The original David Lee Roth band reunite… but where’s Diamond Dave?

Steve Vai and David Lee Roth back in 1986 (Image credit: Ron Galella/WireImage - Getty)

Last week saw the annual NAMM Show take place in Anaheim, California – an event which showcases the newest innovations in music, sound, tech and lighting products.

Artists were also on hand and played at the Ultimate NAMM Night on Saturday – and fans were in for a treat when David Lee Roth’s original band were on hand to play through Shyboy, which appeared on Roth’s debut solo album Eat ‘Em And Smile.

But it wasn’t Diamond Dave who joined guitarist Steve Vai, bassist Billy Sheehan and drummer Gregg Bissonette… the slot in the lineup was filled by Sons Of Apollo frontman Jeff Scott Soto.

Footage of the performance has now been uploaded by Vintage Rock and can be watched below.

Back in November 2015, a planned Eat ‘Em And Smile 30th anniversary show in Hollywood was cancelled at the last minute, after a fire marshall determined that there were too many people inside the venue.

Roth wasn’t due to appear onstage with the trio, with Steel Panther’s Michael Starr lined up for vocal duties. However, he later posted a picture of him and Roth together backstage.

Our friends over at Music Radar were at the NAMM show and have picked out their best moments from the event.

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.