Brothers by Alex Van Halen offers an intimate glimpse into the life and legacy of one of rock’s most iconic sibling duos. Written with the help of New Yorker writer Ariel Levy, this memoir serves as a heartfelt tribute to Alex’s beloved younger brother, Edward (Eddie) Van Halen, capturing not only the highs and lows of the band but also the unbreakable bond that sustained them. With his distinctive “rough yet sweet” voice, Alex paints a nuanced portrait of their relationship, grounded in shared struggles, creative triumphs, and personal growth.
The memoir starts with their childhood in the Netherlands before the Van Halen family immigrated to Pasadena, California. Here, Alex brings readers into their working-class home, where he and Ed grew up under the influence of their father, a travelling musician, and their practical Indonesian-born mother, who advised her sons to “always wear a suit” regardless of fame. Life was not always easy, yet these early years of family resilience, poverty, and culture clash laid the foundation for their bond and music. Alex recounts how, as young immigrants, they “shared the experience of coming to this country and figuring out how to fit in,” forming an unbreakable connection as they navigated the challenges of adapting to a new culture and building a musical legacy.
The memoir shines as Alex reflects on his brother’s extraordinary talent and their shared dedication to music. The brothers grew together musically, sharing a record player, instruments, and countless hours in the studio, pushing each other toward innovation and the unique sound that would define their work. Yet for Alex, it was their relationship beyond music that mattered most. He recalls, “We shared the back of a tour bus, alcoholism, the experience of becoming famous, of becoming fathers and uncles, and of spending more hours in the studio than I’ve spent doing anything else in this life.” This brotherly camaraderie shaped the heart of the band, fueling the creative chemistry that brought Van Halen to life.
Despite its focus on brotherhood, Brothers does not shy away from the complexities and conflicts within the band. Alex’s loyalty to David Lee Roth is evident, while he is notably reserved about Sammy Hagar, referring to him only as “another singer.” Michael Anthony also remains mostly in the background, which may disappoint fans eager for an in-depth look at these dynamics. Alex reflects on their famous in-band friction, particularly regarding David Lee Roth’s undeniable charisma, which propelled the band but also introduced frequent clashes. While some fans might be hoping for more behind-the-scenes drama, Alex seems more focused on honouring his bond with Ed than recounting the band’s more tumultuous stories.
The memoir ends in 1984, a turning point after which, Alex suggests, Van Halen was never the same. Although the decision to end here may frustrate those hoping for a comprehensive look at the band’s later years, the choice keeps the focus on the era in which Ed and Alex’s partnership defined the music. Alex speaks in the present tense about his brother, capturing the grief and loss he feels but also the enduring closeness of their bond. There are powerful moments as he shares his memories, underscoring his sense of loss and the deep understanding they shared, one that "most people can only hope to achieve in a lifetime."
While Brothers may not offer every gritty detail of Van Halen’s legacy, it succeeds in providing a touching perspective from a musician who lived it all, alongside the person who meant the most to him. Accompanied by never-before-seen photos from Alex’s private archives, the memoir brings fans into personal moments, including anecdotes about Ed’s philosophies on guitar and their father's wisdom about the industry. More than a recounting of fame or a celebration of musical genius, Brothers is ultimately a love letter to Eddie and the journey they shared—one that transcends the spotlight and gives a genuine, heartfelt tribute to a brother who is dearly missed.
Reviewer: Chris Reed
HarperCollins