Dave's voice?

**dropdeadlegs** · 10.29.06, 03:12 PM

Assuming Dave does hit the stage with the Van Halen's (and hopefully Mike)how will his voice measure up? I'm a die-hard Dave fan, but even in the best of times I had to admit this was not his best attribute. The fact he either doesn't or can't move around like the "old" days, brings even more attention to his singing voice. I've watched a lot of live Dave performances on youTube long before this latest rumor and quite frankly many of his recent performances were, dare I say it a little painful to listen to. Now, granted these performances were recorded by people in the audience with their video camera's so I expect some degradation of quality however I feel it still gives you the nuances of Dave's voice. I think part of the problem is he not singing them the way they are on the records. I know he's tryin' to change things up but it's almost as though he tryin' too hard and it winds up sounding weird. I hope Dave proves me wrong and I have to eat my words but it is something I wondered about.

Your honest, unbiased comments would be appreciated...and guys lets not turn this into a piss-fest.

Thanks!

**FORD** · 10.29.06, 03:18 PM

Having seen Dave live in 2001, 2002, and 2003 (as well as numerous video clips since then) I can assure that his singing voice is fine. The old "scream" is gone, but I can't think of any singer over 50 who could pull that off. Even Rob Halford doesn't have the high end he used to. And if you want to use Sammy Hagar as a comparison, when was the last time he actually sang the chorus of "Dreams" anything close to how it is on the record?

Dave will do fine. After what I saw of the 2004 tour, I'm far more worried about the real Eddie Van Halen showing up.

**Brett** · 10.29.06, 03:18 PM

I am OK with Dave's voice, I have said it's an issue in the past, I still think it's not very good, but I can live with it. There are songs he nails, there are some where he has to yell more that are just awful. But whatever, I think he'll be fine, especially if everyone else is on, which I hope. I don't think it has to be a huge concern, I would hope that he keeps working on it for what would be a long tour.

**Menlow** · 10.29.06, 03:19 PM

I don't think Dave's voice needs to be top notch for this to work. When I picture this, I think of Ed, Al, and Mike ripping into the classics. Then you've got the ringmaster DLR directing the show. As long as the three guys are on and Dave isn't embarassingly bad, it won't matter much if his voice isn't quite what it used to be IMO.

**Brett** · 10.29.06, 03:20 PM

I'm with you Menlow, his vocals don't need to be spectacular for this to be a great show.

**Menlow** · 10.29.06, 03:22 PM

Originally Posted by Brett

I'm with you Menlow, his vocals don't need to be spectacular for this to be a great show.

Exactly. It's far, far more important for Ed to be on.

**dropdeadlegs** · 10.29.06, 03:35 PM

I was just watchin' the Romeo's Delight video someone posted in 'nother thread, the one with Dave's infamous "I forgot the fucking lyrics" line. That stuff doesn't bother me. That video, Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers and Hang 'em High are some of my favorite Dave live vocal performances. In the newer stuff, he just seems to be lackin' that "attitude" that I love.

**cav** · 10.29.06, 03:36 PM

I must concur with Menlow.... Ed needs to be "on" for this to be magical.
Since 96 when the Van Halen's said Dave couldn't "make it through a tour", he has done it 10 times over. Sure DLR's voice isn't what it once was, but he's still got the desire and the heart to make it fun.
I love Ed and want it to be great, but his demons never seemed to effect his playing like in 2004.
I hope Ed can keep things in check to make this tour everything
the world has been waiting for.
It would be great to see them REALLY go out and do a KILLER show night after night. God knows that what we would all love to see

**Brett** · 10.29.06, 03:45 PM

I agree boys, if Ed's playing is there, it's gonna be a good show. He is key.

**FORD** · 10.29.06, 04:11 PM

Eddie was on in 1998. Too bad that tour was wasted on the wrong singer. But if anybody can get that kind of performance out of him again, it's David Lee Roth.

The Chemistry between those two which produced 6 brilliant albums and kickass tours was driven by competition between the two as much as anything else.

If they get back to that level, it will be a killer tour. Maybe they should spend some time in the studio first. If not a new album, then to finish the songs they started in 2000 and add them to the proverbial box set we all have waited a decade for.

**diamondsgirl** · 10.29.06, 04:19 PM

I saw Dave in 2001, 2003 and just last month.

He improved each time.

He has completely changed his technique, especially his breathing. He gears up for the long notes so that his voice will last all the way through. He does not run around as much and this saves him from becomming winded. I think these are both good things. However, by doing this, he does not sound exactly the same as he used to. But, he sounds damn good, IMO, and better than he has in years. I like that he sings all the words (or almost all of the words) I like that he still struts and jumps and kicks and has the cocky attitude that DLR fans love. All while taking his singing more seriously than he used to.

When he does scream, he preps for it and nails it.

I can live without the "yelps" and I still don't know why he does that. Does he think it sounds good? Maybe it does to him. Or maybe he forgets that he can't hit it. I noticed that after he does it once, he holds off on it for a while.

Personally, I LOVE when he sings in a low voice and wish he would do that more. I also noticed he talks a little more, which I happen to dig. He's always been kind of chatty on stage but more this tour than 2001 or 2003. He tells a little story here and a joke there, I think he does this to allow his voice a quick rest. Maybe not. Its probably just Dave being Dave.

I noticed that he goes off stage more now too. Changes some clothes, etc. Not sure whats up with that. But its fine. Just an observation.

**Greenpaw** · 10.29.06, 04:29 PM

Originally Posted by Brett

I'm with you Menlow, his vocals don't need to be spectacular for this to be a great show.

That's where Mike comes into play

**Brett** · 10.29.06, 04:29 PM

Again I really don't believe how well Dave sings is going to be an issue, especially with Mike there, it's going to be Ed and if he can carry the music like he always has until the '04 tour. But like I said also, Ed was hit or miss in 2004, because he was really good at the LA show I saw. But I heard plenty of shows where I was going, WTF. And the early show in NJ I saw, he was OK...not bad...not great.

**Nickdfresh** · 10.29.06, 06:43 PM

Dave's voice certainly wasn't what it was when he was 28. But Ford hit the nail on the head, with Mikey singing background, it will be fine. And I also do believe that some of the bootlegs are deceptive. As pointed out in the initial post, Dave has "reinvented" the songs vocally, almost as if he was going for some post-modern silliness and over doing the audience participation thing, as if he was bored. I think getting back to the band that made this music, with Mike singing backing vocals, as opposed to fronting a coverband will help him get over the cliff and turn it up to 11 vocally...