David Lee Roth Releases Holiday Song “Talking Christmas Blues”

David Lee Roth has gifted fans a brand-new holiday song, “Talking Christmas Blues,” showcasing his unmistakable vocals set against the backdrop of an acoustic guitar and harmonica.

Despite Roth’s previous announcement of discontinuing live performances, his planned farewell shows in Las Vegas in January 2022 were unfortunately canceled. These performances promised a dynamic setlist of 26 iconic songs, featuring classics like “Jump,” “Panama,” and “California Girls.”

The unwelcome disruption came in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the postponement of the final six gigs of Roth’s Las Vegas residency in March 2020. The residency, which kicked off on January 8, 2020, showcased a 15-song set blending 10 Van Halen classics with five tracks from Roth’s solo career. Roth was joined on stage by lead guitarist Al Estrada, rhythm guitarist Frankie Lindri, bassist Ryan Wheeler, keyboardist Danny Wagner, and drummer Mike Mussleman.

Explaining his choice of Vegas as the debut location for his new band, Roth emphasized the city’s association with celebration and victory dances, leaving the interpretation open to each individual.

Roth’s Take on His Potential Final Tour

In an interview from February 2020, Roth, during his first tour since Van Halen’s 2015 run, openly contemplated whether it might be his final journey. He humorously dubbed it The Last Tour, with a parenthetical disclaimer: ‘Unless It Isn’t.’ Roth, acknowledging the realities of his age, remarked:

“At my age, everything is a possible farewell tour.”

Reflecting on the energy required for this genre of music, Roth noted:

“It’s been a long great run, a long great trip. But this kind of music requires the kind of energy that people in their 20s bring. (https://eluminoustechnologies.com/) ”

Drawing parallels with the fast-paced nature of the rock industry, he quipped:

“You know what NFL stands for: Not For Long. It’s similar in rock.”

Opening Act for KISS’s Farewell Tour in 2020

Roth’s involvement as the opening act for the North American leg of KISS’s End Of The Road farewell tour in February/March 2020 marked a notable chapter in his career.

While the 2020 Vegas residency wasn’t Roth’s first venture in Sin City, with previous engagements at Bally’s Hotel and Casino in 1995 and a short run at MGM Grand, it served as a poignant moment in his storied musical journey.