David Lee Roth - Eat 'Em and Smile. What a blast!

In today's episode I talk about the cool David Lee Roth record Eat 'Em and Smile and the great song SHYBOY.
I had such a memorable time recording this album with David Lee Roth, Billy Sheehan and Steve Vai and what a fun band to be in.
If you enjoy this video, please give it a Like, and if you'd like to see more from me don't forget to hit that subscribe button!

[@RonanChrisMurphy]

Definitely one of the greatest rock line ups of all time.

[@nogoogleplus]

100%

[@patrickbutler9744]

Put em 1b to Blizzard of Ozz

[@ja9999999999]

I saw the show at the end of the tour in Montgomery. The venue was not great for a concert, but I worked my way to front and center and it was amazing.

[@stephenz2822]

Totally agree one of the best concerts I ever attended.

[@MetalHeart8787]

@@patrickbutler9744 ok well, Most people compared them to Van Halen of course. Not Ozzys Band.

[@jasongoad1084]

Man, I wish that this group had stayed together longer. An absolute supergroup!

[@tod3msn]

I love Gregg's enthusiasm for his work in music. Joyful to listen to his honest and cool stories.

[@cjthrill]

Eat 'em and Smile was just Diamond Dave's way of saying "Hi!" to the Van Halen brothers. That record is an absolute beast. Cheers to you Gregg! Monster player!

[@j.r.90001]

And, Van Halen echoed the "Hi!" back with their OU812 as we all know. :)

[@evansmusic2009]

@@j.r.90001 Van Halen's "OU812" ("Oh You Ate One Too") Album Title is allegedly a joke on Van Halen's previous lead singer David Lee Roth's 1986 debut album "Eat 'Em and Smile". Is that really the way it went down?..... I love both Sammy and Dave. Sammy way more consistent as a rock guy, but Dave pushing the band boundaries more for the creativity and sheer 'fun' captured on a recording....

[@user-cs6up8eq7s]

​@@evansmusic2009Hagar is lame compared to Dave

[@leroyjones6170]

Dave had a great effect on Eddie and Vai. He brought something out in them.

[@PSpringfield]

@@user-cs6up8eq7s Lyrically, nobody has a way with words like Dave. He was vocally more interesting, and an amazing showman

[@SiTheMon777]

One of my absolute favourite albums. Now this was "THE" SUPERGROUP 🔥🔥🔥

[@bmphil3400]

Gregg... I recognized you in a record store in Huntsville AL when you were touring with DLR on the Skyscraper tour. You gave me backstage passes at will-call. I don't expect you to remember but it was an exciting time for me as an aspiring club musician. I really appreciate it to this day. Very very cool night. You introduced me to Steve Vai as well. I think at that time Billy had left and your brother was playing bass. One thing that struck me as very funny was that you guys were listening to party tunes backstage like Word Up by Cameo.

[@deniseblanchard2320]

I love DLR and still do. Rocky, bluesy, big bandy crazy genius. Fabulous drummer. How many drummers can vocalize their parts like that I wonder...

[@crushercam]

I think you could record Gregg's vocalizations as actual drum tracks. lol

[@timbuckxxi9690]

NO ONE CAN talk drum like GREGG. Now I've got to hear EAT THEM AND SMILE after all these years..

[@arjunapartha]

Hearing the moment the band comes in…summer 1985 was the beginning of a 20 year music journey as a professional drummer, touring, studios, endless sessions, everywhere? Been there, Hollywood lived it, all because of Greg Bissonette. What you did on that record taught me more than famous drum teachers could, about “music” and the drummer’s responsibilities. That’s what I tell drummers when they talk about their roots and who influenced them the most. There still isn’t a better “drummer”. It’s what you DONT play versus WHY you played what you did. Thanks for still teaching us master Gregg.

[@tylermorrison7051]

I met Gregg in 2009. He was 100% friendly and down to earth. As for his drumming, he's well versed in so many different styles. His work on Eat Em' and Smile was off the charts.

[@jackenglish1041]

I couldn't agree with you more my friend and I had the pleasure of meeting him also in 2017 at the NAMM Show in Anaheim and spoke to him for about 35 minutes and what a nice guy he was and an incredible player as well.

[@tylermorrison7051]

@@jackenglish1041 That's awesome.

[@djmylesmatisse]

One of the BEST Rock and Roll albums in the history of the genre and much of the reason is the band, arrangement, production and vocals.

[@larryallen4553]

The lead break in Yankee Rose has the NASTIEST groove I’ve ever heard. It grabs you and won’t let go. Love it!!!

[@toddlawrance4045]

Really love the "Skyscraper" album too, was the first Roth album I bought when I was seventeen. Great cymbal accents on "Bottom Line", "Hot Dog & A Shake" rocks, and such tasteful drumming on "Damn Good". Fantastic musicianship from all involved with that album as well as "Eat 'Em & Smile".

[@kevinpohlner2840]

Hot dog and shake is fast and technical and one of my favorite songs from these guys.

[@kabasakalis]

Used to jam on my drums with Eat 'Em and Smile back in 2004, specially Ladies' Nite in Buffalo? and Going Crazy... The whole album is a masterpiece, such a shame this kind of Hard Rock is rarely played nowadays.

[@Brockstar5150]

I was 16 when this album came out and it was just what everybody needed at the time, metal, funk, big band it has it all. The musicianship on this is just insane and the drumming off the chart! Thanks Gregg, still listening to it today in the U.K.👍🤘

[@wileykoepp]

I was 13. And I got to make that tour my first rock concert, down in the general admission 'front row' with a friend. Seeing that lineup perform up close at that age changed my life. I compare all bands to what those 4 did that night...and there aren't many who can hold a candle to it.

[@toddcampbell9044]

Me too. I saw them October 1986 in Huntington West Virginia

[@richardthompson6366]

Album still holds up, was a solid Van Halen fan before the split and prefer Eat em to anything Van Halen did after album wise. Skyscraper was good too but not as raw.

[@julies2633]

Around 14 /15 years of age when this album came out and from the UK too Agree with the replies posted here : die hard Van Halen fan Only got to see Roth in concert in his later tours - 1994 & 2004. Bernstein of Rock 'n' Roll!

[@toddwalkerdrumstudio]

Thanks so much Gregg!!!..............Great music/tune(s)-Drumming, Fun times, Super band!

[@DrummerPete2112]

I appreciated you as a world class drummer right out of the gate from that album. But when people were able to see & hear each other through social media and platforms like KZbin, I really appreciated you as a person. You are funny and animated, giving and a lover of music for all. It’s a pleasure Gregg. 👏

[@jamesbuckley9108]

Gregg, I caught you on the Eat ‘Em tour in Shreveport, Louisiana, and as a young drummer, your performance that night made a huge and lasting impression. I couldn’t decide whether to practice eight hours a day from that point forward, or just tossing my little kit into a wood grinder.😀 Thanks for years of inspiration!

[@photofriend44]

I was at that concert too.

[@WakadooPlaypen]

Are you kidding me!!! One of the all time great rock records ever, played by supremely talented mofos. Thanks Greg!

[@bassman7115]

One of my favorite all time albums. A superstar lineup for sure!

[@mjulio71]

Everyone in my circle of teenage musician friends were talking about Vai and Sheehan, but when I got it, THE real surprise was you! Who's THAT drummer?! My introduction to your playing and an inspiring performance to this day.

[@apple4935]

I love how Gregg can talk in multiple notes at the same time.

[@musicman9128]

Greg’s china hits on shy boy and elephant gun are unpredictably beautiful! his dbl bass drumming is very underrated

[@paddywadge3405]

My first concert ever was the Eat ‘Em and Smile tour. Blew my little 14-year old mind. All these years (and hundreds of concerts) later, I’m still thankful I started off with such an incredible show. What a lineup!

[@frankburdodrums8984]

This just further proves, DRUMMERS are the coolest people on Earth.

[@polodrums94]

Great, great album, every songs on this record are pure gems!

[@sonicplayg]

Eat 'Em and Smile was such an incredible 80's masterpiece..Amazing, memorable and fun songs with stellar musicianship on so many levels.. a huge influence on my young musical mind. It was the soundtrack of my summer in 1985 along with Power Windows, Thanks Gregg! Rock on brother! 🔥🔥🎶🎶🎶😎

[@TinnyHidge]

Imagine being able to sit & chat with Greg - listen to all the stories & anecdotes! What a nice dude! 🤘🙂👍

[@erikarko]

What an utter BLAST to see you perform and talk about these songs!!!

[@drewrosecrans9728]

Everything on that album is a home run 💯 thank you brother 🤘🤘🤘🥁🥁🥁saw this tour @ the forum Inglewood California 1986 with Cinderella 🤘🤘🤘 much love and respect to brother 🥁🥁🥁🥁

[@luvmedrums4057]

Great teacher, great guy. Gives back to the drum community. Thank you Greg

[@ThemFuzzyMonsters]

I remember getting goosebumps hearing that very first chord on Yankee Rose …

[@theshiznit8847]

I was 14 years old when this album came out, and though I was never a Van Halen fan (I know right), but when Eat em and smile came out, I was completely FLOORED, and to this day it remains to be my absolute favorite album of all time, thank you Gregg for featuring it in this video!!!!!

[@herbcanter2114]

Somethings seriously wrong with you bud .

[@theshiznit8847]

@@herbcanter2114 why you say that?

[@krusher74]

just as I prefer Ozzy's solo stuff over sabath, i much prefer DLR solo ablums over VH.

[@harrie974]

One of my all time favourite albums🤩

[@carminecaligiuri]

I got to see that tour. Still one of the BEST shows I have ever seen!!

[@PSpringfield]

It was nuts when Billy and Steve did that battle in the middle of the show

[@andyconnrock]

Gregg's groove's are like CLOCKWORK! So consistent! Love it!

[@trick1420]

Shyboy is one of those GOAT drum songs that no one talks about... It's so good. Gregg I had no idea who you were until I heard that song. That whole album, and your drumming specifically heavily influenced my style as a drummer.

[@diegoalbornoz483]

An 80's dream team. What a group !!!

[@billyhughes9776]

I was a HUGE VH fan starting from the first record. When Dave left the band my loyalties remained with Ed, Alex and Michael, but after Eat Em and Smile came out curiosity got me and I had to hear it considering the band he put together. I loved it, and this is one of my favorites.

[@zman0729]

Stellar lineup for a freakishly overlooked, spectacular album that I still listen to quite often.

[@michaelmiglino6512]

Awesome episode, Gregg is an Iconic Musician who is incredibly passionate. That album “ Eat’em and Smile” is legendary!

[@ziccuj]

Gregg, even on a bad day you are able to put a smile on my face. Dude, you really know how to cheer people up and inspire - and your enthusiasim is just contagious. Thanks man! :)

[@leswadley6792]

This album never gets old! The musicianship is incredible! Honestly, look at the 3 people playing the music, everyone is a master at what they do! I so wish the lineup could do another album and tour!

[@SoCalVipers]

That was such an incredible album. Everyone wondered what Dave would do after leaving the greatest band in the world. He created another AMAZING band. In my opinion, Sammy was an awesome fit For Van Halen that I loved as much at the Roth era, and the Eat 'em and smile album was just as incredible. The Van Halen split created two great bands instead of just ruining one, which is usually the case. Anyway, I had the privilege of seeing the Eat 'em and smile tour at the Capital Center in the DC area when I was still in high school. Since Dave didn't have a ton of new music yet, Every band member got a lot of time to solo. It was an amazing show for an aspiring musician. A few years later I moved to LA to be a rock star where I attended MI and got to meet Greg. What a cool guy. He was a total rock star, but he spent an entire day at the school with the students. Pearl even donated an huge drum kit to the school that day. FYI - I never did become a rock star ;)

[@herbcanter2114]

C'MON , Sammy ? Really , he was terrible with VH imo.

[@SoCalVipers]

@@herbcanter2114 it's subjective. But I really loved the 5150 album and tour.

[@jameyd4155]

It really was like we had 2 bands … Siamese twins that doubled our volume of new music. Neither one disappointed me! Tough to name bands with more talent, bravado, and passion than VH and DLR’s. GREAT MUSIC from otherworldly MUSICIANS!

[@casanovafrankenstein8538]

@@herbcanter2114 he was the right fit plus Sammy is a great guitarist so he brought that with him and it added a whole new depth to VH

[@jaylucas9999]

I kinda agree with this take because Sammy’s solo stuff was not very compelling … but Dave’s first two outside of Van Halen were legendary

[@shreddinjoe]

Dave certainly made a statement with that lineup and album....jeeezzz. not to mention that tour was EPIC...Dave was a superstar at this point...and the line up was as good as it could ever get .

[@el-shadow71]

One of the best line ups EVER!!!!! People that never saw you guys missed out on greatness!! This group was one of the reasons I began drumming (and attending a few Bissonette clinics)!!!

[@markromero5331]

When this first came out, we were regulars at the Troubadour, and I can remember the buzz was, David's out ! And going solo. Everyone thought he was nuts, but I knew better. When this came out it was the perfect combination and collaboration of LA's Top Gun Musicians, and when it did, Wow, it was Monster !!!! Your still a Top Gun Gregg !!!

[@TheLochs]

I bought this album when it came out. Great stuff. The band was on fire.

[@lindaellen808]

I have the CD.

[@corkyg]

Love this song and this album. Such a classic on all levels!

[@BrianPetryDrums]

STILL one of my favorite albums ever!

[@giacomos9878]

Cannot get better than eat’em and smile !!! What an amazing band and record !!! My youth was shaped on this record !!!

[@n.a.mcintosh4697]

1986 Pittsburgh 7th row! Will never forget it, Thanks!

[@Ibaneddie76]

I remember when that album was released it was the first time I realized there were players that were on a completely different level of musical understanding!

[@choppingpenguin]

I was (and still am!) completely obsessed w the Roth era Van Halen, but Eat 'em and Smile is just as ingrained in my DNA. Vai was my next obsession after Eddie, so to hear that he was hooking up w DLR was a total wet dream! Seeing the tour totally sealed the deal, those were the days when giants walked the earth amongst us. 🤘💥🤘

[@shyboy2112]

I crack up when he sings all the instruments with all the bada-badas and taka-takas, because I do exactly the same! Great drummer, great guy!

[@stratdx]

God double bass beats are so satisfying to my brain. And your TONE!!!! Jesus

[@frankburdodrums8984]

When he says "It was a BLAST." He means that, Literally.

[@LAIRDO-]

I saw the Eat Em' and Smile show (still have the shirt, somewhere) as well as the Skyscraper show. Two of the most entertaining and fun concerts I've ever witnessed!! Great band right there!!

[@RobFerrellDrumStudio]

GREAT album. GREAT tune! 🔥🥁🔥

[@timjohnson2186]

The most talent on one stage at one time

[@stonewall3041]

@ Tim Johnson...crack is whack.

[@timjohnson2186]

@@stonewall3041 bout time

[@LarsonGuitarPlayer]

Still no1 party album. And what a great drummer and fun guy!

[@louisdeath8965]

One of the best Line up of all Times.

[@tragicallymalicious1]

I was lucky enough to see this guy on that tour. One of the most fun, high energy shows I have ever been to.

[@daveguitarnowski4402]

One of my favorite albums of the 80's!!!! And what a great band.....

[@jeffreyp1855]

One of the most badass drummers in rock and what an awesome lineup for a band! Roth is a damned genius!

[@vanessamonster5038]

Thanks for posting this. Eat 'Em and Smile was one of the first albums I ever owned. Its completely awesome.

[@jdziennik1]

We couldn’t wait for this record to come out and the whole thing rocks. Great job on the drums. Saw the tour too, Awesome!

[@Ricardo-go7yu]

That is my favorite concert of all time!! And I have seen practically everyone.

[@richardsummers2161]

This guy is a legend. Love the Submarine album, one of my favorites.

[@sf5912]

Had the pleasure of seeing you with this band in 1988 in the UK ... Skyscraper tour. Still my favourite gig of all time. Brilliant musicianship and entertainment! Loved the steel drum bit! Thanks Greg! God bless.

[@doug941]

New Haven Coliseum 1986 I didn't even know we were going until that day! We had been partying for days....but we pushed through! Best concert I've seen to date!! DLR was amazing and the band? Holy Shit!! Thanks for that!

[@PSpringfield]

I was there too! Up in the nosebleeds!

[@mikebottiaux5850]

Gregg, so much respect for you & your drum skills. Thank you for bringing this 63 yr old drummer out of retirement and back behind a drum kit again✌️

[@michaelturner6030]

Shy Boy was a game-changing track for me. Other drummers had been doing similar double bass work (16s and quads), but it was the first time I heard it played so clean and tight the way Gregg did on that record. In addition to his great playing, his drums were impeccably tuned and recorded.

[@wayneblackler2818]

Love the passion and love for his mates. “What a blast!”. Awesome album. Stellar band.

[@ast3663]

one of the greatest albums of all time..I didnt even buy any Van Halen albums after 1984..until A Different Kind of Truth

[@ChrisGraingerDrums]

This video is remarkably good Gregg! An absolute gem for all of those who love the Eat Em and Smile album… or just fans of Dave, Billy and Steve… WELL DONE! ❤

[@arjunapartha]

In 1988 you said, “if you can say it, you can play it.” I can never forget. Amazing edits of your masterful teaching, as powerful as ever.

[@EDOGG62]

Phenomenal band. I greatly prefer DLR’s solo stuff to what Van Hagar put out. Incredible drumming as always!

[@herbcanter2114]

Van Hagar played love songs for the most part . Terrible

[@almatsas351]

DLR and the boys totally outshined Van Hagar!!

[@shaunclifton5281]

@herbcanter2114 It became mall music and was such a sad time...like a funeral. Just a totally different band. The Testosterone was gone.

[@brianallen8091]

@@shaunclifton5281YES! Dave brought the T with him when he rolled out. During VH’s phenomenal 6 album run(yes, Diver Down included), there was not one weak ass, soupy love song-it was all a fun party. The coolest band ever, DLR era VH. I actually dug 5150, but man, you just can’t compare to EEAS & the cool factor. Dave was the only one with nuts to do big band & comedy…and make it legendary 💪🏽😎

[@PSpringfield]

@@herbcanter2114 Yes, love songs with weak lyrics. Attracted millions of female Journey fans

[@cc_1983]

Fantastic playing- so much passion and enthusiasm. Could listen all day long! What a player.

[@ChrisPuckett]

Shyboy is one of the greatest songs of the 80s. I was 12 when the album came out, becoming a little virtuoso guitar player. I still listen to the album to this day. Growing up in the 80s this was my Led Zeppelin 4.

[@carlr8061]

Awesome album start to finish. Got it the day it came out. Stayed in the vein of the 6 VH albums but still very original. I'm so lucky to have seen your incredible band on this tour in Lakeland Florida in February 1987. One of my favorite shows ever & lots of GREAT memory's. Thanks Gregg!!!

[@heinzconrads5243]

... one of the best rock albums ever and still one of my favourite albums - great to hear from Gregg, how they recorded it!

[@rolandmoreno3526]

Great concert in Augusta Ga none stop great music. 1986 the famous Tobacco Road is real

[@DavesTrumpet]

I remember the time!! What a great time!!!! You were in Maynard Ferguson’s band just prior. I met you and your brother Matt at the time when you played at our university. I have both of your autographs!!! Thanks for the memories!!! I’ve always followed you since.

[@FreeMTrider]

Shyboy......always one of my favs. A lot of hits on Eat 'Em and Smile. Knucklebones is also a great one from Skyscrapper......and the many hits. Seriously talented band. He was not messing around putting that band together. And Dave really got into shape for those tours.

[@derekgenre8057]

Dude is incredible!!! My first experience was Birdland with Maynard Ferguson!!! Incredible!!!! He has ALWAYS been incredible!!!

[@duanesmith1523]

That album just rocks. Love it. DLR is the man.

[@GinaBurlingham]

Definitely one of the GREATEST EVER albums ever pressed into vinyl.!!!!!!! PURE ART .!!!!!

[@rockerbob949]

I remember buying the cassette tape when it came out and OMG it was freaking AWESOME! It’s STILL freaking awesome!

[@DonnyOsmosis]

That was such an exciting band. Saw them at MSG NYC in Fall of 86 - that concert seemed like it was 15 minutes long - the vibe in there was "one big happy party family." Went by in the blink of an eye.

[@kevincarey1453]

The concert AND the lineup w/ Billy Sheehan - over in the "blink of an eye." Too bad Dave changed direction on the next disc.

[@Draxtor]

Thank you Gregg! As a guitar player you were always my FAVE musician on this record :))))

[@hilalabbas]

His 1st 2 albums represent the 80's happy life at its best

[@petewylde6592]

Shyboy has such an awesome drive to it. I love that song and the whole album.

[@tonelocrian]

Greg is a great instructor. His joy for the music really shines through.

[@bryanrussell8770]

Great video Gregg! I’ll never forget how awesome this Album is! A masterpiece start to finish!

[@PSpringfield]

When the album came out, I bought it on vinyl, then taped it on cassette. In my car, the tape remained pushed in for about 8 weeks. Every time I drove, it played! Great to see you Gregg, with Ringo in Bridgeport, CT. I jammed with Billy at Winery Dogs camp. Great guy, and funny as hell!

[@PSpringfield]

I unpaused video after typing above comment, and hearing your gravel tone voice... I recalled Billy telling us the story how you got the Winnie The Pooh voice actor gig

[@timmerred5]

I saw the show in the Glens Falls Civic Center in Glens Falls NY. What an amazing and truly fun show. I forget which song it was but at one point Dave came out from the opposite side of the venue to sing for all of the folks in the back. Being a bass player, I was also really happy to see Billy live for the first time. I distinctly remember how happy Dave seemed to be to have everyone supporting him after VH. He was so appreciative towards us. It was like a big party. Thanks for a great album and show!

[@jerryvahnknight218]

This album is so fantastic!! I love shy boy, I play it for my little ones and they go nuts with fun!! I also love ladies night in buffalo!

[@xmeccx3262]

I remember meeting you at the music store I worked at, this would have been 2000 or 01, I helped you get drum heads ready for you to autograph after the session you did. I wasn't able to ask for an autograph (store policy) but you were gracious enough and signed one for me as a thank you for assisting. You were a true gentleman and one of the nicest people I have ever met. I still have that drum head. Keep rocking and giving us a peek behind the music you were a part of!

[@dhaitmanek]

one of the greatest rock records of all time!!!! Every song was just awesome. I can remember practicing "Shyboy" over and over once I got a double pedal. When I saw a full transcription that Modern Drummer published in 1987 I couldn't believe it....without it I couldn't have figured it out. When I saw the DLR band live at the Baltimore Civic Center , I was completely blown away! I went home and practiced everyday. Then DCI came out with your video(and transcription book) ! I've been a fan ever since. You gave us so much to learn and practice, I'm grateful. You are an insanely talented musician, educator and inspiration. Thank you!