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Why did Alex Van Halen write the memoir 'Brothers'?
To honor his brother Eddie, who died of cancer in 2020, and to share their journey in music.
Why did the Van Halen family move to the United States?
To escape political turmoil in Indonesia and the colonial power structure.
Why did Alex Van Halen switch from playing guitar to drums?
He wasn't feeling the connection with the guitar, while his brother Eddie made the guitar sing.
Why did Eddie Van Halen collaborate with Michael Jackson on 'Beat It'?
He consulted the band but ultimately decided to do it, violating their model of exclusivity.
Why did Alex Van Halen set his drums on fire during performances?
Fire represented the temporariness of life and added an element of danger to the show.
Why did David Lee Roth struggle to feel the music deeply?
He lacked the deeper resonance needed to connect with the eternal force of the universe in music.
Why did Alex Van Halen feel that 'This is Spinal Tap' wasn't funny?
It mirrored their real experiences in the music industry, making it more true than parody.
Chapters
Alex Van Halen discusses the deep bond with his brother Eddie, the formation of the iconic rock band Van Halen, and the impact of Eddie's passing on their music career.
- Van Halen's biggest hit 'Jump' became an anthem in 1983.
- The band is credited with being one of the most influential rock bands of all time.
- Eddie Van Halen was considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
- The memoir 'Brothers' is a love letter to the music they created and to Eddie.
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