Roth, Blue Oyster Cult and locals rock Valley festival

Even though 'Diamond Dave' lost his locks, he's still a great performer.
By SARAH POULTON
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
NILES -- "Diamond" David Lee Roth rocked the Valley's dreams Monday night as an estimated 4,500 people were encouraged to "Dance the Night Away" at Eastwood Field.
What started out as a fun-filled family event quickly turned into a party for people who are lost in the '80s. Thom Sharp, director of stadium/Expo Center events, said that because of the weather, a carnival setting was not possible.
The children were still able to enjoy a fun night with their parents, listening to "old people's" music and watching fireworks, but the games and activities that were planned did not happen.
Even though the evening was missing some key elements, Sharp predicted that it would be a great show that no one would want to miss.
"In a small market, such as the Youngstown area, you can't miss this show," Sharp said. "I can't even imagine if I would have missed this. Every seat in this place is like a gold circle seat."
Roth headlined the evening, opening with Van Halen classic "Hot for Teacher" and closing with "Jump." He played a complete Van Halen set -- minus "The Hagar" -- and added his classic cover "California Girls." Sammy Hagar played with Van Halen after Roth left the group.
Blue Oyster Cult also made an appearance as Roth's opening act, singing their classics such as "Godzilla," "Don't Fear the Reaper" and "Burnin' for You." Three of BOC's original five band members performed.
Other acts
Other bands in attendance were the Back Alley Band, who played lost classics of the '70s and '80s, and the Frank Fordeley Family Band, who were switching costumes left and right. The House Band, a popular local act, kicked off the show with a few of the crowds favorites, Sharp said.
Buck Dharma, front man for BOC, said that they have played with "Diamond Dave" in the past, and that he is a lot of fun. He said that Roth tells a lot of jokes, and keeps the atmosphere enjoyable.
"My criteria is to entertain myself," Dharma said. "If I don't have a good time, then I don't come back."
Jimmy Ramone, merchandise manager for Roth, said that even though Roth lost the locks, he's still a great guy and an amazing performer.
"He's matured," Ramone said. "He had a serious job in front of a microphone, so he had to look the part. But that doesn't change who he is."
Ramone also said that Roth tends to do a Van Halen set because that is what the fans want to hear. Although everyone hoped for a Van Halen reunion, that won't happen in the near future because of the bad blood between Roth and the Van Halen brothers.
Fans
John Kegley, 44, of North Lima, and his wife, Sonja, 40, said were excited about seeing Roth, even though the event started with a little bit of rain. Kegley said that he stayed home from work one day, just to get front row seats to see Roth. This is his second time and his wife's first time seeing him.
"We came for Dave," Kegley, known as Buster, said. "If nobody else was here, I wouldn't care."
Adam Hudek, 17, from Lake Milton, is a member of the Frank Fordeley Family Band. Hudek said that his father got him started in the band by playing guitar. Hudek was excited to be sharing a stage with Roth and BOC.
"It feels pretty good to play with BOC," Hudek said. "I wish Van Halen was here, but David Lee Roth is pretty cool."
The evening went out with a bang during a fireworks display. Sponsors for the event included Rafidi Law Firm, Warren Harley-Davidson and T & amp;D Landscape, Sharp said.
spoulton@vindy.com