David Lee Roth Kicks Off 2026 Tour with Nostalgic Setlist

Legendary frontman David Lee Roth, known for his flamboyant style and powerful vocals, launched his highly-anticipated 2026 tour, delivering a thrilling performance that included a song from Van Halen’s debut album that fans had not heard live in nearly two decades.

A Rocking Start

Roth, affectionately known as “Diamond Dave,” took the stage with an expanded lineup, now featuring five backing singers, to kick off the show. The concert opened with a hard-hitting sequence of classic Van Halen tracks, starting with the explosive “Panama,” followed by “Drop Dead Legs” and “Romeo Delight.” This energetic trio set the tone for an unforgettable night.

Rediscovering “Little Dreamer”

After the high-octane openings, Roth brought the tempo down with “Little Dreamer,” a slow-burning gem from Van Halen’s self-titled debut album released in 1978. According to SetList.fm, this marked the first time Roth had performed the song as a solo artist since 2003, although he had included it in Van Halen setlists as recently as 2008.

Surprise Covers and Setlist Highlights

Reports indicate that Roth also surprised the audience with a cover of Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind,” though footage of this performance has yet to surface. The choice of such a classic could either have been a daring gamble or a spectacular success, showcasing Roth’s versatility as an artist.

Upcoming Performances

Following his Spokane show on April 16, 2026, Roth is scheduled to perform in Portland, Oregon, on April 18. His tour, intriguingly titled “Don’t Love Me, Rent Me,” is set to conclude on June 20 in Milwaukee. Fans can check his official website for the complete tour schedule and updates.

Potential Coachella Appearance

Additionally, there’s speculation that Roth might make another appearance with Teddy Swims at Coachella, similar to his surprise participation the previous weekend, keeping fans on their toes.

Setlist Overview

The following is the complete setlist from Roth’s show in Spokane:

• “Panama”
• “Drop Dead Legs”
• “Romeo Delight”
• “Little Dreamer”
• Blues (acoustic)
• “I’m the One”
• “Dance the Night Away”
• “Ice Cream Man”
• “You Really Got Me”
• “Jamie’s Cryin'”
• “Unchained”
• “New York State of Mind” (Billy Joel cover)
• “Mean Street”
• “Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love”
• “Hot for Teacher”
• “Everybody Wants Some!!”
• “Jump”

Conclusion

David Lee Roth’s return to the stage with a mix of nostalgia and surprise has certainly set the tone for an exciting tour. With classic hits and unexpected covers, Roth continues to demonstrate his enduring appeal and ability to captivate audiences. As fans eagerly anticipate the rest of the tour, it’s clear that Diamond Dave remains a formidable force in rock music.

FAQs

When did David Lee Roth’s 2026 tour start?

The tour kicked off on April 16, 2026, in Spokane, Washington.

What is the name of David Lee Roth’s current tour?

His tour is titled “Don’t Love Me, Rent Me.”

What unique song did Roth perform that he hadn’t done in nearly 20 years?

Roth performed “Little Dreamer,” a track from Van Halen’s debut album, for the first time as a solo artist since 2003.

Will Roth be performing at Coachella?

There is speculation that Roth might appear again with Teddy Swims at Coachella, following his surprise performance the previous weekend.