David Lee Roth kicks off Las Vegas residency; reports that Eddie Van Halen is “not doing well”

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Credit: Colin SmithDavid Lee Roth kicked off his Las Vegas residency at the House of Blues on Wednesday night, and, according to Rolling Stone, the founding Van Halen frontman delivered a set packed with songs by his famous band, plus a few tunes from his solo career.

Among the Van Halen songs Diamond Dave performed were “Panama,” “Jamie’s Cryin’,” “Jump” and “Unchained.” He also sang his solo hit “Just Like Paradise” and a rendition of his memorable cover of Louis Prima‘s “Just a Gigolo.”

As seen in fan-shot video, Roth donned an Elvis Presley wig during his performance of “Unchained,” noting that it was Presley’s birthday that day.

You can check out a variety of clips from the show on YouTube.

Meanwhile, in a new Las Vegas Review-Journal interview promoting his Vegas residency, Roth offered a vague comment about the health of Eddie Van Halen, who reportedly is being treated for throat cancer.

“Ed’s not doing well, and singing and dancing is a perishable skill,” Roth said. “If you have the capacity, it’s something that has to be used routinely, if not for the thrill of it and the magic of creating with other incandescent spirits.”

Regarding his Vegas show, David says he spent two years putting it together, describing it as “classic rock delivered in a way that you have yet to ever see.”

Roth continues his Vegas residency with shows this Friday and Saturday, then will return to the House of Blues for six more performances in late March.

Dave also will be taking his show on the road, serving as KISS‘ opening act on all of the 2020 North American dates of the band’s farewell tour, which take place in February, March, August, September and October.

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