10 (more) minutes backstage with David Lee Roth at Stagecoach

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David Lee Roth surprised the crowd at the Stagecoach festival on Saturday by joining Teddy Swims to perform Van Halen’s hit song, “Jump.” This marked the third time Roth has performed the song recently, following appearances at both weekends of Coachella. I spoke with the 71-year-old singer, who was sporting a sparkly jacket and leather vest, about what he called his “three-peat” performance.

Are you a recent property owner in Indio, or do you live here permanently? Actually, my investment isn’t just in property here. It’s in the enduring spirit of American music—a tradition that embraces everyone, from cowboys to those wearing yarmulkes, and transcends fleeting trends.

VIDEO | 02:31

David Lee Roth, honorary citizen of Indio

The venue will be empty next weekend. Are you planning to come back and sing “Jump” to an empty room? There will be a lot of people here, though – it’s hosting the Diamond Dave Big Rig Trucking School and Day Care Center.

You’re currently touring – how are the concerts going? They’re fantastic! If you enjoyed the performance tonight, imagine that feeling multiplied by 22 songs.

The concert featured twenty-two songs. I wrote all the lyrics and melodies, and created all the harmonies. Of course, Eddie Van Halen added his incredible guitar work. We actually wrote everything in a very small laundry room – we were practically on top of each other! Eddie’s mom wouldn’t let him plug in his guitar because it was too loud, so I’d listen to him play – completely unplugged – from just a few inches away, giving him feedback. Every Van Halen song you know, I first heard that way – an acoustic version, and I’d tell him if a part was too long.

Tighten it up.
Cut it short. All great musicians finish long after the ending.

Last time we spoke, you were wearing something called Artemis II. What are you wearing tonight? It’s a vintage western outfit from Nudie’s of Hollywood, dating back to the 1950s. It’s traveled all over the world! Nudie’s made clothes for famous stars like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry, and for the costumes on classic TV shows like “Bonanza,” “Gunsmoke,” and “Rawhide.” You should definitely look up Nudie of Hollywood. This jacket is incredibly valuable – worth more than my shoes, and they were custom-made! In fact, it’s worth more than my dental work!

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2026-04-26 21:01