Michael Sweet recently voiced his support for David Lee Roth. He addressed the criticism the Van Halen frontman faces online in a statement shared on Metal Mayhem ROC.

Sweet emphasized Roth’s essential role in Van Halen’s success. He expressed frustration with the negative commentary directed at the legendary vocalist.

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“I’ll go to the grave fighting for Dave,” Sweet said. “It bums me out when I see all the negative comments about him online, people just being brutal about his voice and the way he acts and stuff. I mean, Dave is legendary and is such an instrumental part of Van Halen.”

While Eddie Van Halen rightfully receives significant credit, David Lee Roth’s contributions were equally vital to the band’s rise to prominence. Sweet highlighted this essential balance.

“I’ve gone on record to say I don’t think they would have been the band they are without Dave,” he continued. “Obviously, Eddie gets most of the credit as he should, but Dave is a big part of that equation and integral in helping to take Van Halen to the top. His personality, persona, his image, his character, his voice, his lyrics, you name it. So, I love David Lee Roth, man. I always wave that flag for him.”

Sweet’s passionate defense reflects a consistent position he has maintained throughout his career. The Stryper vocalist has repeatedly championed the David Lee Roth era of Van Halen, viewing it as the band’s creative peak.

Sweet has expressed his preference for Van Halen’s early work with Roth. According to Metal Wani, he stated: “I love early Van Halen—everything with [singer David] Lee Roth… My opinion is that the early Van Halen with Roth was the better Van Halen.”

Sweet’s assessment of the band’s later material reveals his critical perspective. Blabbermouth reported that Sweet stated Van Halen’s album “A Different Kind of Truth” lacked the fire and energy that characterized the band’s classic early records with Roth at the helm.

Sweet’s admiration for the Roth-era Van Halen also extends to the band’s reunion decisions. Metal Wani noted that Sweet praised Alex Van Halen’s choice to reunite with David Lee Roth rather than continue with Sammy Hagar. He viewed this decision as a validation of the original lineup’s superior chemistry and creative output.

By defending Roth against online criticism, Sweet continues to champion the vocalist’s irreplaceable contributions to rock history. His advocacy reinforces the enduring legacy of Van Halen’s most iconic era.