Manny Roth, founder of the New York City club Cafe Wha? and uncle to Van Halen singer David Lee Roth, has died at the age of 95.
Roth opened the original Cafe Wha? in 1959 at the corner of MacDougal Street and Minetta Lane; the legendary venue saw artists like Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen and others perform in its 1960s/1970s heyday.
“It is with great sadness that we report that Manny Roth, founder of Cafe Wha?, has passed away,” posted the club on its Facebook page. “He was a legend in discovering talent, and he will be dearly missed by us all. Thanks for everything, Manny, and we hope to continue your legacy long into the future.”
David Lee Roth posted a personal tribute on his website, writing, “Uncle Manny has passed away. He was 95 years old. He was happy, laughing and smiling right up 'til the end. His presence already missed, his contributions with us forever."
The Van Halen singer wrote about visiting his Uncle and the club in the 60s, with great fondness, in his 1998 book, “Crazy From The Heat.”
Van Halen launched their 2012 album, “A Different Kind Of Truth”, with a rare media-only show at the 250-seat club in January of 2012.
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