My Brother, Eddie Van Halen: Alex Van Halen Tells All : Rolling Stone

[Terry]

There needs to be greater context to the whole situation of the tribute show.

Dave was fully on board to doing something - a small tour or few shows, whatever. I believe it was Dave who first suggested Satriani as well. Judging from Al's consult with Brian May, he went to Dave with the same idea for a segment in the show where they have a video of Ed on the big screen while the band plays whatever song on stage - along with him. That I can understand why Dave was against it cause its a stupid idea anyway. Queen can get away with doing Love of My Life with Freddie singing on the screen but you can't replicate that with Ed as he's the guitar player. For Dave, VH was all about the visual along with the music. You cant do that without Eddie. So I understand why he was against this.

Alex admits later that it was a good idea not to do the shows anyway cause you can't replace Ed. Add Al's own physical issues with his spine, well, it just wasnt going to happen. So making it all be Dave's fault that a tribute show or tour didnt happen isn't fair.

Yeah, but what I got from the excerpt was Alex being pissed at Dave's attitude rather than the objection itself.

But, you know, with these guys, it's all depending on who is telling the tale. The Van Halens tended to lump the reasons as to why something sucked on Roth and vice-versa. Who really knows the truth of these things re: responsibility? Suffice to say a safe bet is blame lies somewhere in the middle.

I don't disagree that the idea of Ed being onscreen while the band play along with him was a bad idea. Then again, I think the idea of just sticking Satriani (or whoever) onstage in Ed's place was a bad idea as well...like, attempting to reform Van Halen for a small tour/few shows/whatever without Eddie Van Halen...no. Just no.

Upshot being however the post-Eddie Van Halen reunion plans fell apart, in the end it's just as well.

[Nitro Express]

I heard 5150 could get pretty scary. I was talking to someone who did carting and equipment rentals and they went to 5150 a few times. Yeah Sam is pretty aggressive. If he see’s an opportunity he pulls the trigger and see’s it through.

It’s very telling that Alex stops his book at 1984. Sammy was just business. The original lineup was something special. It was pretty tacky watching Sam trying to exploit Ed’s passing. Van Halen really did end in 84. Everything after is pretty disposable.

[Vinnie Velvet]

I heard 5150 could get pretty scary. I was talking to someone who did carting and equipment rentals and they went to 5150 a few times. Yeah Sam is pretty aggressive. If he see’s an opportunity he pulls the trigger and see’s it through.

It’s very telling that Alex stops his book at 1984. Sammy was just business. The original lineup was something special. It was pretty tacky watching Sam trying to exploit Ed’s passing. Van Halen really did end in 84. Everything after is pretty disposable.

Agreed.

I also find it interesting when Al says that the breakup was the most disappointing event he had ever experienced in his life until the time Ed passed.

[78/84 guy]

Interesting stuff from Big Al. I haven't been here in awhile. I was curious what others thought about it. I think it's kinda sad. Dave you should be embarrassed you whined like a little bitch about some sort of tribute to your fallen band mate. Pretty pathetic if you ask me. At the same time I'm glad it never happened. But not for that reason. Sadly Roth hasn't been the guy I grew up with for years at this point. He should stay home. His voice is shit & he really isn't that cool anymore. Hate to say it but it's true. I guess people just get old, and change. I kinda wish the book went past 85. It would've been interesting to hear his thoughts on the Van Hagar era. Then again I think him just ignoring it might say it all. There was a few decent tunes but......Journey part II. I found it interesting he said Hag & Mike really aren't doing the V.H. name much justice, with a guitarist he himself wanted to hire. Maybe its just a shot at Hag. I watched some footage, I agree with Alex. I'm guessing he never forgave Hag for his book. It would be cool to see Al get out with Wolf's live band sometime and jam. If not so be it. He's earned the right to just kick back.

[Nitro Express]

I would like to send a big THANK YOU! to Alex Van Halen for showing David Lee Roth genuine respect even when he can be difficult at times and not giving Sammy Belcher any acknowledgement at all and ending his book at 1984.

[Seshmeister]

Interesting stuff from Big Al. I haven't been here in awhile. I was curious what others thought about it. I think it's kinda sad. Dave you should be embarrassed you whined like a little bitch about some sort of tribute to your fallen band mate. P

I'm not saying that what you said isn't true but we don't really know one way or the other what was said or happened, that's just how AVH took it or has reported it.

May well be true for all I know but whatever. As you say I'm glad it never happened anyway although it did allow Hagar to try and steal a little last gasp legacy like the vampiric cunt he always has been.

[78/84 guy]

I'm not saying that what you said isn't true but we don't really know one way or the other what was said or happened, that's just how AVH took it or has reported it.

May well be true for all I know but whatever. As you say I'm glad it never happened anyway although it did allow Hagar to try and steal a little last gasp legacy like the vampiric cunt he always has been.

Al has no reason to lie about it. So my guess is after Roth flew of the handle ( over nothing ) he said fuck this, I'll stay home.

[Seshmeister]

Well since my post I've got through the book and yeah it's totally possible that what Al said happened. Hopefully it was greatly amplified by how Al was feeling at the time but yeah.