Brothers Audiobook By Alex van Halen cover art

Brothers

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Brothers

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
Entertainment & Celebrities History & Criticism Music Heartfelt

What listeners say about Brothers

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Heartfelt Brotherly Bond Vivid Early Stories Heartfelt Narration Touching Family Tale Insightful Creative Process
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Worth the credit

EVH is the reason I started playing guitar, and while I’ve loved lots of other players over the years, he’s always been THE GUY in my heart and mind. The man had it all in spades and there’s two of his quotes: “It’s called music theory, not music fact”, and “there are no rules…if it sounds good, it is”, that perfectly encapsulates the genius and outside the box thinking of Edward Van Halen. He absolutely did reinvent the guitar. Great job narrating Alex, and from a grieving fan, thank you for this. RIP King Edward

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The Mighty Alex Van Halen

Well written, well delivered, and really insightful. A story that every VH fan knows, but there’s a freshness and honesty here that is fantastic. You nailed it Alex.

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Hope there’s a part 2

I loved this book! I didn’t know they had a tough childhood. Coming to the U.S. from the Netherlands at such a young age & not knowing English must’ve been tough. Especially coming into LA (Pasadena). Unlike DLR, these boys came from nothing! Both are gifted in their own way. Too bad not much was mentioned about Michael Anthony. The world lost Eddie at such a young age. Hope there’s a part 2! I would think Alex has A LOT more to say!! #VanHalenforever🩷

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As good as it gets

Enough said. Well done Al. Thank you. We are all grateful. Oh…and classic intro

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The love of brothers and musicians

Thank you Al, for this book.. thank you for pouring out your heart into this. God bless you and God bless Eddie Van Halen. Thank you for all the years of untimely music!! —Brad Bowlin

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I’m only giving it 5 stars because I can’t give it 6

I could happily take 3 or 4 more volumes, please. As long as they’re read by the author. VAN HALEN FOREVER

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A Tribute From One Brother To Another

An insightful story of the love and professional respect of one brother for another (that just happened to co-create the legendary band Van Halen). A beautiful tribute to brotherhood.

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LOVE LOVE LOVE!!

Alex did an amazing job! As a lifelong Van Halen fan I enjoyed this book immensely. It gave me such a great insight to such an iconic band. Thank you Alex Van Halen for sharing with us.

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Beautiful tribute to his brother

Loved it. Hearing the band’s history from their early years through their years of success. Thank you for your music!!!

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Loved hearing the story told BY Alex

Wish I heard stories about the Sammy days too. Was still a terrific story overall. Thank you for sharing this with us Alex!

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