Alex Van Halen Gets Honest On David Lee Roth Leaving Van Halen
Van Halen / Facebook
In a recent interview with USA Today, Alex Van Halen opened up about his connection with former bandmate David Lee Roth and shared insights from his new memoir, Brothers. Reflecting on his brother Eddie’s passing and the history of Van Halen, Alex revealed the complexities and emotions tied to his relationship with Roth.
Remembering Eddie and Reaching Out to Roth
Alex recalled reaching out to Roth when Eddie passed, explaining, “I think Dave is laying low right now. I don’t know his mental state in terms of how he’s dealing with all of this.” He added that the music industry isn’t just about the music but about relationships. “What we all had in Van Halen was deeply entangled,” he said, underscoring the tight-knit bond they shared.
Talking about Roth’s decision to leave the band in 1985, Alex clarified, “I don’t hold it against him. We’re not here to hold you prisoner.” He reflected on how Roth was influenced by his immense success, saying:
“Dave was in the middle of [huge success] where he wasn’t thinking clearly, and he would admit that now.”
The Impact of Roth’s Departure
In Brothers, Alex dives into the impact of Roth’s exit, calling it “the most disappointing thing I’d experienced in my life, the thing that seemed the most wasteful and unjust.” He explained that this loss didn’t compare to the heartbreak he felt losing his brother. Despite their turbulent history, Alex made it clear he wasn’t bitter, describing Roth as “one of the three main components of the band.”
Alex admitted that back in the day, the band members didn’t always recognize the importance of each other because they were often clashing. But when Eddie passed, Alex felt he owed Roth the courtesy of being the first to know, given all they had shared.
Honoring Eddie with “Unfinished”
Alex recently released “Unfinished,” the last track he recorded with Eddie, as part of the Brothers audiobook. This song, he says, serves as a tribute to the bond and legacy he shared with his brother and is a reminder of their deep connection in life and music.
