People don't understand him, especially Eddie trunk. They assume things by talking to Hagar and Michael Anthony. He's got principle and he sticks to it
Ed and Al are/were kings. Trunk, Hagar give us some simple entertainment from time to time but Ed and Al brought us the gold. Golds not cheap and Eddie knowingly paid the price.
@@Albatross_1823 Sammy Hagar gave us some simple entertainment from time to time ???? Sammy Hagar is one of the best and most knowledgeable people out there. What are you talking about? Helloooooo
Not corny at all. People are very afraid of this kind of emotion so they label things like this "corny" so they have cover for avoiding that part of their emotions. Alex is very relatable for me. As a drummer and as a man.
I was born and raised in Pasadena. These guys lived around the corner from me. Watched them blow up. I just lost my sister to ovarian cancer and it’s killing me. This interview helped me, listening to Alex talk about his brother. I wish him and the family peace and know how fucking difficult it is not having your sibling around…miss you sis-love you guys…
All the best to you! I'm going to Scotland tomorrow to visit my mum in hospital, my dad said she's going downhill fast, shes got cancer, I realize I have to be strong for my family, I have two younger brothers. Seeing your comment makes me think about the other people out there that are suffering, cheers man.
I hear you loud and clear. I lost my brother to cancer, he was 66, and it's killing me too. At one point I asked God to take me I was in such pain. My brother was everything to me. I loved him so much.
Watching Alex Van Halen open up about the loss of Eddie with Anderson Cooper is a reminder of how deeply music and family intertwine. Alex’s words resonate with a profound sense of loss and love-a brotherhood that transcended the stage. Eddie’s genius wasn’t just in his guitar; it was in the way he connected with the world, and Alex’s heartfelt reflections ensure his legacy continues to inspire. This interview isn’t just a story of loss-it’s a celebration of the bond they shared and the timeless gift Eddie gave to all of us through his music.
Thank you, Anderson Cooper for bringing this interview to us. Alex was such a frustratingly hard interview to get and there was little information out there about him, compared to his brother. And Alex was so important to so many of us Gen X drummers but there was just very little information about him. He had such a signature sound and blazing chops on the drums. There will never be another Eddie but there will also never be another Alex Van Halen.
Van Halen sound was so powerful..whom evva might lol. ToTo Eddie's best friend one of em. Luke. Steve lukather. Rolling Stone asked Eddie how does it fill beibg the greatest guitarist there is right now an he said I don't know you'd have to ask Luke. Dats how humble he was. Always playing w a smile.
I feel fortunate to have seen them on the For Unlawful Carnial Knowledge tour in Atlanta when I was 16. Alice In Chains opened up. They were really great.
So True!!! I grew up in the 80's. I seen them many times but the time I saw them at the US Festival in 1983 comes up in my mind and the day I had there. The band was pretty drunk during their performance. Oh I was in the biggest food fight I seen as we were all going into the festival. Including we got stuck in the Datsun B210 in line trying to get out until morning before the line moved. 5 of us in the car.
Who knew Alex was a man of such depth and wisdom. Eddie and Dave drew much fan attention and Alex was an under appreciated drummer. His leadership was also under appreciated. What a dude!
Eddie wil be remembered for his 1st in music and the guitar he will always be in the top 3 guitarist ever, RIP Eddie Taken too soon gods rocking out in heaven
It is a very good interview mainly because of the openness and the sincerity of Alex. But the finale is disgusting. And it’s on the media. Yes, the rock life is running with the devil. But life and even death don’t belong to the devil. God created us, as the whole universe and everything. And His Son Jesus the Christ, who died on the Cross for us, sets us free - from the devil, the sin and the death. RIP, Eddie.
I met Ed twice. Once after a show and once at an airport in Maui after the 96 tour. Both times he was very kind. He said hello back. Asked how I was and why I was in Maui. He had a ukulele in his on board backpack with the neck sticking out. I asked if he planned on using that for the next LP. He laughed and said, we’ll see. He shook my hand and off he went. I never saw or felt any form of tension from him. That was during that time of him and Sammy becoming separate. I saw a sweet soul, willing to take a few minutes for a quick chat. He was an amazing gifted musician, and I miss him every day. Eddie was everyones brother. I listen to his music at least once every day. He left his mark on with world for all of us to enjoy and smile. Never forget Ed, Alex, Mike, David, Gary, Wolf and Sammy.
Very cool story. I’m the same age as Eddie and maybe that’s why I feel a kinship with those of my generation where their music was a part of our lives.
Very cool story..:.thanks for sharing! I met Ed once at The Recency hotel in NYC in 2001. I used to work at the hotel’s gym, and he was in the lobby walking towards the elevator. I told him he was the man, etc., and his face lit up like a Christmas tree. That smile of his was the real deal. He was a sweet heart. I’d like to think I made Ed’s day with my praise. He was generally appreciative. The whole interaction was maybe two minutes at best and I still play it over and over in my head. Miss ya Edward!!
Alex is absolutely right, I lost the love of my life in 2023 to brain cancer, she was only 50, but she visits me in my dreams, I like to think that’s her stopping by to say hi and let me know she’s ok, energy is neither created nor destroyed in this universe it just changes form, when someone you love passes on you never get over it, you just learn to live with it, that’s all you can do, but if they could speak to you they would tell you to carry on and don’t look back, don’t wallow in the past, look to the future and hope someday you will see them again, thanks for the interview Alex and Anderson! God bless!
60 year old man here and tears were rolling at certain parts of this interview. Big Al was always my favourite member of group. He wasn't in spotlight much but few interviews he did back in the day, to me he always came across as deep, intelligent and introspective. He was all that in this interview.
Thank you, Anderson for the thoughtful interview - and thank you, Alex for being so open about the amazing bond you shared with your brother. I know you've probably heard this a million times, but Ed was the reason I picked the guitar. The music of Van Halen continues to be the soundtrack of my life.
It’s so comforting to read these comments. I was 47 going through a divorce with my high school sweetheart of 25 years, and I cried more hearing the news of Ed’s passing than I did over my divorce. My older brother introduced me to Van Halen in 1980, and he that was it. Van Halen is all I knew. Watching him suffer, killed me. I never wanted to reach out to someone so badly and try to help them. I’d gave anything to have him here. Such creativity.
Alex is such a kind and generous man. He has such a wicked sense of humor too! A few years back I did some electrical work for him in his garage. This was shortly before his brother Edward passed away- God bless his soul- We were moving stuff out of the way to get to an electrical socket that needed repairing. I moved a set of Honma Beres 5-star golf clubs. I was drooling over these things! (for those of you reading this who don't play golf- these are top of the line clubs worth around 40-50k!) Anyways, we were having such a great conversation- I knew who Van Halen were but I wasn't a huge fan-I finished up the work I had to do and Alex says "I want you to take those clubs" I couldn't believe it! Then he say's "don't tell anyone where you got them or you'll be wearing that golf bag!" I'm truly sorry for his loss and Alex, If you're reading this- I'm sorry I told everyone where I got the clubs! God bless!
@@daniellurman9093 wow … nice job and a generous Alex ! I had a client give me a tip one day after i finished a simple job installing a printer . He paid his bill and his wife gave me an envelope and said a little tip for you open it later. I had looked at her Imac briefly and fixed so e little thing on a previous visit. I got in my old truck and as i was driving away i opened the envelope a check for 10k i was in total shock …she had over heard me saying i didn’t have medical insurance because at the time i was barely hanging on business wise small town. I have never encountered such selfless people and my mind was blown !
Amazing Daniellurman ! What a fantastic moment in your life. Yeah,Alex is a very humble man. He still does go fly to The Netherlands for visiting his family. Your historic moment is priceless. Best regards from me, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 🇳🇱
@@kerzytibok3211 hi there, I can understand why you would think that I’m not telling you the truth, I couldn’t hardly believe it too when he said he wanted me to have them! He wouldn’t take no for an answer. I haven’t even used them. I’m not exactly a pro and I sure don’t want to ruin them! Take care.
There will never be another Ed or Alex. The chemistry between them on stage was unmatched. Ed added color to Al's beat in such a perfect way. Thanks Al for your last letter to Ed!
I have seen a lot of these Alex van Halen interviews lately, & for me this is by far the best. Anderson is truly empathetic and a great interviewer. I think he brought out the best in Alex. I am thankful that Alex wrote this book and did these interviews. Van Halen forever and long live the King 👑🙏
I thought Anderson did a good job on Jeopardy also. It's sad I have so many Republican friends that won't watch this because they're blinded by politics. I really like Anderson Cooper. He is just a good person.
Phenomenal interview with Alex VanHalen, Anderson Cooper!!-I ❤ your style of interviewing!-You seem to coax out the best, Sir-I thank you for this fantastic interview.
I am a 58. I was turned on to Van Halen in the Spring 1978. I as a 12 year kid knew instantly that Edward was our Jimi, Jeff, Eric and Jimmy. I miss those days in 1978-1980 slinging papers and blasting Van Halen on my G.E tape recorder blasting out the Disco and Punk from the neighbor kids. Thank you Edward for all the great songs, videos, concerts, interviews and your generosity. ❤
When I found out Ed died, I cried for 3 days. I never met him in person, saw Van Halen live twice, stood 10 feet away from Ed when he was in his hotel room, but too afraid to just go up and say, "what do you say?" I put on his music and that feeling, that's Ed. HIs touch, his magic, "I'm the One", "Eruption", I hear that and Ed is with me, in my soul. What an incredible time to be alive and experience Edward Van Halen. He touched my life in so many ways. Thank you Ed. Miss you.
Mate I was the same . I live in New Zealand and around 1996 van halen came here . I saw him and Valerie about 10 metres from me and I wish now I went over to shake his hand . I was way to shy for that . I then stood in the audience in front of him in the front row that same night . It was something I will always remember . When Ed died I bout 2 EVH guitars , a wolfgang standard and a special . Nobody will ever have the tone of Ed , just magic . RIP emortal Ed Van Halen .
Eddie had more talent in his pinky finger than most guitarist have in their entire hand. Truthfully, I was more a Eddie Van Halen fan than a Van Halen band fan, that you can appreciate the talent that is just obvious in a person. He created an entire new way of playing, and influenced a generation.
When industry insiders talk about what a "master" he was, they were seeing what we never saw or heard on an album or on stage. Frank Zappa saw it first hand. Called him over to the house and initially thought he was a one-trick pony and quickly saw he was on another plane of existence. Even in the height of theory acriomny, Sammy Hagar never stopped saying what a masterful guitarist he was and the magic in making music with him.
Life gets in the way of life as we travel through existence hoping to make the voyage around the sun just one more time. 🎂 Godspeed & Good Luck everyone. See y’all on the otherside.
I still can't believe Eddie is gone. He left us richer for knowing him. He left us wanting more. He left us to early. He left us with memories we wil cherish. Rip Edward.
I'm just finishing reading his memoir, "Brothers". It is intensely personal, authentic, heartfelt, interesting, funny.. and the reader is getting the gift of two life stories intertwined for the price of one. It is a spectacular testament to the lasting power of their music as well as how love never dies. I am grateful I picked up this book. Thank you for sharing, Alex Van Halen.
I just finished it too and thought it was great. I really with things between them and Mike didn't go so sour. They were unstoppable when they were in sync.
I was depressed for about 3 weeks when Eddie passed away. He was one of my favorite guitarist of all time. Van Halen was a major part of my life in the teenage years, and beyond. It's good hearing Alex talk about his brother and the bond they had, R.I.P. Eddie.
For those of us who grew up with this music, and who have lost loved ones….I think Al’s comments on loss and grief really hit home. I wonder if he really understands the magnitude of impact he and his brother had on the rest of us and the world. He talked of energy. As a musician and someone who has recorded, one of the magical things that always impressed me was the capture of a moment in time in the studio. And how that lives on. What these guys created….those moments in time captured in the music….that energy went on to become a part of all of our lives. Our childhoods. It’s a part of our memories bouncing around the neighborhood and schools with our friends or sitting in our bedrooms playing our own instruments and dreaming. That energy expanded and we all have a piece of it. Al, Ed…..thank you for all of it.
Alex was great talking about Ed, he knew him the best, the good the bad and the ugly. The bond was unbreakable, we all got to witness a band that has no timeline with influence. Van Halen was lightning and thunder in a bottle that exploded on the scene in the late 70’s that can never be replicated. The band may be no more, but the music and memories will last a lifetime. VAN HALEN FOREVER!!!
@@patriciagonzales2148 He started his "All There Is" series when his mother died. There is something about losing a celebrity family member... it seems that you grieve two times over. Once for your loved one, and again for the loss to the world. Anderson Cooper's mother was Gloria Vanderbilt, a household name in the 1980's and a member of that legendary family. He was very close to her, and when she passed he really grieved deeply.
Finally!! Something I can give a thumbs up to CNN! As a 56 year old, I was a teen during the Van Halen awesome years. Still the Top 3 guitarist of all time!!
Top 3 guitarists? Not hardly...That would be Hendrix, Beck, and Clapton...and no matter how good a guitar player Van Halen may have been, he never played on a song that was worth a damn...nothing but heavy metal teenage nonsense...
The day Eddie died, I was listening to the Led Zeppelin tribute by the Wilson sisters performing Stairway. It was the first time I had ever listened to the song end to end. I then knew outside sadness, crying for Ed like I did my own father. He taught me so much about music, just by listening. Don’t worry Ed. We were listening, and loving every minute of it.
I was a teen in the 80's and Van Halen music was always there during all the best moments I had back then --- thank you so much for that, Mighty Halen!
My heart hurts for Alex … and thanks him for sharing himself, his grief and his love for his brother Eddie. Thank you for the genius of the music you created together to touch the world. God bless.
So many of us grew up on VAN HALEN, Eddie, Dave, Michael, and Alex. Clearly, we all have heard Dave Blabber on, Eddie had his moments of opening up, Michael was always decent and laid-back, but Alex was always an Enigma we rarely heard from. So, to listen to him in this lovely intimate conversation is so illuminating about who he is as a human. I was very touched.
Very well said. I'm a guitar player so I've never heard an interview with Alex. He seemed reclusive. When Alex auctioned his drums,, it seemed like he was done with music. I can't recall him playing with anyone else. This was a great interview. I had no real idea of. Alex as a person.
It’s so wonderful to hear Alex’s voice again. He’s always been true to himself, never succumbing to public pressure to speak when he wasn’t ready, and I deeply respect that. Now, stepping out of the shadows to share his journey through this book is truly inspiring. Thank you for opening up and sharing your stories, Al.
This interview and Alex' profound depth of words, are very eye-opening and well-expressed. As a fledgling Rock guitarist early on, I heard Ed and he literally changed my life on a dime. A landmark moment for me. Like so many others, I was emotionally-crushed to the bone when he passed. I am grateful for this convo between Al and Anderson Cooper.
I was about 10 years old when I first heard VHI on vinyl and it changed my life. I’ve been a professional musician my whole adult life. I got the chance to meet Ed and thank him. He made the world a better place.
Alex, my heart goes out to your heart. Among otherworldly happenings, twice after my mother died, I smelled her perfume and not even anywhere it could have or would have been. I know the connection you speak of. Thank you for the music! Long Live King Edward ❤🖤🤍🎸👑
Whenever life used to get me down, I would always remind myself that Van Halen was still making music. Thank you, Wolfie, for picking up the torch. Thank you, Alex, for the book and the interviews. They help ease the pain for all of us.
I don't know much about Van Halen but this interview is very impressing! This man can speak, feel, honor, articulate, be humours and show true brotherly love. Almost tears here viewing this. What a long career. Rip.
i had greatest luck in my life to have worked at Ed’s home on 2 different occasions for a few days each time. Once was in 2015 listening to Ed, Al and Wolf jamming in 5150 for the upcoming tour. Godspeed EVH
Rare is the time that I have the patience to sit through a 20-minute interview. but this was a pleasure. Alex to mind is one of the most under-rated drummers of his era. Just so creative and sympathetic to the music. A musical drummer. Vân Halen was never my favorite band, but for anyone who picks up a guitar in future generations will have to go through the EVH room and study and learn from his influence. For anyone in high school in the 80's, you couldn't avoid Eddie or the band. They were simply that big and that influential.
WOW - Alex Van Halen - what a great brother, I feel he made his little brother feel that confidence that inspired a generation. Thank you Alex Van Halen for doing this talk. Peace Brother
I just got done reading Alex's book. It was very sweet, and most enlightening about their life as children and adults. Thank you and may peace find you.
Alex is my drum hero. When he talked about his dad passing i got chills. My dad played guitar in bands his whole life and in time he took me out on the road with him and its a special bond. The morning he passed i went home and played my drums like a madman for hours and it felt like thats what he wanted me to do and a way to say thanks pop, you passed your passion on to me. Thanks pop! Love and miss you.
Such a great interview..... after hearing Al talk, the pain is so deep that one can't imagine him ever wanting to play his music without his brother. He is so courageous in being willing to talk about it publicly. It's a blessing that he has Wolf.
I've been waiting for this interview for 4 years. Eddie was for me like my musical father. I cried like a child when he passed. I also lost my brother he drown when he was six I was six years older. As Billy said when you see your brother dead you are not the same person anymore. Now I know why he didn't tour to honour Eddie, it is still too painfull for him. RIP Eddie, Big hug Alex and Wolfgang. Great interview.
Amazing interview. Alex is not only one of the most under-recognized and great drummers, but an extraordinarily articulate and sensitive guy. Very glad he did this interview with Anderson, who also has a unique skill for interviewing.
This is a fabulous heart felt interview. I really identified with Alex talking about feeling Eddie being around him and how he finds it comforting. The explanation of frequency and tuning into it was so very well explained.
While I’m no longer a viewer of CNN, my only response to your statement and I stand by it is, those of us who vote primarily for democrats, we are simply normal humans that respect others, value the concept of looking out for each other, and having authentic connections with others. I say this to say, there isn’t ONE host on Fox that could conduct this interview because they lack the ability to be authentic and empathetic humans because they are dishonest people who tow the company line. Sad
They have gotten a bad wrap because trump hated that CNN called him out for his never ending lies and expised the criminal that trump is. Trump won on lies! #ThankYouCNN
I really can't believe Alex not just did an interview, but even wrote a book about him and his brother. He's always been a silent enigma and I know losing his brother devastated him. I been to a few of their concerts over the years and had a great time every time. I heard more from Alex in this interview than I heard from him in his entire career combined. I can't imagine what kind of hell he's going thru losing Ed, but I think writing his book, he was able to come out from behind the drum kit and show a side of himself that many of us fans been dying to hear. I can't wait to read his book
Lost my sister to ovarian cancer,she was a big Van Halen fan and the day she found out she had cancer was the day of Eddie's passing. Stay strong Alex as the grief will be with you for ever as will your music for the world. By the way great tribute to Eddie with your book.
I lost my wife to breast cancer 10 years ago, and I mourn her passing every day, I understand what Alex is saying very much, we were married for 30 years when she died, I used to think there was something wrong with me for the way her passing affected me, and how I could not get over her passing, Billy Bob said it very well about never getting over it ❤️
I can tell you that if you don't acknowledge grief it will catch up to you. I lost both my parents within 90 days of each other. Thought I was OK until we had their memorial service when I was a mess. Grieve, cry, let it all out. RIP Eddie you are the GOAT. Alex you are a true brother to your brother.
I was fortunate enough to see Eddie Van Halen and his namesake band's predecessor, Mammoth, in 1975. My dance partner and I had the floor to ourselves for the entire first set. Eddie looked like he was too young to be playing in a club, but he was twenty at the time. The whole band was better than good. Eddie was exceptional. He led a good life, and we can all be happier knowing he was part of us, as we were part of him. RIP.
Long Live the Van Halen. Feel fortunate to have seen them twice in concert. Great Interview Anderson, and a much needed one for us die hard VH fans. Much strenght & Peace Alex, Rest In Power EVH
For all the criticism that CNN takes it has to be acknowledged that they produce a certain level of quality interviews and documentaries that is unmatched in any of the 24 hour cable news channels. This was a wonderful interview. Thank you Mr. Cooper and Mr. Van Halen. Thank you CNN production team.
@ I’m not expecting them to change their reporting behavior. What I’m saying is their celebrity interviews and especially their documentaries are top notch. Like their look back at certain decades or their specials like the Space shuttle docs. It’s a separate division of the company that puts those great shows together.
You should give Sammy some credit for brilliant writing and Performing with you and keeping the band on top and relevant for another decade! He loved you guys!
Grateful to Alex and Anderson for this interview. Eddie Van Halen was an extraordinary musician. His music was a gift. We’re fortunate that he shared his talent with us. Condolences to Alex.❤
Grateful to Alex for sharing some of himself and Eddie. I was 15 in 1980 when I discovered Van Halen. Ed and Al, and now Wolf, are still my number #1 go-to for musical comfort.
This destroyed me. 17:34 "KLOS to KMET". I grew up in SoCal and listened to both these stations that played VH extensively. Thank you. Thank you for my youth. Thank you for the best music you could offer a kid growing up.
in the mid 70's when they were getting started, i would see them at a small beer dive in Pomona, ca that catered to the 2 local collages ...i have a picture of a contract that alex signed with the owner in 1976 giving them 250 dollars for a 2 night gig (march 24 and 25, 1976 ..requiring them to do 5 sets of 4 to 5 minutes on each of the nights ... it includes his signature, address and phone number .that gig cost me a 2.50 cover charge and a 1.50 for a pitcher of beer
I was 14 when a friend played Eruption over the phone. At that moment Eddie was my hero. I saw them open for Sabbath, the second tour, Diver Down and 1984 tour’s. I feel so lucky
Ed was my biggest hero. As a budding guitarists, we all wanted to be EVH. I grew up in Oklahoma in the 70s. My mom was from Japan, my dad is Caucasian. I don't remember many other Asians (or partial Asian) decended people at "hero level", to the point where I wanted to grow up and do what the did. Ed was my biggest hero, and when I finally discovered he too was half Asian (I didn't know until the mid 90s!), it finally gave me real pride of my ancestry. Although I never met him, his passing devastated me. I had to pull the car into a parking lot when I heard the news. I cried in that parking lot for over half an hour before I could drive home. I hope he knows how much he meant to his fans who he lit a fire, as one of the greatest guitarist of our time. EVH changed the course of the river, as it had not been changed in a manner that Hendrix did before him. Rest in peace, Ed. We will forever miss and love you for lighting that fire in each of us.
I also grew up in Oklahoma in the 70s, OKC! Our oldest son married a Filipino girl & we have a grandson who is half Filipino & Half Dutch, so I always tell him I have very high hopes for our grandson! lol
What a interview. I love hearing and seeing this raw emotion. The brothers delivered the best music anyone could ever hear. They truly are revolutionary in their craft. Thank you for sharing this interview.
'Where have all the Good Times Gone'. I am lucky I got to grow up as a teen in the 80's. Always looked up to Eddie. In the video 'Jump' will never forget he was always smiling. No one smiles anymore, their faces are two inches from the 'device'. I don't carry a cell phone with me. I don't need to be tracked I am not important I don't want cancer. I'll take my Freedom like we had growing up.
phones don't cause cancer, dude. lol. but it's still good to not own one. especially because of social media, or texting, or having someone call you from wherever. they're not tracking us, either. that's just egotism. we simply are not that important. i program computers, so you know, the ad trackers don't know WHO you are. that's paranoia and conspiracy. anonymous data gathering is a real thing and is actually beneficial. you're still using youtube, dummy. if you were sincere in your paranoia, you wouldn't have an account here, period. get a grip. even with a fake email and fake account name youtube knows your IP address and if you don't know what that is, you shouldn't be indulging in paranoia. you shouldn't ,anyways. unless you're up to no good. my experience is that people involved with kiddie porn and stuff are afraid of surveillance.
I was a freshman at Maui High School when Van Halen’s debut album came out and instantly became my favorite band,Alex my favorite drummer🥁I lost my youngest brother 20 years ago and it pretty much destroyed me😔I was ready to end it all so I could be with him and he came to me in a dream that felt so real,he calmly explained how everything would change for me and now wasn’t the time for me to cross over and he would send me someone to love someday soon fast forward to the day my son is born I’m holding him in my arms sitting in the hallway while they tend to his mother and I see and feel this light of energy pouring down on me and at that very moment I felt my brothers hand on my shoulder and hear his voice whispering now you have someone to love and live for,I was overwhelmed with emotion(like I am writing this)and in a way that experience provided a little closure for me. You never get over losing a brother and for me moving on in life is exactly what he needed and wanted me to do😃also I named my son Van🤙🏽
It may sound corny, but I love Alex for his depth. Such a private man willing to be so open in his grief - it's a powerful thing to see.
People don't understand him, especially Eddie trunk. They assume things by talking to Hagar and Michael Anthony.
He's got principle and he sticks to it
Ed and Al are/were kings. Trunk, Hagar give us some simple entertainment from time to time but Ed and Al brought us the gold. Golds not cheap and Eddie knowingly paid the price.
@@Albatross_1823 Sammy Hagar gave us some simple entertainment from time to time ???? Sammy Hagar is one of the best and most knowledgeable people out there. What are you talking about? Helloooooo
He's doing it to try and sell a book.
Not corny at all. People are very afraid of this kind of emotion so they label things like this "corny" so they have cover for avoiding that part of their emotions. Alex is very relatable for me. As a drummer and as a man.
When Eddie died, I cried for a person I didn't know personally for the first time in my life. That's how much his music meant to me.
Same here - he was our Coltrane, Beethoven or Hendrix. 💔
Same here. Tearing up now.
Same, but Dimebag Darrell. And obviously they are connected in life and death.
Same.
I hear you man....
I was born and raised in Pasadena. These guys lived around the corner from me. Watched them blow up. I just lost my sister to ovarian cancer and it’s killing me. This interview helped me, listening to Alex talk about his brother. I wish him and the family peace and know how fucking difficult it is not having your sibling around…miss you sis-love you guys…
All the best to you! I'm going to Scotland tomorrow to visit my mum in hospital, my dad said she's going downhill fast, shes got cancer, I realize I have to be strong for my family, I have two younger brothers. Seeing your comment makes me think about the other people out there that are suffering, cheers man.
All the best to you both ❤❤❤ Stay strong but let yourself grieve--remember the love-love always wins
@@zamiadams4343 God bless you both Keeferdog and zamiadams (Paul)
Speak for yourself. My sister lives about 20 minutes from me and we haven't spoken since right before COVID...lol...
I hear you loud and clear. I lost my brother to cancer, he was 66, and it's killing me too. At one point I asked God to take me I was in such pain. My brother was everything to me. I loved him so much.
Watching Alex Van Halen open up about the loss of Eddie with Anderson Cooper is a reminder of how deeply music and family intertwine. Alex’s words resonate with a profound sense of loss and love-a brotherhood that transcended the stage. Eddie’s genius wasn’t just in his guitar; it was in the way he connected with the world, and Alex’s heartfelt reflections ensure his legacy continues to inspire. This interview isn’t just a story of loss-it’s a celebration of the bond they shared and the timeless gift Eddie gave to all of us through his music.
Thank you, Anderson Cooper for bringing this interview to us. Alex was such a frustratingly hard interview to get and there was little information out there about him, compared to his brother. And Alex was so important to so many of us Gen X drummers but there was just very little information about him. He had such a signature sound and blazing chops on the drums. There will never be another Eddie but there will also never be another Alex Van Halen.
Alex will always be my favorite drummer.
Not a Cooper fan ,but this time he did good
I'm with you on this, AVH was always a mystery for decades and now, thanks to his great book, he's everywhere and it's very welcome.
@
Exactly. There was the occasional Modern Drummer article every 10 years but that’s about it.
I’m surprised they didn’t somehow make this about hating Trump. It’s pathetic people still watch CNN, the few that still do.
The Earth is billions of years old... and we managed to exist at the same time as Van Halen! Thanks for the soundtrack of my life Alex.
hah! so true! well said!
Right there with ya.
One of the best comments I ever read in my life!
Van Halen sound was so powerful..whom evva might lol. ToTo Eddie's best friend one of em. Luke. Steve lukather. Rolling Stone asked Eddie how does it fill beibg the greatest guitarist there is right now an he said I don't know you'd have to ask Luke. Dats how humble he was. Always playing w a smile.
If I could time travel back to the age of the dinosaurs --- I'd be sitting on a rock and humming "Panama" to a triceratops LOL
After nearly 50 years I had never heard Alex say one word, this was enlightening. RIP Edward.
There is many interviews on RUclips will Alex, just not in the last decade.
Your so right
This interview is beautiful, TY! Anderson, and Alex🥰🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👩🏻🦰💜
Did he be pass too
I heard him saying random things in the background on the song Inside!
If you're Gen X, it's hard to think of a band that meant more to you than Van Halen.
I feel fortunate to have seen them on the For Unlawful Carnial Knowledge tour in Atlanta when I was 16. Alice In Chains opened up. They were really great.
So True!!! I grew up in the 80's. I seen them many times but the time I saw them at the US Festival in 1983 comes up in my mind and the day I had there. The band was pretty drunk during their performance. Oh I was in the biggest food fight I seen as we were all going into the festival. Including we got stuck in the Datsun B210 in line trying to get out until morning before the line moved. 5 of us in the car.
@@comfortablynumb9342I saw them on the same tour, but in Chicago.
They were the soundtrack to every party in hs
@@mandcbruce Ahh the memories!!!
Eddie was a huge part of our lives it’s still hard to believe he’s gone ,RIP🎸🐐
This interview profoundly moved me.
You pooped as a result???🤣
Who knew Alex was a man of such depth and wisdom. Eddie and Dave drew much fan attention and Alex was an under appreciated drummer. His leadership was also under appreciated. What a dude!
Dave always said Alex was the heart of the band. It was Dave’s idea to name it Van Halen and it was named after Alex, not Ed.
only because of Eddies larger than life presence, Alex has not got recognition for his part in Van Halen
Alex....was more of a drinker....during his band days@@Eqium
He's never been under appreciated, mad respect since they came on the Pasadena scene. #AVH #VanHalen #EVH
Met him at a recent book signing, good guy
Thank you Alex. Eddie is not forgotten. He is by your side and always will be. Great interview Anderson.
Eddie wil be remembered for his 1st in music and the guitar he will always be in the top 3 guitarist ever, RIP Eddie Taken too soon gods rocking out in heaven
😞 🎸❤❤❤
It is a very good interview mainly because of the openness and the sincerity of Alex. But the finale is disgusting. And it’s on the media. Yes, the rock life is running with the devil. But life and even death don’t belong to the devil. God created us, as the whole universe and everything. And His Son Jesus the Christ, who died on the Cross for us, sets us free - from the devil, the sin and the death. RIP, Eddie.
@@ballbreathtaker9773 It was so obvious that AC has never listened to one second of Van Halen in his life! Still great to listen to Alex though!
I met Ed twice. Once after a show and once at an airport in Maui after the 96 tour. Both times he was very kind. He said hello back. Asked how I was and why I was in Maui. He had a ukulele in his on board backpack with the neck sticking out. I asked if he planned on using that for the next LP. He laughed and said, we’ll see. He shook my hand and off he went. I never saw or felt any form of tension from him. That was during that time of him and Sammy becoming separate. I saw a sweet soul, willing to take a few minutes for a quick chat. He was an amazing gifted musician, and I miss him every day. Eddie was everyones brother. I listen to his music at least once every day. He left his mark on with world for all of us to enjoy and smile. Never forget Ed, Alex, Mike, David, Gary, Wolf and Sammy.
That's a great story & thank you for sharing. I too, listen/play some VH every day. My mailbox is flyin' the Frankenstrat color scheme 🎸
Very cool story. I’m the same age as Eddie and maybe that’s why I feel a kinship with those of my generation where their music was a part of our lives.
Very cool story..:.thanks for sharing! I met Ed once at The Recency hotel in NYC in 2001. I used to work at the hotel’s gym, and he was in the lobby walking towards the elevator. I told him he was the man, etc., and his face lit up like a Christmas tree.
That smile of his was the real deal. He was a sweet heart. I’d like to think I made Ed’s day with my praise. He was generally appreciative.
The whole interaction was maybe two minutes at best and I still play it over and over in my head.
Miss ya Edward!!
I wish I could have met him! I’m sure it made his day. He was like Elvis; no matter how big he got, he always wanted to thank his fans.
Thanks a lot to whoever brought the damn onions in here. This interview really tugs at the heart.
Alex is absolutely right, I lost the love of my life in 2023 to brain cancer, she was only 50, but she visits me in my dreams, I like to think that’s her stopping by to say hi and let me know she’s ok, energy is neither created nor destroyed in this universe it just changes form, when someone you love passes on you never get over it, you just learn to live with it, that’s all you can do, but if they could speak to you they would tell you to carry on and don’t look back, don’t wallow in the past, look to the future and hope someday you will see them again, thanks for the interview Alex and Anderson! God bless!
60 year old man here and tears were rolling at certain parts of this interview. Big Al was always my favourite member of group. He wasn't in spotlight much but few interviews he did back in the day, to me he always came across as deep, intelligent and introspective. He was all that in this interview.
Thank you, Anderson for the thoughtful interview - and thank you, Alex for being so open about the amazing bond you shared with your brother. I know you've probably heard this a million times, but Ed was the reason I picked the guitar. The music of Van Halen continues to be the soundtrack of my life.
This. same. 💯 thank you!!
As much as I love Eddie, I realize that it was the symbiotic relationship between Eddie and Alex that made the band what it was.
Ed had a drum machine called Al
It’s so comforting to read these comments. I was 47 going through a divorce with my high school sweetheart of 25 years, and I cried more hearing the news of Ed’s passing than I did over my divorce. My older brother introduced me to Van Halen in 1980, and he that was it. Van Halen is all I knew. Watching him suffer, killed me. I never wanted to reach out to someone so badly and try to help them. I’d gave anything to have him here. Such creativity.
Thank you Alex for sharing and letting us grieve along with you.
Alex is such a kind and generous man. He has such a wicked sense of humor too! A few years back I did some electrical work for him in his garage. This was shortly before his brother Edward passed away- God bless his soul- We were moving stuff out of the way to get to an electrical socket that needed repairing. I moved a set of Honma Beres 5-star golf clubs. I was drooling over these things! (for those of you reading this who don't play golf- these are top of the line clubs worth around 40-50k!) Anyways, we were having such a great conversation- I knew who Van Halen were but I wasn't a huge fan-I finished up the work I had to do and Alex says "I want you to take those clubs" I couldn't believe it! Then he say's "don't tell anyone where you got them or you'll be wearing that golf bag!" I'm truly sorry for his loss and Alex, If you're reading this- I'm sorry I told everyone where I got the clubs! God bless!
Awesome story!
@@daniellurman9093 wow … nice job and a generous Alex ! I had a client give me a tip one day after i finished a simple job installing a printer . He paid his bill and his wife gave me an envelope and said a little tip for you open it later. I had looked at her Imac briefly and fixed so e little thing on a previous visit. I got in my old truck and as i was driving away i opened the envelope a check for 10k i was in total shock …she had over heard me saying i didn’t have medical insurance because at the time i was barely hanging on business wise small town. I have never encountered such selfless people and my mind was blown !
Amazing Daniellurman ! What a fantastic moment in your life.
Yeah,Alex is a very humble man.
He still does go fly to The Netherlands for visiting his family.
Your historic moment is priceless.
Best regards from me, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 🇳🇱
Is this a real story or fake? I find it hard to believe Alex would give a $50,000 set of clubs to a stranger
@@kerzytibok3211 hi there, I can understand why you would think that I’m not telling you the truth, I couldn’t hardly believe it too when he said he wanted me to have them! He wouldn’t take no for an answer. I haven’t even used them. I’m not exactly a pro and I sure don’t want to ruin them! Take care.
There will never be another Ed or Alex. The chemistry between them on stage was unmatched. Ed added color to Al's beat in such a perfect way. Thanks Al for your last letter to Ed!
I have seen a lot of these Alex van Halen interviews lately, & for me this is by far the best. Anderson is truly empathetic and a great interviewer. I think he brought out the best in Alex. I am thankful that Alex wrote this book and did these interviews. Van Halen forever and long live the King 👑🙏
CIA trained Cooper? Yes, Anderson acted his part well during this interview with a man seemingly still grieving.
I am not a fan of Anderson Cooper but he really did do an excellent job with this interview.
I thought Anderson did a good job on Jeopardy also. It's sad I have so many Republican friends that won't watch this because they're blinded by politics. I really like Anderson Cooper. He is just a good person.
@@ic5761that's the problem with Republican friends.
@@ic5761 No, he's not. He's another leftist reporter that twists the news against Republicans.
Phenomenal interview with Alex VanHalen, Anderson Cooper!!-I ❤ your style of interviewing!-You seem to coax out the best, Sir-I thank you for this fantastic interview.
I am a 58. I was turned on to Van Halen in the Spring 1978. I as a 12 year kid knew instantly that Edward was our Jimi, Jeff, Eric and Jimmy.
I miss those days in 1978-1980 slinging papers and blasting Van Halen on my G.E tape recorder blasting out the Disco and Punk from the neighbor kids.
Thank you Edward for all the great songs, videos, concerts, interviews and your generosity.
❤
When I found out Ed died, I cried for 3 days. I never met him in person, saw Van Halen live twice, stood 10 feet away from Ed when he was in his hotel room, but too afraid to just go up and say, "what do you say?" I put on his music and that feeling, that's Ed. HIs touch, his magic, "I'm the One", "Eruption", I hear that and Ed is with me, in my soul. What an incredible time to be alive and experience Edward Van Halen. He touched my life in so many ways. Thank you Ed. Miss you.
Mate I was the same . I live in New Zealand and around 1996 van halen came here . I saw him and Valerie about 10 metres from me and I wish now I went over to shake his hand . I was way to shy for that . I then stood in the audience in front of him in the front row that same night . It was something I will always remember . When Ed died I bout 2 EVH guitars , a wolfgang standard and a special . Nobody will ever have the tone of Ed , just magic . RIP emortal Ed Van Halen .
I was the same exact way. RIP EVH
I cried too. Long live King Edward!!!
Cried 3 days for a guy that didn't know your name. Foolish!.
I miss Edward so freaking much. I'm crying right now.
So moving to hear how emotional he gets hearing Eddie play now.
I'm a jimi hendrix fan but Eddie to me was the greatest guitarist there ever was. R.I.P
Eddie had more talent in his pinky finger than most guitarist have in their entire hand. Truthfully, I was more a Eddie Van Halen fan than a Van Halen band fan, that you can appreciate the talent that is just obvious in a person. He created an entire new way of playing, and influenced a generation.
Absolutely the GOAT. None come close.
It depends on what kind of music you like. If you’re into jazz guitar, no rock guitarist can fill in
i like to think of Jimi as the da Vinci of rock guitar, and Ed the Sir Isaac Newton. where would we be without them both?
When industry insiders talk about what a "master" he was, they were seeing what we never saw or heard on an album or on stage. Frank Zappa saw it first hand. Called him over to the house and initially thought he was a one-trick pony and quickly saw he was on another plane of existence. Even in the height of theory acriomny, Sammy Hagar never stopped saying what a masterful guitarist he was and the magic in making music with him.
We live with the embodiment of our loved ones who’ve passed on ♾️ their very existence is part of ours forever. That’s Eternal Memory
Life gets in the way of life as we travel through existence hoping to make the voyage around the sun just one more time. 🎂 Godspeed & Good Luck everyone. See y’all on the otherside.
Two brothers making great music, how can you beat that !!!
Thanks Alex for sharing your personal feelings. You & your brother = legends
Absolute legends that will never be forgotten
I still can't believe Eddie is gone. He left us richer for knowing him. He left us wanting more. He left us to early. He left us with memories we wil cherish. Rip Edward.
I'm just finishing reading his memoir, "Brothers". It is intensely personal, authentic, heartfelt, interesting, funny.. and the reader is getting the gift of two life stories intertwined for the price of one. It is a spectacular testament to the lasting power of their music as well as how love never dies. I am grateful I picked up this book. Thank you for sharing, Alex Van Halen.
I just finished it too and thought it was great. I really with things between them and Mike didn't go so sour. They were unstoppable when they were in sync.
I'm reading it right now. Good book!
I lost a brother in 2011. I was the oldest, not a day goes by I don't think about him. I fill Al's pain, Van Halen was my favorite band.
I was depressed for about 3 weeks when Eddie passed away. He was one of my favorite guitarist of all time. Van Halen was a major part of my life in the teenage years, and beyond. It's good hearing Alex talk about his brother and the bond they had, R.I.P. Eddie.
For those of us who grew up with this music, and who have lost loved ones….I think Al’s comments on loss and grief really hit home. I wonder if he really understands the magnitude of impact he and his brother had on the rest of us and the world. He talked of energy. As a musician and someone who has recorded, one of the magical things that always impressed me was the capture of a moment in time in the studio. And how that lives on. What these guys created….those moments in time captured in the music….that energy went on to become a part of all of our lives. Our childhoods. It’s a part of our memories bouncing around the neighborhood and schools with our friends or sitting in our bedrooms playing our own instruments and dreaming. That energy expanded and we all have a piece of it. Al, Ed…..thank you for all of it.
Beautifully said ❤
What a great and honest interview. So sorry for Alex!
SO sincere and honest. Amazing interview.
Alex was great talking about Ed, he knew him the best, the good the bad and the ugly. The bond was unbreakable, we all got to witness a band that has no timeline with influence. Van Halen was lightning and thunder in a bottle that exploded on the scene in the late 70’s that can never be replicated. The band may be no more, but the music and memories will last a lifetime. VAN HALEN FOREVER!!!
Thanks Alex for sharing your feelings. I sorry for your loss...Eddie brought a lot of joy to us all.
The courage it takes to do an interview like this is profound and respectable. Thank you for this interview. It was beautiful.
I think that Anderson Cooper is so good @ these interviews because of the loss of his brother and father.
@@patriciagonzales2148 He started his "All There Is" series when his mother died. There is something about losing a celebrity family member... it seems that you grieve two times over. Once for your loved one, and again for the loss to the world. Anderson Cooper's mother was Gloria Vanderbilt, a household name in the 1980's and a member of that legendary family. He was very close to her, and when she passed he really grieved deeply.
Finally!! Something I can give a thumbs up to CNN! As a 56 year old, I was a teen during the Van Halen awesome years. Still the Top 3 guitarist of all time!!
Sounds like a Trumper. 🫣
@@eoliver437 Yep, they always jump in and ruin everything. Always with a snide comment.
Well, I’m not a “Trumper” as you say, but I feel the same way. I wish CNN was built on more true journalism like this. Excellent interview Anderson!
Lol. True. Christopher Bollyn is a rock god too.. with words
Top 3 guitarists? Not hardly...That would be Hendrix, Beck, and Clapton...and no matter how good a guitar player Van Halen may have been, he never played on a song that was worth a damn...nothing but heavy metal teenage nonsense...
The day Eddie died, I was listening to the Led Zeppelin tribute by the Wilson sisters performing Stairway. It was the first time I had ever listened to the song end to end. I then knew outside sadness, crying for Ed like I did my own father. He taught me so much about music, just by listening.
Don’t worry Ed. We were listening, and loving every minute of it.
I was a teen in the 80's and Van Halen music was always there during all the best moments I had back then --- thank you so much for that, Mighty Halen!
My heart hurts for Alex … and thanks him for sharing himself, his grief and his love for his brother Eddie. Thank you for the genius of the music you created together to touch the world. God bless.
It’s alex sobriety that has him talking like this…beautiful
He’s very intellectual glad he’s sober
@ deep thinking for sure…
So many of us grew up on VAN HALEN, Eddie, Dave, Michael, and Alex. Clearly, we all have heard Dave Blabber on, Eddie had his moments of opening up, Michael was always decent and laid-back, but Alex was always an Enigma we rarely heard from. So, to listen to him in this lovely intimate conversation is so illuminating about who he is as a human. I was very touched.
Very well said. I'm a guitar player so I've never heard an interview with Alex. He seemed reclusive. When Alex auctioned his drums,, it seemed like he was done with music. I can't recall him playing with anyone else. This was a great interview. I had no real idea of. Alex as a person.
It’s so wonderful to hear Alex’s voice again. He’s always been true to himself, never succumbing to public pressure to speak when he wasn’t ready, and I deeply respect that. Now, stepping out of the shadows to share his journey through this book is truly inspiring. Thank you for opening up and sharing your stories, Al.
One of the best interviews I have watched in a long while. Thank you, Alex! RIP EVH
What a guy...Alex is a good guy....mad respect!
Alex has given us a perspective about strong family bonds and a connection that is worthy of sharing. I wish him love and peace.
Eddie was very blessed to have a loving and adoring brother like Alex who believed in his talent and loved him unconditionally. Dank u wel Alex.
Great interview. Anderson showed much respect with great questions. Alex poured his heart out.
Eddie and my gramps passed on the same day, never missed a tour since 84, now I go see Mammoth WVH…Wolfie is phenomenal
This interview and Alex' profound depth of words, are very eye-opening and well-expressed. As a fledgling Rock guitarist early on, I heard Ed and he literally changed my life on a dime. A landmark moment for me. Like so many others, I was emotionally-crushed to the bone when he passed. I am grateful for this convo between Al and Anderson Cooper.
I love the VH bros. and all the music. but especially thank you Anderson for such a thoughtful and respectful interview.
I was about 10 years old when I first heard VHI on vinyl and it changed my life. I’ve been a professional musician my whole adult life. I got the chance to meet Ed and thank him. He made the world a better place.
Alex, my heart goes out to your heart. Among otherworldly happenings, twice after my mother died, I smelled her perfume and not even anywhere it could have or would have been. I know the connection you speak of. Thank you for the music!
Long Live King Edward ❤🖤🤍🎸👑
Whenever life used to get me down, I would always remind myself that Van Halen was still making music. Thank you, Wolfie, for picking up the torch. Thank you, Alex, for the book and the interviews. They help ease the pain for all of us.
Thanks for this. Lovely interview
I don't know much about Van Halen but this interview is very impressing! This man can speak, feel, honor, articulate, be humours and show true brotherly love. Almost tears here viewing this. What a long career. Rip.
i had greatest luck in my life to have worked at Ed’s home on 2 different occasions for a few days each time. Once was in 2015 listening to Ed, Al and Wolf jamming in 5150 for the upcoming tour. Godspeed EVH
Rare is the time that I have the patience to sit through a 20-minute interview. but this was a pleasure. Alex to mind is one of the most under-rated drummers of his era. Just so creative and sympathetic to the music. A musical drummer. Vân Halen was never my favorite band, but for anyone who picks up a guitar in future generations will have to go through the EVH room and study and learn from his influence. For anyone in high school in the 80's, you couldn't avoid Eddie or the band. They were simply that big and that influential.
Such a great interview. I’m happy to hear Alex’s love and stories about his brother!
WOW - Alex Van Halen - what a great brother, I feel he made his little brother feel that confidence that inspired a generation. Thank you Alex Van Halen for doing this talk. Peace Brother
I just got done reading Alex's book. It was very sweet, and most enlightening about their life as children and adults. Thank you and may peace find you.
Alex is my drum hero. When he talked about his dad passing i got chills. My dad played guitar in bands his whole life and in time he took me out on the road with him and its a special bond. The morning he passed i went home and played my drums like a madman for hours and it felt like thats what he wanted me to do and a way to say thanks pop, you passed your passion on to me. Thanks pop! Love and miss you.
Sad but great story!!!
Such a great interview..... after hearing Al talk, the pain is so deep that one can't imagine him ever wanting to play his music without his brother. He is so courageous in being willing to talk about it publicly. It's a blessing that he has Wolf.
Yes, Alex and Wolf ❤
I applaud Alex for opening up about this. I can’t imagine how heartbroken he still feels. I’m still heartbroken for him, Wolf, and Valerie
Also his wife Janie.
I've been waiting for this interview for 4 years. Eddie was for me like my musical father. I cried like a child when he passed. I also lost my brother he drown when he was six I was six years older. As Billy said when you see your brother dead you are not the same person anymore. Now I know why he didn't tour to honour Eddie, it is still too painfull for him. RIP Eddie, Big hug Alex and Wolfgang. Great interview.
What an excellent interview! From the heart.
Amazing interview. Alex is not only one of the most under-recognized and great drummers, but an extraordinarily articulate and sensitive guy. Very glad he did this interview with Anderson, who also has a unique skill for interviewing.
This is a fabulous heart felt interview. I really identified with Alex talking about feeling Eddie being around him and how he finds it comforting. The explanation of frequency and tuning into it was so very well explained.
Probably one of the few times CNN is worth watching
Ya i was thinking the same thing fkn liers that they are and that anderson was really good too But saying that i will never support the people at CNN
While I’m no longer a viewer of CNN, my only response to your statement and I stand by it is, those of us who vote primarily for democrats, we are simply normal humans that respect others, value the concept of looking out for each other, and having authentic connections with others. I say this to say, there isn’t ONE host on Fox that could conduct this interview because they lack the ability to be authentic and empathetic humans because they are dishonest people who tow the company line. Sad
This is the content they need to get back too.
Truth
They have gotten a bad wrap because trump hated that CNN called him out for his never ending lies and expised the criminal that trump is. Trump won on lies! #ThankYouCNN
I really can't believe Alex not just did an interview, but even wrote a book about him and his brother. He's always been a silent enigma and I know losing his brother devastated him. I been to a few of their concerts over the years and had a great time every time. I heard more from Alex in this interview than I heard from him in his entire career combined. I can't imagine what kind of hell he's going thru losing Ed, but
I think writing his book, he was able to come out from behind the drum kit and show a side of himself that many of us fans been dying to hear. I can't wait to read his book
This interview is fantastic. I don't think I've ever heard an interview with Alex before. The love for his family is unwavering.
Lost my sister to ovarian cancer,she was a big Van Halen fan and the day she found out she had cancer was the day of Eddie's passing. Stay strong Alex as the grief will be with you for ever as will your music for the world. By the way great tribute to Eddie with your book.
Sorry about your Sister. Thanks for sharing.👍✌️😢
❤😢 Thanks for airing this interview 🙏
I wish AVH had a more public persona over the years. Hearing him speak at length about his brother and their relationship was lovely.
I lost my wife to breast cancer 10 years ago, and I mourn her passing every day, I understand what Alex is saying very much, we were married for 30 years when she died, I used to think there was something wrong with me for the way her passing affected me, and how I could not get over her passing, Billy Bob said it very well about never getting over it ❤️
I can tell you that if you don't acknowledge grief it will catch up to you. I lost both my parents within 90 days of each other. Thought I was OK until we had their memorial service when I was a mess. Grieve, cry, let it all out. RIP Eddie you are the GOAT. Alex you are a true brother to your brother.
I was fortunate enough to see Eddie Van Halen and his namesake band's predecessor, Mammoth, in 1975. My dance partner and I had the floor to ourselves for the entire first set. Eddie looked like he was too young to be playing in a club, but he was twenty at the time. The whole band was better than good. Eddie was exceptional. He led a good life, and we can all be happier knowing he was part of us, as we were part of him. RIP.
Long Live the Van Halen. Feel fortunate to have seen them twice in concert. Great Interview Anderson, and a much needed one for us die hard VH fans. Much strenght & Peace Alex, Rest In Power EVH
For all the criticism that CNN takes it has to be acknowledged that they produce a certain level of quality interviews and documentaries that is unmatched in any of the 24 hour cable news channels. This was a wonderful interview. Thank you Mr. Cooper and Mr. Van Halen. Thank you CNN production team.
CNN should be criticized !!!!! They are a complete disease on our society !!!!!
Alex was a great interview. Cooper is a dud.
About time CNN turns the corner from being a partisan “news” feed. Hopefully they can keep on with real information.
@ I’m not expecting them to change their reporting behavior. What I’m saying is their celebrity interviews and especially their documentaries are top notch. Like their look back at certain decades or their specials like the Space shuttle docs. It’s a separate division of the company that puts those great shows together.
It's only when they do politics.
VH growing up in the 80’s was epic 🔥🔥
You should give Sammy some credit for brilliant writing and Performing with you and keeping the band on top and relevant for another decade! He loved you guys!
Grateful to Alex and Anderson for this interview. Eddie Van Halen was an extraordinary musician. His music was a gift. We’re fortunate that he shared his talent with us. Condolences to Alex.❤
Grateful to Alex for sharing some of himself and Eddie. I was 15 in 1980 when I discovered Van Halen. Ed and Al, and now Wolf, are still my number #1 go-to for musical comfort.
Great job, Anderson Cooper. Thank you, Alex. NO ONE rocked harder live than Eddie and Alex.
This destroyed me. 17:34 "KLOS to KMET". I grew up in SoCal and listened to both these stations that played VH extensively. Thank you. Thank you for my youth. Thank you for the best music you could offer a kid growing up.
I really appreciate Alex’s “spiritual” depth and absolute openness when talking about his beloved brother Ed.
Alex is very spiritual and is so articulate ✨✨
in the mid 70's when they were getting started, i would see them at a small beer dive in Pomona, ca that catered to the 2 local collages ...i have a picture of a contract that alex signed with the owner in 1976 giving them 250 dollars for a 2 night gig (march 24 and 25, 1976 ..requiring them to do 5 sets of 4 to 5 minutes on each of the nights ... it includes his signature, address and phone number .that gig cost me a 2.50 cover charge and a 1.50 for a pitcher of beer
like his drumming
Yes agree seems to be great guy ❤
I was 14 when a friend played Eruption over the phone. At that moment Eddie was my hero. I saw them open for Sabbath, the second tour, Diver Down and 1984 tour’s. I feel so lucky
#DiverDown ...wow, takes you back. We grew up in glorious times indeed. #VH #TheMightyVanHalen
Wow...I'm jealous. I saw them only once!
Ed was my biggest hero. As a budding guitarists, we all wanted to be EVH. I grew up in Oklahoma in the 70s. My mom was from Japan, my dad is Caucasian. I don't remember many other Asians (or partial Asian) decended people at "hero level", to the point where I wanted to grow up and do what the did. Ed was my biggest hero, and when I finally discovered he too was half Asian (I didn't know until the mid 90s!), it finally gave me real pride of my ancestry. Although I never met him, his passing devastated me. I had to pull the car into a parking lot when I heard the news. I cried in that parking lot for over half an hour before I could drive home. I hope he knows how much he meant to his fans who he lit a fire, as one of the greatest guitarist of our time. EVH changed the course of the river, as it had not been changed in a manner that Hendrix did before him. Rest in peace, Ed. We will forever miss and love you for lighting that fire in each of us.
I also grew up in Oklahoma in the 70s, OKC! Our oldest son married a Filipino girl & we have a grandson who is half Filipino & Half Dutch, so I always tell him I have very high hopes for our grandson! lol
This is such a beautiful interview. Love you Al and thank you Anderson
Such a beautiful man. So happy to have had the chance to listen to him. A must read book.
I will never stop missing Ed. Long live Van Halen.
What a interview. I love hearing and seeing this raw emotion. The brothers delivered the best music anyone could ever hear. They truly are revolutionary in their craft. Thank you for sharing this interview.
'Where have all the Good Times Gone'. I am lucky I got to grow up as a teen in the 80's. Always looked up to Eddie. In the video 'Jump' will never forget he was always smiling. No one smiles anymore, their faces are two inches from the 'device'. I don't carry a cell phone with me. I don't need to be tracked I am not important I don't want cancer. I'll take my Freedom like we had growing up.
phones don't cause cancer, dude. lol. but it's still good to not own one. especially because of social media, or texting, or having someone call you from wherever. they're not tracking us, either. that's just egotism. we simply are not that important. i program computers, so you know, the ad trackers don't know WHO you are. that's paranoia and conspiracy. anonymous data gathering is a real thing and is actually beneficial. you're still using youtube, dummy. if you were sincere in your paranoia, you wouldn't have an account here, period. get a grip. even with a fake email and fake account name youtube knows your IP address and if you don't know what that is, you shouldn't be indulging in paranoia. you shouldn't ,anyways. unless you're up to no good. my experience is that people involved with kiddie porn and stuff are afraid of surveillance.
Wow the was an absolute amazing interview. Definitely teared up a few times. Rip Eddie a legend . Alex is a legend too.
I was a freshman at Maui High School when Van Halen’s debut album came out and instantly became my favorite band,Alex my favorite drummer🥁I lost my youngest brother 20 years ago and it pretty much destroyed me😔I was ready to end it all so I could be with him and he came to me in a dream that felt so real,he calmly explained how everything would change for me and now wasn’t the time for me to cross over and he would send me someone to love someday soon fast forward to the day my son is born I’m holding him in my arms sitting in the hallway while they tend to his mother and I see and feel this light of energy pouring down on me and at that very moment I felt my brothers hand on my shoulder and hear his voice whispering now you have someone to love and live for,I was overwhelmed with emotion(like I am writing this)and in a way that experience provided a little closure for me. You never get over losing a brother and for me moving on in life is exactly what he needed and wanted me to do😃also I named my son Van🤙🏽