David Lee Roth Covers “867-5309 / Jenny” by Tommy Tutone

David Lee Roth recently dropped his rendition of Tommy Tutone’s 1981 hit “867-5309 / Jenny,” affectionately dubbing it “That Telephone Song.” In his cover, Roth maintains the essence of the power-pop anthem but opts for acoustic strumming and bluesy harmonica solos.

This release adds to Roth’s active presence on YouTube, where he has shared a variety of content ranging from songs and dance videos to spoken-word musings. “867-5309 / Jenny” follows his previous track “Election Year,” showcasing his ongoing musical ventures.

Roth’s engagement with Van Halen’s legacy has been notable, with last year seeing him revisiting the band’s catalog by releasing new versions of classics like “Panama,” “Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love,” and “Unchained.” Additionally, collaborations with former guitarist John 5 have yielded tracks such as “Somewhere Over the Rainbow Bar and Grill” and “Nothing Could Have Stopped Us Back Then Anyway,” alongside the 2023 acoustic piece “The Shit That Killed Elvis.”

David Lee Roth’s Candid Reflections

However, Roth’s openness hasn’t been limited to music. In various videos, he’s addressed tensions within Van Halen, including his colorful commentary on Sammy Hagar, suggesting Hagar’s disappearance may have involved alien encounters. Furthermore, Roth delves into the relationship dynamics between Eddie and Alex Van Halen, highlighting alcohol as a factor exacerbating their conflicts.

As Roth said:

“Al drove his brother fucking crazy. He’s a big bully. Al weighed about 20 more pounds, drank between two and six six-packs of Schlitz malt tall liquors a day. At the height of his [drinking] they had to put in a special industrial refrigerator in the guest house at Eddie’s studio.”

In his trademark candid style, Roth continues to offer insights and anecdotes, making his YouTube channel a platform for music and his unique perspective on the rock ‘n’ roll world.