I was born and raised in Pasadena. These guys lived around the corner from me. Watched them blow up. I just lost my sister to ovarian cancer and it’s killing me. This interview helped me, listening to Alex talk about his brother. I wish him and the family peace and know how fucking difficult it is not having your sibling around…miss you sis-love you guys…
All the best to you! I'm going to Scotland tomorrow to visit my mum in hospital, my dad said she's going downhill fast, shes got cancer, I realize I have to be strong for my family, I have two younger brothers. Seeing your comment makes me think about the other people out there that are suffering, cheers man.
I hear you loud and clear. I lost my brother to cancer, he was 66, and it's killing me too. At one point I asked God to take me I was in such pain. My brother was everything to me. I loved him so much.
Who knew Alex was a man of such depth and wisdom. Eddie and Dave drew much fan attention and Alex was an under appreciated drummer. His leadership was also under appreciated. What a dude!
Eddie wil be remembered for his 1st in music and the guitar he will always be in the top 3 guitarist ever, RIP Eddie Taken too soon gods rocking out in heaven
I feel fortunate to have seen them on the For Unlawful Carnial Knowledge tour in Atlanta when I was 16. Alice In Chains opened up. They were really great.
So True!!! I grew up in the 80's. I seen them many times but the time I saw them at the US Festival in 1983 comes up in my mind and the day I had there. The band was pretty drunk during their performance. Oh I was in the biggest food fight I seen as we were all going into the festival. Including we got stuck in the Datsun B210 in line trying to get out until morning before the line moved. 5 of us in the car.
I have seen a lot of these Alex van Halen interviews lately, & for me this is by far the best. Anderson is truly empathetic and a great interviewer. I think he brought out the best in Alex. I am thankful that Alex wrote this book and did these interviews. Van Halen forever and long live the King 👑🙏
When I found out Ed died, I cried for 3 days. I never met him in person, saw Van Halen live twice, stood 10 feet away from Ed when he was in his hotel room, but too afraid to just go up and say, "what do you say?" I put on his music and that feeling, that's Ed. HIs touch, his magic, "I'm the One", "Eruption", I hear that and Ed is with me, in my soul. What an incredible time to be alive and experience Edward Van Halen. He touched my life in so many ways. Thank you Ed. Miss you.
Mate I was the same . I live in New Zealand and around 1996 van halen came here . I saw him and Valerie about 10 metres from me and I wish now I went over to shake his hand . I was way to shy for that . I then stood in the audience in front of him in the front row that same night . It was something I will always remember . When Ed died I bout 2 EVH guitars , a wolfgang standard and a special . Nobody will ever have the tone of Ed , just magic . RIP emortal Ed Van Halen .
Alex is my drum hero. When he talked about his dad passing i got chills. My dad played guitar in bands his whole life and in time he took me out on the road with him and its a special bond. The morning he passed i went home and played my drums like a madman for hours and it felt like thats what he wanted me to do and a way to say thanks pop, you passed your passion on to me. Thanks pop! Love and miss you.
Thank you, Anderson for the thoughtful interview - and thank you, Alex for being so open about the amazing bond you shared with your brother. I know you've probably heard this a million times, but Ed was the reason I picked the guitar. The music of Van Halen continues to be the soundtrack of my life.
There will never be another Ed or Alex. The chemistry between them on stage was unmatched. Ed added color to Al's beat in such a perfect way. Thanks Al for your last letter to Ed!
Finally!! Something I can give a thumbs up to CNN! As a 56 year old, I was a teen during the Van Halen awesome years. Still the Top 3 guitarist of all time!!
Top 3 guitarists? Not hardly...That would be Hendrix, Beck, and Clapton...and no matter how good a guitar player Van Halen may have been, he never played on a song that was worth a damn...nothing but heavy metal teenage nonsense...
Amazing interview. Alex is not only one of the most under-recognized and great drummers, but an extraordinarily articulate and sensitive guy. Very glad he did this interview with Anderson, who also has a unique skill for interviewing.
The day Eddie died, I was listening to the Led Zeppelin tribute by the Wilson sisters performing Stairway. It was the first time I had ever listened to the song end to end. I then knew outside sadness, crying for Ed like I did my own father. He taught me so much about music, just by listening. Don’t worry Ed. We were listening, and loving every minute of it.
It’s so wonderful to hear Alex’s voice again. He’s always been true to himself, never succumbing to public pressure to speak when he wasn’t ready, and I deeply respect that. Now, stepping out of the shadows to share his journey through this book is truly inspiring. Thank you for opening up and sharing your stories, Al.
I just got done reading Alex's book. It was very sweet, and most enlightening about their life as children and adults. Thank you and may peace find you.
I don't know much about Van Halen but this interview is very impressing! This man can speak, feel, honor, articulate, be humours and show true brotherly love. Almost tears here viewing this. What a long career. Rip.
I was fortunate enough to see Eddie Van Halen and his namesake band's predecessor, Mammoth, in 1975. My dance partner and I had the floor to ourselves for the entire first set. Eddie looked like he was too young to be playing in a club, but he was twenty at the time. The whole band was better than good. Eddie was exceptional. He led a good life, and we can all be happier knowing he was part of us, as we were part of him. RIP.
Eddie had more talent in his pinky finger than most guitarist have in their entire hand. Truthfully, I was more a Eddie Van Halen fan than a Van Halen band fan, that you can appreciate the talent that is just obvious in a person. He created an entire new way of playing, and influenced a generation.
Alex's reference to his father's analogy of being in tune with energies is spot on. The same with the reference to clouds changing to water then becoming the next form. Our energy never ceases. Death is just the transition to the next form. And his reference to smell, connected with that immediately. Thank you Alex for sharing. Ed is very much missed.
I was about 10 years old when I first heard VHI on vinyl and it changed my life. I’ve been a professional musician my whole adult life. I got the chance to meet Ed and thank him. He made the world a better place.
So many of us grew up on VAN HALEN, Eddie, Dave, Michael, and Alex. Clearly, we all have heard Dave Blabber on, Eddie had his moments of opening up, Michael was always decent and laid-back, but Alex was always an Enigma we rarely heard from. So, to listen to him in this lovely intimate conversation is so illuminating about who he is as a human. I was very touched.
Very well said. I'm a guitar player so I've never heard an interview with Alex. He seemed reclusive. When Alex auctioned his drums,, it seemed like he was done with music. I can't recall him playing with anyone else. This was a great interview. I had no real idea of. Alex as a person.
This is a fabulous heart felt interview. I really identified with Alex talking about feeling Eddie being around him and how he finds it comforting. The explanation of frequency and tuning into it was so very well explained.
For those of us who grew up with this music, and who have lost loved ones….I think Al’s comments on loss and grief really hit home. I wonder if he really understands the magnitude of impact he and his brother had on the rest of us and the world. He talked of energy. As a musician and someone who has recorded, one of the magical things that always impressed me was the capture of a moment in time in the studio. And how that lives on. What these guys created….those moments in time captured in the music….that energy went on to become a part of all of our lives. Our childhoods. It’s a part of our memories bouncing around the neighborhood and schools with our friends or sitting in our bedrooms playing our own instruments and dreaming. That energy expanded and we all have a piece of it. Al, Ed…..thank you for all of it.
Long Live the Van Halen. Feel fortunate to have seen them twice in concert. Great Interview Anderson, and a much needed one for us die hard VH fans. Much strenght & Peace Alex, Rest In Power EVH
Alex, my heart goes out to your heart. Among otherworldly happenings, twice after my mother died, I smelled her perfume and not even anywhere it could have or would have been. I know the connection you speak of. Thank you for the music! Long Live King Edward ❤🖤🤍🎸👑
I was 14 when a friend played Eruption over the phone. At that moment Eddie was my hero. I saw them open for Sabbath, the second tour, Diver Down and 1984 tour’s. I feel so lucky
i had greatest luck in my life to have worked at Ed’s home on 2 different occasions for a few days each time. Once was in 2015 listening to Ed, Al and Wolf jamming in 5150 for the upcoming tour. Godspeed EVH
I live in LA, and when Ed passed, they played Van Halen non stop for a a couple days on one of the radio stations here. I never turn the radio on in my room, but I had it on those couple nights while I slept. That was my grieving process for Ed. I was 5 when Van Halen became the biggest US band ever, so at 47 years old, I never knew a life without Eddie Van Halen in it, and it was sad. Van Halen was such a fun, good times band. Those days will never come back.
I still can't believe Eddie is gone. He left us richer for knowing him. He left us wanting more. He left us to early. He left us with memories we wil cherish. Rip Edward.
Thank you, Anderson, and thank you Alex. Great podcast. I think that it's great to both see and hear Alex at length. A very cool, respectable way to go through the grieving process. I lost my brother in 2000 (he was 1 year older, and we were both VH fans from Junior High right when Diver Down came out). For years I would pick up the phone to call him if there was a favorite movie on TV that we watched as kids. Or for inside jokes when I saw people or went to places from HS. It gets easier to deal with over the years, but you still deal with it. Also, to confirm what Billy Bob said, part of me went numb that day. It is a melancholy that sort of moves in, and you give it space...because you feel it's the right thing to do. Thank you both again, it was greatly appreciated.
Very touching interview. I respect how Alex has shown an incredible amount of grace and authenticity in honoring the legacy of his brother. In addition to admiring the talent of the Van Halen brothers, I find their story of coming to America, figuring out how to fit in, and then going on to achieving their dream to be incredibly inspiring.
That was sad but cathartic for me. My siblings are still alive, but we lost our Mom to brain cancer 3 years ago. My Grandparents, whom I was close to. Quite a few close friends as well. It's difficult to explain, but I've been fortunate to still have experienced communication with some
Their well never be another Eddie van Halen just like their well never be another Alex van Halen take care of yourself Alex we need you to live for your brother!!!!!!!!! I'm 46 my father's gone most of my friends are gone from drug overdose this had me in tears!!! So thankful to still be here and crying to this... Alex your my hero please take care of yourself!!!!!
'Where have all the Good Times Gone'. I am lucky I got to grow up as a teen in the 80's. Always looked up to Eddie. In the video 'Jump' will never forget he was always smiling. No one smiles anymore, their faces are two inches from the 'device'. I don't carry a cell phone with me. I don't need to be tracked I am not important I don't want cancer. I'll take my Freedom like we had growing up.
phones don't cause cancer, dude. lol. but it's still good to not own one. especially because of social media, or texting, or having someone call you from wherever. they're not tracking us, either. that's just egotism. we simply are not that important. i program computers, so you know, the ad trackers don't know WHO you are. that's paranoia and conspiracy. anonymous data gathering is a real thing and is actually beneficial. you're still using youtube, dummy. if you were sincere in your paranoia, you wouldn't have an account here, period. get a grip. even with a fake email and fake account name youtube knows your IP address and if you don't know what that is, you shouldn't be indulging in paranoia. you shouldn't ,anyways. unless you're up to no good. my experience is that people involved with kiddie porn and stuff are afraid of surveillance.
Anytime anyone loses a brother it’s tragic, but this is a little like losing your best friend who you went through all of your highs and lows of life with. They were dirt broke kids who rose to superheroes and then fell off the mountain, then got a piece back at the end. They did it all side by side.
This is a fabulous heart felt interview. I really identified with Alex talking about feeling Eddie being around him and how he finds it comforting. The explanation of frequency and tuning into it was so very well explained. Alex is a very good communicator. Thank you Alex for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us. The world will miss Edward Van Halen forever.
in the mid 70's when they were getting started, i would see them at a small beer dive in Pomona, ca that catered to the 2 local collages ...i have a picture of a contract that alex signed with the owner in 1976 giving them 250 dollars for a 2 night gig (march 24 and 25, 1976 ..requiring them to do 5 sets of 4 to 5 minutes on each of the nights ... it includes his signature, address and phone number .that gig cost me a 2.50 cover charge and a 1.50 for a pitcher of beer
Thank you Alex as a drummer myself you're playing has given me inspiration over the last 40 years. And you continue to do so.I too lost my brother a few years back. Thank you for all the great music and inspiration. Hope to hear you play again one day.
Eddie is always in our thoughts. Thank you Alex for what you and Eddie and the rest of Van Halen brought to the stages across the world. Even though Eddie hated 'Aint Talkin' 'Bout Love, it is still one of the all-time favorites here ... and still play it ... missed by never forgotten
Very moving and enlightening interview, one of the best ever with Alex. I don't think we ever saw the depth of his intellect and spiritualism until these recent interviews. He was very quiet back in the day (who wouldn't be with DLR as your front man). He is very honest and open about his grief and embracing it. I still hope he will release more music that was captured with Ed, but they gave us decades of great music and what more could you want? Truly legendary, thanks AC for doing this interview, much appreciated for all of EVH fans still mourning.
60 year old man here and tears were rolling at certain parts of this interview. Big Al was always my favourite member of group. He wasn't in spotlight much but few interviews he did back in the day, to me he always came across as deep, intelligent and introspective. He was all that in this interview.
I'm so glad that Alex has been doing these types of interviews and letting us in on the relationship he had (and apparently still has) with Ed. What amazing lives their family has experienced and the way those two guys touched so many of us with their music. ❤
Hello. Johnny Beane sent me. When I first heard Eruption, when the album was available, it blew my mind. I thought, what the hell is going on here? It was like Eddie, reinventing the electric guitar again, playing with two hands on the fretboard. Of course, most of us didn’t know about the two handed technique, until later on. Not only was Eddie an awesome guitar player, but a genius guitar builder/modifier and a tone seeker, or as Steve Rosen’s new book title calls it, “Tone Chaser.” Thanks for sharing personal moments of you and your brother, Alex. R.I.P. Eddie, you are deeply missed. 🎸🤘🏼👍🏻
Eddie was such a light, a divine light. Brought so much joy into the world. For me, the realization is still setting in. I find myself wishing Alex had been more vocal over the years. He feels like the best big brother ever. Brilliant musician and sweet articulate man.
For all the criticism that CNN takes it has to be acknowledged that they produce a certain level of quality interviews and documentaries that is unmatched in any of the 24 hour cable news channels. This was a wonderful interview. Thank you Mr. Cooper and Mr. Van Halen. Thank you CNN production team.
Mr Alex I do not have words to help you. I send love your way to you and your family. Beyound your gifts of passion shared to us with your brother- Your wisdom learned from father and how he tought you and Eddie- has transcended the Veil for a better humanity on earth. Please under this is not lip service and a pedestal. It is a genuine thank you for the work you all put in to make a better world your way. It came with cost i am unable to conceive. It doesn't change the Joy given to millions ❤ Muel
What an excellent interview. I, like so many others, love Eddy's music. I also really appreciate Anderson's interviews about grief, I have seen several now and they are always interesting and thought provoking.
I could've easily watched another 2 hours of this. Al says Eddie was the "sensitiive" one...and Al was more stoic. But I think Al's also a very sensitive soul, too. I welled up a few times during the interview. After reading Al's book Brothers I've been watching several of his recent interviews and each one seems to add more layers to the onion of their brotherly bond and dynamic. I can't articulate how great it is to finally see Al out in public again...hearing his thoughts and reflections. I suspect a lot of Van Halen fans wanted/needed to hear this. Van Halen music has always been at the core of my life's soundtrack since 1979 and when Ed passed in 2020 I felt like that era of my life had reached an end. I literally played VH all day that Oct. 6th. Great interview Anderson.
I will admit in the past I was very critical of Alex. His and Ed’s treatment of people mostly. But listening to this very raw and honest interview has given me a new perspective. What we see here is Alex sharing his intimate struggle with grief and loss. And I commend him on sharing that with the world.
Such a great interview..... after hearing Al talk, the pain is so deep that one can't imagine him ever wanting to play his music without his brother. He is so courageous in being willing to talk about it publicly. It's a blessing that he has Wolf.
I could listen to Alex all day every day. The intelligence and the stories just keep me bright eyed and bushy tailed. Thanks Alex, for sharing. Much luv and many blessings to you.
It may sound corny, but I love Alex for his depth. Such a private man willing to be so open in his grief - it's a powerful thing to see.
I was born and raised in Pasadena. These guys lived around the corner from me. Watched them blow up. I just lost my sister to ovarian cancer and it’s killing me. This interview helped me, listening to Alex talk about his brother. I wish him and the family peace and know how fucking difficult it is not having your sibling around…miss you sis-love you guys…
All the best to you! I'm going to Scotland tomorrow to visit my mum in hospital, my dad said she's going downhill fast, shes got cancer, I realize I have to be strong for my family, I have two younger brothers. Seeing your comment makes me think about the other people out there that are suffering, cheers man.
All the best to you both ❤❤❤ Stay strong but let yourself grieve--remember the love-love always wins
@@zamiadams4343 God bless you both Keeferdog and zamiadams (Paul)
Speak for yourself. My sister lives about 20 minutes from me and we haven't spoken since right before COVID...lol...
I hear you loud and clear. I lost my brother to cancer, he was 66, and it's killing me too. At one point I asked God to take me I was in such pain. My brother was everything to me. I loved him so much.
Who knew Alex was a man of such depth and wisdom. Eddie and Dave drew much fan attention and Alex was an under appreciated drummer. His leadership was also under appreciated. What a dude!
Dave always said Alex was the heart of the band. It was Dave’s idea to name it Van Halen and it was named after Alex, not Ed.
only because of Eddies larger than life presence, Alex has not got recognition for his part in Van Halen
Alex....was more of a drinker....during his band days@@LSturboguy
He's never been under appreciated, mad respect since they came on the Pasadena scene. #AVH #VanHalen #EVH
Met him at a recent book signing, good guy
Thank you Alex. Eddie is not forgotten. He is by your side and always will be. Great interview Anderson.
Eddie wil be remembered for his 1st in music and the guitar he will always be in the top 3 guitarist ever, RIP Eddie Taken too soon gods rocking out in heaven
😞 🎸❤❤❤
If you're Gen X, it's hard to think of a band that meant more to you than Van Halen.
I feel fortunate to have seen them on the For Unlawful Carnial Knowledge tour in Atlanta when I was 16. Alice In Chains opened up. They were really great.
So True!!! I grew up in the 80's. I seen them many times but the time I saw them at the US Festival in 1983 comes up in my mind and the day I had there. The band was pretty drunk during their performance. Oh I was in the biggest food fight I seen as we were all going into the festival. Including we got stuck in the Datsun B210 in line trying to get out until morning before the line moved. 5 of us in the car.
@@comfortablynumb9342I saw them on the same tour, but in Chicago.
They were the soundtrack to every party in hs
@@mandcbruce Ahh the memories!!!
I have seen a lot of these Alex van Halen interviews lately, & for me this is by far the best. Anderson is truly empathetic and a great interviewer. I think he brought out the best in Alex. I am thankful that Alex wrote this book and did these interviews. Van Halen forever and long live the King 👑🙏
CIA trained Cooper? Yes, Anderson acted his part well during this interview with a man seemingly still grieving.
When I found out Ed died, I cried for 3 days. I never met him in person, saw Van Halen live twice, stood 10 feet away from Ed when he was in his hotel room, but too afraid to just go up and say, "what do you say?" I put on his music and that feeling, that's Ed. HIs touch, his magic, "I'm the One", "Eruption", I hear that and Ed is with me, in my soul. What an incredible time to be alive and experience Edward Van Halen. He touched my life in so many ways. Thank you Ed. Miss you.
Mate I was the same . I live in New Zealand and around 1996 van halen came here . I saw him and Valerie about 10 metres from me and I wish now I went over to shake his hand . I was way to shy for that . I then stood in the audience in front of him in the front row that same night . It was something I will always remember . When Ed died I bout 2 EVH guitars , a wolfgang standard and a special . Nobody will ever have the tone of Ed , just magic . RIP emortal Ed Van Halen .
I was the same exact way. RIP EVH
I cried too. Long live King Edward!!!
Cried 3 days for a guy that didn't know your name. Foolish!.
I miss Edward so freaking much. I'm crying right now.
Alex is my drum hero. When he talked about his dad passing i got chills. My dad played guitar in bands his whole life and in time he took me out on the road with him and its a special bond. The morning he passed i went home and played my drums like a madman for hours and it felt like thats what he wanted me to do and a way to say thanks pop, you passed your passion on to me. Thanks pop! Love and miss you.
Thank you, Anderson for the thoughtful interview - and thank you, Alex for being so open about the amazing bond you shared with your brother. I know you've probably heard this a million times, but Ed was the reason I picked the guitar. The music of Van Halen continues to be the soundtrack of my life.
This. same. 💯 thank you!!
There will never be another Ed or Alex. The chemistry between them on stage was unmatched. Ed added color to Al's beat in such a perfect way. Thanks Al for your last letter to Ed!
Finally!! Something I can give a thumbs up to CNN! As a 56 year old, I was a teen during the Van Halen awesome years. Still the Top 3 guitarist of all time!!
Sounds like a Trumper. 🫣
@@eoliver437 Yep, they always jump in and ruin everything. Always with a snide comment.
Well, I’m not a “Trumper” as you say, but I feel the same way. I wish CNN was built on more true journalism like this. Excellent interview Anderson!
Lol. True. Christopher Bollyn is a rock god too.. with words
Top 3 guitarists? Not hardly...That would be Hendrix, Beck, and Clapton...and no matter how good a guitar player Van Halen may have been, he never played on a song that was worth a damn...nothing but heavy metal teenage nonsense...
Reading “Brothers” right now…wonderful. Thanks Alex for giving me closure. Long live rock. Long live Van Halen.
Thanks Alex for sharing your personal feelings. You & your brother = legends
Amazing interview. Alex is not only one of the most under-recognized and great drummers, but an extraordinarily articulate and sensitive guy. Very glad he did this interview with Anderson, who also has a unique skill for interviewing.
The day Eddie died, I was listening to the Led Zeppelin tribute by the Wilson sisters performing Stairway. It was the first time I had ever listened to the song end to end. I then knew outside sadness, crying for Ed like I did my own father. He taught me so much about music, just by listening.
Don’t worry Ed. We were listening, and loving every minute of it.
Alex has given us a perspective about strong family bonds and a connection that is worthy of sharing. I wish him love and peace.
What a great and honest interview. So sorry for Alex!
It’s so wonderful to hear Alex’s voice again. He’s always been true to himself, never succumbing to public pressure to speak when he wasn’t ready, and I deeply respect that. Now, stepping out of the shadows to share his journey through this book is truly inspiring. Thank you for opening up and sharing your stories, Al.
Great interview. Anderson showed much respect with great questions. Alex poured his heart out.
I just got done reading Alex's book. It was very sweet, and most enlightening about their life as children and adults. Thank you and may peace find you.
I don't know much about Van Halen but this interview is very impressing! This man can speak, feel, honor, articulate, be humours and show true brotherly love. Almost tears here viewing this. What a long career. Rip.
I was fortunate enough to see Eddie Van Halen and his namesake band's predecessor, Mammoth, in 1975. My dance partner and I had the floor to ourselves for the entire first set. Eddie looked like he was too young to be playing in a club, but he was twenty at the time. The whole band was better than good. Eddie was exceptional. He led a good life, and we can all be happier knowing he was part of us, as we were part of him. RIP.
I'm a jimi hendrix fan but Eddie to me was the greatest guitarist there ever was. R.I.P
Eddie had more talent in his pinky finger than most guitarist have in their entire hand. Truthfully, I was more a Eddie Van Halen fan than a Van Halen band fan, that you can appreciate the talent that is just obvious in a person. He created an entire new way of playing, and influenced a generation.
Absolutely the GOAT. None come close.
Alex's reference to his father's analogy of being in tune with energies is spot on. The same with the reference to clouds changing to water then becoming the next form. Our energy never ceases. Death is just the transition to the next form. And his reference to smell, connected with that immediately. Thank you Alex for sharing. Ed is very much missed.
Fantastic interview. As an eldest brother myself this deeply touched me.
I was about 10 years old when I first heard VHI on vinyl and it changed my life. I’ve been a professional musician my whole adult life. I got the chance to meet Ed and thank him. He made the world a better place.
So happy I got to see the original Van Halen live!
So moving to hear how emotional he gets hearing Eddie play now.
So many of us grew up on VAN HALEN, Eddie, Dave, Michael, and Alex. Clearly, we all have heard Dave Blabber on, Eddie had his moments of opening up, Michael was always decent and laid-back, but Alex was always an Enigma we rarely heard from. So, to listen to him in this lovely intimate conversation is so illuminating about who he is as a human. I was very touched.
Very well said. I'm a guitar player so I've never heard an interview with Alex. He seemed reclusive. When Alex auctioned his drums,, it seemed like he was done with music. I can't recall him playing with anyone else. This was a great interview. I had no real idea of. Alex as a person.
It’s alex sobriety that has him talking like this…beautiful
This is a fabulous heart felt interview. I really identified with Alex talking about feeling Eddie being around him and how he finds it comforting. The explanation of frequency and tuning into it was so very well explained.
What an excellent interview! From the heart.
For those of us who grew up with this music, and who have lost loved ones….I think Al’s comments on loss and grief really hit home. I wonder if he really understands the magnitude of impact he and his brother had on the rest of us and the world. He talked of energy. As a musician and someone who has recorded, one of the magical things that always impressed me was the capture of a moment in time in the studio. And how that lives on. What these guys created….those moments in time captured in the music….that energy went on to become a part of all of our lives. Our childhoods. It’s a part of our memories bouncing around the neighborhood and schools with our friends or sitting in our bedrooms playing our own instruments and dreaming. That energy expanded and we all have a piece of it. Al, Ed…..thank you for all of it.
I love the VH bros. and all the music. but especially thank you Anderson for such a thoughtful and respectful interview.
Long Live the Van Halen. Feel fortunate to have seen them twice in concert. Great Interview Anderson, and a much needed one for us die hard VH fans. Much strenght & Peace Alex, Rest In Power EVH
One of the best interviews I’ve seen in years…. Thank you Alex and Anderson.
Alex, my heart goes out to your heart. Among otherworldly happenings, twice after my mother died, I smelled her perfume and not even anywhere it could have or would have been. I know the connection you speak of. Thank you for the music!
Long Live King Edward ❤🖤🤍🎸👑
I was 14 when a friend played Eruption over the phone. At that moment Eddie was my hero. I saw them open for Sabbath, the second tour, Diver Down and 1984 tour’s. I feel so lucky
#DiverDown ...wow, takes you back. We grew up in glorious times indeed. #VH #TheMightyVanHalen
i had greatest luck in my life to have worked at Ed’s home on 2 different occasions for a few days each time. Once was in 2015 listening to Ed, Al and Wolf jamming in 5150 for the upcoming tour. Godspeed EVH
I live in LA, and when Ed passed, they played Van Halen non stop for a a couple days on one of the radio stations here. I never turn the radio on in my room, but I had it on those couple nights while I slept. That was my grieving process for Ed. I was 5 when Van Halen became the biggest US band ever, so at 47 years old, I never knew a life without Eddie Van Halen in it, and it was sad. Van Halen was such a fun, good times band. Those days will never come back.
I still can't believe Eddie is gone. He left us richer for knowing him. He left us wanting more. He left us to early. He left us with memories we wil cherish. Rip Edward.
I will never stop missing Ed. Long live Van Halen.
Alex was always my favorite drummer.
Alex is the man. Awesome musician and a hell of a guy and a great brother. Miss Eddie every day. Keep making music!!!
I love the interview and Eddie's brother is correct they are always with us
Thank you, Anderson, and thank you Alex. Great podcast. I think that it's great to both see and hear Alex at length. A very cool, respectable way to go through the grieving process. I lost my brother in 2000 (he was 1 year older, and we were both VH fans from Junior High right when Diver Down came out). For years I would pick up the phone to call him if there was a favorite movie on TV that we watched as kids. Or for inside jokes when I saw people or went to places from HS. It gets easier to deal with over the years, but you still deal with it. Also, to confirm what Billy Bob said, part of me went numb that day. It is a melancholy that sort of moves in, and you give it space...because you feel it's the right thing to do.
Thank you both again, it was greatly appreciated.
Very touching interview. I respect how Alex has shown an incredible amount of grace and authenticity in honoring the legacy of his brother. In addition to admiring the talent of the Van Halen brothers, I find their story of coming to America, figuring out how to fit in, and then going on to achieving their dream to be incredibly inspiring.
I wish AVH had a more public persona over the years. Hearing him speak at length about his brother and their relationship was lovely.
I'm blown away on the honesty
That was sad but cathartic for me. My siblings are still alive, but we lost our Mom to brain cancer 3 years ago. My Grandparents, whom I was close to. Quite a few close friends as well. It's difficult to explain, but I've been fortunate to still have experienced communication with some
Their well never be another Eddie van Halen just like their well never be another Alex van Halen take care of yourself Alex we need you to live for your brother!!!!!!!!! I'm 46 my father's gone most of my friends are gone from drug overdose this had me in tears!!! So thankful to still be here and crying to this... Alex your my hero please take care of yourself!!!!!
'Where have all the Good Times Gone'. I am lucky I got to grow up as a teen in the 80's. Always looked up to Eddie. In the video 'Jump' will never forget he was always smiling. No one smiles anymore, their faces are two inches from the 'device'. I don't carry a cell phone with me. I don't need to be tracked I am not important I don't want cancer. I'll take my Freedom like we had growing up.
phones don't cause cancer, dude. lol. but it's still good to not own one. especially because of social media, or texting, or having someone call you from wherever. they're not tracking us, either. that's just egotism. we simply are not that important. i program computers, so you know, the ad trackers don't know WHO you are. that's paranoia and conspiracy. anonymous data gathering is a real thing and is actually beneficial. you're still using youtube, dummy. if you were sincere in your paranoia, you wouldn't have an account here, period. get a grip. even with a fake email and fake account name youtube knows your IP address and if you don't know what that is, you shouldn't be indulging in paranoia. you shouldn't ,anyways. unless you're up to no good. my experience is that people involved with kiddie porn and stuff are afraid of surveillance.
Beautiful interview. EVH Forever. RIP Ed. We love and miss you. Your music will live forever in our hearts. 🎸🎹🎵
Alex really pulled out all the stops on this one ..Damn.. RIP and love
Thanks Al, the best rock and roll drummer of all time.
Anytime anyone loses a brother it’s tragic, but this is a little like losing your best friend who you went through all of your highs and lows of life with. They were dirt broke kids who rose to superheroes and then fell off the mountain, then got a piece back at the end. They did it all side by side.
I cannot imagine Alex going through this. Such a great career they had together. Eddie will always be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play.
A wonderful and very touching interview
This is a fabulous heart felt interview. I really identified with Alex talking about feeling Eddie being around him and how he finds it comforting. The explanation of frequency and tuning into it was so very well explained. Alex is a very good communicator. Thank you Alex for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us. The world will miss Edward Van Halen forever.
Sad to hear Eddie suffered while fighting to the end
How are you
It’s tough to not feel it when you hear Alex describe his pain. I’m grateful for all the music Van Halen gave us.
Alex is very spiritual and is so articulate ✨✨
in the mid 70's when they were getting started, i would see them at a small beer dive in Pomona, ca that catered to the 2 local collages ...i have a picture of a contract that alex signed with the owner in 1976 giving them 250 dollars for a 2 night gig (march 24 and 25, 1976 ..requiring them to do 5 sets of 4 to 5 minutes on each of the nights ... it includes his signature, address and phone number .that gig cost me a 2.50 cover charge and a 1.50 for a pitcher of beer
like his drumming
Thank you Alex as a drummer myself you're playing has given me inspiration over the last 40 years. And you continue to do so.I too lost my brother a few years back. Thank you for all the great music and inspiration. Hope to hear you play again one day.
Excellent interview of a man that touched so many lives.
Remembering Eddie is so bittersweet....The greatest rock player to pick it up...
Eddie is always in our thoughts. Thank you Alex for what you and Eddie and the rest of Van Halen brought to the stages across the world. Even though Eddie hated 'Aint Talkin' 'Bout Love, it is still one of the all-time favorites here ... and still play it ... missed by never forgotten
Very moving and enlightening interview, one of the best ever with Alex. I don't think we ever saw the depth of his intellect and spiritualism until these recent interviews. He was very quiet back in the day (who wouldn't be with DLR as your front man). He is very honest and open about his grief and embracing it. I still hope he will release more music that was captured with Ed, but they gave us decades of great music and what more could you want? Truly legendary, thanks AC for doing this interview, much appreciated for all of EVH fans still mourning.
60 year old man here and tears were rolling at certain parts of this interview. Big Al was always my favourite member of group. He wasn't in spotlight much but few interviews he did back in the day, to me he always came across as deep, intelligent and introspective. He was all that in this interview.
God this was an excellent interview. Giant thanks to Anderson and Alex for sharing this special talk with us.
Thank you Alex for sharing your memories and thoughts of Ed.
Great interview, thank you!
When Eddie died, I cried for a person I didn't know personally for the first time in my life. That's how much his music meant to me.
Same here - he was our Coltrane, Beethoven or Hendrix. 💔
Same here. Tearing up now.
Anderson really needs to be doing longer format interviews. This is something I could have easily listened to for an hour.
Thank you for sharing your story
I'm so glad that Alex has been doing these types of interviews and letting us in on the relationship he had (and apparently still has) with Ed. What amazing lives their family has experienced and the way those two guys touched so many of us with their music. ❤
4-Eddie Van Halen guitars!! 2 kramers!! All because of this Eddie Van Halen character!! Rest in peace King Eddie!!!
Hello. Johnny Beane sent me. When I first heard Eruption, when the album was available, it blew my mind. I thought, what the hell is going on here? It was like Eddie, reinventing the electric guitar again, playing with two hands on the fretboard. Of course, most of us didn’t know about the two handed technique, until later on. Not only was Eddie an awesome guitar player, but a genius guitar builder/modifier and a tone seeker, or as Steve Rosen’s new book title calls it, “Tone Chaser.” Thanks for sharing personal moments of you and your brother, Alex. R.I.P. Eddie, you are deeply missed. 🎸🤘🏼👍🏻
Thank you Luis!
Thank you Anderson Cooper, this has to be one of the best interviews with a great musician of seen. And yes mt eyes did tear up!
Love you Alex. Love the book!
My prayers are with you Alex 🙏🏽
Those words, I put a piece of music on and the grief hits ..it’s exactly that.
Oh my gosh he looks like wolfy his nephew..
Nice show guys
Needs another 300 pounds.
Eddie was such a light, a divine light. Brought so much joy into the world. For me, the realization is still setting in. I find myself wishing Alex had been more vocal over the years. He feels like the best big brother ever. Brilliant musician and sweet articulate man.
For all the criticism that CNN takes it has to be acknowledged that they produce a certain level of quality interviews and documentaries that is unmatched in any of the 24 hour cable news channels. This was a wonderful interview. Thank you Mr. Cooper and Mr. Van Halen. Thank you CNN production team.
Mr Alex
I do not have words to help you.
I send love your way to you and your family.
Beyound your gifts of passion shared to us with your brother-
Your wisdom learned from father and how he tought you and Eddie- has transcended the Veil for a better humanity on earth.
Please under this is not lip service and a pedestal.
It is a genuine thank you for the work you all put in to make a better world your way. It came with cost i am unable to conceive.
It doesn't change the Joy given to millions
❤
Muel
EVH the GOAT. Alex is a Top 3 all time Drummer.
What an excellent interview. I, like so many others, love Eddy's music. I also really appreciate Anderson's interviews about grief, I have seen several now and they are always interesting and thought provoking.
I could've easily watched another 2 hours of this. Al says Eddie was the "sensitiive" one...and Al was more stoic. But I think Al's also a very sensitive soul, too. I welled up a few times during the interview. After reading Al's book Brothers I've been watching several of his recent interviews and each one seems to add more layers to the onion of their brotherly bond and dynamic. I can't articulate how great it is to finally see Al out in public again...hearing his thoughts and reflections. I suspect a lot of Van Halen fans wanted/needed to hear this. Van Halen music has always been at the core of my life's soundtrack since 1979 and when Ed passed in 2020 I felt like that era of my life had reached an end. I literally played VH all day that Oct. 6th. Great interview Anderson.
I will admit in the past I was very critical of Alex. His and Ed’s treatment of people mostly. But listening to this very raw and honest interview has given me a new perspective. What we see here is Alex sharing his intimate struggle with grief and loss. And I commend him on sharing that with the world.
Such a great interview..... after hearing Al talk, the pain is so deep that one can't imagine him ever wanting to play his music without his brother. He is so courageous in being willing to talk about it publicly. It's a blessing that he has Wolf.
I could listen to Alex all day every day. The intelligence and the stories just keep me bright eyed and bushy tailed. Thanks Alex, for sharing. Much luv and many blessings to you.
Fantastic interview. Al's book is really moving
Excellent interview of Alex. Much appreciated.
This interview brings a smile on my face. So well put into words. Good start of the day...
We Love You Alex!!!
Thank you for a great interview. How lucky am I to grow up with VH music. How lucky is my daughter to be 2nd generation VH fan. Eddie RIP.
He spoke to the world through his music. Jesus what a statement. I still cant believe Eddie Van Halen is gone…
Thanks for everything Al !
❤😢 Thanks for airing this interview 🙏
So sad. I lost my twin brother four years ago. I know the loss.
Outstanding!