David Lee Roth Brings Van Halen Fire to Atlantic City on Summer 2025 Tour Stop
via Concert Fanatic / YouTube
On August 8, Hard Rock Live at the Etess Arena in Atlantic City hosted an electrifying performance from David Lee Roth, marking the fifth stop of his summer 2025 U.S. tour. Backed by a powerhouse lineup—Al Estrada on guitar, Ryan Wheeler on bass, Francisco Valentino on drums, and Danny Wagner on keyboards—Roth delivered a night packed with nostalgia and high-energy rock. Fans filled the venue eager to witness the return of one of rock’s most charismatic frontmen.
The setlist read like a Van Halen greatest-hits compilation, starting with “Panama” and rolling through staples like “Runnin’ With The Devil,” “Dance The Night Away,” and “Hot For Teacher.” Roth also included covers of The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me” and Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman,” showcasing his flair for blending classic rock influences. By the time the night closed with “Jump,” the crowd was on its feet, singing along to every word.
Atlantic City was just one stop in a tour scheduled to wrap up on September 14 in Napa, California. For Roth, this run of shows isn’t just a set of performances—it’s a declaration that he’s still capable of bringing Van Halen’s iconic sound and energy to life. His magnetic stage presence proved that while the years may have passed, his rock ’n’ roll spirit hasn’t dimmed.
The Return After “Retirement”
Roth’s Atlantic City performance is part of his first full solo tour in more than five years, a comeback that started at the M3 Rock Festival in Columbia, Maryland, on May 3, 2025. At that show, he joked about his so-called retirement, comparing himself to Rocky and his multiple comebacks. The humor underscored his history of teasing farewells while always finding his way back to the stage.
The former Van Halen frontman first stepped away from the band in the mid-1980s to launch his solo career, only to return in 1996 and again in 2007. His most recent tenure with the group lasted until 2020, though Van Halen had been inactive since 2015. Each return to the spotlight reminds fans of his lasting impact on rock music and his ability to command a stage like few others.
For Roth, performing live is more than just revisiting past glories. In recent years, he has been recording fresh versions of Van Halen classics with his current band lineup. These tracks, recorded live without samples or Auto-Tune, prove that Roth still values the raw, unpolished energy that first made him a rock icon.
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A Career of Reinvention and Resilience
While Roth’s latest tour may feel like a revival, his career has been defined by constant reinvention. In January 2022, he canceled his planned farewell shows in Las Vegas due to COVID-related concerns, a decision that left many wondering if he was truly stepping away for good. His Vegas residency had promised an evolving setlist of instantly recognizable songs, blending Van Halen hits with his solo work.
Before that, the pandemic had already cut short his 2020 residency, as well as other touring plans. Those setbacks might have derailed a lesser artist, but Roth used the time to recalibrate. The 2022 recording session at Henson Recording Studio in Hollywood—where he and his band laid down 14 songs in just two hours—was a testament to his drive and efficiency.
That work ethic has carried into the 2025 tour. With each performance, Roth proves he’s not just coasting on nostalgia; he’s actively preserving and reinterpreting the music that defined a generation. His ability to bounce back from challenges reinforces why fans continue to pack venues to see him.
Still the Showman After All These Years
Roth has often reflected on the physical demands of rock ’n’ roll, noting that it’s a young person’s game. He’s compared it to professional sports, where longevity is rare, and every show could be the last. That sense of urgency fuels his current performances, making each one feel like a celebration rather than a routine stop on a tour.
He has also embraced the role of entertainer as much as musician, packing his shows with energy, humor, and storytelling. Whether fronting Van Halen or leading his own band, Roth knows how to work a crowd, turning each song into a shared experience between artist and audience.
If Atlantic City is any indication, Roth’s “return” isn’t just about reliving the past—it’s about proving that his brand of rock theatrics still resonates. As the summer 2025 tour rolls on, fans can expect more nights where the music, the memories, and the moment all collide in true David Lee Roth fashion.
Watch the fan-recorded full show below.
