David Lee Roth and Alex Van Halen recently reunited for their first public appearances together since 2015. The former Van Halen bandmates appeared together at a TEDxFargo event in North Dakota. The pair’s reunion came nearly six years after Eddie Van Halen’s death. It also followed years of reported tension between the longtime rock collaborators.
David Lee Roth and Alex Van Halen made their first public appearance together since 2015
Roth, 71, and Alex, 73, appeared together at TEDxFargo on July 30. Artist Robert Vargas moderated their conversation about art, music, and creative work. The appearance marked their first shared stage since Van Halen’s final show. That performance took place at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles in October 2015.
The pair reportedly appeared all smiles during the event, as seen in an Instagram post. Their conversation will reportedly be released on YouTube in the coming weeks. However, their reunion came after a difficult period between the former bandmates. Alex previously discussed their strained relationship following Eddie’s death.
After Eddie died in 2020, Alex said Roth was his first phone call. The drummer also discussed plans for a possible reunion tour with Roth.
Those plans reportedly collapsed after the two disagreed about honoring Eddie during future performances. Alex said Roth strongly opposed making Eddie’s presence part of every show.
The disagreement reportedly became heated and ended with the pair fighting. Alex later described Roth’s reaction as deeply upsetting. Their history also included tensions surrounding Roth’s 1985 departure from Van Halen. Alex later wrote that the singer’s exit felt like “treason.”
Despite their difficult history, Alex acknowledged their musical partnership remained significant. He wrote that the band was better together despite their frequent conflicts.
Roth has also continued performing after announcing his retirement in 2021. He toured in recent years, although several upcoming dates were reportedly canceled.
Their recent public appearance therefore marked a notable moment for Van Halen fans. It also suggested the former bandmates were willing to share the spotlight again.
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT DAVID LEE ROTH AND ALEX VAN HALEN REUNITING?
