In a revealing and emotional interview with *Rolling Stone*, drummer Alex Van Halen has opened up for the first time since the death of his brother and bandmate, guitar legend Eddie Van Halen. In the interview, Alex confirmed longstanding rumors of a planned Van Halen reunion tour—but said the effort was ultimately derailed by a heated dispute with lead singer David Lee Roth over how, or whether, to honor Eddie’s legacy.
Eddie Van Halen, widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, died in October 2020 after a long battle with cancer. His death marked the end of an era in rock music and left fans wondering whether the surviving members of Van Halen would come together to honor his memory. According to Alex, those conversations did take place—and even early rehearsals were held—but they were quickly overshadowed by internal conflict.
“The thing that broke the camel’s back, and I can be honest about this now,” Alex told *Rolling Stone*, “was I said, ‘Dave, at some point, we have to have a very overt—not a bowing—but an acknowledgment of Ed in the gig. If you look at how Queen does it, they show old footage.’ And the moment I said we gotta acknowledge Ed, Dave f—in’ popped a fuse. … The vitriol that came out was unbelievable.”
Alex said he had consulted Queen guitarist Brian May on how the legendary band pays tribute to Freddie Mercury while continuing to perform. But Roth, Van Halen’s original frontman, reportedly refused to engage in any kind of memorial performance for Eddie. Roth declined to comment on the matter to *Rolling Stone*.
“It’s just, my God. It’s like I didn’t know him anymore,” Alex said. “I have nothing but the utmost respect for his work ethic and all that. But, Dave, you gotta work as a community, motherf—er. It’s not you alone anymore.”
Despite the collapse of the reunion plans, Alex said he is at peace with the outcome. “It’s too bad on one hand, but it’s fine on the 
Alex spoke candidly about the toll his brother’s death has taken on him, describing it as “oceanic grief.” He revealed he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and has since poured his emotions into writing a memoir titled *Brothers*, slated for release on October 22. The book will chronicle the Van Halen brothers’ childhood, the rise of their band, and the intimate moments few fans ever saw.
“I just miss him,” Alex said, visibly moved. “I miss the arguments. I live with it every day. And I can’t bring him back. I can’t make things right.”
He added that he still feels Eddie’s presence at times. “Ed’s been around a couple times,” he said. “He was there this morning.”
Reflecting on their shared journey, Alex concluded, “I believe we did what we came here to do. Wherever he is—he’s fine.”
Though the reunion tour may never materialize, Alex Van Halen’s words offer fans a glimpse into the deep love, pain, and complexity that defined one of rock’s most iconic partnerships.
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