An isolated vocals video of former Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth recently ignited debate among Van Halen fans about the legendary frontman’s vocal abilities and future in music. Roth’s performance was shared by a KISS fan on X.
The controversy started as a KISS fan shared a video featuring David Lee Roth’s isolated vocals from a recent performance, comparing his vocal quality to Paul Stanley’s use of backing tracks.
The fan commented, “What is worse? Is Paul Stanley having backing tracks toward the end to help, and admitting it? Or this trash? I’ll take the backing tracks. I’m not gonna slam DLR too much-he, like Paul, put his ass out there for 50 yrs (or damn close to it). But damn. It’s time. Or use some help.”
The fan continued with a broader perspective on aging rock stars: “The ‘purists’ who frown on it don’t get that our heroes are going away. Aging out. I’ll take them vocally flawed. There are acts now auto tuned, lip synced.. that have NEVER performed vocally live- EVER. These cats did. To their detriment. Not everyone is Elvis and passes w/ their vocals better than ever(22 yr career). Just Sayin.”
Van Halen fans have expressed mixed reactions to Roth’s recent performances. One fan noted the following about David Lee Roth: “Recent shows have been nothing if not inconsistent. Some songs he’s tremendous on, but most he struggles with. I really wish any of these aging rock stars the best and agree with your assessment that, yeah, they should use the backing tracks or help.”
Another fan was more critical, stating: “It’s past the time. That’s why he retired the first time. I guess he just wants the money too much to stay retired.”
