The DLR Cast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 50: Interview With Songwriter Scotty Emerick + More David Lee Roth Mysteries Dec 25, 2021

Show notes

Steve and Darren discuss Darren's continuous detective work, this time going down a rabbithole over just how active David Lee Roth was from the mid-90's to the 2007 Van Halen reunion -- and beyond. How much new and previously-unheard music was recorded then? Or have we heard it already in various places -- like Dave's "No Holds Bar-B-Que" video and in "Roth Show" podcast episodes?

This week's interview is super-successful country music songwriter Scotty Emerick. Scotty co-wrote Dave's "new" song, "One Piece Thermo-Molded Country Plastic Chair," that was just (re)released via YouTube, dedicated to the recent Kentucky tornado victims. Known primarily for his work with Toby Keith -- penning several of Keith's singles -- Emerick has also written for Sawyer Brown, George Strait and Kenny Chesney, among other artists. In 2004, Emerick was named "Songwriter of the Year" by the Nashville Songwriters Association.

Episode 49: Interview With Ratt‘s Stephen Pearcy Dec 14, 2021

Show notes

This week, Darren interviews Stephen Pearcy of Ratt, talking about his "Nothing To Lose" documentary, side ventures, meeting Robert Plant, David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen, and of course, what's happening with Ratt!

At the top, Steve and Darren talk about some previous and now somewhat cryptic interviews with Diamond Dave, the upcoming Vegas shows, music and songwriting mysteries, hazy timelines, Dave's one-time guitarist and more.

If you're heading to Las Vegas to see Dave's shows and want to buy Darren a drink drop us a line at TheDLRCast@Outlook.com!

Episode 48: New David Lee Roth Dates In Las Vegas, Ted Nugent & Revisionist History Dec 07, 2021

Show notes

In the news today, oh boy: Steve and Darren discuss Diamond David Lee Roth adding additional dates in Vegas -- the end of his first retirement? Will Darren be at those added shows? Plus, Dave practices some extremely creative revisionist history about Eddie Van Halen's famous "Frankenstrat" guitar...why? Plus, Ted Nugent thinks Dave is "out of his mind," thanks to Darren's scoop on the "Paltrocast" podcast!

You can find the Paltrocast everywhere you get your favorite podcasts.

Episode 47: Interview with John 5 (Former DLR Guitarist) Nov 29, 2021

Show notes

In the latest episode of "The DLR Cast," Darren talks with the amazing guitarist John 5. John has played and recorded with a slew of heavyweights, including Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, Steve Perry, and, of course, David Lee Roth! John talks about his killer new album "Sinner," the still unreleased (save for three songs) record he recorded with Dave, whether he was going to be a part of DLR's live band, and much more!

At the top, Darren and Steve talk about the silence preceeding Dave's Las Vegas gigs, Darren going to all five shows, John 5 and the often under-appreciated "DLR Band" album, the mystery of Terry Kilgore, trademarks (!) and when Dave stopped sharing the spotlight with other guitarists. And a few other stops in between.

Episode 46: Interview with Michael Musselman (Former DLR Drummer) Nov 11, 2021

Show notes

The latest episode of "The DLR Cast" features Darren's recent conversation with Michael Musselman, who drummed with Dave for his 2020 Vegas residency and on tour with KISS. Musselman studied under legendary drummer — and current Ringo Starr All-Starr Band drummer — Gregg Bissonette before graduating from the Musicians Institute. His credits also include work with Keith Urban, Jaden Smith, ¿Téo?, Ryan Cabrera, Pretty Sister, and Figs Vision. Musselman also has a band of his own called MainMan, which made a splash with the single “W.W.H.” Follow him on Instagram via @MusselmanDrums.

Prior to that, Steve and Darren talk about Dave's 2021/2022 Vegas shows, what they think the future may hold for DLR, and more. Thanks for listening!

Episode 45: Interview with Brad Tolinski & Chris Gill (Authors of ”Eruption: Conversations With Eddie Van Halen”) Nov 02, 2021

Show notes

This week Darren talks with Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill, authors of the amazing new book, "Eruption: Conversations With Eddie Van Halen." Of course, EVH is discussed, as is David Lee Roth, their book, and much more. If you haven't got this book yet, what are you waiting for?

At the top, Darren and Steve are just two fools a minute, pontificating about Eruption, Dave going really solo through the years, some thoughts on Michael Anthony and was Van Halen as big in Europe as they could/should have been?

"Eruption: Conversations With Eddie Van Halen" is available everywhere you buy books including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and your favorite indie bookshop.

Episode 44: Interview With Rocket Ritchotte & Kane Ritchotte Oct 22, 2021

Show notes

At the top, Darren and Steve talk about "The Last Tour...Unti It Isn't..."or is it? More speculation on Diamond Dave's pending retirement, the New Year's Eve shows in Las Vegas! Why the 90's were Dave's mystery/"lost" era, how it went more "solo" than ever before, with a good number of band members coming and going. And Darren's Alex Van Halen prediction!

Then, not 1, but 2 people -- in the same family -- who played with David Lee Roth: Rocket Ritchotte and his son Kane. Rocket played guitar for several years off and on with Dave and has 2 co-writes on "A Little Ain't Enough"; Kane is a drummer who played with Dave for 2 weeks prior to the 2020 Las Vegas gigs. Both have some amazing inside information on what it's like to tour, hang, and most importantly, play music with Dave. How demanding is Dave? How much rehearsal did they do (short answer: hours!)? Plus, was Bob Ezrin going to produce "A Little Ain't Enough?"

Rocket Ritchotte has played with a ton o' people, find out who and more at RocketRichotte.com. Kane Roberts plays with the band More as well as Haim. Follow Kane on Instagram @kane_ritchotte.

Episode 43: Interview With Artist Margo Z. Nahas (Creator Of Van Halen‘s ”1984” Album Cover) Oct 06, 2021

Show notes

At the top, it's a bit melancholy as Darren and Steve discuss the 1-year anniversary of Eddie Van Halen's passing (10/6), talk some more about Dave's big retirement announcement, the passing of time, and Dave's upcoming birthday (10/10).

Then, things lighten up as Darren talks with artist Margo Z. Nahas. Margo is the artist who created the most iconic Van Halen album cover of them all, "1984." There's all sorts of fun and cool info about making of that iconic album cover and much more.

Check out Margo's work at Instagram at @miss_go_go and check out www.vanhalen1984.com for more about that album cover.

Episode 42: Big News From David Lee Roth, New Music & An Interview With Robbie Nevil Oct 05, 2021

Show notes

A lot of big news from David Lee Roth! Darren and Steve dig into the big retirement announcement. Is Dave really retiring? Are there medical issues?

Plus, Dave's December shows in Las Vegas. Who's in the band? Will the setlist be different? Will Alex Van Halen make a guest appearance? And the terrific new track DLR dropped, "Lo-Rez Sunset," from the John 5 sessions.

Then, Darren talks with songwriter extraordinaire Robbie Nevil. Robbie co-wrote 2 tracks on Dave's "A Little Ain't Enough" album, the title track and "Shoot It." Robbie tells why Dave is "a very memorable cat to work with," his songwriting process, and much more.

Robbie Nevil started his musical career as a songwriter and session guitarist, transitioning to the role of recording artist where he landed a chart-topping hit with “C'est La Vie." That led to a steady stream of hits as a songwriter and producer with songs on more than 35 gold & platinum albums. Some of the artists who have recorded his songs include Jonas Brothers, Jordin Sparks, Smash Mouth, The Pussycat Dolls, Ricky Martin and a long list of Disney projects including "High School Musical" as well as numerous T.V. and film placements including the theme song for "TMZ."

Episode 41: Dave at the 2021 Video Music Awards & An Interview with Billy Sheehan Sep 17, 2021

Show notes

Darren and Steve discuss David Lee Roth's recent appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards, what was said and what wasn't, the soon-to-be-50th anniversary of Dave and Alex Van Halen "ragging on each other," and will Dave be in Las Vegas for New Year's Eve?

Then, Darren talks with the amazing Billy Sheehan, discussing the new 30th anniversary edition of Mr. Big's "Lean Into It" album, coming up in Buffalo, New York, his years with Talas, Harvey Weinstein, writing and recording the new Winery Dogs album, almost making the ill-fated "Eat 'Em and Smile" movie, getting together with Steve Vai and Gregg Bissonette, some thoughts on the "Skyscraper" album, and Darren's year is made as Billy talks about the making of "Sonrisa Salvaje!"

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