Book Review: Brothers by Alex Van Halen

PURCHASE

Alex Van Halen’s memoir Brothers is a raw, heartfelt tribute to his late brother, Eddie Van Halen, and a vivid recounting of their journey as the backbone of one of rock’s most iconic bands. As a Van Halen fan, I found myself deeply moved by Alex’s candidness, his thoughtful inclusion of interview quotes, his balanced perspective on David Lee Roth, and, above all, the profound love for his brother that permeates every page. This book is not just a rock memoir it’s a soul baring reflection on family, music, and loss that left me inspired and emotional.

What sets Brothers apart from typical rock autobiographies is Alex’s unflinching honesty. He doesn’t shy away from the messy reality of Van Halen’s rise to fame or the personal struggles that shaped their lives. His candidness about the brothers’ battle with alcoholism, inherited from their father, is both heartbreaking and enlightening. “Our father gave us the genes for it, and handed us the bottle,” although he refuses to cast blame, instead crediting his dad Jan as a musical inspiration whose work ethic shaped their legendary “brown sound”. This openness extends to his own health struggles, like the neuropathy that halted a planned reunion tour, and his grief over Eddie’s death in 2020, which he admits he’ll grapple with “until my dying day”. Alex’s willingness to write about these vulnerabilities makes Brothers feel like a conversation with a trusted friend rather than a polished rock star narrative.

I loved the inclusion of interview quotes from Eddie and others which really adds a layer of authenticity to the memoir. Rather than relying on his own recollections, Alex adds in excerpts from previously published interviews, letting Eddie’s voice shine through. This approach honors his brother’s perspective but also provides fans with a deeper understanding of Eddie’s creative process and sensitive nature.

One of the most compelling aspects of Brothers is Alex’s nuanced treatment of David Lee Roth. While he calls out Roth’s ego describing him as a “pseudointellectual” and “”egomaniac ” who “knew a lot about one thing: himself”—he also acknowledges Roth’s indispensable role in Van Halen’s success. Alex credits Roth’s showmanship and vision for propelling the band from  backyard parties to stardom, noting that “Van Halen wouldn’t have been as great without him”. This balance is refreshing and shows wisdom with age and experience.

Brothers is a love letter to Eddie, and Alex’s love for his younger brother is the heartbeat of the book. His grief is palpable, yet hopeful, teasing future releases of unreleased tracks like to keep Eddie’s legacy alive. This love, tender and fierce, makes Brothers a profoundly moving read.

The only disappointment for me was the omission of the Sammy Hagar era. I am a Sammy not a Dave fan with my favorite song being Right Now which I listened to at least 30 times in the past four days since starting the book. This is a must-read for Van Halen fans and anyone who values stories of family and resilience. I loved Brothers for its honesty, it’s celebration of Eddie’s genius, and reminder that even rock gods are human.