David Lee Roth says he doesn’t know what’s next for Van Halen

David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen
David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen onstage in 2015 (Image credit: John Medina/WireImage - Getty)

David Lee Roth says he’s unsure what’s going on with Van Halen after years of inactivity.

Former bassist Michael Anthony revealed in the summer that there was talk of a Van Halen reunion tour taking place, only for those plans to be scrapped.

And in a new interview with the Van Halen News Desk about his upcoming Las Vegas residency, vocalist David Lee Roth says he unsure about what's next for the band.

He says: “Four summers have gone by – and for a singer, that’s paralysing. Like a boxer or a tap dancer, I am dependent upon my whole rig. My whole body.

“Perhaps playing a guitar or piano with your hands is a bit more forgiving over the years. If you come and watch me now, I’m 65 going on 23. If you saw my x-rays, I’m 65 going on 80!

“I’ve paid a price for the time off, frankly. Enough said there. I hope the best for the fellas, but I don’t know what’s coming up with Van Halen.

“It’s time for me to use whatever talents and skills I have. I’m betting the rent on it.”

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Rhino Records would release a Van Halen vinyl box set feature 13, 7-inch singles that were originally released for the Japanese market between 1978 and 1984.

Van Halen: The Japanese Singles 1978-1984

Van Halen: The Japanese Singles 1978-1984
This 13-disc collection of singles that were originally released for the Japanese market will be released as a box set in November, featuring classics including Jump and Panama.

Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent 35 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in the summer of 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott keeps Louder’s buyer’s guides up to date, writes about the best deals for music fans, keeps on top of the latest tech releases and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more for Louder. Over the last 10 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, The Tragically Hip, Marillion and Rush.