Billy Sheehan clarifies rumors about David Lee Roth reunion following live comeback
Billy Sheehan recently engaged in an interview with Play That Rock n’ Roll where he discussed the potential for a reunion with David Lee Roth after Roth’s performance at the M3 Rock Festival. The question of whether there could be an ‘Eat ‘Em and Smile’ band reunion arose, much to the curiosity of fans eager to see a revival of past glory days. However, Sheehan promptly shut down any speculation about a possible reunion by stating, “Nope.” Despite the immediate dismissal of the idea, Sheehan expressed gratitude towards David Lee Roth for providing him with a significant opportunity that kick-started his career.
Sheehan played a pivotal role in Roth’s early solo career, particularly during the emergence of the ‘Eat ‘Em and Smile’ album in 1986. As part of a supergroup lineup that included Steve Vai on guitar, Sheehan’s contributions were instrumental in establishing Roth’s successful solo trajectory post-Van Halen. Following the success of their collaboration, Sheehan continued to work with Roth on his second solo album, “Skyscraper.” Despite his eventual departure from the touring lineup, Sheehan’s influence on Roth’s music remained palpable through pre-recorded backing vocals during the “Skyscraper” tour.
Amidst Roth’s recent appearance at the M3 Rock Festival, interest in a potential reunion between the former bandmates surged. The collaboration between Roth and Sheehan was indeed groundbreaking and played a significant role in shaping Roth’s solo endeavors. However, Sheehan’s current stance makes it evident that the prospect of a reunion remains unlikely. While fans may hold onto hope for a revival of past musical partnerships, Sheehan’s resolute response points towards the firm closure of that chapter in rock history.
The recent interview with Billy Sheehan sheds light on the enduring impact of his collaboration with David Lee Roth and emphasizes the monumental role they played in shaping the landscape of rock music during the 1980s. Despite the passage of time and the evolution of their individual careers, the legacy of their joint musical ventures continues to resonate within the hearts of fans who look back fondly on the era of ‘Eat ‘Em and Smile.’ As Sheehan’s unequivocal declaration underscores, some chapters in music history are best left preserved in memory rather than revisited in the present.