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FORMER Van Halen singer David Lee Roth has revealed he sold his catalogue for a considerable sum last year.
The news has come out of an interview Diamond Dave did with the Associated Press following his guest appearance with Teddy Swims at Coachella.
“When I sold my publishing eight months ago, ask me how I feel? Rich!”
“For the first time in my life, I can rub two coins together and create a little interest.”
As for how much Roth got, there was no information – but he did describe the scope of the material that is his.
“Eddie (Van Halen) and I wrote all the songs – I wrote everything I sing,” he said. “Every note that I sang, every harmony, I stacked the harmonies. That was my job.
“If you’re singin’ it, Roth was bringin’ it.”
Roth also did not comment on who the rights were sold to. But it’s likely he received well into the tens of millions of US dollars. Even current performers such as Zach Bryan and Australia’s Kevin Parker of Tame Impala have sold their catalogues in recent times.
Roth’s latest solo tour kicked off in the last few days, to predictably mixed reviews.
Former Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider commented in response to a video of Roth performing by saying on Twitter: “Or have your heroes walk off stage with dignity and say goodbye leaving you with great memories?”
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