Alex Van Halen Autobiography ‘Brothers’ To Be Published In October
Legendary Van Halen drummer Alex Van Halen is set to publish his autobiography, Brothers, through HarperCollins Publishers on 22 October 2024. The 384-page book is categorized under Biography & Autobiography.
Alex and Eddie Van Halen originally formed a band called Mammoth in Pasadena, California in 1972, then renamed it Van Halen when singer David Lee Roth joined the group and, later, bassist Michael Anthony.
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The group went on to become one of the biggest rock bands in the world in the 1980s, with hits like Runnin’ With The Devil, Dance The Night Away, Hot For Teacher, Panama and signature hit Jump. The group, which later featured Sammy Hagar on vocals, was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2007.
The Van Halen family moved to Pasadena after emigrating to the U.S. from the Netherlands in 1962. Van Halen was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2007.
Alex Van Halen was instrumental to his band’s electrifying, dramatic sound, leading the rhythm section on standout hits like Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love, Unchained and Panama. His double-bass pedal work throughout Hot For Teacher was deeply influential, combining technical prowess with a restless, thoroughly original drum composition.
When Alex turned 68 in May 2021, he commemorated the occasion by sharing the following statement: “First birthday without you, Ed. The view from my drum set will never be the same. VH forever!”
Eddie Van Halen passed away in October 2020 at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California. Alex was by his side, as was Eddie’s son, Wolfgang. The iconic guitarist died from complications due to cancer, his son confirmed.
Eddie’s final Instagram post was a tribute to Alex. On May 8, 2020, the guitarist shared a black-and-white photo of him and his brother to his followers to wish the drummer a happy birthday. He captioned the picture: “Happy Birthday Al!! Love Ya!! #vanhalen #alexvanhalen #birthday #may #drummer #musician #musicians #family #rock #classicrock #rockband #love”.
In early 2022, it was confirmed that Alex had been in talks with Roth and guitarist Joe Satriani to put on a special show in honour of Eddie. However, Wolfgang later said that it was “in such an early stage that it never even got off the ground.”
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