Steve Vai has discussed the chances of a reunion from David Lee Roth’s Eat ‘Em and Smile-era band
“There was a period of time where we talked about it and we considered it,” the guitarist said during an interview with Dean Delray’s Let There Be Talk podcast. “But then Van Halen was back. So Dave was out doing that.”
Expanding on the subject, Vai doesn’t see an “Eat ‘Em and Smile” reunion happening anytime soon. If ever.
“There comes a time where you feel the train has left the station,” he explained. “I heard Dave retired. And I’m so ensconced in my solo career, all the stuff I’m doing. So you never know, but it doesn’t seem likely.”
A reunion of the “Eat ‘Em and Smile” era of DAVID LEE ROTH‘s solo career did however, at one time, come literally moments from happening back in 2015. To celebrate the album’s 30th anniversary, Vai, along with bassist Billy Sheehan and drummer Gregg Bissonette came together for a performance of the famed LP at a bowling alley located in Hollywood.
“I thought, ‘Well, I’ve got to ask Dave. Just in case he’s interested,” Vai recalled. To his surprise, Roth said he was in.
“When we arrived, the line was all the way around the building and all the way down the street. I couldn’t even see the end of it,” the guitarist recalled. “The place held like 350 people and they stuffed 1,700 people in there.”
“We’re backstage and we’re ready to go on,” Vai continued, noting that the set was going to start with the song “Yankee Rose.” “So I’m going to hit this chord, and the moment I hit this chord the curtain is going to open and we (will) kick into it and Dave (will) come out. So he’s waiting in the back. I’m standing there, Billy’s there, Gregg’s there. And I’m just about to hit the chord and this guy comes up to me and goes ‘Steve, you can’t play.’ I say, ‘What do you mean I can’t play? I’m playing!’ And he goes, ‘No, you can’t. The fire marshal is here and they want to shut the place down.”
Steve Vai went on to say that he was initially ready to just pay the fine to let the performance happen, but when he was told he could go to jail and the venue could lose their license, the guitarist halted the show.
“My hand is (saying), ‘Just hit the chord, Vai. Just hit the chord. Forget about all this shit. Just go for it!’” he recalled.
“I can’t do it. I don’t want to get people in trouble. I don’t want to get the club in trouble and I don’t want to get me in trouble,” Vai explained. “So I didn’t hit the chord, and I went back and I told Dave, ‘We can’t play.’
“Dave in his brilliant marketing mind said, ‘Perfect. We’ll get more press out of this than if we played,’” Vai recalled. “And by golly, he was right.”
Steve Vai, Billy Sheehan and Gregg Bissonette eventually performed together again in 2019 at that year’s NAMM music convention, but Roth was not present.
Released in 1986, David Lee Roth‘s “Eat ‘Em and Smile” stands as a seminal album in the career of the former VAN HALEN frontman. Following his departure from VAN HALEN, Roth enlisted a powerhouse lineup for this solo venture. The band created a formidable musical force that complemented Roth‘s flamboyant and charismatic persona.
The album showcased a departure from Roth‘s earlier work with VAN HALEN, exploring a diverse range of musical styles. Tracks like “Yankee Rose” and “Shyboy” displayed the technical prowess of the musicians, with Steve Vai’s intricate guitar work and Sheehan‘s thunderous bass lines. The chemistry among the band members was palpable, contributing to the album’s energetic and dynamic sound.
Standout songs from “Eat ‘Em and Smile” include the infectious “Goin’ Crazy!” and the iconic opener that is “Yankee Rose“. The album’s success was not only attributed to its musical excellence but also to the vibrant and theatrical performances that characterized Roth‘s live shows during this era.
“Eat ‘Em and Smile” marked a successful chapter in David Lee Roth‘s solo career, cementing his status as a solo artist capable of creating compelling and innovative rock music outside the confines of VAN HALEN.
