David Lee Roth Dusts Off Van Halen Classics & Covers Billy Joel At Tour Opener

David Lee Roth began his 2026 Tour at Spokane Live at Spokane Tribe Casino in Airway Heights, Washington on Thursday. The former Van Halen frontman broke out a pair of songs from his old band and debuted a Billy Joel cover.

While Roth announced his retirement in 2021, the singer returned to the road in 2025 and is now continuing his live run this year. Last weekend, Roth joined Teddy Swims at Coachella. Diamond Dave kicked off his 2026 headline itinerary near Spokane with the Van Halen classic “Panama.”

The fourth song slot saw Roth dusting off a deep cut from Van Halen’s 1978 self-titled debut album. “Little Dreamer” is the ninth track on the record. Roth last performed the song in 2003.

Roughly halfway through the 17-song show, Roth broke out Van Halen’s hit cover of “Ice Cream Man.” Also appearing on Van Halen, “Ice Cream Man” was originally written by Chicago blues guitarist John Brim. Although Brim recorded the song in 1954, it wasn’t released until 1968, four years before Van Halen formed.

Roth’s performance of “Ice Cream Man,” which he kicked off on acoustic guitar, near Spokane marked his first play of the song since 2020. Another Van Halen hit cover, The Kinks‘ “You Really Got Me,” followed ahead of VH originals “Jamie’s Cryin'” and “Unchained.” Roth then dipped into the Billy Joel catalog to purported debut the pianist’s “New York State Of Mind” as per Setlist.FM.

Additional Van Halen favorites performed included “Dance The Night Away,” “Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love” and show-closer “Jump.” Check out video from David Lee Roth’s tour kickoff below: