80’s At 8 Rockturnal With Scotty B Wednesday 05-10-23
David Lee Roth of Van Halen performs on stage circa 1982. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)
It was a DBL Play Wednesday 80’s at 8 tonight and Diamond David Lee Roth was the featured artist. Both tracks are from his 1986 debut album “Eat ‘Em and Smile”. The first track was a personal fav, it is a deep cut titled ladies night in Buffalo. “Ladies’ Night in Buffalo” is a hidden gem on the album an doesn’t get as much recognition as some of the other tracks, its a smooth rocker that showcases Roth’s charisma and energy as a frontman. The lyrics describe a wild night out on the town, with Roth singing about the excitement and adventure of a night filled with drinking, dancing, and chasing after beautiful women. Th “Eat Em and Smile” was produced by Ted Templeman and features some of the biggest names in rock music, including Steve Vai on guitar, Billy Sheehan on bass, and Gregg Bissonette on drums. “Eat ‘Em and Smile” spent a total of 74 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart, reaching a peak position of number #4. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it has been certified platinum by the RIAA in recognition of its one million sales. “Eat ‘Em and Smile” features ten tracks, including the hit singles “Yankee Rose” and “Goin’ Crazy!” The album’s cover art features a caricature of Roth by artist Pete Angelus, which was inspired by the artwork of the classic Mad magazine. In addition to its chart success and platinum certification, “Eat ‘Em and Smile” has also been recognized by music critics as a classic of the hard rock genre. The album’s combination of Roth’s flamboyant stage presence, Vai’s amazing guitar playing, and the rhythm section’s tight groove make it a must-listen for fans of classic rock. Due to “Ladies Night in Buffalo” being a deep cut there was no music video made but I did find Diamond Dave and his band performing it live in 1986 at COBO Hall In Detroit Michigan. Check it out below:
SACRAMENTO, CA – JUNE 14: David Lee Roth playing in ‘David Lee Roth band’ performing at Cal Expo in Sacramento, California on June 14, 1988. (Photo by Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
The second track in the David Lee Roth DBl play was “Going Crazy”. “Going Crazy” was a hit single from his debut solo album, “Eat ‘Em and Smile,” which was released on July 7, 1986. It reached #12 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart and #66 on the Billboard Hot 100. It features Roth’s signature vocals and a driving guitar riff from Steve Vai, who also played on the rest of the album. “Goin’ Crazy!” is a classic of the hard rock genre that has stood the test of time. Despite not reaching the upper echelons of the Billboard charts, the song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its infectious energy and rebellious spirit.The music video for David Lee Roth’s “Goin’ Crazy!” is a classic example of the over-the-top and playful visuals that were popular in the 1980s. The video features Roth playing both himself and a character in a fat suit, who is meant to represent a stuffy businessman. You can check it out below:
