Brothers

By: Alex van Halen

Narrated by: Alex van Halen

Featuring an exclusive, never-before-heard piece of music, the last written together by the legendary Van Halen brothers!

In this intimate and open account—nothing like any rock-and-roll memoir you’ve ever read—Alex Van Halen shares his personal story of family, friendship, music and brotherly love in a remarkable tribute to his beloved brother and band mate.

Told with acclaimed New Yorker writer Ariel Levy Brothers is seventy-year-old drummer Alex Van Halen’s love letter to his younger brother, Edward, (Maybe “Ed,” but never “Eddie”), written while still mourning his untimely death.

In his rough yet sweet voice, Alex recounts the brothers’ childhood, first in the Netherlands and then in working class Pasadena, California, with an itinerant musician father and a very proper Indonesian-born mother—the kind of mom who admonished her boys to “always wear a suit” no matter how famous they became—a woman who was both proud and practical, nonchalant about taking a doggie bag from a star-studded dinner. He also shares tales of musical politics, infighting, and plenty of bad-boy behavior. But mostly his is a story of brotherhood, music, and enduring love.

""I was with him from day one,” Alex writes. “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 dad, and a work ethic. Later, we shared the back of a tour bus, alcoholism, the experience of becoming successful, of becoming fathers and uncles, and of spending more hours in the studio than I’ve spent doing anything else in this life. We shared a depth of understanding that most people can only hope to achieve in a lifetime.""

There has never been an accurate account of them or the band, and Alex wants to set the record straight on Edward’s life and death.

Only a partial story!

The early history is interesting but Alex's animosity towards Sammy Hagar and even Michael Anthony is evident by the absence of information about them in the book. I 'm disappointed that the music made during their prime which was with Hagar is not discussed. I lost a lot of respect for Ed and AL after the way they treated Michael Anthony. They were great musicians but not so great in the way they treated some of their peers.

Thanks For This Reverend Al!!!

Beautiful tribute to one of the greatest guitarists EVER from one of the greatest drummers EVER from one of the greatest rock bands EVER!
Love ya Big Al!

Honesty

Loved.... the band, DLR & the Brothers.... Long Live VH was my high school wish in yearbook. Rock on💪

Brothers who loved each other

Great story of the greatest band we ever had imo. Very nice look into Van Halen, the chemistry and hardships of being focused, wild, hard working band.

Phenomenal

Worth every minute. If you’re a Van Halen fan or not. This is a very personal book written by Alex about his time with his brother EVH and their life together.

Very powerful and deep

Personal

A very personal look into my teenage years soundtrack. Bittersweet, but I thoroughly enjoyed every word. I’d love to hear about Van Hagar years in another book, Al!

so many amazing details!

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Alex tell their personal story, makes the story so much better!!

Alex's love for his brother.

What a great testimony of love from my brother to another. The city I really enjoyed hearing Alex's interpretation of their earlier growing up together and the very strong spiritual bond that they continue to share. Thank you Alex.

Such a wonderful story of love!

Hearing this story of brotherly love and admiration told by Alex was so beautiful and personal. Thank you Alex for sharing your story. I grew up loving Van Halen and attended that Orlando concert in October of 1981 when you opened for The Rolling Stones ( it was my first date with my now husband of 42 years). I feel privileged to have had this peek into your history. I highly recommend this story!!

fantastic story narrated by Alex

Having Alex read his book was the right move. He is a great story teller & is very insightful