The Bottom Line

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins The Bottom Line from David Lee Roth’s 1988 album Skyscraper! This track is a high-octane, attitude-drenched rocker that showcases Roth’s larger-than-life persona and the virtuosic talents of his band. According to reviews from the time, The Bottom Line stands out for its rapid double-kick drum and rolling bass line, courtesy of drummer Gregg Bissonette and bassist Billy Sheehan, giving it a muscular, Van Halen-esque vibe. The song’s raw energy made it a favorite, with Roth himself describing it as “pure, nasty, bad attitude set to music” in a 2020 interview on Southeast of Heaven. Fans have noted a particularly mind-blowing moment right before Steve Vai’s guitar solo, where Vai, Sheehan, and Bissonette lock in note-for-note, creating a sonic explosion that Roth used to open his Skyscraper tour shows. Despite some critics calling the lyrics a bit tacky, the track’s infectious groove and snotty background vocals make it a timeless anthem for those who love their rock with a side of swagger.

Delving into the song’s creation, The Bottom Line was co-written by Roth and guitarist Steve Vai, who also co-produced the Skyscraper album. Vai’s influence is evident in the song’s intricate guitar work, which he described in a 2022 Moving the River interview as an attempt to “forensically explore every chord” while adding humor to the mix. The track’s recording process wasn’t without tension, though. Billy Sheehan, frustrated by the album’s direction and his reduced role compared to Roth’s debut Eat ‘Em and Smile, left the band shortly after recording, as noted in a 2018 Sleaze Roxx review. Despite these challenges, The Bottom Line remains a fan favorite, with a 2019 Rate Your Music user review praising it as one of the album’s strongest tracks, embodying Roth’s ability to deliver “carb-loaded guitar wankery” with bumper-sticker wisdom.

David Lee Roth, born October 10, 1954, in Bloomington, Indiana, kicked off his musical journey in the early 1970s, fueled by a passion for performance and a knack for showmanship. Growing up in a family that valued music, Roth was exposed to everything from jazz to rock, but it was the gritty energy of bands like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin that hooked him. As detailed in his biography on davidleeroth.com, he moved to California as a teenager and started singing in local bands, eventually joining a group called Red Ball Jet. It was here that he crossed paths with the Van Halen brothers, Eddie and Alex, who were impressed by Roth’s charismatic stage presence. By 1973, Roth had become the frontman for their band, Mammoth, which soon renamed itself Van Halen. His larger-than-life persona and acrobatic stage antics helped propel Van Halen to stardom with their 1978 debut album, blending hard rock with pop sensibilities. After a string of multi-platinum albums, creative differences led Roth to leave Van Halen in 1985, launching his solo career with the EP Crazy from the Heat and later forming a supergroup with Steve Vai, Billy Sheehan, and Gregg Bissonette for Eat ‘Em and Smile.

Roth’s career has been a wild ride, and fans can keep up with him through his official website, davidleeroth.com, where he shares updates, tour info, and his signature brand of humor. On social media, he’s active on Facebook, Instagram, and X, often posting throwback photos, tour anecdotes, and quirky commentary that reflect his eccentric personality. For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with fellow fans, the David Lee Roth Fan Group on Facebook is a lively spot to discuss his music, share concert memories, and celebrate his legacy. Another great resource is the Van Halen News Desk, a fan-driven site that covers Roth’s solo work alongside Van Halen updates, offering in-depth articles and rare photos. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, Roth’s music and charisma continue to electrify, and The Bottom Line is proof of his enduring rock ‘n’ roll spirit.