David Lee Roth kicks off 2026 tour in Spokane with Van Halen hits, Joel cover

David Lee Roth launched his 2026 solo tour in Spokane, Washington, U.S., delivering Van Halen hits, a rare "Panama" performance and a Billy Joel cover.

The kickoff matters because it signals Roth’s commitment to a full‑scale solo trek that blends his classic rock legacy with unexpected moments for longtime fans. By reviving a song that hasn’t been heard live in nearly two decades and adding a surprise cover, he creates buzz that could boost ticket sales across the upcoming North American leg.

The setlist featured fan‑favorite anthems such as "Jump," "Hot for Teacher," and "Runnin' with the Devil," capped by a live rendition of "Panama" that had not been performed in concert for almost 20 years ^[2]. After the Van Halen classics, Roth surprised the audience with a soulful take on Billy Joel’s "New York State of Mind," a nod to his love of classic pop standards. The concert took place on the opening night of the 2026 tour ^[1] and confirmed Spokane as the launch city ^[3].

Roth’s backing band was larger than in recent years, adding five backing singers to enrich the vocal harmonies and support the expanded setlist ^[2]. The musicians also included a second guitarist, a keyboardist, and a full rhythm section, giving the show a richer, more layered sound that fans described as "bigger than ever." The increased vocal depth helped translate the stadium‑rock energy of Van Halen’s catalog into a more dynamic live experience.

Audience reaction was overwhelmingly positive, with social‑media posts highlighting the surprise cover and the rarity of the "Panama" performance. Critics noted that Roth’s charisma remained as potent as it was in the 1980s, and the added singers gave his voice extra lift on the high‑energy numbers. The success of the Spokane show sets a high bar for the rest of the tour, which will visit major markets from Los Angeles to New York over the next several months.