Alex Van Halen expressed his anger when people shared stories about Eddie Van Halen following his death.
In an audio clip from his upcoming memoir, ‘Brothers,’ the drummer said, “Since you’ve been gone, I catch myself talking to you, yelling at you, in my head or sometimes out loud. I still have trouble believing you’re gone, and probably for me, you never will be.”
He went on to say, “Outliving my little brother, this just wasn’t the plan. As the older brother, I was supposed to die first. Same as always, Ed, butting in line. I’ve watched sometimes with anger, sometimes with grief, and other times with pride as the world has mourned your passing.”
Alex reflected on their shared experiences, stating, “Other people have claimed to tell your story. But I was with you from day one. We shared the experience of coming to this country and figuring out how to fit in. We shared a record player, an 800-square-foot house, a mom and a dad, and a work ethic.”
He added, “Later, we shared the back of a tour bus. The experience of becoming successful, of becoming fathers and uncles, of alcoholism, and spending more hours in the studio than I spent doing anything else in this life. We shared a depth of understanding that most people could only hope to achieve. We shared a last name and we shared a band. And here’s what I have to say.”
Alex commented on the title often given to his brother, saying, “The world’s greatest guitarist is what everyone says. It’s kind of a dicey title. You never liked it. I can tell you this much, saying you’re the greatest implies there are many more like you.”
He further shared, “But there is only one, Edward Van Halen. You could play just a single note and it sounded different, distinct. Miles Davis said it’s not the notes, it’s the intent. It’s that intangible essence that makes the difference between one sound and another.”
The memoir will feature ‘Unfinished,’ the last song Alex and Eddie recorded together. Alex has recently shared clips of the track on social media. ‘Brothers’ is set to be released on October 22, and Alex will hold two book signings and a live conversation event that week.
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