Everybody Still Wants Some: David Lee Roth Delivers Classic Van Halen Magic at Hard Rock Live In Hollywood, Florida

By Joanie Cox Henry

Roth And Roll: David Lee Roth and guitarist Al Estrada Image by Larry Marano

The neon lights of Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, seemed almost redundant on July 31st—David Lee Roth was shining so brightly in all his over-the-top glory.

Opening with "Panama," Roth burst onto the stage covered in leather and with that familiar blend of swagger and theatricality that's defined his persona for five decades. His voice, while weathered by time and countless tours, still carried that distinctive rasp that made Van Halen's early albums feel dangerous. The crowd—a mix of old school rockers donning original 1984 Van Halen shirts and leather and younger fans discovering the classics—erupted as the opening riff cut through the venue's intimate atmosphere.

The setlist was tasty. "Drop Dead Legs" and "I'm the One" showcased the band's impressive chops, while "I'll Wait" demonstrated that even Van Halen's synthesizer-heavy moments could translate powerfully in a live setting. The Kinks' "You Really Got Me," that blueprint for hard rock rebellion, felt particularly poignant—a reminder of the British Invasion influences that helped shape Van Halen's sound.

Roth's between-song banter remained as colorful as ever. He quipped about touring Japan, singing karaoke there, and winning the crowd over by pronouncing California cities with a Spanish accent! You can actually catch a short video of that banter here.

During "Unchained," he delivered one of the evening's most memorable lines. "It's not about who loved you baby," Roth said, his voice dripping with hard-earned wisdom. "It's about who's loving you up again."

The middle section of the show proved most revelatory. "Romeo Delight" and "Mean Street" allowed the band to stretch out musically, while "Atomic Punk" delivered the punch that made Van Halen legends. "Jamie's Cryin'" struck an unexpectedly emotional chord, Roth's delivery suggesting he understood the weight of these songs in fans' lives.

Between songs, Roth regaled the audience with tales of his recent travels to Tokyo, his animated storytelling painting vivid pictures of cultural immersion and adventure. These moments revealed the curiosity and wanderlust that have always fueled his artistry, even as he approaches the twilight of his performing career.

The covers felt particularly significant. Roy Orbison's "Oh, Pretty Woman" transformed into a spotlight for Roth's showman instincts, while the crowd sang along to every word. "Everybody Wants Some!!" carried extra nostalgic weight—the song's inclusion in the 1985 cult classic Better Off Dead introduced it to a generation of movie lovers, creating a cultural touchstone that extends beyond rock radio.

Hamburger Halen: "Everybody Wants Some!!" was an added treat to see live at David Lee Roth's show.

The final additions of "Hot for Teacher" and "Jump" provided the kind of cathartic release that only comes from experiencing genuine classics performed by their creators. Roth's acrobatic stage moves may have been scaled back, but his commanding presence filled every corner of the venue. When "Jump" reached its euphoric chorus, the entire room became one voice, one shared memory, one collective celebration.

All images by Larry Marano: