Alex Van Halen: The Lost Interview with Steve Rosen (9/9/85) - Part One

Alex Van Halen: The Lost Interview with Steve Rosen (9/9/85) - Part One
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For more, check out Steve's book "Tonechaser"
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0:08 intro
03:09 growing up in Amsterdam
07:40 influences
08:26 the family house
10:45 Nijmegen
12:00 Jan Van Halen
15:54 piano
18:30 Coming to America
23:53 Airforce story
25:45 piano teacher
27:54 Starting drums
29:42 Ed on guitar
31:46 Schools
34:45 Girls
36:47 playing all instruments
40:33 hobbies
41:32 fights
43:29 first band

[@crsantin]

I’m so glad Alex decided to do an autobiography. Can’t wait to read it.

[@erickimm5150]

Agreed. Does anyone know about the release date? I haven’t found any information.

[@jessferrell9479]

October 22

[@walterevans2118]

Thanks SO much for this Steven.....BEAUTIFUL

[@SteveRosenInterviews]

My pleasure!

[@ciadella1971]

It's very evident how much Alex loves and admires his brother in this interview. I'd like to say that as a drummer of 40 years, Alex has inspired me very much over the years. Although the focus was on Ed in this, this is an amazing interview. The fact that DLR banged Eds girlfriend puts alot of things in perspective...Thank you so much Steve and Alex. Rest in Peace Ed. 🙏

[@cheribee968]

With his father gone to work most of the time, it sounds like Alex was something of a father figure for Eddie

[@walterevans2118]

@@cheribee968 Indeed. He looked out for his little brother a lot. Alex was GREAT. A guiding light.

[@bucksfan8344]

We need a VH movie !!!

[@jeffclark6988]

Mom n Dad did you both right Al...They made many many people happy🍻

[@leroyjones6170]

Awesome and fun listen!

[@gypsymoontarotofficial]

This is GOLD!!! I really appreciate you posting this thank you!

[@SteveRosenInterviews]

You're welcome.

[@bcancun123]

Al sounds just like Ed

[@t.sewell1513]

Just to add to Alex talking about climbing Mt. Wilson….it just happens to be the tallest peak in the lower 48 states.

[@martincapek4789]

thanks

[@Petequinn741]

Can totally understand why Alex put the sticks down...

[@AllenGarberGuitarFun]

Fantastic!

[@SteveRosenInterviews]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Fade2black5150]

Hey Mr. Rosen 🤘🏻

[@walterevans2118]

40:10 I wonder what Ed's Piano Teacher Stanley Covitas would have though of Ed taking apart the Piano in Marvin Hamlish's beach house when he was messing around with the inside of it to get those bizarre sounds used on the Balance album song 'STRUNG OUT' ? 😆🤣😂 lol

[@kimbrinks8918]

Clearly a top 5 rock drummer of all time. Ed's perfect counterpart.

[@ziskokid1]

Alex sounds a lot like Eddie. They speak in the same way.

[@coldacre]

isn’t it weird when siblings do that 😱

[@godbyone]

Man, this is gold he filled in a lot of gaps that Eddie never really talked about

[@qua7771]

Rare to hear from Alex. He provides another perspective for sure.

[@walterevans2118]

@@qua7771 yes

[@JamesBartley]

Wowsers. Alex's mom says, "let's move to California where the oranges are a penny each..." and the rest is history.

[@steveec9704]

Respect to this drum legend . Listening to Alex talk about his family makes you realize why he doesn't wanna jam anymore without his brother R.I.P. EVH

[@MyVideos-fm7ug]

They say that his father’s death was what sobered Alex up. If only Ed would have taken the same path at the same time I love how Alex… whenever he’s talking… he has these moments where he gets to talking about something, like REALLY explaining it to the point where he gets real SERIOUS He’ll stay serious as he continues to explain, or discuss whatever it is. And the he ALWAYS makes a subtle joke, or throws some kind of subtle humor in… And then after a brief pause following the subtle humor….. you hear this ERUPTION of laughter EXPLODE from him… Alex then goes from being Alex… to cheek bones and teeth 😂😂😂😂 That’s all you see if cheek bones and teeth as he laughs like someone who did a few doses of some good acid 😂😂 Imagine that… tripping with big Al 😂 maybe back in the day. He would have been too much! 😂

[@Nexus_Sage]

Alex Van Halen, no doubt, one of the greatest rock drummers in history!!! Godspeed!

[@nathanwalsh3028]

He's my favorite rock and roll drummer. Has more swing than a swing set in his playing. Never talked much. Only did a few drum magazines his whole career. This is absolute gold I thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! 💯💯💯

[@SteveRosenInterviews]

Couldn't agree more!

[@Sd-yo2kd]

I wonder if Steven Adler was a big AVH fan. He has a similar swing.

[@FenderTeleDeluxe]

So looking forward to Alex’s book!

[@wbrockstar9550]

As are millions of others.

[@algernonblackwood1707]

Thank you Steven, you are the best! Bless your wonderful spirit!

[@walterevans2118]

ALEX ‘S insight and take on his little Brother and his life could well be the most important insights of all…Whether he was talking in 1985 to Steven or whether he is writing his memoirs in 2024.

[@seasmoke5151]

A Jan Van Halen interview would have been something. That man could have easily have a book out!

[@SteveRosenInterviews]

That would have been great.

[@walterevans2118]

@@SteveRosenInterviews I remember some interviews where Alex was quoting what their Father JAN said about Ed actually......In one interview Alex claimed Jan said - 'Edward plays with the same level of innovation as CHARLIE PARKER. Only he doesn't need the drugs' ...And if you slightly modify one of DLR's lyrics you get a perfect description of JAN'S situation during his Sons rise to prominence - 'I hear the wind-a-whistling. Strong magic coming on. Coming down for sure. Come see your children JAN they're lighting up the sky . Don't need to feel sadness any more' . 😔🙏

[@TVtubeamps]

It’s coming later this year!

[@grindhousecartoons6896]

ALEX VAN HALEN AND JOHN BONHAM ARE THE BEST ROCK DRUMMERS EVER! AND NOBODY SOUNDS LIKE AL!

[@DartsNoCity]

Thank you! I'm a drummer, and Alex is s long time superhero of mine. You rock, sir

[@loumason6120]

ME too.. Alex Vannnnnnn Halennnnnnnnn!!!

[@pal4597]

Great, that Alex was in a good mood, and he sounds alcohol free. Great job!

[@glengamble526]

I’ve never noticed before today, but Al has a similar voice tone to Gene Simmons of Kiss.

[@wayne3340]

I noticed that too

[@rockingsteady4019]

May 5 2024 : it is my opinion Al sound exactly like his brother Ed

[@Ark-kv7bj]

As a dutchie I totally love the remark about the dutch kids tv show Pippo de Clown!!

[@donaldyoung9838]

I cant wait for alex book comes out i got it ordered thanks alex

[@teddyt]

wow al saying he has footage of the boat ride over from the motherland..thats awesome. t.

[@rona.9731]

Wolf VH is the new MEAT LOAF!!!

[@SLiMCHiCKeN5150]

Thanks for posting this Steven. VH fans have been starving for this kind of stuff 🤟

[@SteveRosenInterviews]

You're welcome.

[@tommeredith7462]

Once Alex quit drinking he became more centered and considerate. He clearly loved his brother Ed, not only his supporter but protector.

[@hollylewis5302]

I put the closed captioning on just to hear a little better for anyone else who might need it. I'm old. lol

[@glengamble526]

Yep-me too.

[@barrybjerke9353]

... Ya ..I grew up with crayons too, good call.

[@riley1774]

i’m 19 and needed closed captioning too lol

[@dutchman063]

Were alot of these quotes from Alex the same ones used in the Early VanHalen DVD?....i'd like to see the video Alex has of Ed playing piano as a kid in that contest where he took first place out of 3000 kids, 3 years in a row

[@ShawnWrona]

I haven’t even started listening to the interview as I type this, but I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing this with the world❤

[@SteveRosenInterviews]

You're welcome.

[@rona.9731]

AVH, is Blowing out Sam Hagar! Do not get his book in Oct!!!

[@AllenGarberGuitarFun]

This is the song “Foot-Patter” by The Fireballs that Al mentions Edward learning very close to note-for-note or even better than the guitarist on the record…a deep cut and a great never-before-heard insight from Steve’s interview: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHKufXWmodqHiJIsi=wZ5S7NZd3n9gRC3N

[@hollylewis5302]

Thanks Allen! I went a took a listen.

[@dspencer1201]

Ed had rhythm so I believe he certainly could have played this better than the original.

[@AllenGarberGuitarFun]

@@dspencer1201My take is that Ed probably played it more pleasingly in tune than the recording was and I’ll bet was just able to execute more confidently even at that young age than whoever the older guitarist was on the track. It’s still a great track and very much of the garage rock and surf rock genre, but I can really see what Alex meant. I have no doubt that Ed did play it better than the record while still nailing it note-for-note correct…

[@walterevans2118]

@@AllenGarberGuitarFun I remember one interview (I think by J.D Considine in 1982) that Alex was quoted as saying - 'When Ed first picked up the guitar at the age of 12 he could play BETTER than other much older guys who had already been playing for YEARS'.

[@AllenGarberGuitarFun]

@@walterevans2118 Yes indeed. It was unusual for most guitar players that were in their later teens and twenties to be able to play Clapton and Iommi songs note-for-note…but Edward was doing that by around 12 or 13. But Al was really talking about the correct and in-tune way that Ed played the surf and garage rock tunes that came before all that…he could play those things more in tune and with more accuracy than the players on the records themselves and that’s what Alex was referring to when he mentions “Foot Patter” in this interview.

[@godbyone]

Wow. This was way more insightful than Ed’s Interview s on growing up . Like the dad working on 1 note for hours. Just to get right tone . That was great

[@walterevans2118]

Did you hear the bit where Alex talked about his Dad witnessing the orchestra guy p*ssing in his own OBOE ? ......lolol ....I remember once ED once telling this funny story about him & Alex & the naughty scrapes they would get into when they were teens ....An interview with Lisa Robinson...Alex said to Ed -'Put this overall on & lets go down to San Marino. So Ed does this........Apparently they would pretend to be officials painting the house numbers on the residents walls & they would charge each house 3 bucks for it ...They would con the owners into thinking that it was mandatory & had to be done once a year & that the owner had to pay a fee for it......lollol......They got away with it for about a month & a half doing it every day...But then one morning a Police car pulls up while Alex is doing his schtick at someones front door & Ed shouts at the top of his voice - ' ALEX !!!!.....Its the COPS !!!!....RUN MAN' !!!!!!!!! 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂 lolol

[@JohnnyBeane]

Nice!

[@SteveRosenInterviews]

Thank you Johnny.

[@JohnnyBeane]

@@SteveRosenInterviews Welcome man!

[@joewilliams3919]

So this is the shirtless wildman behind the drum kit of the greatest band in history (in my opinion of course) - what a terrific and fascinating interview - thanks Steve for this!

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

Alex Van Halen one of the greatest of all times

[@chrischoir3594]

"Tommy Iommi" lol

[@SixStringJoy]

Always absolutely loved Alex’ drumming. Super talented.

[@SteveRosenInterviews]

Couldn't agree more!

[@amess0stuff89]

Steve, I love this thanks! I have never heard AVH so open. BTW I just finished a pint of 31 Flavors (,peanut butter) ice cream as Al mentions 31 Flavors. Oh my!

[@edwardskol1812]

This is amazing! Thank you!!

[@SteveRosenInterviews]

You're so welcome!

[@hollylewis5302]

Dear Lord and baby Jesus! This is FANTASTIC! Thank you Steve Rosen and Adam Roach for providing us with these interviews! I absolutely love hearing these stories from Alex's point of view. We forget that he was older and would have more detailed and different memories than Edward would have. Lastly, FAMILY FILM???? If we could only see it! Maybe one day...

[@walterevans2118]

In a Jas Obrecht tape interview with Edward from 1980 Ed mentioned that his Father recorded 16 mm film footage of the VH Family getting on the boat before crossing to America. So there might be footage of the journey Alex was describing here in 1985.

[@hollylewis5302]

The question is will we ever see it?@@walterevans2118

[@walterevans2118]

ALEX mentions here that Edward played the VIOLIN briefly like he did. In another Ed interview Ed said he remembered using the violin to 'PLUNK ALONG TO THE THEME OF THE PETER GUNN T.V SERIES' .......I wonder if during his youth Alex remembers walking into the living room & hearing his little brother doing that ?

[@SteveRosenInterviews]

Hello: I'm elated that you all dug the interview. Your comments are wonderful. Thank you.

[@AECJ1]

Edward Van Halen+ #edwardvanhalen #vanhalen Salute Alex Van Halen #jamesbrownforever #jamesbrown #jamesbrownarena #suppersready #stevehackett #foxtrot #Genesis #yes #thebeatles #sgtpepperslonelyheartsclubband #gotfridayonmymind #fridayiminlove Neil Peart+ #Rush John Henry Bonham+ #ledzeppelin 🙏🪽 Yellow Barrels #yellowbarrels #jaws #jawsmovie #jawsology #DammitQuint #FacebookmDano #justdafactsmaam #WomensHistoryMonth #peace #swajisjawsspelledbackwards #swaj #swajtistics #bluesbrothers #EndHamas #WomensHistoryMonth2024 #happybirthday #AEC #drumming #KingKong1933 #drums #drummer #drums #drumlife #drumlifestyle #DrumWalk #TheJawsGro #noquitnoshitevictim #phantomoftheopera #WiThIsCrap #HopeThisHelps #LaughsLast #eyes #crazyeyes #DrTerror #BadHats #BigFangs #BigHearts #BCTweetyLikeyMe #aecjdrumwalk #dreamhome #movieoftheweek

[@jonpardue]

Was just gifted a copy of "Tonechaser" and now this interview - Wow! Thank you Steve, this is priceless. What a fine gift you have as a writer and human being.

[@SteveRosenInterviews]

Thank you. I hope you enjoy the book.

[@10alexa10]

Yhank you Steven and Alex.

[@glennbucc7107]

Robert Plant and Jimmy Page though devastated by Bonzo's death, knew they had to move on and continue to be creative. I am sure that is what Bonzo wanted, and I am sure Ed would have wanted the same thing for Alex. Not to be depressed and not do anything more with your gifts. Alex was an amazing drummer, and I always loved his sound and his playing.

[@bobravenscraft5376]

Funny 101 Mom it's about $$$ Dad is about. Enjoy life Son it's too short

[@cyrbuzz6615]

How about how they VH brothers treated Michael Anthony like shit? No interviews about that is there?

[@lelandkelley2199]

Saw Alex perform a few times starting in the year 1979 .

[@Kinger1625]

I love this! His admiration for his father, brother….and music. 16 years of lessons for Ed! Wow!!!

[@mdm6098]

Very informative. Thanks dude

[@SteveRosenInterviews]

No problem!

[@davenathan5347]

The Sounds of Las Vegas!? Oh my god, the stuff in this interview is priceless!

[@SteveRosenInterviews]

Glad you are enjoying it.

[@guestguest3715]

…….and that’s when we fired Michael…..AGAIN!”

[@MrMorrisonAF]

13:50 his impression of Eddie is amazing 🤣 I know it’s his brother but still

[@coldacre]

who’s “Tommy Iommi” Alex? 🤣

[@gossett2006]

Love all your captured moments, Steve!! I really appreciate you. I hope you know....

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Thanks for sharing this, Steven!

[@SteveRosenInterviews]

My pleasure!

[@hellrazor67]

Thank you, Steve. Part One was incredible to hear and can't wait to listen to Part Two.

[@paulgiacalone4471]

Thank you for posting, it’s great to hear Alex tell his story

[@mmouyang]

I also want to figure out what records JVH was on back in the day

[@rockingsteady4019]

You can also listen to Jan van Halen playing together with his sons on the VH 1984 album.

[@pookiemartinez1745]

The Fireballs - Footpatter Javalins - Footpatter is better

[@jeffreyrivers1983]

Not a lot of solo interviews with him

[@ferniegutierrez1053]

YES!!!!!!!!!!!

[@troyyeager5089]

Great !!!!

[@HanaBeltman]

Rozemarijnstraat nijmegen

[@smartrn1]

It sound like the AC on full blast in the background - as is noted that had to be done in 5150 at that time. WVH recently said he replaced the board there and it doesn’t need to be so cold in there anymore. It would be a dream to see inside 5150 in person.

[@smartrn1]

On second listen - I hear the plane at the end. Must have been outside.

[@SteveRosenInterviews]

Yes it was outside of 5150.

[@mikek8553]

7:38 Did he say Tommy?

[@SteveRosenInterviews]

He did!

[@jasondotson]

Right on! Thanks for all of these great interviews spanning half a century and all. The Iommi interview from 1974 is awesome!

[@larrysgear1979]

This was such a smart way to scoop Alex's book announcement! Bravo Steven! Hopefully you can sell a few more books..

[@johnfletcher948]

SWEET JESUS!!!

[@cheallen1626]

I'm really surprised AVH answered so many questions. I mean, nice interview, but at times the questioning gets pedantic. FFS the part about the schools.

[@thack102]

This is cool 😎 I like hearing Alex’s story :)

[@RonPro-u1t]

It’s Al your Pal !!!!

[@mr.d3102]

🤙🏼

[@gino1322]

Thank you Steve!!!

[@guskalogeros9021]

@Steve Rosen Thank you SO much for these. These are incredible interviews with Alex It really gives an accurate look into the early years.

[@josephq2228]

💚2024✨sowing................🎶 🎠🌈🌈🌈💍🌈🌈🌈🔥 Daniel 12 Revelation 21 🎸 keeping the Faith 💜😎

[@scottrap]

Steve, that was incredible! Here’s an interesting story for you. I play guitar and was born and raised in LA. In around 1987, my guitar teacher relays a story to me that he was told from a musician friend about a local bar in the city where older musicians congregate. These guys would sit together at the bar and one in particular was really getting hammered on a regular basis. He would sometimes talk about his sons that had some kind of a band and not even sure if they were that successful or not? The band was called Van Halen!

[@Aright231]

No way! Jan Van Halen died in 1986!

[@walterevans2118]

@@Aright231 Jan sounded such a character .....DLR's Dad was very nice too. I saw an interview of him in the 1980s & he was great. He gave the band in its early days a basement to rehearse in and he used to book their early gigs too. Before Noel Monk took over he was almost like their manager. In an interview in 1982 when DLR was asked -'What do your PARENTS think of what you're doing' ? he replied -'Well, I wouldn't use the word HIGHLY Doug' ...lol......But he wasn't actually telling the truth....At around the same time when his Dad was asked what he thought of his son's career he replied - ' I watch my son on video tape...His voice made people cry at his Bar Mitzvah...... My children are the most important thing to me' ...He was a retina Doctor.

[@grindhousecartoons6896]

AWESOME INTERVIEW !

[@SteveRosenInterviews]

Thank you!

[@fasteddievh2072]

“Foot-Patter” by the The Fireballs. Very cool! 5️⃣1️⃣5️⃣0️⃣ =\//-/=🔥🤘👍

[@smallmouthguy2264]

Another classic thanks Steve!

[@SteveRosenInterviews]

You bet!

[@glengamble526]

Fantastic-thanks, Steve!

[@SteveRosenInterviews]

Glad you liked it!

[@bear5141]

Great stuff thank you 🙏🏻

[@blairwos1382]

Had Dave left yet?

[@teddyt]

nope..

[@dspencer1201]

If this was Sept 1985, yes, Dave left before the summer. I remember it.

[@RaiderfanCali]

@@dspencer1201You’re right! it wasn’t long after Sammy announcing, he just joined Van Halen at Farm Aid

[@Jimbo-rt3lu]

How can it be a lost interview if we’re listening to it 😂🤔

[@AdamDKim]

This is amazing. Thank you!

[@MrMike-fm8bp]

very well done

[@walterevans2118]

27:43 'MR. WHIPPY LUDWIG 🍦🍦🍦🥁🥁🥁 lol

[@SLiMCHiCKeN5150]

He's so cute 😂😂

[@mikebozik]

Great stuff, looking forward to the rest.

[@SteveRosenInterviews]

More to come!

[@mikebozik]

@@SteveRosenInterviews I've been waiting all day, now it's time to listen for part 2! Got my beer and pizza!!! 🍕😋

[@MaySecond07]

fantastic

[@SteveRosenInterviews]

Thank you! Cheers!