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David Lee Roth to play last 5 shows before retirement

“I’m throwing in the shoes,” Roth told the Last Vegas Review on Friday, before sending the audio of his side of the conversation to the Van Halen News Desk fansite. “I’m retiring.”

“I am encouraged and compelled to really come to grips with how short time is, and my time is probably even shorter,” Roth said.

Roth is playing five shows at the House of Blues, starting New Year’s Eve; he told the Las Vegas Review that he was planning 75 rehearsals for those shows with his backup band. “These are my last five shows,” he emphasized.

Roth concluded his phone call by saying, “I’ve given you all I’ve got to give. It’s been an amazing, great run, no regrets, nothing to say about anybody. I’ll miss you all. Stay frosty.”