Billy Sheehan discussed reuniting the instrumental lineup of Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth’s ‘Eat Em and Smile’ solo band at NAMM in Anaheim, California a month ago in a new interview with Eddie Trunk on SiriusXM. He revealed that Roth rejected an offer to join the reunion, as he was in New York. Alternative Nation transcribed his comments.
“Yeah, we got one of the best Roth imitators I know of, Jeff Scott Soto, who does a great David Lee Roth. He came up and did the vocals with us. Myself, Steve [Vai], Greg [Bissonette], and Brett [Tuggle] our keyboard player, and Jeff was kind enough to join us.”
“We did get in touch with Dave, unfortunately he was in New York, but he sent a positive vibe that maybe someday.”
He also discussed rumors of a Van Halen 2019 reunion tour.
“I’ve heard many of [the rumors].”
“I hope to see Michael back in the band, that would be great, but who knows. We can all keep a little hope in our hearts that if they come back, I’d like to see them get along and enjoy each other a little bit.
I hate to see when there’s any bad blood or disagreements, because after you’ve been together for 30 or 40 years, by that time not much matters anymore. The fans love it, they want to have a great time, so let’s hope something like that can happen.”
