Alex Van Halen's Autobiography 'Brothers': A Discussion with VH Authors Greg Renoff & Chris Gill
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- Опубліковано 29 лют 2024
- Since his brother Edward’s passing on October 6th, 2020, Alex Van Halen has remained mostly silent. Aside from brief statements to commemorate his younger brother’s birthday and his passing posted to social media, we have yet to see or hear Alex speak. Instead, he’s decided to break his silence with his autobiography Brothers due out on October 22nd.
I’ve asked two special guests to join the podcast to discuss Alex's upcoming book - Greg Renoff and Chris Gill. Greg Renoff is the author of the critically acclaimed books Van Halen Rising: How A Southern California Backyard Party Band Saved Heavy Metal from 2015 and Ted Templeman: A Platinum Producer’s Life in Music from 2020. Along with Brad Tolinski, Chris Gill wrote the critically acclaimed 2021 book Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen. In this episode, we discuss Alex’s upcoming book. What do they expect to read in the book? What do they hope to read? What will he have to say about his former bandmates David Lee Roth, Sammy Hagar, and Michael Anthony? We also speculate as to whether or not we’ll ever see Alex Van Halen perform on stage again.
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Listen to Van Halen A Different Kind Of Truth from 2012 (not available on Spotify) ( • Van Halen - A Differen... )
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They were my 2nd family. Listened to them everyday for 40yrs
They were the soundtrack to our adolescence
DITTO! Well every day since 1979!
They had their thing, but music, guitar music is broad, not so much anymore. King Edward (as Zak Wilde says) all have their genius, but there's so much more to guitar playing besides scales and tapping
People need to realize the extreme importance of Alex's drumming in Van Halen. Alex is a phenomenal drummer! In the pure context of the band Van Halen, the drumming held the virtuosity of Eddie together which "together" made the sound of Van Halen. Although Eddie's virtuosity would've always been obvious, the exceptional song qualities of Van Halen were a product of the entire group and Alex was the foundation of the groove. 🤘☮
I mean, trust me, if EVH was an absolutely 100% thrilled and satisfied with his brothers drumming he would’ve found another Drummer. I don’t tend to go around and compare drummers because they all have their own voice but Alex is right there with John Bonham to me! He’s the EPITOME of a rock drummer with a heavy R&B and swing feel. He’s a drum god!
Well said. A keen listener can identify the VH sound if you isolate everything except the drums. Alex’s brown sound snare drum is very distinctive and his drumming really helped to identify the VH sound. Very underrated cat. Solid.
@@steveparker5406Actually it was ALEX who coined the term ‘brown sound’ and he was applying it to his snare tone BEFORE Ed was applying it to his guitar ….The idea of TONE sounding pleasing to the ear irrespective of decibel level….On the snare tone it sounding like the ‘Toonk’ of beating on a meaty log rather than the clank of a cinder block.
This book release should coincide with:
1. A Silver Sparkle Ludwig AVH Signature drum kit and snare
2. An AVH signature set of 2002 Paiste cymbals
3. A re-release of Regal Tip AVH signature drum sticks.
Love you, AL......you're my hero.
That would be cool but it would likely cost a fortune and only the real rich could afford it. Lol. Ludwig also discontinued the Supersensitive and I don't they would want to bring that back.
I’m still saddened by Ed’s passing almost as if he was a family member. I saw VH live in Los Angeles five times with Roth starting in 1980 and three more times after 2007. I also went to summer camp with Marshall Berle’s son and I remember the day in 1978 when he was saying “my dad is managing this new band called Van Halen and they’re going to be huge!” Regarding the possibility of a VH biopic, I honestly hope it doesn’t happen because it’ll disappoint. Leave the legacy alone, please…
Right, as much as I love seeing Van Halen in the Spotlight and more people discovering their unique qualities and greatness, I don't need their story tarnished because some entertainment group wants to USE them just for $$$$
Rick Beato has been great with interviewing drummers. Would be great to see him on there one day, answering a lot of those drum questions that most likely won’t get answered in the book.
Rick's interviews are top notch. You have a great idea, that would be great.
Trust me, Beato wants no one more than John McLaughlin and AVH!
Love Rick Beato.
Al and his brother... he lost his soul mate... they were always together imagine what he's thinking ... him and his brother, nothing better.... peace al.....
I think the book was a way for Alex to heal over Eddie's death! He must be so devastated! They were side by side all their lives! ❤
I think youre right.
Alex is the last van halen standing from his immediate family.....momma dad brother all gone....i feel for him
it eventually happens to everyone on the planet, if you live long enough....which is better than the alternative. Having money helps also.
@@pb12661Money can't make up for your mom, dad and brother being gone.
Alex Van Halen was and always will be one of my favorite drummers,up there with ringo,zigaboo,buddy,jim gordon,hal blaine-Maybe in his book hell discuss his thoughts and memories about his monster kits,style and sound,and of course his little brother.both those guys were way ahead of their time, and changed music for the best.
Yeah, I love everyone you mentioned as drummers minus “ONE” and AVH blew my mind by the time I was 5 or 6. I remember even before I was 10 years old here and him thinking this guy does these big drum fills and doesn’t crash he goes right back to the hats! Such a soulful R&B move. He’s up there with Bonham to me.
I’m really surprised he did a book. He never speaks. Maybe this is his way of saying goodbye and giving himself some closure.
There's a 1985 interview with Alex on UA-cam... It's really in-depth
@@scott_simmonzWhat do I put in the title to find it? I’m wondering if I listened to it a few weeks ago.
@@williamperri3437 ua-cam.com/video/OWD6fHKhbM0/v-deo.htmlsi=oYN9JxFMTWLZlLzu
I'm really surprised he used that cover photo
@@lucky7mojoI love that pic
The emptiness left behind must be one of the worst feelings in the world, on par with losing a child. My dog died a few days before Eddie passed and I felt like shit, it felt like a part of my body got chopped off. I wouldn’t want to ever touch what Alex felt losing blood that has been with you pretty much every single day and moment of your life…
I had a magazine clipping of Ed sitting in a hotel room with cassettes all around him and I had my wife take it to work to get laminated and one of her students broke it while she was right in the middle of it. I had her bring it home and it looked bad and I was sick about it but I took it apart and very carefully removed it from the rollers! It was only ripped off on the side and he survived !! I am still gonna laminate but I’m so glad I still have it at all!
I would have thought that Howard Stern's type of interviewing wouldn't be appropriate for interviewing Alex but when I saw Howard Stern interview WOLFGANG months after Ed passed away I was surprised how sensitively he handled it. He actually was very tactful and let Wolfgang tell the story.
He was still stern... thousands of hours of guitar playing is gone .. lol. He's a jagoff
@@curragh4635I don’t think that was insensitive. Some may feel that way because to Wolf EVH was his dad more than just a Guitar God, BUT EVH to the rest of the world was a guitar god.
@@williamperri3437 i kind of thought it was but stern to me is not a good interview. he reiterates to much,, have a good day man !
Wolfie was on Stern because he and Eddie liked Stern. Eddie called in quite a few times and Howard always let Eddie talk for a long time stopping his show because it was Eddie van Halen.
@@nuts45150Edward did like appearing on the Stern show…Thats definitely true…I don’t know if Wolfgang did , I think he possibly enjoyed some of it. We would have to ask Wolf…He did look understandably upset when he went into the details of his Dads medical problems though. 😔
To cement Van Halens legacy I would imagine. I'm sure Alex wants his vision documented opposed to someone less sensitive and less knowing than himself. A very unique perspective indeed. Rock On!
Not read ANY Books about this band or any other band tbh. BUT
I’ll buy this book and eventually get through it cause I can already say my 60 sumn year old ass don’t feel like crying no more
RIP EDDIE-EDDIE-EDDIE and Reverend Al !??? We Love Ya💪✌️❤️
we all look forward to this book may be a sense of closure or at least be cathartic for the fans
That’s what we hope. Hope you’re well Dwight. I hope you enjoy the book if you read it. Cheers! 🍻
Greg and Chris are the guys to talk to about this! Excellent guests!
When I was a kid my buddy and I did a Garage Band Keg Party Group and the kids loved our Bottoms Up cover
I think this is fantastic. I’m interested in the genius who didn’t get as much credit….but humble enough to know that most fans really loved Ed.
This is going to be good. No matter what. I’m so thrilled to know this is coming! Great interview/podcast Eric! Thank you good sir! ❤
Alex is going to say it like it was....end of story....no axes to grind anymore with anyone
Great discussion. Own both of these guys books and they are equally amazing. Looking forward to Alex’s take. Another addition to the Van Halen collection for sure.
Alex was with Eddie his whole life. The only book that I'll be reading on van Halen. The real story I'm sure. Can't wait to get it.
Yes. It will be the DEFINITIVE book on Edward. All the others before won’t even come close.
Oh dear, I think ACE'S version of history just got DETONATED 🤔🙄 ....lol
Donn was the man who basically electronically BUILT the 5150 STUDIO .
I can’t wait to read this book! VH was my favorite band
Van Halens music kicked life up a notch, made it a little better...
Nothing surprised me less than Dave's third tier hairband solo career. The great music that was the foundation Van Halen came from Eddie and Alex jamming every day between tours.
Can't wait to read it...Al just kind of closing the Van Halen chapter and leave us with just some of best music ever..no more bs
2 tremendous guests. Appreciate y’all. 🤘🏻🇺🇸🎸🔥
Can’t wait till the book comes out I hope it gives him some closer I’m a huge Van Halen fan born in 1961 and will never forget when I bought the first album like Alex I lost my brother and only sibling in 1979 from cancer I can relate to the pain for years and still today miss him but I hope Alex will play again you know that music was their life and I believe Eddie would want that. I got to see them play twice in Indianapolis 1979 and 1980 they are the goat and every time I here Van Halen on radio or listen to them on records or online every day it brings back the greatest memories of those late 70’s and 80’s The best to you Alex and family and hope to here some more great music from you. Van Halen forever will be GOAT
Im thinking this may be THE VH book
Alex was the reason I got into drumming. One of the greatest drummers ever
Ace never said MSG..he just said EDward was at a concert ..most likely The Forum.. he also may have seen the Midnight Special 74 ...
Hats a great point about the midnight special
I have played in a band with my brothers. I think Ed and Alex looked at each other differently than they did every other musician. They understood each other on levels no one else could. They trusted each other musically. They were more comfortable playing with each other than outsiders. They new each other’s strengths and weaknesses. They shared the same influences and relied on each other in more ways than one.
Had Al died first, I don't think we would have heard from Ed again either. They were that important to each other, both personally and musically.
I find it incredible how many People out there say they loved Edwards music sooooo much, but don't even know that he hated being called "Eddie" Incredible. Peace to you Alex I know what its like to lose so much family...
Love your work and Spot on reports no Alex is a Living Bonham Legend
It's more than that Drummers are the Altimiter of of the Band
Fantastic interview Eric! Thoroughly enjoyed that :) Can't wwait for the book, it's going to be very interesting indeed 🙏 Greetings from Down Under
Thank you Simon!
Random, but wondering if Alex will comment on Dave running around the press and claming Valerie Bertinelli had terrible body odor.
Can’t wait to read!
I’ve come to believe that Alex was a sort of father figure to Eddie
one of the best VH books is by Noel Monk. VH's tour manager from the early days. Tells you how it was.
Many of us have brothers/sisters but i guarantee there was no closer blood bros than EVH/AVH . To be able to play together that long is beyond uncommon. Id love a tribute tour to help with Fan closure but AVH pain is preventing it , and as true fans we need to respect that. I dont need a book, I have what only fans was only meant to have and thats that live , tight Brown sound with "no stinking click"
Will this be available on AUDIBLE? I really hope! This is one of those must have's so if i have to i will buy a hard copy but my eyes are shot and i prefer to put the in ears on and just listen to books these days.
Any time the name Marshall Burle is involved, credibility is automatically questioned.
Donny Ward would know about the details of the Snake & Dragon guitar ...I think it was a Charvel explorer shape which Ed got tired of so he got someone in the states to re carve it.
This book will set the record straight & is the MOST ANTICIPATED release Post-passing.
Ed’s words and input are IN the book, and is one reason the book is being compiled. Alex felt it was this important.
Listen to the just-posted 1985 interviews with Alex Van Halen conducted by Steven Rosen when he was working on Ed's authorized bio forty years ago. If Alex couldn't remember things chronologically that long ago how could he write a book now, decades later, without relying on Van Halen Rising by Greg Renoff and Runnin' with the Devil by Noel Monk?
I was not shocked unfortunately when Ed passed away.
It's almost as if it could've happened sooner.
I knew he had tongue cancer and hip issues and alcohol and drug problems as well.
However I still thought he could beat it maybe but kept my fingers crossed knowing that doesn't help but sure enough, it all unfortunately caught up to my guitar hero Eddie Van Halen!
Maybe I still haven't accepted it yet too..
RIP Mr. Edward Van Halen ❤ You'll be missed forever
Would Al do Rick Beato ?
I doubt it...
Sammy still talking about his book and trashing EVH...sigh
Blaze on AVH !
If there ever was a movie to be made… which I would love to see it… I think that two 3 1/2 hour movies might…. Might get it told. I would want the beginning on the boat… through all the years and singers… ending up through ADKOT and up until The King’s passing in 2020. It better be done right if it does happen. Can you imagine a better start to a true VH movie? Black screen. The sound of the ocean waves. Then a little piano echoes through the ocean air. We fade in from a long shot up high that slowly zooms in on the boat. If it’s ever done… I don’t want some time skipping thing that ends in 1984 unless that is part 1.
I’m curious about what was removed in the paperback version of the book? I don’t remember anything too sensitive in it
Gene did okay on VH demo ! A demo is just a taste of their music, the polish comes later when they re-record the music.
They can always change the cover.
It will only be accurate to the extent of what Alex wants to include. Some of the most disappointing books ever written were because of what was excluded, and sugar-coat things, like a rated PG movie. (Quincy Jones and Jim Peterek's books come to mind)
I Hope Alex is getting closure... :(
I think Dave was the tribute "roadblock". Could be due to his inflated ego, if that is what he has, I don't know him, I can only say what I've heard and read.
Absolutely!! He’s a constant pain in the ass and always has been. I think the biggest reason why is he doesn’t want to be upstaged by Hagar that’s why he would never get on stage with him when they tour together.
Chris Gill sounds like Jordan Pederson.
Frazier and Niles Van Halen.
Coincidentally, A lot of callers on Frasier's radio show were uncredited celebs. As I remember it Ed was one.
@@feralkid1879
👍
As far as a tribute.. which this is a travesty it hasn't been done for Edward, it's Not about the singers. It's really about the guitar and the guitar players who would honor Ed. Screw Dave and Sam .. it's not about Them. 🤙
Definitely interested in the book. But, honestly, how clouded are this man's memories?
Like anyone else’s
@@tone-talk Let me rephrase that: how clouded are this man's memories from the 800 beers he apparently drank every sngle day.
99.99% Roth is the one being difficult regarding any reunion shows. His ego always gets in the way. 🙄
ALEX was always the voice of SANITY in the camp when things were problematic and reasonable in the face of it........Alex's account will be way more level headed than Sammy's book (with all due respect) and definitely more reasonable than Rabid Lee Froth (which is just someone going bonkers off on a frolic) ....There are a lot of good Biographies on Ed ,,,,,,Brad Tolinski's, Greg's book with its historical research,,,,Steven Rosen's comprehensive personal experience with Ed not to mention Jas Obrecht's amazing contributions.....But I still believe ALEX'S account will be the CLOSEST you will EVER GET to who EDWARD WAS ....I mean , just THINK about this.
he sobered early on in the game....he had to nurture his brother. and to his credit he never let his ego get in the way. A lot of brothers would not like being in the shadow of their younger brother.
@@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle Yes
@@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle The beautiful thing was , if you listen to these recently unearthed tape recorded interviews Jas Obrecht made with Ed in 1980 the way he talked it was obvious that Edward HERO WORSHIPED his big Brother. Even if to his face he would never say. In the interviews you can hear in his voice the enthusiasm with which Ed talked about Alex, how Alex was much smarter at school than he was, how he could read music better than he could,,,, He urged Jas Obrecht to do a cover story on his big brother and went into the details of how Alex would build his own drum kits and was an innovator in his own right…It was wonderful to hear Ed enthuse in his voice when talking about his brother Alex …..I get angry at Roth’s latest podcasts claiming Ed was always saying -‘I hate my brother’ because it was just NOT TRUE…Rabid Lee Froth has it all wrong….A couple of years ago I put up this picture of Ed riding on Alex’s back onstage with them both laughing and on this visual I put the soundtrack of the Hollies song -‘He ain’t heavy. HE’S MY BROTHER’ and when I watched and listened to the finished video I wept..And I don’t care if some people go -‘we’ve got a very feminine voice out there’,,, or ‘girlie man wheezer’,,,or ‘super freaky whipping girl’,, or ‘ Evans captain Candyass’ ..Macho guys bottle stuff up. And that’s dangerous….Because I’ve seen even the toughest guys go under with depression and existential despair because they are ashamed of externalising their emotions..Alex is a human being who needs catharsis and we all worry about him because none of us can even begin to imagine what he has been through.😔🙏
Alex doesn't say very much in public, but I don't think he "was always the voice of sanity". By all accounts, he was pretty out of control much of the time until the late 80s. My memories of him after that was essentially as a co-dependent for Ed, like in that infamous interview they did with MTV in 1996 when Ed bashed both Sam and Dave for about an hour. That said, one does get the sense that he's become wiser with age, and his book will probably be a great read. Notwithstanding, I fully expect Al to put his own slant on things, just as we got from Sam's and Dave's books. I know Sam had an axe to grind when he wrote his book, and I know Dave talks and writes in riddles (which his detractors use as an excuse to discredit anything he might say); but both those books had a lot of very good insight. Both Sam and Dave said a many complimentary things about the Van Halen brothers in their books, as well as the not-so-good stuff. I didn't believe either of their respective accounts 100%, but I do credit them both as being their version of the truth told with integrity, and a lot of what they said was pretty accurate. I expect the same from Alex: a thoughtful book with a lot of great information and insights, but told from a perspective that is most favorable to himself.
Also remember Alex and Eddie were talking about making a book together. Probably why Alex is doing it now. Fitting tribute than a concert.
💚2024✨sowing...............🎶
🎠🌈🌈🌈💍🌈🌈🌈🔥
Daniel 12 Revelation 21
🎸 keeping the Faith 💜😎
Hopefully Mike writes a book too
Love van halen im 68 been in on all of it. But al is worth about ah jillion dollars so why not let people have it for donations to als asking does he need money no he making closure i think so no charge to his fans
All I can say is when the movie version coming out?? Tarintino is waiting 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🫵🫵