In a recent conversation on Dean Delray’s Let There Be Talk podcast, Steve Vai hinted at the diminishing likelihood of a reunion with David Lee Roth’s band, especially in light of persistent rumors surrounding Roth’s retirement.
Vai delved into a past moment when the prospect of reuniting seemed plausible, recalling:
“There was a period where we talked about it, and we considered it, but then Van Halen made a comeback. So Dave was occupied with that.”
As speculations about a reunion continue to swirl, Vai conveyed a feeling that the window for a revival of the ‘Eat ‘Em and Smile’ era has closed. He conveyed this sentiment, saying:
“There comes a point where you feel like the train has left the station. I heard Dave retired. And I’m deeply involved in my solo career and all the projects I’m working on. So you never know, but it doesn’t seem likely.”
The band had approached the brink of a reunion in 2015, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the ‘Eat ‘Em and Smile’ album. A performance, featuring Vai, bassist Billy Sheehan, and drummer Gregg Bissonette, with Roth planning a surprise appearance, was scheduled at a Hollywood bowling alley. Unfortunately, the event faced an eleventh-hour cancellation due to safety concerns.