Van Halen is one of rock’s most iconic bands, with a legacy built on electrifying performances, unforgettable songs, and a dynamic lineup. But what if we told you that one of the band’s most legendary figures, David Lee Roth, was rejected by Alex Van Halen.
During an interview with Bringing it Back To The Beatles, Alex Van Halen recalled that Van Halen almost passed on David Lee Roth, but ended up hiring him to “save 20 bucks.”
Alex Van Halen recalled David Lee Roth’s audition to be Van Halen’s singer, and how initially they didn’t think it was going to work out with him. It was during Roth’s second tryout that Alex and Eddie Van Halen decided to let him join the band. Aside from Roth’s talent and stage presence, he had something else. Van Halen was in desperate need of a PA system. As Alex explains, that factored into them asking Roth to join the band because it would allow them to save money going forward.
Roth’s addition to the band marked the beginning of a complicated but undeniably impactful relationship with Alex Van Halen. As the band’s drummer, Alex was the backbone of their sound, laying down thunderous rhythms that drove hits like Hot for Teacher and Panama. Meanwhile, Roth’s flamboyant personality often stole the spotlight. During an interview with Jim Ladd in Pasadena in 1982, David Lee Roth spoke about Alex Van Halen.
By 1985, tensions within the band reached a breaking point, leading to Roth’s departure. While Sammy Hagar would step in and take the band in a new direction, the Roth era remained a defining chapter for Van Halen. Despite the ups and downs, Alex has always acknowledged the importance of Roth’s contributions to Van Halen’s success. The two have reunited for various projects over the years, including the highly anticipated A Different Kind of Truth album in 2012, which marked Roth’s return to the band.
