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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 famous, 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.
Brothers includes never-before-seen photos from the author’s private archives.
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 famous, 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.
Brothers includes never-before-seen photos from the author’s private archives.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
October 22, 2024
Tore through this in one sitting. I grew up at the right time and got to watch/listen the band grow (as I myself was growing up) and was big fan. You can't read this and not come away with how much Alex loves Ed. Part of me wishes there were more stories about the band and such, but that's not what this book was about. RIP Ed.
October 30, 2024
For the filial love alone. I’d have to be a far more blackhearted sonofabitch than I already am to rate this anything other than 5. Alex is disarmingly sweet in all matters concerning his baby brother and, refreshingly, more than generous and effusive of Diamond Dave Roth.
See you on the other side, Edward. It all mattered and, of course, none of it did at all.
See you on the other side, Edward. It all mattered and, of course, none of it did at all.
October 29, 2024
Brothers by Alex Van Halen is a heartfelt rock bio that honors the life and legacy of Eddie Van Halen, his younger brother and legendary rock guitarist, who passed away in October 2020. Through Alex’s words, we experience the depth of his grief and the bond they shared. From their humble beginnings in the Netherlands to their immigration to Pasadena, California, Alex opens up about the shared journey that shaped them as both siblings and bandmates. He recounts how music became their shared language, with Eddie as the sensitive, introverted guitar prodigy and himself on drums—a powerful duo from the start.
The memoir takes us back to their early days, playing at Gazzari’s on the Sunset Strip, and meeting future bandmates David Lee Roth and Michael Anthony, setting the stage for their eventual rise to rock-and-roll fame. There’s a beautiful honesty in how Alex describes Eddie’s ambition, his electrifying live performances, and the undeniable force he brought to music, which was, as Alex puts it, Eddie’s “heart and soul.”
While this book captures the emotional essence of their bond, it occasionally feels like Alex held back, as though he could’ve added more. I would’ve liked to see more personal stories— it may have added a richer dimension to this touching tribute. Nonetheless, the memoir stands as a genuine “see you on the other side” deeply felt homage to a life lived at full volume. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Alex himself and loved how he chuckles to some humorous parts of his story.
The memoir takes us back to their early days, playing at Gazzari’s on the Sunset Strip, and meeting future bandmates David Lee Roth and Michael Anthony, setting the stage for their eventual rise to rock-and-roll fame. There’s a beautiful honesty in how Alex describes Eddie’s ambition, his electrifying live performances, and the undeniable force he brought to music, which was, as Alex puts it, Eddie’s “heart and soul.”
While this book captures the emotional essence of their bond, it occasionally feels like Alex held back, as though he could’ve added more. I would’ve liked to see more personal stories— it may have added a richer dimension to this touching tribute. Nonetheless, the memoir stands as a genuine “see you on the other side” deeply felt homage to a life lived at full volume. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Alex himself and loved how he chuckles to some humorous parts of his story.
October 27, 2024
Not enough Michael Anthony - hope that guy writes a memoir some day…
November 16, 2024
"In terms of my brother, it's taken me about a year to write this book; it's been almost four years now since he died. I still wake up most mornings and think, Ed! Where the fuck are you? I'll never get over it. I'll never say goodbye."
November 2, 2024
Oh, where to start. I feel like Alex Van Halen didn’t have a clear direction with this book. It’s titled “Brothers” so you kinda expect it to be this nice look into Alex and Eddie’s relationship and it does…minimally. It mostly focuses on the early days of the band with David Lee Roth from the formation up until the album “1984”. He doesn’t offer too many new details into those early years except maybe in the very beginning. Otherwise, it’s a retelling of the Van Halen story. Speaking of retelling, Alex dips into a lot, and I mean A LOT of quotes and excerpts from other books/articles for this book. I can understand using some quotes from his brother who has passed but doesn’t he have his own perspective/stories?
Next, he is mad about a lot of things and this leads to him leaving out almost anything about Michael Anthony and not including any of the Sammy Hagar years.
The most interesting part of the book is the family dynamic in which he and Eddie grew up in. I wish this had been the primary focus of the book including the health/intoxicant struggles Eddie had late in his life and how the brothers dealt with that.
It’s really a disappointing book on many levels. Also I think the title should have been “Brothers and David Lee Roth” because that is really the focus.
Next, he is mad about a lot of things and this leads to him leaving out almost anything about Michael Anthony and not including any of the Sammy Hagar years.
The most interesting part of the book is the family dynamic in which he and Eddie grew up in. I wish this had been the primary focus of the book including the health/intoxicant struggles Eddie had late in his life and how the brothers dealt with that.
It’s really a disappointing book on many levels. Also I think the title should have been “Brothers and David Lee Roth” because that is really the focus.
October 22, 2024
Just listened to the whole thing on a six-hour car trip the day it was released. It made me laugh, feel sad, and think. Thank you, Alex, for writing it and reading it. We miss you, Ed. ❤️
October 27, 2024
Wish Al was my brother. Great read.
October 27, 2024
“I’ll see you again Ed, and when I do, I’m gonna kick your ass”
This book is literally titled “Brothers”. If you’re expecting a full Van Halen/Hagar history, you’re not gonna find it here. What you will find is an older brother’s fun memories now tainted with grief.
This book is literally titled “Brothers”. If you’re expecting a full Van Halen/Hagar history, you’re not gonna find it here. What you will find is an older brother’s fun memories now tainted with grief.
October 24, 2024
This is hard to review. As a guitar player ANY information about Edward Van Halen is good. Much like in Geddy Lee's book, there is a lot of information about their parents so we get to understand where they came from and how hard it was for Al and Ed to come to America.
I was really surprised the Van Halen stories stop with Dave leaving the band (and not the reunion?). Maybe there will be a second book.
I also feel bad that Alex never even says the words, "Sammy Hagar." I get that he's probably mad because Sammy's book details how Edward's drinking helped to ruin things. Sammy gave details. Lots of details. Alex explains how he and Ed started drinking as children. He only says, "We had other singers."
I love that Alex talks to Eddie in the present tense in this book. It moved a little slowly, but now I see a lot of room for a second book.
There was a fair amount of this book where Alex quotes other books and documentaries. After a while, I found that slightly annoying. Many of us have read those books. I understand he didn't want to toot his own horn, but the world knows how great Van Halen is. I can read those books any time. I can only get information from the brain of Alex Van Halen this once, and you keep telling me what other people said.
Thank you, Alex, for your music and this book. You were the soundtrack to my life. Van Halen I is so good I don't listen to it. I save it for days that are just awful. That's when I play it; it always lifts me up and makes me smile.
I was really surprised the Van Halen stories stop with Dave leaving the band (and not the reunion?). Maybe there will be a second book.
I also feel bad that Alex never even says the words, "Sammy Hagar." I get that he's probably mad because Sammy's book details how Edward's drinking helped to ruin things. Sammy gave details. Lots of details. Alex explains how he and Ed started drinking as children. He only says, "We had other singers."
I love that Alex talks to Eddie in the present tense in this book. It moved a little slowly, but now I see a lot of room for a second book.
There was a fair amount of this book where Alex quotes other books and documentaries. After a while, I found that slightly annoying. Many of us have read those books. I understand he didn't want to toot his own horn, but the world knows how great Van Halen is. I can read those books any time. I can only get information from the brain of Alex Van Halen this once, and you keep telling me what other people said.
Thank you, Alex, for your music and this book. You were the soundtrack to my life. Van Halen I is so good I don't listen to it. I save it for days that are just awful. That's when I play it; it always lifts me up and makes me smile.
November 13, 2024
Sigh :( I so wanted to love this book but unfortunately - NOPE! First off, I get that I already knew a lot of the background information about the Van Halen brothers because I was such a huge fan growing up and they (and Kiss) were basically the reason I wanted to be in a rock n roll band. But here's my main problem with this book: He (Alex Van Halen) never mentions Sammy Hagars name in the book. It's like he didn't exist. I get that this book about him and his brother but, actually its misleading because it's basically about Alex, Edward and David Lee Roth. Alex is a smart guy so I'm guessing when he named it "Brothers" he also includes Dave as the 3rd brother. Either way, the silly squabbling that went on in the band with Micheal Anthony (who is only mentioned only a handful of times and given no respect) and Sammy Hagar is still a part of his life. Sad, because when you lose a loving family member, we should not only honor and remember his contributions to life but also all the friends and family that were in that person's life as well.
November 15, 2024
Brothers by Alex van Halen
Audio Version
Overall Grade: B
Information/Memoir: B-
Writing/Organization: B
Narration: B
Best Aspect: Engaging in parts.
Worst Aspect: Fell a little flat in parts and I drifted and didn’t follow well.
Recommend: Yes
Audio Version
Overall Grade: B
Information/Memoir: B-
Writing/Organization: B
Narration: B
Best Aspect: Engaging in parts.
Worst Aspect: Fell a little flat in parts and I drifted and didn’t follow well.
Recommend: Yes
October 24, 2024
Fun and enjoyable. I didn’t mind the book ending in 1984; as I agree with Alex when he says that Van Halen was never the same after David Lee Roth left. I find the book most compelling when Alex discusses his present-day feelings toward the loss of his brother and do wish that was touched on more. Found it odd that Michael Anthony is essentially a background character in the entire story. I guess if you have nothing nice to say about someone, don’t say anything at all. But Alex has plenty of not-so-nice things to say about Diamond Dave. Who knows. The politics of music autobiographies are always amusing. Solid read. Made me want to lists to a lot of Van Halen…and indeed I did.
October 25, 2024
What I really liked about this book. Alex wrote it as if you're sitting in a room with him, and he's sharing stories. He doesn't mention Michael much, and doesn't care for Dave as a person.
November 4, 2024
No one was a bigger fan of Van Halen than me in my jr high and high school years. There wasn't a day I didn't listen to their cassettes or Cds including the Sammy Hagar solo ones, whose era brought me to the band. Once I heard 5150, I was a huge VH listener, in fact my very first concert in 91 was Van Halen.
I was so excited , at first, when I heard Alex was writing a book. He was a huge influence on me as a drummer. But when I heard closer to the release date that there was nothing about the Hagar years, I started to have doubts. I saw it at the bookstore and decided to get it at my local library.
Many music fans will praise the book, but for me a lot of it is book excerpts from other VH books (esp Ted Templeman's book, which I reviewed on my blog page) . The book stops at the 1984 album and then a small chapter about Eddie's death. Not only does he barely mention Sammy (and ignores the Gary Cherone stint), but even Michael Anthony is mentioned very sporadically and he was a member of the bane the whole way though (could it be due to his friendship with Hagar).
Alex writes a lot about David Lee Roth's love of the camera and himself throughout the book, and then at the end praises him for being such a great singer and person in the band.
I know the focus is on his relationship with his brother (hence the title), but this was disappointing to me from someone musically I have respect for, and was an influence on my playing.
I was so excited , at first, when I heard Alex was writing a book. He was a huge influence on me as a drummer. But when I heard closer to the release date that there was nothing about the Hagar years, I started to have doubts. I saw it at the bookstore and decided to get it at my local library.
Many music fans will praise the book, but for me a lot of it is book excerpts from other VH books (esp Ted Templeman's book, which I reviewed on my blog page) . The book stops at the 1984 album and then a small chapter about Eddie's death. Not only does he barely mention Sammy (and ignores the Gary Cherone stint), but even Michael Anthony is mentioned very sporadically and he was a member of the bane the whole way though (could it be due to his friendship with Hagar).
Alex writes a lot about David Lee Roth's love of the camera and himself throughout the book, and then at the end praises him for being such a great singer and person in the band.
I know the focus is on his relationship with his brother (hence the title), but this was disappointing to me from someone musically I have respect for, and was an influence on my playing.
Read
November 16, 2024Brothers is not just a rock-n-roll memoir but also Alex Van Halen's love letter to his brother, the band and music.
I will start by saying that I am not very familiar with Van Halen or their music. Of course, I have listened to them. My father is a fan, after all. But that's all I ever really knew, a few songs here and there. And that's why I decided to read this. My father has listened me talking about my favourite bands more than anyone, so I thought it was just fitting for me to learn something about his favourite bands.
And I think with this book, it really works even if you go into it with knowing nothing like I did. When you start reading, you encounter two young boys and as the book goes on and they grow up, you learn to know them.
"I'll say it again: it's music. If it sounds good, it is good. That's what we were after: making something exellent.
I love music and I got my love for it from my father, just like the Van Halen brothers did. Though I never played an instrument, nor did my father. I did try, several. Piano, violin, guitar and bass, if anyone wants to know but I gave them all up rather quickly. I love music and this book made me almost sad that I will always love it as a listener. I don't have the patience for instruments.
But listening to music has quite literally saved my life and perhaps that is enough. I really loved this part;
"Forget the Grammys, forget the Billboard chart, forget the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. What a privilege to connect with a stranger through our music on that level. Isn't that the point of art? It makes life more bearable. Art is hope."
That last line actually goes so hard that I low-key want it tattooed on me. Art really is hope. It's nice to hear that an artist feels the same; that it matters more than any award ever could.
"Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain, Edward Van Halen. They didn't all just happen to have bad judgement or weak willpower. They drank or snorted up whatever potion they'd chosen because they were trying to get out of reality, the realm of logic, the everyday. The road is littered with musicians who died pursuing what they thought they heard."
My favourite artist has also died, though not because of alcohol or drugs. That last line just made me think of him. He loved music more than anyone else I have ever known. I hope, and every single other artist, found what they were hearing somewhere else. Perhaps we can all enjoy it on the other side.
"When a cloud dissipates, what happens to the water? It isn't gone. It's just changed form. The same thing goes for you, Ed, or any other human being on this planet. So I'll never say goodbye."
I have never thought it that way before, it really makes sense to me. When I started reading this book, I was not expecting it to help me with my own grief.
All in all, I think this book is just beautiful start to finish. It's honest, even about the perhaps uglier parts of life, but I think that makes it just more beautiful. There is a quote in the book from an interview where Ed said; "I don't know what's going to happen in the future, maybe somebody else in the band will get egoed out or something. But I'd love Van Halen to be forever..." And I think it is just that. Music is forever, in a way - as long as someone listens and remembers.
There is also a long quote that ends with these words; "But you were brave until the end, Ed." It brought me to tears over a man I never knew, whose lives work I had barely listened to. The way Alex writes is just simply beautiful and touching.
Highly recommend this one to anyone - even if you don't know who Van Halen are.
(No star rating as I am personally not comfortable giving one to memoirs/biographies which are someone else's life and to me, it feels wrong to rate that or the way it is written about!)
I will start by saying that I am not very familiar with Van Halen or their music. Of course, I have listened to them. My father is a fan, after all. But that's all I ever really knew, a few songs here and there. And that's why I decided to read this. My father has listened me talking about my favourite bands more than anyone, so I thought it was just fitting for me to learn something about his favourite bands.
And I think with this book, it really works even if you go into it with knowing nothing like I did. When you start reading, you encounter two young boys and as the book goes on and they grow up, you learn to know them.
"I'll say it again: it's music. If it sounds good, it is good. That's what we were after: making something exellent.
I love music and I got my love for it from my father, just like the Van Halen brothers did. Though I never played an instrument, nor did my father. I did try, several. Piano, violin, guitar and bass, if anyone wants to know but I gave them all up rather quickly. I love music and this book made me almost sad that I will always love it as a listener. I don't have the patience for instruments.
But listening to music has quite literally saved my life and perhaps that is enough. I really loved this part;
"Forget the Grammys, forget the Billboard chart, forget the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. What a privilege to connect with a stranger through our music on that level. Isn't that the point of art? It makes life more bearable. Art is hope."
That last line actually goes so hard that I low-key want it tattooed on me. Art really is hope. It's nice to hear that an artist feels the same; that it matters more than any award ever could.
"Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain, Edward Van Halen. They didn't all just happen to have bad judgement or weak willpower. They drank or snorted up whatever potion they'd chosen because they were trying to get out of reality, the realm of logic, the everyday. The road is littered with musicians who died pursuing what they thought they heard."
My favourite artist has also died, though not because of alcohol or drugs. That last line just made me think of him. He loved music more than anyone else I have ever known. I hope, and every single other artist, found what they were hearing somewhere else. Perhaps we can all enjoy it on the other side.
"When a cloud dissipates, what happens to the water? It isn't gone. It's just changed form. The same thing goes for you, Ed, or any other human being on this planet. So I'll never say goodbye."
I have never thought it that way before, it really makes sense to me. When I started reading this book, I was not expecting it to help me with my own grief.
All in all, I think this book is just beautiful start to finish. It's honest, even about the perhaps uglier parts of life, but I think that makes it just more beautiful. There is a quote in the book from an interview where Ed said; "I don't know what's going to happen in the future, maybe somebody else in the band will get egoed out or something. But I'd love Van Halen to be forever..." And I think it is just that. Music is forever, in a way - as long as someone listens and remembers.
There is also a long quote that ends with these words; "But you were brave until the end, Ed." It brought me to tears over a man I never knew, whose lives work I had barely listened to. The way Alex writes is just simply beautiful and touching.
Highly recommend this one to anyone - even if you don't know who Van Halen are.
(No star rating as I am personally not comfortable giving one to memoirs/biographies which are someone else's life and to me, it feels wrong to rate that or the way it is written about!)
November 21, 2024
the ending made me cry real tears in my workplace office. cannot stress to you enough how beautiful this book was; as a memoir, a tribute to a brother, and a summation of a life.
going into it, i knew nothing about van halen besides the song 'jump'. which is an absolute jam & anthem in its own right. van halen is one of my dad's favorite bands and he played them constantly growing up. i remember jumping and dancing around in my basement as a kid to the songs my dad put on, not knowing the music, but just feeling it and knowing it was good. to be honest, i originally picked up this book so i would finally be able to connect with my dad on a music level, but instead i was the one who found connection.
so how did this book convince me-- someone who doesn't already have a interest in music of the 70/80s, celebrities', or the rock 'n roll scene, to care as much as i did about these two brothers? truth is, i have no idea. but i've always been pulled in by the authentic. and i think i'll ride along with any author, throughout any story, about anyone as long as you're genuine. and that's exactly what alex and ed van halen are.
the writing flows beautifully, which is a feat in itself for memoirs. he keeps the story moving at a conversational level, so it truly feels like you're sitting down in alex's living room for an evening and he's reminiscing on his career, life, and brotherhood.
the book covers all of van halen; creation, each album, each gig. you experience and feel everything with them, as you're guided by a wise sage, alex van halen, looking back in retrospect.
the love these brothers had for each other was so evident and it came across on every page. i was completely entranced with alex's writing and LOVED the multiple letters he included throughout the narrative that were structed as letters to ed. god, these got me.
it all feels warm, bittersweet. a cup of coffee shared with a friend (or brother).
okay maybe now i'm getting sappy, but i really love this book and wish i could give alex a hug. as someone born in a completely different generation (late, late 90s), you have made me care deeply about you. and that transcendence is the most beautiful thing.
love stays...
going into it, i knew nothing about van halen besides the song 'jump'. which is an absolute jam & anthem in its own right. van halen is one of my dad's favorite bands and he played them constantly growing up. i remember jumping and dancing around in my basement as a kid to the songs my dad put on, not knowing the music, but just feeling it and knowing it was good. to be honest, i originally picked up this book so i would finally be able to connect with my dad on a music level, but instead i was the one who found connection.
so how did this book convince me-- someone who doesn't already have a interest in music of the 70/80s, celebrities', or the rock 'n roll scene, to care as much as i did about these two brothers? truth is, i have no idea. but i've always been pulled in by the authentic. and i think i'll ride along with any author, throughout any story, about anyone as long as you're genuine. and that's exactly what alex and ed van halen are.
the writing flows beautifully, which is a feat in itself for memoirs. he keeps the story moving at a conversational level, so it truly feels like you're sitting down in alex's living room for an evening and he's reminiscing on his career, life, and brotherhood.
the book covers all of van halen; creation, each album, each gig. you experience and feel everything with them, as you're guided by a wise sage, alex van halen, looking back in retrospect.
the love these brothers had for each other was so evident and it came across on every page. i was completely entranced with alex's writing and LOVED the multiple letters he included throughout the narrative that were structed as letters to ed. god, these got me.
it all feels warm, bittersweet. a cup of coffee shared with a friend (or brother).
okay maybe now i'm getting sappy, but i really love this book and wish i could give alex a hug. as someone born in a completely different generation (late, late 90s), you have made me care deeply about you. and that transcendence is the most beautiful thing.
love stays...
October 30, 2024
This book is about 'Brothers" - Alex and Edward Van Halen who were born in The Netherlands and grew up there as kids with their Indonesian mother, who wanted them to learn piano and the violin, and their Dutch father who played all the wind instruments in a swing band. Both parents were very influential in their lives. As Alex tells it, he always felt responsible for Ed (Ed or Edward, but never Eddie!), even though they fought at times.
They both loved music and had a strong desire to play in a band like their father. Even when they immigrated to America, they played on board the ship for the captain.
They grew closer when neither spoke English and they only talked to each other. As time went by they learned English and began to figure out they needed some band members to make a band. By ages 20 and 18 they had a bassist (Mark Stone and then Michael Anthony) and a lead singer (David Lee Roth). It was very interesting getting some background on Dave but would have liked more on Michael. They worked extremely hard on getting their band out there, and obviously succeeded.
You can not talk about these brothers without talking about the band Van Halen, but what I loved so much was learning about the brothers and finding myself really liking both of these talented brothers. I flew through the book, surprised Alex stopped the story when David left the band and not going into the Sammy Hagar years (not my favorite era but I would have been curious to hear the inside take!).
The one thing you feel throughout the entire book is the love these brothers had for each other and their music. To me, Eddie Van Halen's talent as a guitarist is unsurpassed. He is missed by many fans and friends, but most of all his devoted brother, band mate and best friend.
They both loved music and had a strong desire to play in a band like their father. Even when they immigrated to America, they played on board the ship for the captain.
They grew closer when neither spoke English and they only talked to each other. As time went by they learned English and began to figure out they needed some band members to make a band. By ages 20 and 18 they had a bassist (Mark Stone and then Michael Anthony) and a lead singer (David Lee Roth). It was very interesting getting some background on Dave but would have liked more on Michael. They worked extremely hard on getting their band out there, and obviously succeeded.
You can not talk about these brothers without talking about the band Van Halen, but what I loved so much was learning about the brothers and finding myself really liking both of these talented brothers. I flew through the book, surprised Alex stopped the story when David left the band and not going into the Sammy Hagar years (not my favorite era but I would have been curious to hear the inside take!).
The one thing you feel throughout the entire book is the love these brothers had for each other and their music. To me, Eddie Van Halen's talent as a guitarist is unsurpassed. He is missed by many fans and friends, but most of all his devoted brother, band mate and best friend.
November 14, 2024
I love books but I am equally or, potentially, an even bigger music person! Straight up a rock guy with some other things mixed in but not too much pop music, rap or alternative (depending on how those things are labelled which gets more confusing as time goes on). All that too say there is literally no way I wouldn't love this book. It exceeded my expectations. It is written from such a raw and "I was there" perspective (because he was) that by the end of the book you feel like you know the Van Halen brothers. I appreciated that there was not inordinate dwelling on any aspect of their lives and could have heard much more about lots of the time periods these two remarkable men experienced together. What shined through is the absolute bond of love between these brothers who fought, created and performed their way to the pinnacle of the music world. You can pretend you've never heard of Van Halen or its music, but I would never believe you. Music aside, its just a great memoir of life between two brothers one of whom left this ball of dirt far too soon. So, even if Van Halen the band isn't your deal I think this book would have value. Keep on rocking boys in this life or the next....this is one fan who appreciates all you did!
November 8, 2024
Alex Van Halen's memoir, Brothers, is a love letter to his little brother Edward. It starts at the beginning—their Dutch father and Indonesian mother getting married, starting a family, and then emigrating to Pasadena, CA. The young boys are raised on music (their father Jan was a musician), and early on Edward is clearly a prodigy. By their teens they are putting together their first band. Of course, when singer David Lee Roth is added to the mix, everything changes. Everything explodes.
Alex covers a lot of ground familiar to VH fans, but he does it with an insider's knowledge and a good sense of humor—and many years of retrospect. His love of Edward is always evident, of course, but surprisingly an almost brotherly love of Roth comes across too.
My only complaint is that at 226 pages the book is just too short. I wanted more stories, more elaboration, more everything. But I guess always leave 'em wanting more, right? The book concludes with the end of the (first) Roth era. I hope there is a Volume II that covers the Hagar era and the reunion with Roth. But there may not be one because this memoir is not about Van Halen the band, but Van Halen the brothers, hence the title.
Alex covers a lot of ground familiar to VH fans, but he does it with an insider's knowledge and a good sense of humor—and many years of retrospect. His love of Edward is always evident, of course, but surprisingly an almost brotherly love of Roth comes across too.
My only complaint is that at 226 pages the book is just too short. I wanted more stories, more elaboration, more everything. But I guess always leave 'em wanting more, right? The book concludes with the end of the (first) Roth era. I hope there is a Volume II that covers the Hagar era and the reunion with Roth. But there may not be one because this memoir is not about Van Halen the band, but Van Halen the brothers, hence the title.
November 22, 2024
This is an interesting sort of biography/auto-biography since it gives the drummer's view while also sketching the bio on his brother, THE guitarist. I was a little surprised that it really only covers the period up until the end of the David Lee Roth years--nothing beyond. It felt to me like Alex was writing with longing and loss over losing his brother, but also with a desire to tell his side of the stories about some of the conflict with Diamond Dave.
In the end, I found the title to be rather insightful, if accidentally. It is the story of Alex telling how he and his brother built Van Halen and all the things they did and shared together. But is also the story of conflict with the front man--a brother in arms of sorts. I guess like with most brothers, there is conflict and yet a bond that seems to sill endure, and in many ways David Lee Roth was a brother in this book almost as much as was Eddie. There was too much language, and I've enjoyed other musician/band bios I've read in the past much more than I did this one, but it still had some interesting pieces and insights.
In the end, I found the title to be rather insightful, if accidentally. It is the story of Alex telling how he and his brother built Van Halen and all the things they did and shared together. But is also the story of conflict with the front man--a brother in arms of sorts. I guess like with most brothers, there is conflict and yet a bond that seems to sill endure, and in many ways David Lee Roth was a brother in this book almost as much as was Eddie. There was too much language, and I've enjoyed other musician/band bios I've read in the past much more than I did this one, but it still had some interesting pieces and insights.
November 11, 2024
I was looking forward to hearing from the reclusive Van Halen brother about his relationship with his baby brother. While there are a few great stories about the childhood of the Van Halen brothers, the majority of this book was merely quotes from other books I have already read.
The book was ultra short and didn't really tell the story of Alex Van Halen so much as rehash the stories told by others and give Alex's perspective on them. The other Hughe disappointment was Alex's reluctance to dive into the Van Hagar years or discuss the short lived Gary Cherone experiment and the reunion album.
It was almost as if he stopped living after Van Halen released 1984. 'Brothers' was supposed to be the ultra personal look into the lives of the Van Halen brothers. What it was, was a review of previously released stories that Alex wanted to discuss. This would have been a more entertaining interview than a book.
The book was ultra short and didn't really tell the story of Alex Van Halen so much as rehash the stories told by others and give Alex's perspective on them. The other Hughe disappointment was Alex's reluctance to dive into the Van Hagar years or discuss the short lived Gary Cherone experiment and the reunion album.
It was almost as if he stopped living after Van Halen released 1984. 'Brothers' was supposed to be the ultra personal look into the lives of the Van Halen brothers. What it was, was a review of previously released stories that Alex wanted to discuss. This would have been a more entertaining interview than a book.
November 19, 2024
You have to feel for Alex, who clearly misses his brother very much. He puts his love for Eddie into this book, which gives you just enough detail about the rise of the band that you understand their purpose and their challenges, but not so much that the book is dragged down by minutiae. He is honest about his own contributions and his own demons, and he doesn’t mince words when writing about David Lee Roth. Notably, Dave is also the first person Alex called after Eddie died because that is who he wanted to talk to.
You do not need to be a music nerd to appreciate this book. Just being a fan of the band’s music is enough to appreciate the stories. In the end, though, the book is aptly titled because it is as much about a brotherly bond as it is about a rock band. Alex narrates the audiobook, which I recommend because it makes it feel even more personal.
You do not need to be a music nerd to appreciate this book. Just being a fan of the band’s music is enough to appreciate the stories. In the end, though, the book is aptly titled because it is as much about a brotherly bond as it is about a rock band. Alex narrates the audiobook, which I recommend because it makes it feel even more personal.
November 4, 2024
I’m impressed with his ability to objectively look back on the classic period and how it all collapsed. I particularly felt he was honest and fair when discussing Dave and his talents and faults. He doesn’t demonize him and even concedes that Van Halen was more creative with Dave “than the other singers.” The fact that he does not even get into the Hagar era or discuss any of those albums makes it pretty apparent which era was more important to him.
I listened to the audiobook, which was performed by Alex himself.
I listened to the audiobook, which was performed by Alex himself.
November 5, 2024
What a hilarious and surprisingly eloquent book by my childhood crush! Although parts of the book were uneven, AVH's parenthetical insights and comments had me rolling on the floor laughing (e.g., yelling "I wish I had two dicks!" when he was being chased by women). And at other times, his sentiments were incredibly moving and clearly radiated the love and camaraderie that he shared with his brother and best friend, Ed. A must-read for anyone who appreciates rock history, loves 70s/early 80s hard rock, or respects the crap out of the genius of both Van Halen brothers. I'm so glad that it was THIS booked that marks my 100th read of 2024.
November 5, 2024
86-2024. A fairly short memoir by drummer Alex Van Halen. We get his insights into the early Van Halen, but no discussion of the second phase of their career, with Sammy Hagar as lead vocalist. I’d like to hear about that phase, too. But, we do get the sense of the strong brotherly bond between Alex and Ed. So that’s something.
November 12, 2024
Decent memoir about the early years of Van Halen and growing up with Eddie.
For those of us with knowledge of Van Halen history there will be nothing new or groundbreaking you will learn from this book. Strangely enough he stops at Dave leaving the band and only mentions Sammy Hagar once, along with "other people that sang for the band". Not sure what axe he has to grind with Hagar, unless it's his unflattering (but true) portrait of Eddie in Sammy's own book "Red" which came out a decade ago.
So he intentionally leaves out Sammy and focuses on Dave - who has been a complete asshole to fans and other band members after Eddie Van Halen passed away in 2020. Doesn't make much sense.
It's a fine book, but I'd rather reread Noel Monk's "Runnin with the Devil" biography which is way more entertaining.
For those of us with knowledge of Van Halen history there will be nothing new or groundbreaking you will learn from this book. Strangely enough he stops at Dave leaving the band and only mentions Sammy Hagar once, along with "other people that sang for the band". Not sure what axe he has to grind with Hagar, unless it's his unflattering (but true) portrait of Eddie in Sammy's own book "Red" which came out a decade ago.
So he intentionally leaves out Sammy and focuses on Dave - who has been a complete asshole to fans and other band members after Eddie Van Halen passed away in 2020. Doesn't make much sense.
It's a fine book, but I'd rather reread Noel Monk's "Runnin with the Devil" biography which is way more entertaining.
October 30, 2024
I knew these brothers were close, but the love Alex expresses for Eddie in this tribute is just beautiful. While Alex covers some of the Van Halen drama, it is mostly just his love for his brother and their love of music that really shines through. This book is perfection.
November 3, 2024
Not a huge Van Halen fan, but this life / professional perspective from Alex Van Halen was quite good. He provided a sibling based insight into his family, the band and particularly his younger brother Eddie.
A solid recommendation from me👍
A solid recommendation from me👍
November 3, 2024
If you like classic rock or just want to hear a story of true brotherly love definitely read or listen to this. I learned so much reading this
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