Complete List Of David Lee Roth Band Members

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Before the formation of a dedicated touring and recording band, David Lee Roth made his first solo statement with the 1985 EP Crazy from the Heat. This project was not a formal band but rather a collection of elite Los Angeles session musicians assembled by famed Van Halen producer Ted Templeman. By releasing a high-quality, commercially friendly EP of cover songs while still technically a member of Van Halen, Roth executed a brilliant market test. It allowed him to gauge public appetite for his solo persona without the long-term commitments of a full-time band. The EP’s resounding success, achieving Platinum status and spawning two Top 15 singles with “California Girls” and “Just a Gigolo/I Ain’t Got Nobody,” provided a definitive answer and gave him the commercial leverage to build his first official band.

The roster for Crazy from the Heat was a who’s who of 1980s studio aces. Guitars were handled by Eddie Martinez and Sid McGinnis, who provided the rock edge on tracks like the Edgar Winter Group cover “Easy Street.” The multi-talented Edgar Winter himself was a key contributor, lending his skills on keyboards, saxophone, and backing vocals, giving the EP a rich, layered sound. The formidable rhythm section was composed of bassist Willie Weeks and drummer John Robinson, who laid down a flawless professional groove. Adding to the project’s crossover appeal, Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys and pop star Christopher Cross provided backing vocals on the hit cover of “California Girls,” helping it climb to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other notable musicians included guitarist Dean Parks, percussionist Sammy Figueroa, and synthesizer players James Newton Howard and Brian Mann, all of whom contributed to the polished and successful final product.

**The Supergroup: Eat ‘Em and Smile & Skyscraper Eras (1985-1989)**

Following his official split from Van Halen, Roth assembled a band of virtuosos designed to make an undeniable statement. This was a strategic masterstroke, intended to counter any narrative that he couldn’t succeed without Eddie Van Halen. By recruiting musicians whose technical prowess was already legendary—guitarist Steve Vai, bassist Billy Sheehan, and drummer Gregg Bissonette—he created a “supergroup” that was, on paper, a legitimate rival to his former band. This generated immense hype and resulted in the iconic album Eat ‘Em and Smile. However, the very collection of star power that fueled the music also created an unstable dynamic. These were not mere sidemen; they were artists with their own visions, and the creative friction that produced brilliance ultimately led to the band’s fracture.

Steve Vai

Steve Vai was the first and most crucial piece of Roth’s new band. Recruited in 1985, Vai was already a legend in guitar circles for his time as Frank Zappa’s “stunt guitarist” and his work with Alcatrazz. He remained with Roth until 1989, a period that covered two platinum-selling albums: Eat ‘Em and Smile (1986) and Skyscraper (1988). On Eat ‘Em and Smile, his jaw-dropping technique and inventive, almost conversational guitar parts on tracks like “Yankee Rose” and “Elephant Gun” immediately established him as a force to be reckoned with. For Skyscraper, Vai took on an even larger role as co-producer, shaping the album’s more polished and experimental sound. After the Skyscraper tour, Vai departed to record with Whitesnake for their album Slip of the Tongue and then launched a massively successful solo career, beginning with his landmark 1990 album Passion and Warfare. He is also a core member of the recurring G3 guitar-centric tours alongside Joe Satriani.

Billy Sheehan

Recruited in 1985 from his Buffalo-based band Talas, Billy Sheehan was renowned for his revolutionary “lead bass” style. He was a member of the band from 1985 until his departure in 1988, immediately after the recording of Skyscraper. Sheehan’s phenomenal playing is featured on Eat ‘Em and Smile and its Spanish-language counterpart, Sonrisa Salvaje (1986), as well as on Skyscraper (1988). His signature contribution was the intricate, synchronized interplay between his bass and Vai’s guitar, a highlight on tracks like the Talas-penned “Shyboy” and “Elephant Gun.” Sheehan left the band due to creative differences over the keyboard-heavy, pop direction of Skyscraper and his frustration with his role in the band. After leaving, Sheehan co-founded the highly successful band Mr. Big, which scored a number 1 hit with “To Be with You.” His career also includes the jazz-fusion trio Niacin and the supergroup The Winery Dogs.

Gregg Bissonette

Gregg Bissonette, an alumnus of Maynard Ferguson’s big band, joined in 1985 and was the longest-serving member of the original supergroup, remaining with Roth until 1992. He is the only musician to play on the first three full-length studio albums: Eat ‘Em and Smile (1986), Skyscraper (1988), and A Little Ain’t Enough (1991). Bissonette’s powerful and versatile drumming provided the essential rhythmic foundation that anchored the virtuosity of Vai and Sheehan and later adapted to the styles of Jason Becker and Steve Hunter. His ability to navigate the hard rock of “Yankee Rose,” the pop polish of “Just Like Paradise,” and the blues-rock of A Little Ain’t Enough made him the band’s indispensable constant during its most successful period. Since leaving Roth, Bissonette has become one of the most respected and in-demand session and touring drummers in the world, most notably playing for years in Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band and recording with artists like Santana and Joe Satriani.

Jesse Harms

Keyboardist Jesse Harms was a studio contributor for the Eat ‘Em and Smile album in 1986. He played keyboards on the hit single “Goin’ Crazy!” and other tracks, adding crucial synth textures to the album’s hard rock sound. Harms had previously been a member of Sammy Hagar’s solo band. After the recording sessions, Roth offered him a spot in the touring band, but Harms declined in order to focus on his burgeoning songwriting career. This decision proved fruitful, as he went on to write and co-write songs for major artists like Heart, REO Speedwagon, and Eddie Money, and he later reunited with Hagar for his post-Van Halen band, The Waboritas, and the infamous “Sam & Dave” tour in 2002.

**A New Era of Virtuosos and Veterans: A Little Ain’t Enough (1989-1992)**

With Vai and Sheehan gone, Roth rebuilt the band around the core of Gregg Bissonette and his brother Matt, bringing in a new keyboardist and two distinct guitarists: a young prodigy and a seasoned veteran. This era was defined by a return to a grittier, blues-based hard rock sound. However, it is most remembered for the intersection of prodigious genius and profound tragedy. Roth’s choice of 19-year-old Jason Becker to replace Steve Vai demonstrated his continued commitment to finding the most technically advanced guitarists on the planet. Becker was poised to be the next guitar hero, but his diagnosis with ALS just a week after joining the band is one of rock’s great tragedies. This event fundamentally altered the album’s trajectory, transforming A Little Ain’t Enough into a testament to Becker’s incredible will as he recorded his parts while his body was failing him.

Matt Bissonette

Bassist Matt Bissonette, brother of drummer Gregg Bissonette, joined the band in 1988 to replace Billy Sheehan for the Skyscraper tour. He remained with the band until 1992, making him a key part of the transition from the Vai/Sheehan era. His first and only studio album with Roth was A Little Ain’t Enough (1991), where he provided a solid, pocket-oriented bass foundation that contrasted with Sheehan’s lead style, fitting the album’s more straightforward rock direction. He also contributed backing vocals, handling the high harmonies on Van Halen classics during live shows. After leaving Roth’s band with his brother, Matt went on to a prolific career, playing with Joe Satriani, Ringo Starr, Rick Springfield, and, most notably, serving as the longtime bassist for Elton John.

Brett Tuggle

Keyboardist Brett Tuggle joined in 1988 for the Skyscraper album and tour and became a long-term collaborator, serving multiple stints with the band from 1988 to 1994 and returning in 1997. He played on the albums Skyscraper (1988) and A Little Ain’t Enough (1991). Tuggle’s most significant contribution was co-writing the band’s biggest pop hit, “Just Like Paradise,” with Roth. His prominent keyboard work was a defining feature of the Skyscraper album’s sound. Outside of his work with Roth, Tuggle had an illustrious career as a touring and session musician for legendary acts, including a 20-year tenure with Fleetwood Mac, as well as working with Stevie Nicks, Chris Isaak, and Whitesnake. Brett Tuggle passed away in 2022.

Jason Becker

Jason Becker joined Roth’s band in 1989 at the age of 19, a guitar prodigy chosen to fill the formidable shoes of Steve Vai. He had already gained fame in the duo Cacophony with Marty Friedman. His sole album with Roth is A Little Ain’t Enough (1991), for which he served as the lead guitarist and a key songwriter. Tragically, just one week after officially joining the band, Becker was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease. He courageously managed to finish recording all of his guitar parts for the album, even as his physical abilities declined, but was unable to participate in the supporting tour. Despite his illness cutting his performing career short, Becker has continued to compose music using a computer system controlled by his eye movements and remains a revered and inspirational figure in the guitar community.

Steve Hunter

Steve “The Deacon” Hunter, a legendary session guitarist, was brought in to play rhythm and slide guitar on A Little Ain’t Enough (1991) and later returned for contributions to Your Filthy Little Mouth (1994) and DLR Band (1998). His role on A Little Ain’t Enough was to provide a solid, bluesy rhythmic counterpoint to Jason Becker’s pyrotechnics. Hunter is a veteran musician with an iconic resume, famous for playing the iconic intro to Lou Reed’s “Sweet Jane” on Rock ‘n’ Roll Animal, the opening solo on Aerosmith’s “Train Kept a Rollin’,” and for his extensive work with Alice Cooper and Peter Gabriel. His presence added a layer of seasoned authenticity to Roth’s band during this period.

Joe Holmes

Guitarist Joe Holmes was recruited for the touring cycle in support of A Little Ain’t Enough in 1991. With Jason Becker unable to tour due to his ALS diagnosis, Holmes stepped in to handle the demanding lead guitar duties for the live shows. He did not play on any of Roth’s studio albums. Prior to joining Roth’s touring band, Holmes had played with the band Lizzy Borden. Shortly after his time with Roth, he went on to a much higher-profile gig, joining Ozzy Osbourne’s band in the mid-1990s, where he remained for several years.

**Navigating the ’90s: The Your Filthy Little Mouth Lineup (1993-1994)**

By 1994, the music landscape had been completely reshaped by the grunge explosion. Roth’s brand of high-gloss hard rock was suddenly out of fashion. His response was the album Your Filthy Little Mouth, a dramatic artistic pivot. The hiring of funk and pop legend Nile Rodgers as producer and the album’s stylistic detours into blues, country—including a duet with Travis Tritt—and reggae was a clear effort to stay relevant. This reinvention required a complete overhaul of the band, moving away from the “supergroup” model to a more traditional lineup of skilled but less famous players. The gamble did not pay off commercially, and the lineup proved unstable, underscoring the turbulence of this period for Roth.

Terry Kilgore

Terry Kilgore, a guitarist and longtime friend of Roth’s from their early days in Pasadena, was a key collaborator during the 1990s. He co-wrote and played guitar on both Your Filthy Little Mouth (1994) and DLR Band (1998). On Your Filthy Little Mouth, he contributed to tracks like “Big Train” and “Sunburn.” He began the 1994 tour as the band’s guitarist but parted ways during the Japanese leg of the tour. His long history with Roth, dating back to their teenage years, gives him a unique position in the band’s history, moving beyond a simple “hired gun” to a trusted, albeit intermittent, creative partner.

Rocket Ritchotte

Guitarist Rocket Ritchotte (also known as Ronnie Ritchotte) joined the David Lee Roth band in 1994, replacing Terry Kilgore mid-tour during the European leg of the Your Filthy Little Mouth tour. He did not perform on any of Roth’s studio albums. Ritchotte was a seasoned touring musician who had previously played with Cher (in her rock band Black Rose), Ricki Lee Jones, and John Kay & Steppenwolf. His recruitment highlights the “journeyman” nature of the band during this period, bringing in reliable and experienced players to fulfill touring duties.

James Hunting

Bassist James “Jamie” Hunting was a member of the touring band for the Your Filthy Little Mouth era from 1993 to 1994. While he did not play on the studio album (bass duties were handled primarily by John Regan), he was part of the core live unit that rehearsed at Roth’s Pasadena home and performed on the subsequent world tour. Hunting’s career before and after Roth includes work with artists such as Eddie Money, Vince Neil, and the band Union, which featured former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick.

Ron Wikso

Drummer Ron Wikso joined Roth’s band for the Your Filthy Little Mouth tour, serving from 1993 to 1994. Though several drummers played on the album itself, Wikso was the drummer for the live incarnation of the band. Wikso is a veteran touring and session drummer with an extensive resume. Before joining Roth, he had already toured with Cher, and his later career included high-profile gigs with Foreigner, the Steve Miller Band, and Richie Sambora.

Richard Hilton

Richard Hilton handled keyboards and programming for the Your Filthy Little Mouth album in 1994 and was listed as a member of the band from 1994-1995. His work, alongside producer Nile Rodgers, was crucial in creating the album’s diverse and non-traditional rock soundscapes, particularly on tracks like “You’re Breathin’ It.” His collaboration with Rodgers extends to many other projects, most famously with the band Chic.

**The Return to Rawk: DLR Band & Beyond (1997-2006)**

After the commercial disappointment of his previous album and a failed reunion attempt with Van Halen, Roth went back to basics. He recorded the DLR Band album in just ten days, aiming for a raw, live-in-the-studio feel. This era introduced a new generation of musicians who would go on to become major figures in 21st-century metal. This period represents a pivotal moment where Roth’s band transitioned from being populated by his contemporaries to becoming a launching pad for future stars. His knack for spotting talent remained sharp, as he gave crucial early-career opportunities to guitarist John 5 and drummer Ray Luzier, both of whom would achieve massive success later. This cemented Roth’s enduring influence not just as a performer, but as a talent scout whose endorsement could launch major careers.

John 5 (John Lowery)

John Lowery, who would adopt the stage name John 5 after joining Marilyn Manson, was the lead guitarist and a primary songwriter on the 1998 album DLR Band. He famously got the gig by calling a management number he found in Roth’s autobiography, “Crazy from the Heat,” and submitting demos. His tenure with Roth was from 1998 to 2003. On the DLR Band album, he showcased his versatility, not only playing blistering guitar on tracks like “Slam Dunk!” and “Relentless” but also handling bass duties on several songs under the pseudonym “B’ourbon Bob.” After his initial work with Roth, he joined Marilyn Manson in 1998. He later embarked on a long and successful run with Rob Zombie’s band and is currently the guitarist for Mötley Crüe, alongside a prolific solo career.

Ray Luzier

Ray Luzier was the drummer for the DLR Band album, marking one of his first major professional recording credits. He was a member of Roth’s band from 1997 to 2005, making him one of the longest-serving musicians of the later eras. His powerful, dynamic drumming was a perfect fit for the album’s raw, high-energy approach. He also played on the 2003 album Diamond Dave. After his time with Roth, Luzier’s career skyrocketed. He played with the supergroup Army of Anyone before landing the coveted drum throne in the multi-platinum nu-metal band Korn in 2007, where he remains a member to this day. He has also recorded and toured with the supergroup KXM.

Mike Hartman

Guitarist Mike Hartman contributed to the DLR Band album in 1998, playing on the tracks “King of the Hill” and “Indeedido.” He was part of the trio of guitarists, alongside John 5 and Terry Kilgore, who gave the album its aggressive, multi-layered guitar attack. Hartman, like John 5, did not end up touring in support of the album, leading Roth to hire yet another guitarist for the live shows.

Todd Jensen

Bassist Todd Jensen had multiple stints with David Lee Roth’s band. He first joined for the A Little Ain’t Enough tour in 1991. He later returned to the fold from 1999-2000 and again from 2004-2006, making him a frequent presence in the touring lineup during the band’s later years. His career outside of Roth’s band includes work with the bands Hardline and with guitarist Joe Holmes.

Other Notable Collaborators & Touring Musicians

Beyond the core studio lineups, numerous other talented musicians passed through the ranks of the David Lee Roth band, particularly for touring purposes in the 21st century. In his later years, Roth’s touring bands became less about creating new music and more about celebrating his legacy. The lineups, such as the one for his 2020 Las Vegas residency, featured highly skilled musicians often from the tribute band scene, reflecting a shift in purpose: the goal was no longer to forge a new sound but to impeccably replicate a classic one for live audiences.

The final touring band that supported Roth during his Las Vegas residency and planned farewell shows (2020-2022) included guitarist Al Estrada (from the Van Halen tribute band Eruption), bassist Ryan Wheeler, drummer Francis Valentino, and keyboardist Danny Wagner. Other key musicians from various eras include guitarist Bart Walsh, who toured for the DLR Band album; bassist James LoMenzo (2001-2004); guitarist Toshi Hiketa (2003-2006); and drummer Jimmy DeGrasso (2006).