David Lee Roth without Van Halen (1986 CNN interview)

In July 1986, David Lee Roth talked to CNN's Larry King about releasing his first solo album without Van Halen called "Eat Them and Smile."

[@stuartjones3011]

Dave is actually a really intelligent guy. Gives great answers and is a happy , cheerful soul. One of the frontmen of his time. A born showman. Respect from an English fan.

[@gbr5199]

Stuart Jones Only Dave means nothing, a group with Dave that means something. Remember, a group together means everything! Only this is truth and that means for every musician

[@latkagravas986]

'Cheerful Soul' - Indeed!....ooops, sorry Ed! (POW! OUCH! CRUNCH!, wtf? AWE!)

[@chadtellevik5479]

Well said. Could not agree more.

[@Mff48]

wise words indeed,i love the guy!!!

[@Mff48]

@@antayat123 just mischief my friend!!!

[@AtariForeva]

Nice to see Larry King when he was only 92 years old, fresh as the morning dew.

[@calebproductions5970]

Larry king one of the chosen transgender Hollywood elite! CNN And all news outlets are totally scripted you people are so stupid

[@thetruth72667]

Soviet: Wow what a profound enlightened comment! You just wanna spread some truth cause you care bout people & want them to see the deeper meaning! Your not just giving some vague cryptic comments to seem like your superior & above everyone & everything just to get some attention. Only immature children do that lol!!!!

[@Sharkfan]

baby blood does wonders

[@russell7790]

LMFAOOOOO

[@coffeenow2382]

LMAO 😆😆😆

[@snowymountainlove]

i can't think of anyone who has ever been more comfortable in his own skin.

[@latkagravas986]

No shit...him being Him....(oops, sorry Ed "OUCH, POW! CRUNCH!)....he was being himself.

[@InternetUser-d7s]

Interesting. I'd say he has a fairly acute anxiety issue.

[@gardenofeels6872]

@@InternetUser-d7s I would use the term "ADD."

[@jasonfield3903]

Wow! What a perfect accurate observation! Dramatic & Flashy are totally obvious. What an animated personality. --JPF.

[@scottsmith8162]

Cocaine helps

[@FreneticZetetic]

Dave is a legend. Always super articulate, classy, humble, and wild yet somehow still conservative on some level. Legend status.

[@billbelzek6748]

Dave was NEVER conservative --- he would launch a spin kick and knock out all of Commie Trump's fake teeth

[@ejamsc]

@@billbelzek6748 😂 tard.

[@dubdaz1]

Marque Markofthebeast He was proficient in karate , jeet kune do, kung fu so yeah he could probably knock your teeth out, even wearing eye liner.

[@littlekingtrashmouth9219]

commie. ha! accuse the enemy of what you're doing...never gets old

[@Hygelac1000]

I doubt Anqueefa and BLM are blasting Van Halen while they're burning down their cities. More like Drake and Taylor Swift 😂

[@ManuelPassarella1]

DLR can be a lot of things but definitely he is NOT boring!

[@ronnie_5150]

He's pretty boring now. Interviews in 2021 he still behaves like this telling the same stories. Except now those stories are 40 years old.

[@fredwerza3478]

Compare DLR to Sammy Haggard and it's like hanging with a funny surfer dude at a cathouse versus listening to an insurance salesman at Perkin's

[@throwdealz4081]

Consequence of paying such close attention ​@@fredwerza3478

[@throwdealz4081]

Meant to send tht to ronnie

[@BenChod3]

Man that guy had the 80’s by the balls....

[@rvz6874]

dude he invented the 80's hahaha

[@BenChod3]

Robert Van Zandt Hell Yea!

[@uomunumerous2350]

firetheho Still has the pool and the girls.

[@scott7521]

@Marque Markofthebeast So you can't be cool and gay? Did you think Freddie Mercury was cool? Also, why are you fixated on his sexuality.... who gives a fuck?

[@Barefoot67]

lol

[@mr.blackwell5423]

You just gotta LOVE "Diamond Dave"! For me, David really is the 80's! IT BELONGED TO HIM! Privileged background, creative, intelligent, good looks, well spoken, socially experienced & a top notch in the "art" of travel. Such a great story teller with a great flow & rhythm in his voice & articulation. I sure miss the 80's. I came here with a blank face & leave with a warm chuckle & a SMILE!

[@davidsonnow]

Kriss Delaney he is the 80’s, nailed it!

[@maskof]

Can never watch a Diamond Dave without feeling happier, he's the best!

[@rolltide9173]

Kriss......spot on!

[@billlonee9470]

"I used to work for a living. This is better."

[@MortuusTyrannus]

very articulate and interesting responses to the questions. definetly an artist.

[@jonesy2111]

Dave's contributions to Van Halen are every bit as important and innovative as Edwards... he's an underrated singer also and a brilliant stylist

[@thomasdaniels6824]

He is definetly an under-rated stylist and entertainer....but......An underrated vocalist?????

[@RossBayCult]

@@thomasdaniels6824 people listen to Roth era VH the same reason people listen to Motörhead. It’s fucking rock and roll.

[@custosnocte1528]

Monster singer ! Shame he and Ed did not keep moving forward, but this is life. We ended up with Sammy and Ed and that is a whole lot better than nothing...

[@wiley666]

If it wasn’t for Dave, Van Halen would’ve never made it. He willed that band to greatness. Eddie hated touring and would’ve rather holed up in a studio. Dave was a workaholic and Eddie wasn’t. That’s why that band broke up.

[@milessmith6611]

@@wiley666 I agree with you but I think that Eddie was the workaholic and Dave wasn't. I mean all Dave had to do on tour was run around the stage and forget lyrics lol. But Eddie constantly had new ideas and wanted to get them down. I think Eddie wanting to spend more time in the studio is being a workaholic in the songwriting sense.

[@boatbutter]

His interviews are a Master Class in rock stardom. Too bad this kind of rock stardom is dead because it was a lot of fun.

[@billbelzek6748]

You really have to blame Commie Trump --- he ruined all the good times in America

[@jonesy2111]

Bill Belzek Trump? Blame commie Obummer or Dubya for ruining our country. Trump is trying to bring it back

[@billbelzek6748]

Commie Trump is only bringing America into the Stone Age with his retarded tariffs and his allegiance to Master Putin --- Trump will be in front of a firing squad soon and Obama will be pulling the trigger on him

[@dirtydave2691]

Jesus Crimmey bits.....can't even watch a 32 year old interview without some politi-twat chiming in.

[@tpp5151]

@@billbelzek6748 what's it like letting trump live in your head rent free

[@cluggyahoo]

Very articulate Rock legend. They don't make them like that anymore

[@DarciHabighorst]

I always loved him because he never took himself too seriously.

[@o-o6355]

Roth came from a long line of genius family doctors and surgeons ....I’d like to think he wasn’t too far behind them...🤘🏻

[@EYECOMEINPEACE]

Articulate? Lol.

[@MrRoach-yo3mz]

thank god

[@Very_Stupid]

Well, mainstream rock music is kinda on life support at the moment...

[@mrBDeye]

Dave was always a free spirit without any complexes.

[@billyrock8305]

DLR - An extremely intelligent, funny and articulate man. Probably the best frontman in music history. 🎶 Larry looks great for 95! 👍

[@jasonl8326]

Larry King seemed a little caught off guard by DLR's intelligence and humor (in a good way).

[@Farang_Lifestyles]

I must admit as many may ponder,,, Larry King seemed to be quite amused by DLR and his off the chart demeanour....

[@brendasmith7345]

He is impressively intelligent and amazingly physically beautiful

[@jimihandtricks4291]

This guy has the quickest wit i have ever seen

[@Wolfncsupack42]

His guitar player was pretty good to at this time, right Steve?!

[@jimihandtricks4291]

@@Wolfncsupack42 the best

[@Wolfncsupack42]

@@jimihandtricks4291 haha right on. rocking the spandex like in this video

[@devinthierault]

Hes also very sober here.

[@ronnie_5150]

It's called 'Cocaine'.

[@Waterinmenbenen]

Quick wit, well spoken and tons of personality. Great guy

[@PDSOTMF]

If David read out loud a phone book, it probably would be entertaining. LOL

[@lynnmcclure1103]

@MJ W 😂😂😂

[@richeyrich2203]

Joe rogan got me on a DLR kick. What a cool dude. Multi-faceted. Dig the tracers on his sunglasses.

[@aran125]

Richey Rich Same here

[@barrybergisch1]

Me too haha

[@toddparks]

Me three

[@baybae92]

Same!!

[@plokijij7856]

Richey Rich man your late to the party!

[@RCGoetzke]

Love him or hate him, you have to give the Roth credit for the guts to leave Van Halen at their peak.

[@bconni2]

and it became evident how important Roth was in the creative process before he left. as much as i appreciate Eddie's guitar playing, his vision of where the band needed to go killed their sound.

[@TheDizzleHawke]

@@bconni2 Eddie was really wanting to do more keyboards.

[@latkagravas986]

@@TheDizzleHawke - Yep, Heard about it, Heard about it!, Heard about it! (De Niro reply). They didnt need those keyboards...ACDC did not go into it.

[@TheDizzleHawke]

@@latkagravas986 well, that’s the direction Eddie wanted to go.

[@latkagravas986]

@@TheDizzleHawke - You're right dude, I got to to caught up on the R & R and Ed was a musician...plus I played my Best of Both Worlds cd and it's ALL Van Halen. Thanks dude. Have a blessed day.

[@bobbywise2313]

Larry actually asked Dave if he was enjoying himself. I get the impression that no one enjoys life more than Dave. Every time he cracked a joke he laughs louder than anyone. Dave is the kind of guy that would be a blast to hang out with at a bar or something but I have no doubt his over the top personality would get old after a while. I remember growing up in the 80's every girl wanted to be with Dave and most guys wanted to be Dave. If you were between the ages of 11 and 16 in the early 80's chances are you sang in front of a mirror to Van Halen thinking you were Dave. He was perhaps the most charasmatic rock singer ever. He may not have had the greatest voice in the business, not that it was bad, but his charisma is what made him a legend. Eddie and Dave were opposites in personality but what a magical combination they were. The entire band was amazing.

[@bwdrums1]

"Well, you came in on the coda, Bubba......" Dave always makes me laugh. He has the most unique way of seeing things that I've ever heard. His brain is totally wired different than the rest of us mortals.....lol

[@Rowen170]

For sure.

[@Farang_Lifestyles]

the man is a genius in intellect,,, and was perfectly designed for the role he played .... or should I say ,,,, "he" designed the perfect role to bridge R&R into VDO stardom,,,, DLR was a visionary since 1978

[@kurdtacolbain731]

DLR made Larry giggle like a girl several times. I think he liked Dave in spite of himself.

[@777jones]

Larry knows a lot about show biz, and he could tell DLR was a high level showman. Which he was.

[@mhughes6303]

David Lee Roth was one of the best rock and roll performers ever. Van Halen was one of the best bands ever and David Lee Roth was a big part of that success. Congrats Dave!

[@michaelroecker4315]

That's what's up Mr.Hughes.....Dave said in his autobiography that VH was 97%Eddie and 97%himself.....

[@vicesquadpunk]

Rothy is a very clever man.... the way he pouts at the camera enticing the women whilst being humorous and sharing stories of a life that all men would kill for is far deeper and more contrived than haters would give him credit for PLUS it's undeniable that he fronted and wrote songs for one of the best Rock Bands to have ever existed.... no I'm not gay, yes I'm a fan of his work 🇬🇧🎸🇬🇧 x

[@BC-dm5bi]

Watching this now in 2019..he was sexy as hell back in the day. “Well ya came in on the coda, bubba”.

[@justicekeyes]

Gorgeous Dave, I just love his honesty and no show men left like Awesome Diamond Dave!

[@olpainless8775]

Dave is pure charisma. Ultimate entertainment salesman.

[@tomitstube]

funny, articulate, and the classic front man for one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

[@kathymills3476]

Dave was the greatest!!!

[@marcnowacki3364]

I have always enjoyed DLR. He’s genuine, up front, and has a great outlook on life. I don’t believe that he gets enough recognition for his solo career. There are many great songs that weren’t played on the radio. His songs are eclectic and has a little something for everyone!

[@sandragonyea3188]

David Lee Roth seems like he's alot of fun to hang out with that's for sure. Never a dull moment!!

[@Montyhugo]

I WOULD LOVE TO HANGOUT WITH DAVE! I JUST DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH HE WOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE OF ME?😉

[@BassManDan1018]

You can tell by the end of the interview Larry likes and respects dave. He manages to make an interview great viewing without resorting to any negativity.

[@diezeldiamond1041]

Larry King kills me " Why do you dress like that " lol Larry he's a rock star !!!!

[@Stevie-hn7mp]

Notice how he didn’t start the video in beginning, he would got a full view of Diamond Dave ass

[@jamesstevenson7725]

@@Stevie-hn7mp he is gay

[@carpenoctem775]

Why does Larry dress like a librarian?

[@jmozz6075]

Hey Larry ? You ever hear of someone named “Liberace” ? Smh ... I mean to even ask a question like that back then .

[@richardlacey4923]

Stupid out of touch question

[@charlesguthrie1844]

So it all comes back to Uncle Dave.That gave The man , the myth , the Legend the inspiration to become the prolific artist of Hard Rock & known to all "Diamond David Lee Roth".. Thank You & Good Nite..Happy Trails

[@TheRubberStudiosASMR]

I never liked him from performances- I thought he was too much- but after watching a few of his interviews I get him. He’s incredibly inspiring to find enjoyment in life. Keep discovering, keep learning.

[@JohnsFrusciante]

I’m surprised people are surprised about how intelligent Dave is. Dave kept VH from being ripped off, and essentially allowed both VH brothers to worry about making music. Dave handled the majority of the business aspect as well as stage production.

[@Farang_Lifestyles]

100% in the beginning....

[@whitewizzardllc2348]

Sad Larry cites his daughter being a fan and she just died. Crazy to think how much fun everyone was having in the 80s and now everyone is dying. Life is short man.

[@pattifunkhouse2932]

True that

[@abloemsma384]

Love Dave so much. Has a good heart, is not a bad ass, seen so much of his interviews. There are not many people like him in this world.

[@soulsurvivor4499]

He's awesome here and he retains this great personality

[@mcgannahanskyjellyfetti1663]

Eddie Van Halen has watched this video 12 times...

[@maskof]

Alex has watched it 15 times..

[@cosmodave69]

@@maskof Sammy seen it too!!

[@camcahill]

McGannahan Skyjellyfetti trust me he wasn’t 5150 tour and album selling 100 of thousands of records he could care less what diamond Dave was doing lol

[@kenkuchnicki9012]

Laughed out loud

[@axorex]

They did 52 times by now XD. "¡Qué cagado de la risa!"

[@ptulip]

Probably the cutest interview I have ever seen with him. He's usually so over the top, but much better here. I wonder if he would have gotten further without all the theatrics.

[@kimmer1170]

Such an original! Love you David Lee Roth!! You are one of a kind! Very few and far between... Nice to see and hear a young Larry King laugh... Loved growing up in the late 70's and 80's ... good times....can we please go back there again??

[@johnnoel3171]

No one today can hold a candle to Dave's wits and smarts.

[@pekiteo]

He´s so handsome that even with that outfit, make-up, jewelry... he´s still a sexy beast!

[@Stevie-hn7mp]

Very sultry

[@ratdogjams350]

Not a fan of the eye makeup

[@markdp1983]

He was a handsome man in his prime. I can see why as has been reported he couldnt walk past a mirror and not stare lovingly into it for a long time.

[@Stevie-hn7mp]

Yea always loved the camera ❤️❤️😂😂

[@mikebambamvincent2024]

I love this interview. Today people still think Dave is full of himself, but I think he takes the notion of rock stardom and makes fun WITH the absurdity of the whole concept...intelligent guy

[@everythingbobbywolfe]

Dave was the Robin Williams of rock

[@K3vinK]

Best description ever.

[@beckyweaver5981]

What’s that mean? He’s not that funny.

[@everythingbobbywolfe]

@@beckyweaver5981 you're obviously not intelligent enough to understand Robin, so you won't be able to understand this analogy

[@jasonloghry]

Cocaine

[@everythingbobbywolfe]

@Talia Kay that is a bit redundant, don't you think?

[@sammyvh11]

Met Roth in 2005 he was totally down to earth. Even said God Bless You

[@markhall8874]

Definitely one of the more intelligent guys in R & R, as well as being one of, if not the best front man to hit the stage. But even better than that is, he's probably a great guy to have a cup of coffee and just kick back with.

[@Farang_Lifestyles]

im not sure,,, but I dont think DLR needs anymore caffeine ....

[@BrenTravisMusician]

The perfect performer. Networks missed this guy having a chat show. He is fast, funny and clever. Bless Dave.

[@flimflamhall]

tv needs more DLR

[@kimrice6978]

Chris Hall THE WORLD NEEDS MORE DLR!!!!

[@supersierra70]

Dave TV ! All Dave, all night!

[@vincentdesoto7350]

Oh God no......Guy is corny as hell.

[@eclecticx]

What I loved about DLR. He was playful and full of jokes and incredible wit, but he took the art of music and Rock itself very, very seriously. Don't know what his IQ is, but it has to be astonishingly high.

[@soundhaus6404]

I saw DLR early 2000s riding a beach cruiser down Colorado blvd in Pasadena at 3AM!! I also delivered Sushi to him a couple times! Pasadena!

[@bubbaclark4355]

You couldn't take your eyes off him. Great showman. I must say he'd be great at a party. I won't want live with him 24 7

[@BPags]

The Jeff Spicoli of Rock n Roll!!

[@AntwhaleNearfar]

Seeing as Spicoli blew his reward money hiring VH to play his party I'd reckon Spicoli is the DLR of classic comedic cinema.

[@richardlacey4923]

“This is our time!”

[@andreacarraro4853]

Spicoli’s character was inspired with David Lee Roth in mind.

[@bryansarracino8623]

Love Dave in this. What a charmer.

[@michellemenning8085]

Loved this! An interview would have to bring it to engage with Dave!

[@Truly1Tom]

Dave was/is "The Man" and never disappointed you! He was what made 😳 💀 the VH band rock 🎸 🎶 and roll!!! He always knew just how far to go and not too excessive! He was the quintessential front man!

[@23ograin53]

I hope Dave is as happy as he always appears to be. I'd like to think so. It gives me hope that maybe I could be too.

[@eltonron1558]

Pasadena, had it's days. The true, wonderful, California vibe, and Dave, embraced it, to his good fortune.

[@danielribitsch7689]

DLR rules, hands down

[@craigharrison5406]

The album should have been called "snort this and smile"

[@howardstern666]

How can anyone not love Diamond Dave?

[@tsgtownsend]

Amazing watching Larry King in the prime of his life. I hope I live to be 130 years old. RIP Larry

[@mikem591]

They dude is a natural showman. Very smart guy as well. VH sort of ended for me after he left. He’s like Sean Connery as 007 - the true 007. He is the true lead singer of VH.

[@quantum_man]

DLR is a very intelligent and creative man who has achieved more than most. Genuine Talent.

[@spacemanjupiter]

He actually seems like a smart guy. He easily had an answer to every one of King's questions whether it be a story or complex response. Do they rehearse interviews like this?

[@seanandreychuk2649]

spacemanjupiter No. Dave is actually an intelligent and witty guy. It's just the way he is.

[@Monkey-ut7ke]

80s cocaine

[@maskof]

If you haven't seen the Joe Rogan two and a half hour interview you gotta watch it. I used to dismiss Dave as just another typical rock star douche bag, but the guy is actually, no apologies brilliant and naturally sharp. There is no rock star that's done the things he's done so far in his life let alone a mere mortal.

[@TwasNeverThus2]

@@maskof it's actually 3 hours long and I was not bored for a minute of it. He's truly one of the most amazing beings I've ever known of. So many facets, not at all interested in the rock n roll fast cars, women, drugs lifestyle (well, maybe the 80's but didn't really bring it up in the interview) Rides his bike everywhere, rock climbs, martial artist, EMT for 5 years in NYC, owns a tattoo ink company. Full of ideas, interests and life. Unbelievably intelligent and a great conversationalist Never thought I could love this guy, but there is nothing NOT to love. I'm won over

[@Iknowthelaw13]

No. Dave is a well read man with great people skills and well experienced.

[@mhappy4520]

Roth in his heyday.

[@pestanaspecas6501]

David Lee Roth is so hot !

[@lance7799]

I CAN LISTEN TO JIM MORRISON AND DAVID LEE ROTH ALL DAY MAN,THE 2 BEST FRONTMEN AND MOST INTERESTING FOR SURE

[@Wulfdane]

You gotta give David Lee Roth credit, he has confidence and it has served him well.

[@carpenoctem775]

He lives his life like there’s no tomorrow.

[@davemis40]

He is Mr Showbiz .. would be tiring to be around after a while .. does he ever wind down? 😂

[@idkman360]

cocaine gets high on him!

[@octaviof.g.7316]

have you seen his Joe rogan....he doesnt stop talking for an hour straight.

[@greatbyrondo]

@@octaviof.g.7316 ...I watched the JR interview...and yeah..! Being in a band with DLR would wear ya out... (And I think DLR was a GREAT frontman.....)

[@oliversi4583]

I actually met David at his farewell party- which I understood decades later - in the mens room of the Novotel Nürnberg-Fürth, after his last show with VH. He kept it completely secret, his friends from the other bands on the Monsters Of Rock - bill eventually asked "Where's Ed?" He replied "Val probably watches over Ed to keep him from having fun..." That was the only hint where I sussed the relationship had turned sour...

[@carlawilliams5132]

Still one of the best front man ever! Ever ever ever in the history of rock ‘n’ roll… For anybody that was around when David Lee came out singing well you had to have been there

[@robertgodlewski8553]

Dave knew exactly what MTV was about and embraced the absurdity of the business. Well done Dave...well done.👍

[@Confidentk9sCa]

DLR has an incredibly interesting and fun personality that draws most people in. If only him and Van Halen would’ve been compatible I think they would’ve stayed strong like The Stones and AC/DC. But sadly few bands ever stay compatible. RIP Eddie.

[@Mainbusfail]

DLR is just one of my favorite front men out there, and my list is pretty short. Long live DLR.

[@NorthernChev]

“Music should look like it sounds…”. Nice.

[@runbmc35]

He's actually brilliant and he's honest

[@SilverLine269]

We're only just realising what David was saying 30 years ago.

[@rogerparis]

David Lee Roth, a force of nature. Love him.

[@robertroberts9782]

That my friends is a ROCK N ROLL STAR... saw DLR at the Richfield coliseum in Cleveland Ohio in summer 1988 with the boxing ring .the surfboard by far the funniest concert I ever been to..been to over 300 concerts..to me that was peak DLR ..that skyscraper album. Was a masterpiece

[@GTUF]

Best frontman ever of the best American band of all time

[@KarsKirai]

Yankee Rose was just genius work - lyrics, emotion, undertone. DLR was a master of his craft.

[@christopherlaplante2605]

R.I.P. Larry King and I’m glad I got to watch this interview a few years after this was uploaded on this channel and before Larry king passing. David Lee Roth is amazing singer from Van Halen and his solo albums as well and rest easy Larry. 🙏🏻🕊✝️🕯🎸 #RIPLarryKing

[@stormbringercoming8105]

Somehow I get the feeling that ol' Larry doesn't really swing the way Diamond Dave do.

[@junesondrab3833]

Roth is a legend.

[@Francisthefootball]

"....you cam in on the coda bubba..." I love him

[@PedroPetracco]

A masterclass in eloquence and charisma

[@blueskyandgoldenlight]

this is when DLR was super hot

[@richeyrich2203]

He is a good looking almost 70 year old!

[@beatmastert]

now he looks like Barney Fife.

[@therhino1207]

Legend....fantastic. Part of my DNA.

[@NostalgiaVHS]

Thanks for uploading. DLR rules!

[@horselover8472]

He's beautiful! :)

[@jonthomas8569]

I enjoy both eras of Van Halen, and both singers for different reasons. But there's no arguing that David Lee Roth was an original. Only he could do his thing and make it work. He's clearly an intelligent, worldly guy. Interviewers must have loved to just let him go on and fill the space.

[@almasandhu9895]

I will always love David Lee Roth 😍 he was so hot back in the day when he was in Van Halen. His chiseled features, long hair & amazing flat abs. He was such a hottie 😍 he was definately the hottest guy in the band.

[@daviclar867]

Oh look this was a day before my 19th birthday. I bought the cassette when it first came out and the intro to the video on mtv was really cool too.

[@maxtrod1]

Diamond Dave!

[@RossBayCult]

Larry King: “are you enjoying yourself Dave?”. Is the sun hot? ☀️