Yankee Rose

The song Yankee Rose by David Lee Roth from his 1986 album Eat 'Em and Smile is a vibrant hard rock anthem that pays tribute to the Statue of Liberty, coinciding with its major renovation for the 100th anniversary of its dedication in 1886. One intriguing piece of trivia comes from the song’s music video, which opens with a comedic skit set in a convenience store. Roth, dressed in tribal face paint and feathers as seen on the album cover, demands “a bottle of anything and a glazed donut… to go,” a line that has become iconic among fans for its absurdity and humor. This skit, conceived and directed by Roth and his long-time collaborator Pete Angelus, features a cast of eccentric characters, including a newlywed couple arguing and a woman buying breath mints, adding to the video’s memorable charm. The video’s performance segment showcases Roth’s high-energy showmanship and Steve Vai’s jaw-dropping guitar work, including his signature “throw my guitar for a loop back over my shoulder” maneuver, executed without missing a note.

Another fascinating story about Yankee Rose involves its recording process. The song features a unique call-and-response between Roth’s vocals and Vai’s guitar, where the guitar mimics a human voice with squeals and chords. Roth described this as a conversation, with him responding to Vai’s guitar with lines like “Whaaaat?” before launching into the song’s narrative. This creative interplay was a deliberate nod to Roth’s desire to channel the classic Van Halen sound while establishing his solo identity. Additionally, the song was almost overshadowed by another track, Kids in Action, written by Kim Mitchell, which was recorded for the album but ultimately replaced by a cover of Tobacco Road. Mitchell recounted a moment when Billy Sheehan called him from the studio, excitedly asking for the second verse lyrics, only for the song to be cut at the last minute. Posts on X from users like @mitchlafon have called Yankee Rose “the greatest Van Halen song that they never recorded,” highlighting its enduring appeal among fans.

David Lee Roth, born October 10, 1954, in Bloomington, Indiana, began his musical journey in the early 1970s in Southern California. His larger-than-life personality and acrobatic stage presence were evident even in his teenage years, performing with local bands. Roth’s big break came when he joined Van Halen, a band formed by brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen, in 1973. Initially, the band was called Mammoth, but Roth suggested renaming it Van Halen, a decision that helped define their identity. As the frontman, Roth’s charismatic showmanship, combined with Eddie’s virtuosic guitar playing, propelled Van Halen to stardom with their 1978 self-titled debut album, which included hits like Runnin’ with the Devil and Ain’t Talkin’ ’Bout Love. Roth’s penchant for theatricality and humor set him apart, making him a defining figure in the hard rock scene. After leaving Van Halen in 1985 due to creative differences, Roth launched his solo career with the EP Crazy from the Heat, followed by Eat 'Em and Smile, which showcased his ability to assemble a powerhouse band featuring Steve Vai, Billy Sheehan, and Gregg Bissonette.

Fans can connect with David Lee Roth through his official website, davidleeroth.com, where he shares updates on music, tours, and merchandise. His Facebook page offers a mix of nostalgic posts, video clips, and fan engagement, while his Instagram account features vibrant photos and videos of his performances and personal adventures. On X, Roth’s posts are eclectic, blending humor, music updates, and reflections on his career. For dedicated fans, the Roth Army fan website is a hub for discussions, news, and memorabilia related to Roth’s solo work and Van Halen days. Additionally, the David Lee Roth Fan Club on Facebook is an active community where “Zoo Freaks” and other enthusiasts share stories, photos, and appreciation for Roth’s music and larger-than-life persona.