Concert Review
David Lee Roth
Thursday May 21, 2026
OLG Stage at Fallsview
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
When looking back at the annals of Rock and Roll you would be hard pressed to find a more charismatic frontman for a rock band than Diamond David Lee Roth. Roth of course earned his credentials fronting Van Halen from the beginning, left for a fruitful solo career in 1985 then rejoined for the final years from 2007-2015.
2026 marks forty years since Roth embarked on his debut solo tour named after his first full length solo album Eat Em’ And Smile. While at 71 years old, his voice isn’t quite what it once was but his charisma and ability to still able to command the stage hasn’t slipped one bit. Roth was practically smiling from ear to ear with a ten mile smile all night. Not too bad for a guy who retired in 2021 only to make an appearance at the M3 Festival which led to this cavalcade of shows he has performed since.
It’s Showtime as the clock strikes 8:20 pm. Kicking off things with “Panama” helped set the night up beautifully. Make no mistake about Roth knowing his own material as he perfectly placed “Drop Dead Legs” from Van Halen’s monster album 1984, second in the set. Surprisingly Roth played for a smidge over two hours without taking any kind of break..
Joining Roth onstage were guitarist Al Estrada, bassist Sean McNabb and drummer Francis Valentino. A trio of background singers were on stage to help smooth out the vocals. Roth has learned over the past year that perhaps less vocals from him is the better option. The overall sound was dialed in to perfection with the instruments. Estrada had a perfect tone to his guitar all night. McNabb it must be noted is playing his first tour with Roth. McNabb of course is known for playing with many bands throughout his career most notably with Great White and Dokken.
I was quite surprised how Roth did not play one solo or cover song from his solo career. For a man who has had so many airplay hits it left several fans dismayed as I heard shoutouts for numerous solo songs that fell on deaf ears.
The knock on Roth these days with many center around his vocals or lack of still being able to perform his songs in a respectable manner. I say this, Roth even back in the day was never a powerhouse vocalist. He was always about being a showman, someone who would entertain and keep the audience engaged. That was the David Lee Roth I saw Thursday night. He was like a kid in a candy store up on the OLG stage and you have to love that he still wants to entertain us even at 71 years old.
Set List
Panama
Drop Dead Legs
Romeo Delight
Little Dreamer
Blues Jam
I’m The One
Beautiful Girls
Dance the Night Away
Ice Cream Man
You Really Got Me
Jamie’s Cryin’
Unchained
Mean Street
Atomic Punk
Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love
Hot For Teacher
Everybody Wants Some!!
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