YESSS!! DLR brings it as always! It’s like no time has passed since 1984. Sure, we miss Eddie, but this is almost the same.”
🕺 Rocking Out of Retirement
Roth kicked off his return at the M3 Rock Festival back in May, marking his first solo performance in over five years. On stage, he joked:
“We’ve reached the end of my first retirement. How many retirements did Rocky have? Nine?”
His comeback has proven more than symbolic — it’s a legitimate reminder of his showmanship, stamina, and charisma. As his summer tour rolls on, it’s clear: David Lee Roth still knows how to own a stage.
