Sammy Hagar Invites David Lee Roth to Las Vegas Residency

David Lee Roth Cancels 2026 Summer Tour Dates

Legendary frontman David Lee Roth has canceled nearly all remaining dates on his 2026 U.S. solo tour. The tour, which was promoted under the banner "Don't Love Me, Rent Me", featured a heavy rotation of Van Halen classics alongside Roth's solo material. While the trek originally had dates scheduled through early September, it was revealed on Thursday morning, July 23, that several upcoming performances have been scrapped.

Among the canceled shows are appearances in Dillon, Colorado; Clear Lake, Iowa; Louisville, Kentucky; and East Moline, Illinois. According to Roth’s official website, only one performance remains on the public schedule: an August 7 appearance in Sturgis, South Dakota. No official reason was provided for the sudden change in plans, though reports have surfaced regarding empty seats at multiple dates throughout June and July. This has led to widespread speculation that low ticket sales may have influenced the decision to call off the shows.

Roth kicked off this leg of the tour on April 16, 2026, at Spokane Live! at Spokane Tribe Casino in Airway Heights, Washington. His current backing band includes Al Estrada on guitar, Sean McNabb on bass, Francis Valentino on drums, and Danny Wagner on keyboards. McNabb recently joined the lineup as the new bass player, replacing Ryan Wheeler. The performances also featured several backing singers as part of the Rock icon's stage production.

Sammy Hagar Responds with Open Invitation

The news of the cancellations prompted a public response from Sammy Hagar, who succeeded Roth in Van Halen. Despite a history of tension between the two singers over several decades, Hagar shared a video message on social media expressing sympathy and offering Roth a spot in his own upcoming residency. Hagar noted that he learned of the cancellations through a phone call from Michael Anthony, the former Van Halen bassist who currently plays in Hagar's solo band.

In the video, Hagar addressed Roth directly, expressing concern for his well-being and praising his efforts to keep the band's legacy alive. Hagar extended an invitation for Roth to join him and Anthony in Las Vegas during their residency this September. He suggested that Roth could perform a few songs or even serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the show.

"Hey, Dave. Sammy here. I just got a call from Michael Anthony … about your tour getting canceled. And I wanna say from the bottom of my heart, I'm sorry. I hope you're well. I hope there's not a physical problem. Honestly, Mike and I love the fact that you've been out there doing it, supporting the greatest band in the world that we were both part of. And, yeah, I'm really sorry. That's fucked up. Supporting what we did in this band to keep this music alive. You and I, Mikey, Al, Ed cannot be replaced. So, when you’re ready to carry on, you go, brother. Mike and I support you."

— Sammy Hagar

"Come to Vegas for the residency in September. Come on, join us. Sing a couple songs, MC the damn show. Come out and just do what the fuck you do – which is pretty damn entertaining! Anyway, hope you’re well. I really do. God bless, brother."

— Sammy Hagar

Commitment to Live Music and Legacy

In a caption accompanying his video, Hagar emphasized the importance of performing "real live music" in an era increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence. He expressed hope that the news regarding Roth was not "AI" and reiterated that his message came from his "heart and soul." Hagar argued that those capable of performing should continue to do so as long as they are physically and emotionally able to "carry that torch."

"I’m looking rough but who cares. … I’m serious with this post. I hope the news about Dave is not AI! If it is, my post is still coming from my heart and soul. It is so important that this music carry on, especially with the AI music out there. Those of us that can still go out and play … should do it as long as they can physically and emotionally [to] carry that torch. Van Halen was, should be, and hopefully always will be real live music, not just for our fans, but for the future fans of real rock music."

— Sammy Hagar

David Lee Roth's Recent Touring History

Roth's 2026 tour followed a busy 2025 schedule, which marked his return to the stage after a brief retirement. In early 2021, Roth had announced he would be retiring following a 2022 residency at the House Of Blues at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. At the time, he stated, "I am throwing in the shoes. I'm retiring. This is the first, and only, official announcement." However, that 2022 residency was ultimately canceled due to "circumstances related to COVID."

Roth reversed his retirement decision last year, performing his first full solo concert in over five years on May 3, 2025, at the M3 Rock Festival in Columbia, Maryland. His 2025 summer tour concluded on September 14, 2025, in Napa, California. Roth originally fronted Van Halen until 1984, returning briefly in 1996 and then permanently from 2007 until 2020, though the group had not toured since 2015.