Brothers

By: Alex van Halen

Narrated by: Alex van Halen

Featuring an exclusive, never-before-heard piece of music, the last written together by the legendary Van Halen 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 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."

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.

Best Book! A Must Read! My Favorite Of The Year!!

This Book Is Narrated By Alex Van Halen Himself! Buy This Book, It's The Best!!

THE best VanHalen book of them all.

As a massive fan of VH, I did not know how little I actually knew about Alex and the early and private lives of the brothers.
Alex's very well written and extremely well read account is unbelievably sensitive, personal and direct. His love for Ed and their "us against the world together" brotherhood is the greatest insite of the book. I knew they were close. I had no idea why or how close.
I especially loved when Alex would snicker at, or put some extra heat on an anecdote he was reading. it happened quite a bit, and it was awesome.
I did not think I could love Ed more, I do. I knew I liked Alex but did not know very much about him as a person. Now I do, and I love him too.
Great stories. Great history. Above all, an account of two amazing brothers who fought, collaborated, worked hard, messed up and achieved their dreams. And most of all, always had their own backs! Great book!

Excellent - but blaring omission of Michael and Sammy detracts from 5 stars

Huge VH fan, and enjoyed this work from Alex. But wow... no real mention of the impact of Michael Anthony and Sammy Hagar?? Blatant issue in those omissions. Perhaps Sammy speaking out about Eddie's addiction and the poor treatment of Michael by the brothers is unforgivable to Alex. Otherwise, this is a great listen! Just would've loved to hear about the Sammy years.

Very sombering

As a true Van Halen fan I had to listen to this book. It was nice to hear Alex talk about his and Ed's early years of their interest in music and the days of high school playing in bands. This book cover the years with David. Would have liked for Alex to talk about the transition from David to Sammy. At times, you can feel the emotion come through when he talks so profoundly of Ed. I must admit, it made me sad and I did shed some tears. I can't imagine having a sibling so close going through the journey as they did and losing that sibling - tears your heart apart. I was such a fan that my car license said "VANHLEN" I will miss the sounds of live concerts.

Insightful

Loved hearing from the quieter Van Halen brother. He talks a lot about their upbringing which was insightful. Alex was downright funny, loved his humor. We all miss Ed but we miss the original Van Halen most of all, one of the best rock and roll bands of all time. Thanks for the great story, Alex!