Alex Van Halen Explains What Eddie ‘Never Liked’

Alex Van Halen recently shared his thoughts about his late brother, Eddie Van Halen, as he gets ready to release a memoir called Brothers . An audio clip from the book is now available on Spotify, where Alex talks about their close relationship and the challenges they faced together. He also posted an emotional photo of Eddie .

He mentioned that he wouldn’t be who he is without Eddie, highlighting their strong bond even though they often disagreed. Music was a huge part of their lives, bringing them together and giving them joy.

Alex commented on the title of “world’s greatest guitarist,” saying that while many people call Eddie that, it can be a tricky label. He believes Eddie was truly unique and not like anyone else.

“Without my brother, I would not be. We fight, argue — we even argue about agreeing on things. But there is a bond and unconditional love that very few people ever experienced in a lifetime.”

“Music was our heart and soul. That’s what we did. That’s what we loved. That’s what we enjoyed. And that’s what we were good at. It was also the thing that made us as close as two brothers can be.”

“The world’s greatest guitarist is what everyone says. It’s kind of a dicey title. You never liked it. I can tell you this much: saying you’re the greatest implies there are many more like you. But there is only one Edward Van Halen.”

“You could play just a single note and it sounded different, distinct. Miles Davis said it’s not the notes. It’s the intent. It’s that intangible essence that makes the difference between one sound and another.”

“From the first time you picked up a guitar — my guitar, actually — the resonance and intonation were unique. Long before people were going crazy for your finger tapping, the talent was already there. Even when you just played a chord, you always said you didn’t know where it came from.”

He explained that even a single note from Eddie’s guitar had a special sound, echoing the idea that it’s not just about the notes, but also the feeling behind them. Alex remembered how Eddie’s talent was clear from the first time he picked up a guitar.

Alex added that Eddie’s power came not only from his amazing riffs but also from the emotion he put into his music. He admired how Eddie could change a melody slightly, making it more interesting without even noticing, showing that music came to him naturally.

“It’s the stuff in between the licks that gets me. It’s so particular, such a distinctive way of playing you had, and then within seconds, you’ve already changed the lick. You’ve let it evolve ever so slightly in the most interesting way, and you weren’t even aware of it half the time. Music just came through you.”

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