Stand Up

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins "Stand Up" from David Lee Roth's 1988 album Skyscraper! This track, the second single from the album, is a pop-rock anthem with a catchy chorus and heavy keyboard layers, but it stirred some controversy among fans. According to a 2023 article from Ultimate Classic Rock, "Stand Up" only reached No. 64 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Roth’s last solo chart entry, and its slick production disappointed some who preferred the raw energy of his debut solo album, Eat 'Em and Smile. The song’s music video, featuring Roth performing in a miniature city with dancing women, added a quirky visual flair, as described on IMDb. In a 1988 interview with MuchMusic, Roth emphasized his commitment to artistic authenticity, saying, “You have to have an impenetrable spirit… as long as I’m doing it true to my spirit.” Guitarist Steve Vai, who co-produced the album, reflected fondly on their collaboration in a 2022 Louder interview, noting that they formed a tight production team, though he admitted the album’s polished sound was a departure from the gritty rock of its predecessor.

The making of "Stand Up" wasn’t without its challenges. Bassist Billy Sheehan, a key member of Roth’s band, was reportedly unhappy with the album’s direction, particularly the addition of keyboardist Brett Tuggle, as noted in a 2022 Sleaze Roxx review. Sheehan left before the Skyscraper tour, replaced by Matt Bissonette, and Vai soon followed to pursue his solo career. Despite mixed reviews, some fans on Amazon praise the song’s intricate production, with one reviewer calling it a “party album” that showcases Roth’s adventurous vocal treatments, like call-and-response and layered backing vocals. The song’s danceable rhythm and Vai’s memorable guitar solo, described as “seasick” by Louder, still make it a standout for those who embrace its bold, experimental vibe.

David Lee Roth, born October 10, 1954, in Bloomington, Indiana, kicked off his career with a larger-than-life persona that defined his path to rock stardom. Growing up in a Jewish family with an ophthalmologist father and a teacher mother, Roth’s early life was far from the stage, but his charisma shone through. According to his Wikipedia bio, he began singing in local bands as a teenager in Pasadena, California. In the early 1970s, he joined a group called Red Ball Jet, which evolved into Mammoth, where he met the Van Halen brothers, Eddie and Alex. By 1974, Roth was the frontman of the newly named Van Halen, bringing his high-kicking, flamboyant style to the hard rock scene. His lyrical wit and stage antics helped propel the band to fame with their 1978 debut album, which hit No. 19 on the Billboard 200. Roth’s tenure with Van Halen, marked by hits like “Jump,” made him a rock icon before he left in 1985 to pursue a solo career, debuting with the eclectic EP Crazy from the Heat.

Stay connected with David Lee Roth through his official website, where you can find updates, videos, and more from The Roth Show. His social media presence includes Facebook, Instagram, and X, though his accounts have occasionally gone offline, as noted in a 2015 Van Halen News Desk post. Fans can dive deeper into Roth’s world through communities like the David Lee Roth Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for Diamond Dave. For more Van Halen-related content, check out the Van Halen News Desk, a fan-driven site with news and trivia. Keep rocking with the Zoo Crew, and let “Stand Up” lift your spirits!