HarperCollins Publishers has scheduled the release of Brothers, a forthcoming book authored by the legendary VAN HALEN drummer, Alex Van Halen, for October 22, 2024. The 384-page book falls under the genre of “Biography & Autobiography” and is currently priced at $32.00.
In 1972, Alex and Eddie Van Halen established a band known as MAMMOTH in Pasadena, California. Following the inclusion of singer David Lee Roth and, subsequently, bassist Michael Anthony, the band was renamed VAN HALEN.
As per Modern Drummer, Alex played a pivotal role in shaping VAN HALEN‘s dynamic and intense sound, steering the rhythm section on memorable tracks such as “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love”, “Unchained”, and “Panama”. His innovative use of the double-bass pedal in “Hot For Teacher” left a profound impact, blending technical skill with an innovative and distinctive drum arrangement.
In October 2020, Eddie Van Halen passed away at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California. Alex, his brother, and Eddie‘s son, Wolfgang, were both present by his side during his final moments. Wolfgang confirmed that his father, the iconic guitarist, succumbed to complications arising from cancer.
In early 2022, it was confirmed that Alex had engaged in discussions with David Lee Roth and guitarist Joe Satriani to organize a commemorative event for Eddie. Nonetheless, Wolfgang subsequently clarified that the project was “in such an early stage that it never even got off the ground.”
Sammy Hagar is set to embark on a 2024 tour focusing on VAN HALEN‘s music, featuring Michael Anthony, Joe Satriani, and Jason Bonham, with support from LOVERBOY.
The tour, scheduled to begin in July 2024, will cover 28 cities in the US and Canada, aiming to delve deep into the VAN HALEN catalog, celebrating both Hagar‘s and Roth‘s eras in the band. Hagar emphasized his hope for Alex Van Halen‘s participation despite previous unsuccessful attempts to contact him.
“We’re gonna go deep into the VAN HALEN catalog,” Hagar said on “The Howard Stern Show”. “If you’re gonna go deep into the VAN HALEN catalog, you need Joe Satriani.”
“It’s time. Nobody else is gonna do it,” Sammy stated about performing songs from different eras of VAN HALEN during a recent appearance on “The Howard Stern Show.” “If Dave [Lee Roth] goes out, he can’t sing my stuff. [But] we can do a few of the early VAN HALEN songs. I have no problem with that; I did it when I was in VAN HALEN. This is really a celebration of all that, and we are the only ones who can do it.”
“We’re gonna invite every musician in every town,” he continued. “First of all, whenever you play, if there’s a guitar player in town, no matter what city it is, they come out to see Joe, just like they used to for Eddie [Van Halen]. So if we’ve got other guitar players, we’ll get them involved, other singers, get them involved. If [VAN HALEN drummer] Alex Van Halen wants to jump up, if David Lee Roth wants to come out and join us, come on, motherf**ker. You are welcome. This is about VAN HALEN.”
When asked about the likelihood of Alex Van Halen participating in the tour and potentially joining in the commemoration of his brother,” Sammy responded: “I would hope so. I reach out to Al about once a month for about five years now, and he doesn’t get back to me… I call, I leave a voice message, I send a text and I send an e-mail. All three things. ‘Al, give me a call.’ Al‘s favorite line to me was always, every time he wanted to get back together, he would say, ‘You know, Sam, we ain’t getting any younger.’ So I’d say, ‘Hey, Al, we ain’t getting any younger. Give me a call. Let me know. What do you wanna do? Come on over. Let’s get together. Mike and I’ll meet you somewhere.’”
