This week, in part 1 of a 2-part interview, Darren talks with violinist extraordinare Melissa Reiner. Melissa played on songs heard in the David Lee Roth's "No Holds Bar-B-Que" film, as well as appearing on-camera. There's some great stories about working with Dave, his work ethic, the other musicians she played with on the project, being on the film set, and how she almost got fired from the gig and much more! At the top, Darren and Steve ruminate on what's not happening with Dave and what is w...
Jan 29, 2022•58 min•Ep. 54
This week's guest is awesome: Linda Reissman, who trained David Lee Roth as an Emergency Medical Technician in New York, in the early 2000's. Linda talks about training Dave, his dedication, work ethic, professionalism, and why he wanted to be an EMT. Linda worked for Dave for a bit and was also one of the sidekicks you heard on his short-lived radio morning show. If you were ever curious about Dave's time as an EMT, you have to give this a listen! At the top, Darren and Steve discuss the Las Ve...
Jan 18, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 53
It's official: Diamond David Lee Roth cancels his entire Las Vegas residency at the House of Blues, due to Covid concerns. Darren and Steve dive into it -- the announcements, how it was all handled, who has COVID and will there ever be another David Lee Roth concert? Plus video mysteries, what might happen next, feeling connected to Sammy Hagar, and more!
Jan 08, 2022•32 min•Ep. 52
Darren is in Las Vegas for the David Lee Roth shows at the House Of Blues -- but Diamond Dave isn't? No New Year's Eve show, 2 shows cancelled, what's next? Cancellations, speculations and COVID, oh my!
Jan 03, 2022•34 min•Ep. 51
Steve and Darren discuss Darren's continuous detective work, this time going down a rabbithole over just how active David Lee Roth was from the mid-90's to the 2007 Van Halen reunion -- and beyond. How much new and previously-unheard music was recorded then? Or have we heard it already in various places -- like Dave's "No Holds Bar-B-Que" video and in "Roth Show" podcast episodes? This week's interview is super-successful country music songwriter Scotty Emerick. Scotty co-wrote Dave's "new" song...
Dec 25, 2021•51 min•Ep. 50
This week, Darren interviews Stephen Pearcy of Ratt, talking about his "Nothing To Lose" documentary, side ventures, meeting Robert Plant, David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen, and of course, what's happening with Ratt! At the top, Steve and Darren talk about some previous and now somewhat cryptic interviews with Diamond Dave, the upcoming Vegas shows, music and songwriting mysteries, hazy timelines, Dave's one-time guitarist and more. If you're heading to Las Vegas to see Dave's shows and want to...
Dec 14, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 49
In the news today, oh boy: Steve and Darren discuss Diamond David Lee Roth adding additional dates in Vegas -- the end of his first retirement? Will Darren be at those added shows? Plus, Dave practices some extremely creative revisionist history about Eddie Van Halen's famous "Frankenstrat" guitar...why? Plus, Ted Nugent thinks Dave is "out of his mind," thanks to Darren's scoop on the "Paltrocast" podcast! You can find the Paltrocast everywhere you get your favorite podcasts.
Dec 07, 2021•48 min•Ep. 48
In the latest episode of "The DLR Cast," Darren talks with the amazing guitarist John 5. John has played and recorded with a slew of heavyweights, including Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, Steve Perry, and, of course, David Lee Roth! John talks about his killer new album "Sinner," the still unreleased (save for three songs) record he recorded with Dave, whether he was going to be a part of DLR's live band, and much more! At the top, Darren and Steve talk about the silence preceeding Dave's Las Vegas...
Nov 29, 2021•57 min•Ep. 47
The latest episode of "The DLR Cast" features Darren's recent conversation with Michael Musselman, who drummed with Dave for his 2020 Vegas residency and on tour with KISS. Musselman studied under legendary drummer — and current Ringo Starr All-Starr Band drummer — Gregg Bissonette before graduating from the Musicians Institute. His credits also include work with Keith Urban, Jaden Smith, ¿Téo?, Ryan Cabrera, Pretty Sister, and Figs Vision. Musselman also has a band of his own called MainMan, wh...
Nov 11, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 46
This week Darren talks with Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill, authors of the amazing new book, "Eruption: Conversations With Eddie Van Halen." Of course, EVH is discussed, as is David Lee Roth, their book, and much more. If you haven't got this book yet, what are you waiting for? At the top, Darren and Steve are just two fools a minute, pontificating about Eruption, Dave going really solo through the years, some thoughts on Michael Anthony and was Van Halen as big in Europe as they could/should have...
Nov 02, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 45
At the top, Darren and Steve talk about "The Last Tour...Unti It Isn't..."or is it? More speculation on Diamond Dave's pending retirement, the New Year's Eve shows in Las Vegas! Why the 90's were Dave's mystery/"lost" era, how it went more "solo" than ever before, with a good number of band members coming and going. And Darren's Alex Van Halen prediction! Then, not 1, but 2 people -- in the same family -- who played with David Lee Roth: Rocket Ritchotte and his son Kane. Rocket played guitar for...
Oct 22, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 44
At the top, it's a bit melancholy as Darren and Steve discuss the 1-year anniversary of Eddie Van Halen's passing (10/6), talk some more about Dave's big retirement announcement, the passing of time, and Dave's upcoming birthday (10/10). Then, things lighten up as Darren talks with artist Margo Z. Nahas. Margo is the artist who created the most iconic Van Halen album cover of them all, "1984." There's all sorts of fun and cool info about making of that iconic album cover and much more. Check out...
Oct 06, 2021•45 min•Ep. 43
A lot of big news from David Lee Roth! Darren and Steve dig into the big retirement announcement. Is Dave really retiring? Are there medical issues? Plus, Dave's December shows in Las Vegas. Who's in the band? Will the setlist be different? Will Alex Van Halen make a guest appearance? And the terrific new track DLR dropped, "Lo-Rez Sunset," from the John 5 sessions. Then, Darren talks with songwriter extraordinaire Robbie Nevil. Robbie co-wrote 2 tracks on Dave's "A Little Ain't Enough" album, t...
Oct 05, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 42
Darren and Steve discuss David Lee Roth's recent appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards, what was said and what wasn't, the soon-to-be-50th anniversary of Dave and Alex Van Halen "ragging on each other," and will Dave be in Las Vegas for New Year's Eve? Then, Darren talks with the amazing Billy Sheehan, discussing the new 30th anniversary edition of Mr. Big's "Lean Into It" album, coming up in Buffalo, New York, his years with Talas, Harvey Weinstein, writing and recording the new Winery Dogs ...
Sep 17, 2021•57 min•Ep. 41
The DLR Cast -- your all-natural, artisnal podcast for all-things David Lee Roth -- returns from a short summer hiatus! Darren and Steve riff on the DLR and Gene Simmons imbroglio, Nikki Sixx, speculate on Wolfgang, Sammy and discuss a recent great interview with John5 at AL.com.
Sep 10, 2021•41 min•Ep. 40
Steve and Darren talk with Chuck Shute, the host of The Chuck Shute Podcast. Chuck talks about his Van Halen and David Lee Roth fandom, interesting interviews, all-things rock and roll, and much more Chuck's aim with his podcast is to "educate, entertain and inspire" and his interviews musicians, athletes, actors, authors and more. Recent interviews include Dee Snider, David Duchovny, Nate Boyer, Ratt's Stephen Pearcy, and John Corabi. Check out The Chuck Schute Podcast everywhere you get podcas...
Aug 09, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 39
It's all about the aborted David Lee Roth flick "Crazy From The Heat!" Darren and Steve speak with filmmaker Steve Herold about Dave's aborted 1985 movie and the actual script. What kind of movie was it supposed to be? Is it funny? Could it have been a hit? How far along was the production? Would the "Eat 'Em and Smile" band been in it? All that, and "No Big 'Ting!" Writer, director and producer Steve Herold has been working in film and television since graduating from the film program at New Yo...
Jul 27, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 38
Part 2 of our interview with Frank Meyer, who has more David Lee Roth stories, talks about seeing the very first, open-to-the-public Van Halen reunion rehearsal on stage, covering Van Halen's "In A Simple Rhyme" (it's very cool, check it out), talking Van Halen with Eddie Spaghetti of the Supersuckers, meeting Eddie Van Halen at Dweezil Zappa's house, Eddie's infamous backyard party for a movie soundtrack, and much more. You may have first known musician, author and producer Frank Meyer as the f...
Jul 19, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 37
Part 1 of an interview you don't want to miss!! Darren talks with musician, author and producer Frank Meyer. You may have first known him as the frontman for The Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs, but Van Halen die-hards may know him from his work on copy-editor and interviewer on photographer Neil Zlozower’s book "Van Halen: A Visual History 1978 – 1984." He has also interviewed David Lee Roth many times -- first time around for POPsmear Magazine -- and featured DLR in the book "On the Road with The Ramon...
Jul 09, 2021•53 min•Ep. 36
"The DLR Cast" is back, and Steve and Darren ponder: - why David Lee Roth isn't on the new, updated KISS tour schedule - Dave's recent social media posts and what might be next - "Yankee Rose" premiered 35 years ago - Wolfgang Van Halen's debut album, "Mammoth WVH" is simply amazing. - Did we get a preview of the sounds and heaviness heard on Wolf's album from Van Halen's last studio album "A Different Kind of Truth?" Thanks for listening.
Jun 26, 2021•45 min•Ep. 35
Darren and Steve debate the two recent developments in David Lee Roth land. First up, Dave on "The Joe Rogan Experience," where Steve and Darren try to answer the over-arching question, "Wa wa zat?" Then its all about the new track, "Giddy Up!" which dropped earlier in the week. It's the second song released presumambly from the album written (and produced?) by John 5. How is it?
Jun 08, 2021•58 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Steve and Darren welcome Eric Senich from the Van Halen News Desk - VHND.com - to talk Diamond Dave's most overlooked and underrated songs, both solo and with Van Halen. All of Dave's solo albums are discussed, Eat 'Em and Smile, A Little Ain't Enough; Skyscraper has several songs on these lists...did anything from Your Filthy Little Mouth make it? Naturally, multiple sidebars abound: New Zealand public radio is damn good, Dave's cover songs, Sammy vs. Dave, Jason Becker, Eddie Van Halen and muc...
May 12, 2021•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 33
Darren digs into the vaults and his 2003 interview with Diamond Dave make its world premiere! It is -- simply put -- a fun, rambling convo: Dave talks about his favorite poem, why he doesn't have writer's block, all about ambitious fury, infinite refinement, his Fourth of July Christmas special (!?!), future plans, and much more. At the top: Darren and Steve talk about Dave's latest round of art, the multiple panel serial "True Story." What's it all about? Where's it all going?
Apr 19, 2021•46 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Darren and Steve lead off with a few points about Dave's lyrics and why Dave's band with guitarist Brian Young was his hardest rocking -- and hardest working -- solo band. Then, Darren talks with Brian about staying busy during COVID-19, his recent cover of the Vandenberg song "Burning Heart," the importance of saying "yes" to every gig, secrets of working with Dave, what "trackblasting" is, and much more.
Apr 07, 2021•55 min•Season 1Ep. 31
On this edition of "The DLR Cast," Darren and Steve catch up about, then they cut to Darren's recent interview with Red Reign drummer Sam "Sammy Lee" Bendhiem. Sammy Lee probably knows more about Van Halen and DLR than Darren does -- Darren's assessment -- and their conversation touches upon various facets of the DLR catalog (e.g. "Skyscraper," "Eat 'Em And Smile," "DLR Band," "A Different Kind Of Truth") and Sammy nearly meeting Dave a few times. Sammy also talks about Red Reign's gigging along...
Mar 31, 2021•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 30
This week's interview is with Tom Beaujour, co-author (along with Richard Bienstock) of the awesome new book, "Nothin' But A Good Time: The Uncensored History of the 80's Hard Rock Explosion." Its the definitive, no-holds-barred oral history of 1980s hard rock and hair metal, told by the musicians and industry insiders who lived it. Darren and Tom get into the influence Van Halen and David Lee Roth had on this scene, the scene itself in Southern California, and much more. At the top, Steve and D...
Mar 22, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 31
This week Darren and Steve welcome Danny Zelisko, author of "All Excess: Occupation Concert Promoter." Simply put, Danny is one of the most successful concert promoters to ever book a show and he's been doing that for 46 years and over 12,000 concerts. In "All Excess," Danny navigates you through his musical journey of producing concerts and takes you behind the scenes of it all as he tells you about his years of working with some of world's biggest stars in entertainment, the good friends he's ...
Mar 14, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 28
This week on "The DLR Cast," Darren and Steve talk about David Lee Roth in various interviews through the years, from Dave's 1988 appearance on "Larry King Live" to being on Joe Rogan and Marc Maron's podcasts. Plus, does Gene Simmons love the Costco rotisserie chicken? And how its a crime that there's never been a home video release of either the "Eat 'Em and Smile" or "Skycraper" tours.
Mar 01, 2021•37 min•Ep. 30
This week Darren has a great interview with the supremely talented and awesome singer/songwriter Jonny Polonsky. Jonny talks about first seeing David Lee Roth and Van Halen on MTV when he was 8 years old, learning Van Halen songs on guitar, Dave as a cultural influence, pursuing passions, the rock & roll lifestyle that used to be versus today, and much more. Born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in suburban Wilmette, Illinois, Jonny Polonsky began writing, recording and self-releasing homemad...
Feb 22, 2021•26 min•Season 1Ep. 29
This week on "The DLR Cast": Darren speaks with composer, musician and David Lee Roth and Van Halen fan, Jeff Cardoni. Jeff talks aboout how his career evolved, composing for TV and movies, great guitar players, and, of course, Dave, Van Halen, and more! At the top: Steve and Darren wonder, "where is Dave?" Jeff Cardoni's body of work ranges from studio features (e.g. "Mike And Dave Need Wedding Dates," "Step Up: All In," "Just Friends, "Open Season 3," "Firehouse Dog," "Miss March") to televisi...
Feb 07, 2021•39 min•Season 1Ep. 28
