David Lee Roth will headline the Sturgis Buffalo Chip on August 7, 2026, marking his first performance at the venue in 20 years. The show will kick off the rally at the Wolfman Jack Main Stage, and fans can look forward to classic Van Halen hits. Expect to hear favorites like “Jump,” “Panama,” “Hot for Teacher,” “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” and more.
The concert is part of a full day of events, including the High Octane Bike Show, Support Bikers Moto Meetup, a grand parade, and the Rally Roar. Sturgis Buffalo Chip CEO Rod Woodruff expressed excitement about the event, saying, “David Lee Roth sells smiles for a living, and we do the same at the Chip. Opening the rally with an unforgettable show from Diamond Dave will keep smiles on faces throughout the Rally and beyond!”
Roth was the lead singer of Van Halen during four different periods, with his longest stint from 1972 to 1985. During that time, he sang on the band’s first six studio albums. The 1984 album reached No. 2 on the Billboard Album Chart, and “Jump” became Van Halen’s only No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100. After leaving the band in 1985, Roth pursued a solo career, releasing six albums and scoring a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Rock Chart with “Just a Gigolo.”
Roth returned to Van Halen in 1996, 2001, and 2007, the same year the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The Sturgis festival runs from August 7 to 16, 2026, featuring concerts, charity rides, custom bike displays, stunts, women’s gatherings, and races. Other acts include Lainey Wilson and Lynyrd Skynyrd on August 11. Passes are available now.
