by Michael Sweet recently praised David Lee Roth in a birthday tribute. He called him one of the greatest singers of all time in a statement shared on Facebook.
The Stryper frontman’s statement comes at a time when Van Halen fans have been criticizing Roth’s recent live performance abilities.
“Happy belated birthday to DLR,” Sweet said. “Although I’ll most likely get some flack for this statement, he was (and is) one of the greatest frontmen (and singers) of all time!”
Sweet continued to emphasize Roth’s importance to Van Halen’s legacy.
“Without David, VH would not have been the legendary band that they are,” he continued. “Thank you for inspiring this young musician at the age of 15 and continuing to do so for years to come.”
The statement acknowledges the potential controversy surrounding his praise. Roth has faced ongoing criticism from fans regarding his vocal performances in recent years.
Sweet’s tribute comes as Roth continues to maintain an active touring schedule throughout 2025. Recent performance footage showed the legendary frontman has been performing classic Van Halen songs like “Panama,” “Jump,” and “Hot for Teacher” at various venues including the Hard Rock Casino in Atlantic City and Lucas Oil Live in Oklahoma.
The fan reception to Roth’s recent performances has been notably divided. Some audience members have appreciated the professionalism of his band and Roth’s live energy. However, certain critical remarks about his vocal performance suggest that some longtime Van Halen fans remain dissatisfied or nostalgic for earlier eras of the band.
Despite the mixed reactions, Roth has continued to deliver full sets of Van Halen classics throughout his 2025 tour dates. His official tour schedule revealed the vocalist has performed at multiple venues including the California Mid-State Fair. This demonstrates his commitment to keeping the Van Halen legacy alive on stage.
Sweet’s public defense of Roth’s vocal abilities and frontman status stands in contrast to the divided fan sentiment. This highlights the ongoing debate within the rock community about how to evaluate legendary performers as they continue their careers decades after their peak years.
