RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Sturgis Buffalo Chip has announced that legendary rock icon David Lee Roth will headline the official Kickoff Party for the 2025 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Event organizers confirmed that the former Van Halen frontman, known affectionately as “Diamond Dave,” will take the main stage on August 7.
Roth is expected to bring his high-energy showmanship and a catalog of classic hits to the Black Hills, including anthems like “Jump,” “Panama” and “Runnin’ with the Devil.” The announcement adds a major rock and roll heavyweight to the roster of entertainment for the annual motorcycle gathering, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Rapid City and Sturgis area each summer.
The Kickoff Party at the Buffalo Chip has become a tradition for rally-goers, often setting the tone for the 10-day event. By securing Roth, organizers are signaling a return to the classic hard rock roots that have historically resonated with the motorcycle community.
Roth, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, has maintained a reputation for flamboyant stage presence and acrobatic vocals throughout his decades-long career. His appearance is expected to draw significant crowds from Rapid City and beyond, as fans travel to the region to witness the spectacle.
Tickets and camping passes for the event are available now through the Buffalo Chip website.
