David Lee Roth enjoys teasing Van Halen fans, occasionally posting photos on Faceback with cryptic captions. Recently, he posted a picture of himself in a split on the floor of what looks like an arena backstage area or locker room, with his sheepdog, Russ. The caption is sparse – “Start spreadin' the...” – sending diehards into detective mode, with the general consensus being that Van Halen may soon announce their triumphant return to touring. After the band abruptly canceled a series of Japanese dates late last year because of Eddie Van Halen's emergency surgery for diverticulitis, fans have been impatient for them to hit the road again.
Then again, since that obscure message, the singer has also been keeping busy, posting other seemingly random photos and captions, here and here. Last week, he released the eighth episode of The Roth Show, in which he entertained viewers with the story behind “Stay Frosty,” which was #16 on Rolling Stone's Best Songs of 2012 list, describing it as “clearly the update of 'Ice Cream Man'”. Roth didn't wear his bunny suit this time, but shared stories about his early musical influences, as well as short clips of rare Van Halen concert footage, including the time the band hired professional skydivers to pull off an elaborate stunt, in 1978.
Accolades are still rolling in for Van Halen's first studio album with Roth in 28 years. Guitar World released the results of their 2012 Reader's Poll in the February, 2013, issue. The band and their guitarist took top honors or second place in the 7 categories for which they were nominated: Best Live Act, Best Rock Album, Comeback of the Year, Biggest Disappointment (cancellation of their tour), Best Guitar World Cover, Most Valuable Player, and Best Rock Guitarist.
Meanwhile, Van Halen is pitted against Pink Floyd in the second round of voting on UltimateClassicRock.com's 2013 Ultimate Classic Rock Bowl. Voting continues through tomorrow, and the winner will be announced February 4.
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