DLR Book: How David Lee Roth Changed the World

by Darren Paltrowitz

What does a rock star do after leaving one of the world's biggest bands? If you’re David Lee Roth, you write a memoir, become a radio host, sell a screenplay to a major studio, record an album in Spanish, star in a Japanese-language short film, launch a tattoo skincare line, and put out bluegrass versions of some of your biggest hits. And then you rejoin Van Halen for one of the highest-grossing tours in history. Encompassing both the highs and lows of a truly unusual career, DLR Book is an intimate look at the force of nature that is David Lee Roth, from his start with Van Halen to his highly publicized departure from the band and his triumphant return. The fruit of nearly one hundred exclusive interviews with entertainment industry expert Darren Paltrowitz, the book also delves into Diamond Dave’s many extracurricular activities, including his unclassifiable video series “The Roth Show,” the rise and fall of his syndicated radio program, and how and why he became a certified EMT. Included here are conversations with some of Roth’s most popular collaborators (among them Steve Vai, Billy Sheehan, Travis Tritt, Mötley Crüe's John 5, Korn's Ray Luzier, and Van Halen's Michael Anthony) and contributions from musicians and entertainers influenced by Roth, such as country singer Jason Aldean, The Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan, producer Butch Vig, and legendary sumo wrestler Konishiki. Filled with photographs never published in book form—including exclusive photography from Lit bassist Kevin Baldes—and an introduction by WWE Hall of Fame inductee Diamond Dallas Page, DLR Book is not simply the first book about Roth to be published in several decades. It’s a front-row seat to one of the wildest and most unpredictable artists of all time.

272 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2024

Reviews

[Joe Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic history of Diamond David Lee Roth's career and legacy, written from a true fan's perspective. The research is impeccable, the writing is accessible, and the stories from both celebrities and the people who have worked with Dave are fantastic. A significant amount of this book is focused on Dave's solo career, which is often overlooked by most Van Halen-centric tomes, so this is a must-read for any fan of Diamond Dave.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

As David Lee Roth has known to say: "Nothin' but yeah." It covers Roth's life before Van Halen and ultimately ends in present day, as the author spoke with musicians, business associates, family members, employees and famous fans of the book's subject over a three-year period.

[W · Rating 1 out of 5]

Little, if anything, about how 80’s goofball DLR changed the world. Just a bunch of random musings and tangential encounters with the mythical beast otherwise known as “Diamond Dave.”

[Kelly Catlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Darren Paltrowitz writes. He's insightful and does the research that a book like this requires. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to learn more about David Lee Roth.