Made Up My Mind

The song "Made Up My Mind" from David Lee Roth's 2003 album Diamond Dave is a cover of a 1969 track by the British blues rock band Savoy Brown, written by Chris Youlden. Roth's version, featured on his sixth studio album, leans into a laid-back, bluesy vibe, a departure from his high-energy Van Halen days. In a 2023 video release for the song, Roth shared on his Instagram that the track was about capturing a raw, soulful groove, emphasizing his love for reinterpreting classic blues and rock. The video, posted on YouTube on June 16, 2023, showcases Roth's playful, theatrical style, with fans on Reddit noting his "showtune energy" and speculating about a potential jazz-inspired album. Some fans praised the polished studio recording, while others critiqued Roth's live vocal consistency, highlighting his polarizing yet enduring presence.

Another tidbit about "Made Up My Mind" comes from its production. Recorded at Henson Recording Studios in Hollywood, the track features Jeremy Zuckerman on Hammond B3 organ and lead guitar, adding to its soulful texture. Roth revealed in a 2003 interview with AllMusic that the album, including this song, was a deliberate nod to his early influences, blending hard rock with blues roots. Fans on the Van Halen News Desk fan site have debated the song's lounge-like feel, with some calling it a bold reinvention and others longing for Roth's 1980s hard rock edge. The song's lyrics, like "I just want you, baby / To be on my side," reflect a straightforward plea for loyalty, which Roth has said resonates with his lifelong pursuit of authentic connections, both in music and life.

David Lee Roth was born on October 10, 1954, in Bloomington, Indiana, to a Jewish family with an ophthalmologist father, Nathan, and a teacher mother, Sibyl. His early exposure to music came through underground radio stations like KPPC in Pasadena, where he discovered eclectic sounds from blues to standards. Roth's stage persona began to form in his teens, inspired by larger-than-life performers like Louis Prima. He started singing in local bands in California, eventually joining Van Halen in 1974 after meeting brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen. His charismatic, high-kicking stage presence and witty lyricism helped propel Van Halen to fame, with their debut album in 1978 selling over 12 million copies by 2014. Roth's business savvy, as noted by Rolling Stone, made him the "de facto chairman" of the band's marketing and publicity, shaping their party-heavy image.

After creative differences led to his departure from Van Halen in 1985, Roth launched a solo career with the EP Crazy from the Heat, featuring covers like "Just a Gigolo/I Ain’t Got Nobody." His first full-length solo album, Eat 'Em and Smile (1986), with virtuosos Steve Vai and Billy Sheehan, cemented his solo stardom. Roth rejoined Van Halen in 2006 for a record-breaking tour and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. Beyond music, Roth is a visual artist, rock climber, and former radio personality, showcasing his multifaceted creativity. His official website, davidleeroth.com, offers videos and updates, while his social media—Facebook, Instagram, and X—keeps fans engaged with his quirky humor and projects.

Fan communities thrive around Roth’s legacy. The Van Halen News Desk is a go-to fan site for updates on Roth and Van Halen, with detailed articles and fan discussions. On Facebook, groups like “David Lee Roth Fans” and “Van Halen Forever” connect thousands of "Zoo Freaks" who share concert memories and debate Roth’s solo work versus his Van Halen era. These platforms highlight Roth’s lasting impact, with fans celebrating his flamboyant style and raw charisma, ensuring the Zoo Crew’s spin of "Made Up My Mind" resonates with a devoted audience.