Two Fools A Minute

The song "Two Fools A Minute" from David Lee Roth's 1988 album Skyscraper is a jazzy, horn-infused closer that showcases Roth's flamboyant personality and knack for clever wordplay. In a 1988 interview with Rockline, Roth described the track as a "shuffle demon" that captures his love for blending rock with theatrical, vaudeville-inspired elements, reflecting his larger-than-life stage persona. The song's lyrics, like "They say two fools born a minute, guess that makes me three," are quintessential Roth, mixing humor with a nod to his self-aware showman image. Fans on the r/vanhalen subreddit have praised its off-kilter vibe, noting it feels like a quirky Van Halen closer but with Roth's unique spin, though some criticized the heavy keyboard use as a departure from his harder rock roots. Guitarist Steve Vai, who co-wrote the track, revealed in a 2022 Eonmusic interview that the song's horn arrangement was his idea, aiming to push Roth's sound into more experimental territory, which divided listeners but added to the album's eclectic feel.

Another tidbit about "Two Fools A Minute" comes from fan discussions on the Van Halen News Desk fan site, where some speculated that Roth's rapid-fire, scat-style vocals at the end ("I gotta be home before the end of the record") were improvised in the studio, a nod to his spontaneous energy. The song's production, handled by Roth and Vai without longtime Van Halen producer Ted Templeman, gave it a slick, digital sheen that some fans, like those on the Sleaze Roxx forum, initially found jarring compared to the rawer Eat 'Em and Smile. Despite mixed reviews, the track has grown on fans over time, with a Musician Wages article highlighting its relatable lyrics about love's unpredictability, resonating with listeners who connected to Roth's raw vocal delivery.

David Lee Roth, born October 10, 1954, in Bloomington, Indiana, began his musical journey influenced by his father's love for artists like Al Jolson and Frank Sinatra. Moving to California as a teenager, Roth fell in love with rock, idolizing bands like Led Zeppelin and Alice Cooper. By the early 1970s, he was singing in local bands, eventually forming Mammoth, which became Van Halen after recruiting brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen. Roth's charismatic stage presence and witty banter helped Van Halen land a deal with Warner Bros., leading to their groundbreaking 1978 debut album. His larger-than-life persona, blending humor, athleticism, and raw vocal power, made him a rock icon. After leaving Van Halen in 1985 due to creative differences, Roth launched a successful solo career, starting with the Crazy from the Heat EP and followed by Eat 'Em and Smile, proving he could thrive outside the Van Halen machine.

Fans can connect with David Lee Roth through his official website, davidleeroth.com, which features updates on his music and projects. His social media presence includes Facebook, where he shares nostalgic posts and new content, Instagram, with vibrant photos and videos showcasing his colorful personality, and X, where he engages with fans through witty posts. Fan communities thrive online, notably the Van Halen News Desk, a hub for Roth and Van Halen updates, and the David Lee Roth Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks and other fans discuss his solo work and share memorabilia. These platforms keep Roth's legacy alive, celebrating his contributions to rock and his enduring showman spirit.