Article & Photos by: Linda Carlson

Cincinnati, OH – Rock legend David Lee Roth entertained an enthusiastic crowd at Cincinnati’s Hard Rock Casino outdoor stage on a day that spat some rain during the afternoon.  But all was clear in the evening for Roth, who needed no opening band to rev up the crowd.

Roth is touring with a bevy of support, with Al Estrada (guitar), Ryan Wheeler (bass), Francis Valentino (drums), Danny Wagner (keyboards), and four background vocalists.  He entered the stage with an ear-to-ear grin to resounding applause, opening with guaranteed-to-please “Panama,” the first of many Van Halen favorites showcased that evening.

At 71, Roth is as energetic and stage-savvy as ever.  From the get-go, he teased the audience with grinning antics (including the limbo with a mic stand), never missing an opportunity to flash that stunning grin.  The man is in enviable shape, sporting body-hugging black bell bottoms and vest, tattoos on full display, with a red bandana tied around his neck and sunglasses (but not too dark!) to complete the look.

He often joked with the crowd, alluding to his raucous and renowned party history.  The wafting scent of weed apparently brought back nostalgia from days gone by.  He shared some Snoop Dog and Ozzy stories, as well.

Roth’s long (and storied) history with Van Halen offers a abundance of song options for the night, and favorites abounded, such as “Dance The Night Away,” “Everybody Wants Some,“ “Jamie’s Cryin’” and “Runnin’ With The Devil.”  Several covers were also showcased (The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me” and Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman”).  Closing with “Jump!” was genius.

1. Panama
2. Drop Dead Legs
3. I’m the One
4. I’ll Wait
5. Beautiful Girls
6. You Really Got Me (The Kinks cover)
7. Runnin’ With the Devil
8. Romeo Delight
9. Dance the Night Away
10. Mean Street
11. Somebody Get Me a Doctor
12. Jamie’s Cryin’
13. Unchained
14. Oh, Pretty Woman (Roy Orbison cover)
15. Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love
16. Hot for Teacher
17. Everybody Wants Some!!
18. Jump

Roth is an exceptional performer who knows how to dazzle a crowd.  His tour continues through mid-September – check his website (link) for tour dates, and the carousel below for more images from the Cincinnati show.

David Lee Roth

David Lee Roth

David Lee Roth

David Lee Roth

David Lee Roth

David Lee Roth

David Lee Roth

David Lee Roth

David Lee Roth

David Lee Roth

David Lee Roth

David Lee Roth

David Lee Roth

David Lee Roth

David Lee Roth

David Lee Roth