Alex Van Halen will be releasing his upcoming memoir, titled "Brothers." The memoir shares his bond and journey with his late brother, Eddie.
Few partnerships have stood the test of time in the rock music industry. One such is that of Eddie and Alex Van Halen. Their musical journey lasted almost six decades. Beyond the stage, the brothers kept a strong connection with each other and shared a love for their craft. The duo would often tirelessly rehearse at Eddie's 5150 Studios when band activities were low.
Alex and Eddie were born in the Netherlands and later migrated to America. Alex is most renowned for being the drummer and co-founder of the rock group Van Halen. He created the band with his younger brother, the well-known guitarist Eddie Van Halen, in 1972. The group became one of the most popular and significant rock groups of the 20th century's latter half.
Since Eddie passed away in October 2020 due to cancer, Alex has chosen to keep a low profile. His only public remarks were an eloquent ode to his brother: 'Hey, Ed. Love you. See you on the other side. Your brother, Al.' However, behind this brevity lies a reservoir of emotions and memories waiting to be shared.
The memoir, covering their humble beginnings to conquering the music industry, promises an intimate exploration of their shared experiences. '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.'
The memoir paints a vivid picture of the brothers' shared life - from a small house and a common record player to the challenges of alcoholism and the euphoria of success. Alex reflects on their evolution as individuals, witnessing each other become fathers and uncles. The depth of understanding between them, forged through countless hours in the studio, is a rare and precious aspect of their relationship.
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Alex's perspective is unique in a genre saturated with memoirs and books about Van Halen. He openly expressed his dissatisfaction with previous accounts, stating in a 2020 interview with Modern Drummer, 'All these people are writing books about the band, and they know nothing about the inner workings of this band.' Alex and Eddie were not interested in the business of sensationalism; they just wanted to play music.
Harper, the publisher of the memoir, described it as a narrative encompassing family, camaraderie, immigration, music, and loss. It also serves as a tribute to Alex's late brother and bandmate, Edward.
Sara Nelson, the book's editor at HarperCollins, hailed "Brothers" as the 'definitive take on Edward Van Halen's life and death from the one who knew and loved him best.' This memoir promises to be a chronicle not just of musical achievements but also of family, talent, and the unyielding passion to create.
"Brothers" is not your typical rock-and-roll memoir, according to its publisher. The book will be published on October 22 for U.S. fans, with later releases for other countries.
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