David Lee Roth Eat Em And Smile Tour
The David Lee Roth Eat Em And Smile Tour was a concert tour by the former lead singer of Van Halen, David Lee Roth, in support of his debut solo album Eat Em And Smile, which was released in 1986. The tour began on July 19, 1986, in Rochester, New York, and concluded on December 6, 1986, in Honolulu, Hawaii. The tour included 86 shows in total and was considered to be one of the most successful tours of 1986.
The Beginnings of the Tour
The David Lee Roth Eat Em And Smile Tour was announced in the summer of 1986, shortly after the release of Roth's debut solo album. The album had been a commercial success, reaching number four on the Billboard 200 chart, and had spawned two hit singles, "Yankee Rose" and "Goin' Crazy!" The tour was highly anticipated by fans of Roth and Van Halen alike, as it marked Roth's first solo tour since leaving Van Halen in 1985.
The setlist for the tour included most of the songs from the Eat Em And Smile album, as well as a few covers and a handful of Van Halen songs that Roth had co-written. The band that accompanied Roth on the tour was made up of some of the most talented musicians of the time, including Steve Vai on guitar, Billy Sheehan on bass, and Gregg Bissonette on drums.
The Tour's Success
The David Lee Roth Eat Em And Smile Tour was a huge success. The tour played to packed arenas and stadiums all across the United States, and Roth and his band received rave reviews from critics and fans alike. The show was known for its high energy and over-the-top theatrics, with Roth often wearing outlandish costumes and performing elaborate stage routines.
One of the most memorable moments of the tour came during a show in Dallas, Texas, when Roth brought a fan on stage to sing a duet of the Elvis Presley classic "Blue Suede Shoes." The fan, a 16-year-old girl named Melissa, stole the show with her powerful and confident performance, and the moment went down in rock history as one of the most spontaneous and unforgettable moments of any rock concert.
The Legacy of the Tour
The David Lee Roth Eat Em And Smile Tour is still remembered today as one of the greatest rock tours of all time. The tour represented a high point in Roth's career, and cemented his status as one of the most dynamic and charismatic performers in rock and roll history.
The tour also helped to launch the careers of Steve Vai and Billy Sheehan, both of whom went on to become highly respected musicians in their own right. The innovative guitar playing of Vai and the virtuosic bass playing of Sheehan were highlights of the tour, and helped to push the boundaries of what was possible in a live rock performance.
The David Lee Roth Eat Em And Smile Tour will always be remembered as a seminal moment in rock history, and a testament to the power of great music and great performers.