The rumors were flying for weeks. People were saying David Lee Roth was done, actually retired this time. After the 2021 "retirement" announcement and those canceled Vegas residency shows, most fans figured the book was closed. Then the David Lee Roth M3 Festival announcement hit like a lightning bolt in January 2025. It wasn't just another gig. It was the moment Diamond Dave decided to reclaim the throne.
Honestly, the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, is a sacred site for 80s rock. It’s the home of the M3 Rock Festival, a three-day pilgrimage for anyone who still owns a leather jacket. On May 3, 2025, it became the center of the rock universe. Dave didn't just show up; he brought a 16-song set of pure Van Halen classics that silenced a lot of skeptics.
What Actually Happened at M3?
Dave hit the stage following an incredibly tight set by the band Accept. That’s a tough act to follow. The crowd was nervous. We’ve all seen the YouTube clips from recent years where the vocals... well, let's just say they were "creative." But when the opening chords of "Panama" rang out, something felt different.
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He looked sharp. He was wearing this all-leather getup and had that classic Cheshire Cat grin plastered across his face. It wasn't just the outfit, though. It was the band. Roth brought out a new lineup that included Al Estrada on guitar—a guy who has Eddie Van Halen's tone down to a molecular level.
The 2025 M3 Setlist
The set was a total deep dive into the Roth-era Van Halen catalog. There were no solo hits like "Yankee Rose" or "Just a Gigolo." He kept it strictly VH.
- Panama (The perfect opener)
- Drop Dead Legs (A rare treat for the die-hards)
- You Really Got Me - Unchained
- Dance the Night Away
- Runnin' With the Devil
- Mean Street
- Atomic Punk
- And the Cradle Will Rock…
- Jamie's Cryin'
- I'm the One
- Everybody Wants Some!!
- Romeo Delight
- Hot for Teacher
- Ain't Talkin' 'bout Love
- Jump (The inevitable closer)
The big surprise? The vocals. He had four backing singers—a "choir of Daves"—to handle those high-register harmonies and the notes that a 70-year-old rock star shouldn't be trying to hit anyway. It worked. By the time they reached "Jump," the energy was basically ceiling-shattering.
Why the David Lee Roth M3 Festival Performance Was a Pivot
For years, the narrative was that Dave couldn't do it anymore. People called it a "trainwreck" waiting to happen. But the David Lee Roth M3 Festival gig was a masterclass in adaptation. He leaned into his role as the master of ceremonies. He joked about his "first retirement," comparing himself to Rocky Balboa. "How many retirements did Rocky have? Nine?" he quipped.
It was more than a concert; it was a proof of concept. He proved that with the right band and a smart approach to the songs, he could still deliver the "Diamond Dave" experience without it feeling like a parody. SiriusXM’s Mark Strigl, who hosted the event, was one of the first to shout it from the rooftops: "DAVE IS BACK!"
The success of this single festival date changed his entire trajectory. Within days, the chatter shifted from "Is he finished?" to "When is the tour?"
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The Aftermath: From Maryland to a 2026 World Tour
If M3 was the spark, the fire started shortly after. Because the reception was so positive, Roth didn't go back into hiding. He played a massive show at the Mountain Winery in California later that September. And now, as we sit here in 2026, we’re looking at a massive 30-date North American tour.
The "A Night With David Lee Roth" tour, which kicked off in April 2026, owes its existence to that one night in Maryland. He’s hitting iconic spots like the Graceland Soundstage on May 1st and the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. It’s a victory lap that seemed impossible just eighteen months ago.
The Criticisms (Because There Are Always Some)
Let’s be real for a second. Not everyone is convinced. Some fans at the upcoming Graceland show are already expressing skepticism on social media. They point to the "cheating" of using four backup singers. But honestly? If you want the studio recording, stay home and listen to the record. If you want the spectacle, the charisma, and the feeling of a 1984 arena show, Dave is currently the only person on the planet providing that.
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He’s 71. He’s spent five decades screaming over Marshall stacks. The fact that he can still command a crowd of 19,000 at Merriweather Post Pavilion is a testament to his sheer will.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're planning on catching the current tour or wondering if the M3 magic is still there, keep these things in mind:
- Don't expect the 1981 voice. Expect the 2026 showman. He talks as much as he sings, and that’s part of the charm.
- Watch the band. Al Estrada is the closest thing you will ever hear to Eddie's "Brown Sound" live. It’s worth the ticket price just for the guitar work.
- Check the setlists. He’s been sticking to a near 20-song set of Van Halen classics. If you’re looking for solo Dave tracks, you might be disappointed, as he’s currently focused on the VH legacy.
- Get tickets early. Ever since the M3 festival performance went viral, his shows have been selling out faster than they did a decade ago.
The David Lee Roth M3 Festival appearance wasn't just a one-off gig. It was the resurrection of a rock icon who refused to stay retired. Whether you love the new "choir" approach or miss the old high-velocity screams, there’s no denying that Diamond Dave still knows how to start a party.
If you're looking to catch him live this year, the tour wraps up at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip on August 7, 2026. Given his history with "retirements," this might actually be the last chance to see the original frontman of Van Halen doing what he does best. Don't wait for the tenth retirement to find out.