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Brothers

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Brothers

Written by: Alex van Halen
Narrated by: Alex van Halen
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About this listen

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.

©2024 Alex van Halen (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers
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What listeners say about Brothers

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The emotion in looking back is palpable.

A story of brothers so close with the one missing the other and looking back with great insight and feeling. It was a great listen!

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Insightful and touching

A good read. Nice and tight. A touching tribute to Eddie and lots of good behind the scenes info.

Many of the stories have been previously told though unfortunately and although I think the Dave era is/was the true version of Van Halen, it would have been nice to talk about Sammy, etc. especially given how many Eddie/Sammy songs were very successful.

Definitely recommended either way.

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As tight as twins

As the title says, Brothers is the theme throughout this story telling of their bond, brothers as thick and tight as twins. Alex guides us, starting in their beginnings in Netherlands and onto California where they share their passion for music and alcoholism with their dad joining him onto professional gigs which would turn into eventually their own band. The hard work and genuine intention of high quality music and lyrics they’d share with the world. The bond through their personal and professional lives never wavered. Both sharing with each other marriage kids and even addictions. The story telling of Van Halen ends after David Lee Roth departure and doesn’t talk about VH second act with Sammy Hagar. It ends summarizing their bond their brotherhood in the Ed’s death. He is loved and missed especially by his big brother Alex

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I hoped I wouldn’t cry, but, of course, I did.

I feel like these guys were high school buddies of mine. Never met them, glad I didn’t. I wouldn’t have had the hindsight I have now. They made me laugh, but it was their music that truly moved me.
Al’s stories are revealing, educational, so personal. He is very brave. Both for writing this book, and for putting one foot in front of the other every day since Ed left.

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Love Alex’s voice, like his drums.

I loved how Alex described the early years with Dave and Ed. I had tears streaming down my face when the book was over. I look forward to Brothers II (no III for Gods sake), it’s not over, how he tells the story about music when they were with Sammy. Your legacy will carry on regardless told by Sammy and Mike.

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Life long fan!

I laughed, I cried. It was so beautiful to hear Alex talk about his brother. Thank you for sharing. A fantastic read and a perfect tribute. Highly recommend for any Van Halen fan.

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Beautiful , heartbreaking tribute

Loved this so much more than I thought I would. Made me stop and think and smile. Peace to Alex

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Thank Mr Van Halen!

Im 57 I've been waiting to hear this story from the horses mouth most of my life. I started playing Guitar because I heard Van Halen on the radio when I was 12. That sound was something I could identify with. It changed my life and became the soundtrack of my youth. I am 100% in support of hearing more music from the vault assisted by AI to bring it to fruition. I would donate my time to be apart of something like that, the next chapter.

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amazing read from Alex!

I love that Alex took the time to read his book. I loved his authenticity. I was and still am a huge fan and I used to pretend I was eddie upstairs in my room playing to a million fans! Edward wasa genius and I am so glad to finally hear from Alex and his relationship with his brother. I didn't know alot of the behind the scenes stuff and the way Alex keeps it real is refreshing .thank you Alex for sharing and being vulnerable. I can' help but to be listening to all the music again which I haven't in some time .you guys will always be one of the best bands !!! thank you Alex and thank you Edward for all the amazing musicians hip you brought. ❤️

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    3 out of 5 stars
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story was too short..

I loved hearing about Van Halen from an actual Van Halen.. Alex did a good job of narration and even though I know about most of what he spoke about through years and years of interviews, biographies etc, it sounded more authentic coming from Alex. I enjoyed his candid comments on DLR and how vital he was to what the band became as well as talking about thier Mom and Dad.. what is missing however is anything past 1984.. what about the second incarnation of Van Halen, (and the third)..as a lifelong fan I was surprised when the booked ended so fast?! Overall, great listen but waaaay too abbreviated in terms of the rest of the story, I'm left wanting more.

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