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41 Years Ago on April Fools’, David Lee Roth Quit Van Halen To Become a Movie Star: “He Even Had the Balls To Ask if I’d Write the Score for Him”
Between frontman David Lee Roth’s electrifying stage presence and the sheer magic that was Eddie Van Halen on guitar, Van Halen fever swept the nation in the 1980s with songs like “Hot For Teacher” and “Jump”. By the release of their sixth album 1984, the Pasadena, California quartet were among the most popular musicians in the world. That’s why the story goes that fans everywhere were stunned on this day (April 1) in 1985 when Roth announced he was departing the band in pursuit of a solo career.
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According to Van Halen lore, David Lee Roth announced his exit from the band on April Fools’ Day 1985. This has since been debunked, although Roth did indeed leave the band that year.
In fact, the public learned of Roth’s departure in August 1985. Eddie Van Halen told Rolling Stone, “The band as you know it is over. Dave left to be a movie star. He even had the balls to ask if I’d write the score for him. I’m looking for a new lead singer. It’s weird that it’s over. Twelve years of my life putting up with his bulls—.”
Why Did David Lee Roth Leave Van Halen?
In hindsight, the signs were there. Roth was still the band’s lead vocalist when he released Crazy From Heat, a four-song solo EP of cover songs, in January 1985.
Still, Diamond Dave denied rumors of a split to the Los Angeles Times that same month. “Van Halen is not breaking up, and you can quote me on that,” he said.
Behind the scenes, Roth and Eddie Van Halen had long sparred over the band’s artistic direction. Roth preferred to lean into the rock star lifestyle even in their lyrics, whereas the late guitarist wanted darker, deeper tunes. Reportedly, one of Roth’s final straws was the use of synthesizer on “Jump,” which would become more prominent in their sound after Sammy Hagar replaced him.
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Roth took direct aim at his former bandmates with the title of his solo debut, Eat ‘Em and Smile, released in July 1986. Van Halen fired back on their second album with Hagar at the helm—OU812, pronounced “Oh You Ate One Too”.
The quarreling musicians would later rejoin for an ill-fated reunion tour in 1996. Roth would return once more in 2007, remaining until the band split in 2020 following Eddie Van Halen’s death.
“The best years of my life; the high points of all my life – onstage with you, homeboy,” Roth said to Van Halen during the group’s second to last show together, in October of 2015. “I will always do the half-Jesus towards you, Eddie Van Halen.”
Featured image by Brian Rasic/Getty Images
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