On Saturday night, David Lee Roth made a sensational return to the stage after a five-year hiatus at the M3 Festival, electrifying the audience with a powerful performance of Van Halen classics, supported by an exceptional eight-piece band. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as Roth showcased his enduring talent and charisma, reminding fans why he remains a legendary figure in rock music.

Below, you can catch video highlights and the complete setlist from this unforgettable show.

During his performance, the iconic singer humorously remarked, “We’ve reached the end of my first retirement,” referencing the numerous comebacks of movies’ famous character Rocky, adding a light-hearted touch to the night. The setlist was heavily focused on Van Halen songs, leaving no room for his solo endeavors, including his well-known rendition of “California Girls.”

Joining Roth on stage were talented musicians including Al Estrada on guitar, Ryan Wheeler on bass, Francis Valentino on drums, and a keyboardist whose name remains unconfirmed, for which we apologize. Each musician contributed to the rich sound that has become synonymous with Van Halen performances.

A remarkable addition to Roth’s live show was a new four-member group of backing vocalists. This enhancement transformed his performance, showcasing how he turned a previous challenge into a newfound strength. “Ain’t no tracks up here tonight, baby,” Roth declared, affirming the authenticity of the live experience.

Throughout the show, Roth skillfully interacted with his new vocal ensemble during song breakdowns, delighting fans with a memorable rendition of “I’m the One,” which featured an impressive a cappella segment, further emphasizing the band’s musical prowess.

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This concert marked Roth’s first official live performance since he opened for KISS on March 10, 2020, in Lubbock, Texas, just before the COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread cancellations of tours. When KISS resumed touring a year and a half later, Roth was notably absent, raising questions about his future in live music.

In October 2021, Roth announced an early 2022 residency in Las Vegas, but he later canceled all scheduled performances due to unspecified health concerns. “I am throwing in the shoes. I’m retiring,” he disclosed to the Las Vegas Review Journal, expressing the gravity of his situation and the need to reassess his priorities as he stated, “my doctors, my handlers, compelled me to really address that every time I go onstage, I endanger that future.”

Since then, Roth has reportedly performed a few private shows and engaged with fans through various channels, including posting unreleased tracks, dance videos, and light-hearted banter with former bandmate Sammy Hagar on YouTube, keeping his presence alive in the music scene.

Although only one other date is confirmed for Roth’s 2025 schedule—September 12 at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga, California—the singer hinted at more exciting plans for the future as the evening concluded. After praising his band for delivering “a perfect fucking show,” he energized the crowd by exclaiming, “See you on the road… I’ll see you on the road!”

Watch David Lee Roth Perform at the M3 Festival

David Lee Roth’s April 3, 2025 M3 Festival Setlist

1. “Panama”
2. “Drop Dead Legs”
3. “You Really Got Me”
4. “Unchained”
5. “Dance the Night Away”
6. “Runnin’ with the Devil”
7. “Mean Street”
8. “Atomic Punk”
9. “And the Cradle Will Rock…”
10. “Jamie’s Cryin'”
11. “I’m the One”
12. “Everybody Wants Some!!”
13. “Romeo Delight”
14. “Hot for Teacher”
15. “Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love”
16. “Jump”