David Lee Roth has just released the audio of his retirement announcement, and Diamond Dave seems to be concerned about his health, as he chokes back tears.
Dave said:
“I'm running up here today with the departure of my beloved classmate recently, Ed [Van Halen]. Al [Van Halen] and I have been talking -- I can't speak for him just yet -- I just spoke to him. He knows everything I'm about to tell you. I am encouraged and compelled to really comes to grips with how short -- and probably my time is even shorter. I thought I might go first frankly. I might have thought the Marlboro Man might've got me. 'Hey Ed, objects in the rear-view mirror are probably me.’ And, my doctors, my handlers, compel me to really address that every time I go onstage, I endanger that future. I know when I sit in the audience all I ask is you come out with a ukulele or a marching band.”
He added, “All I ask is that you give me everything you got to give. That's what I did for the last 50 years. And I'm throwing in the shoes. I’m retiring. And this is the first, and only, official announcement. Al, my handlers, you got the news. You share it with the world. I’m not going to explain the statement. The explanation is in the statement. These are my last five shows. I got a band that's doing what Al and I used to call a block. That means 75 rehearsals for one show. The warm-up for one somersault is the same for 10. So, we're gonna bring it in classic VH style. Alex [Van Halen] and I are the only version. That was his message. There is no other variation. There is no torch being passed. There is no other side of this head's up tail coin. This is classic, in your face Van Halen and we're gonna be playing to you for the rest of your time and your great grand children's. I’ve gave you all I had to give. It’s been an amazing, great run, no regrets, nothing to say about anybody. I’ll miss you all. Stay frosty.”
Dave will wind down his performing career with five shows at the House of Blues in Las Vegas on December 31st, January 1st, 5th, 7th and 8th.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]