Rock music fans got a big surprise at this year’s M3 Rock Festival. David Lee Roth, the original lead singer of Van Halen, stepped back on stage to perform. Roth, now 70 years old, was a key part of Van Halen’s rise to fame in the late 1970s and 1980s.
He was known for his high-energy style, flashy clothes, and wild stage presence and helped the band create some of its most famous songs, like “Jump, Runnin’ with the Devil,” “Panama,” and “Hot for Teacher.” After leaving Van Halen for a solo career, Roth stayed in the spotlight for years. He later returned to the band during different periods. Over time, Van Halen had different lead singers, but Roth remained the most memorable.
David Lee Roth’s performance at the festival was the first one in five years
Van Halen’s David Lee Roth returned to the stage last night after 5 years without performing pic.twitter.com/cbaKaQm1bn
— 🎸 Rock History 🎸 (@historyrock_) May 4, 2025
The M3 Rock Festival took place at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. Roth performed with a full band and four backup singers. He sang many Van Halen classics, including “Dance the Night Away,” “Drop Dead Legs,” and “Panama,” which reminded fans of the band’s golden era.
This show was his first live performance in five years. The last one was in March 2020, before the world shut down due to COVID-19. Since then, Roth had mostly stayed out of the spotlight. Fans weren’t sure if he would ever perform again, so seeing him live was a big deal.
Fans react to David Lee Roth’s performance
After the show, fans went on social media to share their excitement. Many mentioned that he still had the stage presence and energy, while a few posted clips to describe the setlist. Some also said it was great to see him doing what he does best. Several fans even compared him to Sammy Hagar, saying Roth’s return reminded them why he was their favorite.
During the performance, Roth made a light joke about his past retirement, hinting that he may not be done just yet. His comeback performance brought back so many memories and showed he could still entertain a crowd, even at 70. For longtime fans of Van Halen and classic rock, Roth’s return was a moment they won’t forget soon.