Former Van Halen Vocalist David Lee Roth Brought the Spirit of the 80’s to FireKeepers Casino

June 14, 2026 Sean Derrick

–by Kaitlyn Putnam

David Lee Roth, known to fans as “Diamond Dave,” brought a dose of classic rock nostalgia to FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek, Michigan, on Saturday, June 13, as part of his U.S. and Canadian Don’t Love Me, Rent Me Tour. The 21+ evening with Roth honored an era of high-energy rock, influential instrumentals, and unforgettable moments in music history.

Fans could be seen all around the room wearing Van Halen apparel or sporting shirts & jackets with large photos of Roth’s face.

Backed by a talented 8-piece band featuring Al Estrada on guitar, Sean McNabb on bass, Francis Valentino on drums, K.C. Knight on keys, and a four-man supporting vocal group, Roth delivered a performance that celebrated the music and larger-than-life personality that made him a rock icon.

The former Van Halen frontman took the stage, a few minutes after 8pm, needing no introduction. Still sporting his signature tight leather pants, and trademark grin, Roth commanded the crowd’s attention with the same charismatic swagger that defined his heyday. As he strutted across the stage, twirling microphone stands and engaging in his trademark eccentric antics, he transported fans back to the golden era of arena rock. It was clear from the moment he appeared that Roth was having the time of his life, waving his mic stand overhead and incorporating a megaphone into his performance in true, “Diamond Dave” fashion.

The evening’s setlist was a celebration of David-era Van Halen classics. Opening with “Panama,” Roth also launched into fan favorites such as: “Drop Dead Legs,” “Mean Street,” “Hot for Teacher,” and “Jump.” This performance marked one of the early stops on Roth’s first major tour since his return to the stage in 2025 following a five-year hiatus, giving longtime fans the opportunity to relive the soundtrack of their youth.

When asking the sound technician about the setlist before the show, he said there is no setlist because, “You never know what spontaneity Dave is going to decide to do each night.”

At 71 years old, Roth remains every bit the entertainer. Throughout the evening, he mixed music with humor, frequently interacting with the audience and sharing comedic stories between songs. While the show focused less on vocal perfection and more on entertainment and audience connection, Roth’s charisma never wavered. His ability to engage the crowd and keep the atmosphere lighthearted proved that his greatest strength has always been his stage presence.

The performance leaned heavily into nostalgia, humor, and celebration, delivering exactly what longtime Van Halen fans came to experience.

Guitarist Al Estrada deserves special recognition for his passionate playing and his ability to capture the spirit and signature sound of Eddie Van Halen’s iconic guitar work. Together, Roth and his band created an evening that served as both a tribute to one of rock’s most influential eras and a reminder that some performers never truly lose their passion to entertain.

Be sure to check out more photos from the evening after the setlist below.

David Lee Roth Setlist: