‘If I Start Throwing Dirt, It’ll Never End’: Alex Van Halen on Why He Didn’t Want His ‘Brothers’ Book to Be a Tell-All

Alex Van Halen’s New Memoir, Brothers, Focuses on Creativity and Connection, Not Drama

For those expecting a tell-all in Alex Van Halen’s new memoir Brothers, prepare to be disappointed. The legendary drummer of Van Halen and older brother of the late Eddie Van Halen made it clear in a recent Billboard interview that his book isn’t about airing dirty laundry.

“It’s not about the dirt,” Alex shared. “If I start throwing dirt, it’ll never end. Some people might want that, but that’s not the tone I want for this book. I want it to be perceived on a spiritual and creative level. That’s why there’s very little, if any, dirt in there.”

Alex emphasized that many stories written about his brother Eddie, who passed away in October 2020 after a battle with cancer, were often inaccurate. “A lot of the things written about Ed were from third parties who weren’t really there. They missed the sensitive side of Ed. So before I pass, I wanted to at least set the record straight.”

Brothers, which releases on October 22 and was co-written with New Yorker staff writer Ariel Levy, does address the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle the Van Halen brothers experienced. However, its main focus is the deep connection Alex shared with Eddie, both personally and musically. The memoir captures the emotional journey Alex faced while reflecting on their relationship, especially with some passages directed at his late brother. “We were together for 65 years; that’s a lifetime, if not more,” Alex shared.

The book delves into the brothers’ upbringing and musical bond, starting with their early years in Amsterdam before moving to Pasadena, California, where they formed Van Halen in 1974. Alex also highlights the influence of their father, Jan, a jazz musician, and their strict mother, Eugenia, on their musical evolution. Brothers showcases Alex’s efforts to provide a more nuanced view of Eddie’s life and talents.

“There was so much more to Ed than people realized,” Alex explained. “It’s not our job to teach people, but I care. He’s my brother.”

The memoir also reflects on the band’s dynamic. Alex candidly discusses the internal struggles Van Halen faced over the years, particularly during David Lee Roth’s departure in 1985, which he calls “the most disappointing event of my life—until I lost my brother.”

While Brothers largely focuses on the band’s early years, Alex chose to leave out later chapters, including the Sammy Hagar and Gary Cherone eras. He explained that the story made sense to end with Roth’s departure, saying, “What happened after Dave left is not the same band.”

Looking ahead, Alex remains focused on preserving his brother’s legacy. He teased the potential release of unreleased material, including a track called “Unfinished,” which will be part of the audiobook version of Brothers. While fans eagerly await more from the Van Halen vault, Alex emphasized the importance of keeping everything up to Eddie’s meticulous standards.

For now, Alex is busy promoting Brothers with book signings and events, but he’s also open to the idea of turning the memoir into a movie. “I know people who would be willing to participate, but it’s a very complex process,” he noted.

Though Eddie is gone, Alex says his brother’s spirit remains a strong presence in his life. “He’s still here with me,” Alex shared, drawing on spiritual and scientific concepts. “When I see him again, I’m gonna kick his ass… but I know he’s still here.”

Fans can look forward to Alex’s appearances at Barnes & Noble in New York and Books & Greetings in New Jersey, as well as a live conversation event in Culver City, California, as he continues to honor his brother’s legacy with Brothers.