Complete Six-Minute Version of Alex and Eddie Van Halen’s Final Song ‘Unfinished’ Released
via Mal Vessi / YouTube
Alex Van Halen has released the full six-minute version of “Unfinished,” the last song he wrote and recorded with his late brother, Eddie Van Halen. This song has been included in the audiobook version of Alex’s new memoir, “Brothers.” In September, Alex shared a short clip of the track on Instagram, along with several family photos, giving fans a sneak peek.
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Alex’s Tribute and Fans’ Reactions
After Eddie’s death in 2020, Alex had stepped back from the public eye. However, he recently made a rare statement revealing his reasons for writing the book. “This is my tribute to my brother; my way of saying goodbye,” he said. “Ed, I love you and miss you. When I see you again, I’m gonna kick your ass!” The book was released on October 22 via HarperCollins.
The final track created by the Van Halen brothers showcases a different side of their music. Unlike Van Halen’s usual high-energy rock sound, “Unfinished” is a solemn instrumental piece that features both electric and acoustic guitar. You can download the full version of the song now.
Fans have reacted positively to the song, expressing how emotional it felt to listen to. One fan commented, “First to final. So bittersweet and full circle.” Another added that it was great “to hear a slightly different side of the brothers’ genius” and described the song as “a journey of emotion.”
Listen to the song below:
In his memoir, Alex reflects on his life with Eddie. He said, “I was with him from day one. 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 famous, 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.”
Van Halen split up in 2020 after Eddie’s passing. The band entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 and had released 12 albums between 1977 and 2020. Throughout their career, Alex and Eddie were the only constant members of the band.
It was also recently revealed that Ozzy Osbourne, Chris Cornell, and Joe Satriani nearly joined Van Halen. Alex told Rolling Stone that he and Eddie had met with Ozzy and his wife, Sharon Osbourne, to discuss plans for an album featuring the former Black Sabbath frontman. “When you get a dog, you don’t expect it to be a cat,” Alex said. “When you get an Ozzy, you get Ozzy. Play the music, he’ll sing, and it’s gonna be great.”
Alex’s memoir and the release of “Unfinished” offer fans a deeper look into the bond he shared with his brother and the legacy they built together.
