David Lee Roth Eat Em And Smile Tour Dates
If you're a rock music fan, you probably know who David Lee Roth is. As the former lead vocalist of Van Halen, he was known for his energetic performances and wild stage antics. After leaving Van Halen in 1985, Roth launched a solo career and released his debut album, "Eat 'Em and Smile," the following year. The album was a massive success, and the subsequent tour was one of the most anticipated events of the year.
The Beginnings of the Eat 'Em and Smile Tour
The Eat 'Em and Smile tour kicked off on July 12, 1986, in Lakeland, Florida. The tour was in support of Roth's debut album, which had been released on July 7, 1986. The album was a departure from the sound of Roth's former band, Van Halen, and featured a more hard rock and heavy metal sound. The album was a commercial success, peaking at number four on the Billboard 200 chart.
The first leg of the tour saw Roth and his band play smaller venues, such as theaters and clubs. However, the success of the album and the tour quickly led to larger venues being added, including arenas and amphitheaters. The tour was a massive success, with Roth's high-energy performances and incredible stage presence wowing audiences across the country.
The Setlist
The setlist for the Eat 'Em and Smile tour was a mix of Roth's solo material, as well as some Van Halen classics. Some of the songs that were played on the tour included "Yankee Rose," "Shyboy," "Ladies' Nite in Buffalo?," "Tobacco Road," "Jump," "Panama," and "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love." The band also played a cover of The Beatles' "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," which was a crowd favorite.
The Band
The band that Roth put together for the Eat 'Em and Smile tour was made up of some of the best musicians in the business. The lineup included Steve Vai on guitar, Billy Sheehan on bass, and Gregg Bissonette on drums. All three musicians were known for their incredible skill and had previously played with some of the biggest names in rock music.
The Final Shows
The final shows of the Eat 'Em and Smile tour took place in October 1986. The tour had been a massive success, and Roth had cemented himself as one of the best frontmen in rock music. However, the tour was not without its controversies. In particular, there were reports of tension between Roth and guitarist Steve Vai, which eventually led to Vai leaving the band.
Despite the controversies, the Eat 'Em and Smile tour remains one of the most iconic tours in rock music history. It showcased Roth's incredible talent as a performer and cemented his place as one of the most influential figures in rock music.