Brothers by Alex Van Halen, a Celebration of Brothers

Beyond their rock star image, the Van Halen brothers were true innovators, redefining the way rock music was played with their unique techniques. Reaching the pinnacle of their craft wasn’t just about talent; it was the result of relentless hard work and an unbreakable bond that began from their earliest days together. Their connection went beyond music— it was forged by blood, and Alex Van Halen’s book, Brothers, serves as a heartfelt tribute to his late brother, Eddie Van Halen. The brothers were the core of Van Halen, guiding the band from its inception to its final days. Without Eddie, any hope of a reunion has vanished, as Alex remains the essential heartbeat of the group.

For me, Van Halen holds a special place in my heart; it was the first band my son and I experienced living together. I’m eager to read Brothers, as I believe it will offer an honest and deeply personal view of the band’s journey.

I can relate to the challenges of the immigrant experience, arriving in North America at a young age and navigating the complexities of assimilation. It’s not an easy journey. As a child, you grapple with the desire to fit in with your peers, often finding solace in hobbies like music as a way to escape the stereotypes and differences that set you apart. The process can be jarring, a culture shock that forces you to confront your identity while striving for acceptance. Just when you start to feel a sense of belonging, there’s always the possibility that someone will remind you of your differences, making the struggle seem never-ending.

The Van Halen brothers embodied this journey, fighting their way to the top and achieving the American dream against all odds. Their story is not just one of musical innovation but also a testament to the resilience and determination required to overcome the barriers of cultural and social acceptance.

In the end, a person’s true legacy isn’t measured by their achievements, but by the bonds they share with family. That’s the heart of it all. Siblings may argue and disagree, but their uniqueness is what makes them special, setting them apart from everyone else. Their shared DNA is something to be celebrated, not something to divide over, as so many families unfortunately do. Alex and Eddie Van Halen remained united until the end, despite their share of struggles like any other family. They fought through it all, and that enduring bond is carried forward in Eddie’s son, Wolfgang, who embodies the strength of their connection.

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 bandmate.

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.” 

“This is my tribute to my brother; my way of saying goodbye. Ed, I love you and miss you. When I see you again, I’m gonna kick your ass!”

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. 

Brothers includes never-before-seen photos from the author’s private archives.

Alex Van Halen is an American musician who was the original drummer and co-founder of the rock band Van Halen. He lives in California.