by Best Classic Bands Staff
David Lee Roth has cancelled all but one of the remaining dates of his 2026 tour. The alleged reason is due to a lack of ticket sales. The news, on July 23, is surprising since the 71 year-old had already played several dozen dates this year and there were only a handful of shows remaining. The former Van Halen frontman originally announced the tour—which began on April 16—back on January 5. In June, the run was extended, with dates continuing into September. The most recent concert took place on July 18 in Fort Hall, Idaho. Concerts scheduled for the rest of July, as well as August and September are now cancelled except for a single date that remains on his website that still appears to be scheduled on Aug. 7 in Sturgis, SD. Tickets were available here.
The tour followed Roth’s 2025 run that was entirely comprised of Van Halen songs including “Panama,” “Dance the Night Away,” and “Runnin’ With the Devil” along with their covers of the Kinks’ “You Really Got Me” and Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman.”
In 1974, Roth joined brothers Alex Van Halen (on drums) and Eddie Van Halen (on guitar and lead vocals), and Mark Stone (bass guitar) in Southern California in a band called Mammoth, replacing Eddie as the band’s lead singer. The band’s name was ultimately changed to Van Halen and as their local following grew, they began to play higher caliber venues, particularly in Hollywood. Stone departed, making the way for Michael Anthony to replace him on bass.
Sammy Hagar, who replaced Roth in Van Halen, posted a video message to his predecessor just before 11 p.m. ET on Thursday night. “I just got a call from Michael Anthony… about your tour getting cancelled. And I want to say from the bottom of my heart… I’m sorry… I hope you’re well… I hope there’s not a physical problem,” he said. “Honestly, Mike and I love the fact that you’ve been out doing it, supporting the greatest band in the world… that we were both part of. I’m really sorry. That’s f**ked up. Supporting what we did and this band to keep this music alive. You and I, Mikey, Al, Ed cannot be replaced. So, when you’re ready to carry on… you go, brother. Mike and I support you. Come to Vegas for the residency in September. Come on… join us. Sing a couple songs… emcee the damn show. Come out and just do what the f**k you do (laughs)… which is pretty damn entertaining. Hope you’re well… God bless, brother.”
Watch Roth’s return to the concert stage on May 3, 2025
Watch Roth perform in July 2026
Related: Listings for 100s of classic rock tours
During their breakout years, Van Halen became one of the biggest rock bands in the world, progressing quickly from opening slots for other bands, to headlining arenas and stadiums.
Two of their albums – their 1978 self-titled debut and 1984’s 1984 – have each been certified Diamond by the RIAA, signifying U.S. sales of ten million copies.
Related: Our Album Rewind of Van Halen’s debut LP
Roth departed the band in 1985 and was replaced by Sammy Hagar. Roth’s solo career flourished with several Platinum albums and the hit singles, “California Girls” and “Just a Gigolo/I Ain’t Got Nobody,” among them.
A boxed set of Roth’s 1985 – 1994 material was released in 2025. It’s available to order here.
