I I know for certain that Alex Van Halen is MEAN SPIRITED HUMAN BEING, ESPECIALLY WHEN DRUNK . My close friend Brian Hendry,who was a professional monitor sound engineer for most of the 80s top groups used to work for Van Halen. He told me on a couple occasions of Alex Van Halen‘s behavior and how he treated crewmembers and he was a total bully. It is also backed up by Van Halen‘s manager, Noel Monk, who, out of the whole band, said he was I mean and brutal person to work for. In his newest interviews promoting the book he has stated one of the reasons he saw professional health was because angry and mean he treated loved ones and friends around him. So he has to live with whatever scrutiny comes back to him.
He seems chill, grateful, & absolutely approachable nowadays, having seen the recent interviews & book signings. I quit them after abomination Sam Halen born😅, but don't ever remember hearing him speak. Not surpised he was a dk being in GOAT live band, but when i finally heard him speak, i thought how lovely it would be to just shoot the sht about life with him. Wouldn't have to talk music at all!😅 Of course he's selling a product, but I was amazed how cool he SEEEMED??? 🤘🌎❤️
@@satyadasgumbyji8956I’ve listened and watched interviews with Alex dating back to when I was around 9 or 10 years old… when OU812 was all the rage on MTV and VH1, and I always got this impression that he was a cool dude. Never did I get the impression that he was this tyrant But to hear of that these days, I totally believe it, and it is a shame. Based on things I read in Monk’s book, it was basically a non stop party every single day that did not let up So take that, along with Alex doing mountains of cocaine while also drinking, and doing so knowing that you’re in your mid to late 20s with what seems like endless disposable income in your hands… and all the while, the world LOVES YOU and thinks you hold the keys that unlock the secrets to the universe… but the only keys those guys held could only unlock their hotel room doors. And that was only if they managed not to lose them It was inside these hotel rooms that seemed to unlock another dimension. A dimension of life that Alex would sometimes find himself wandering around in… a horrifying world that made the Twilight Zone look like Mary Poppins… a dimension where giant male weiners were the dominant species, as they were seen by Al protruding through the plaster walls talking to him in these demonic voices saying that they were going to KILL him!!! That’s when Alex bought a 12 gauge shotgun and began sleeping with it… that way if the giant alien male weiners began protruding from his walls… I guess they planned on choking him to death 😂… whatever the case, big Al was ready to fight to the death at all costs if one of those… things… got anywhere near his face and mouth When partying THAT HARD… it’s no wonder he went into a state of delusional psychosis. I seriously doubt he slept very much, probably afraid he was going to miss something. And no way in hell was he eating “right”, very likely going a few days at a time eating nothing. So yeah, I totally believe every word of what Noel Monk said about Alex’s delusional episodes he would have where all these dicks wanted him dead It’s psychotic AND metaphorical both… as if his guilty conscience was telling him “you keep being a DICK… live by the sword, die by the sword”
I disagree, at their core, the VH brothers were all about themselves first. Alcohol and drugs only amplify those things, whether good or bad. Alcohol and drugs were always their and fans excuses for these episodes.
I believe the roadie I met Alex at Los Angeles airport many years ago. I asked him a Drum question he answered it, but I can tell he did not want to talk to me at all and I was annoying him. I didn’t get an autograph or picture I thanked him and left.
I try to put myself in their shoes. If people come up to you on a nonstop basis, I think anyone would get annoyed after awhile. Especially if you are hungover or whatever. At least he signed and took a photo for you. I met Gene Simmons once and he was less than polite.
What does LA studios have to do with who cut your hair cut? Are you sure you're not just trying to seem cool online? The added backstory makes you stand out as a potential BS artist according to my hair stylist.
The nursery rhymes? The attack filled “memoir?”or is it the sign in sheet for the blue oyster? Sam is self righteous…..and should stop doing interviews. He’s been responsible for now drama than anyone. Facts period. He had to be vindictive and now regrets writing that book.
@@tommybotts no. They’re not perfect and DLR had nothing to do with Sammy so don’t drag in that drama. Sammy was just a singer and a decent one. His writing of lyrics is questionable while in VH and I can talk about his solo stuff cause I don’t care for it. I should’ve a little less sleep deprived when I commented. He’s screws Vic, Jason, Satch who seems to oblivious to how not good he’s playing VH and I’m a Satch fan. Kenny was better but I heard he left too. Jason is a good drummer and what other bands out there have to play songs from someone’s solo career? Yet ignore what got them there. Sam wouldn’t sing much from original VH. Then wanted another 2 years to sit around at his bar that ever helped him get. So Dan wrote a book and when that didn’t work he made FU EVH videos in Mikes name. Let Nike speak for once and shit the hell up. He decides fans like VH so his legacy is to play 70% VH from a so called “great career focusing on mainly one decade. VH were successful in spite of Sammy not because of him. LSD and Fave has it too but at least he earned his way in. Sam…well he wasn’t even a thought for a replacement singer and got lucky. Fact. Got bitter and write a book he regrets his words. Can’t get a cal back from Al so what does he do? Insults the guy after bashing his bro. They had a contractual obligation and he wanted time? Ironic that Dave left because of not wanting to so be too much time and give it a live feeling. I say this all the time if you love what you love and that’s cool. Sammy does have a decent voice. Btw? How diid Dan get wronged by VH? This should be interesting. They helped open a bar….then pulled out. I say good move Wolf!
I know this post is about Al, but bouncing off your response, it had to be a nightmare working for them. Especially Eddy. I forgot where I read it, but it was like nightly he’d take the guitar apart fully to tweak something. He was hammered 100% of the time in the day. I bet his tech had to put the damn thing back together constantly lol. Not being clairvoyant the poor guy couldn’t predict what the hell he was trying to do. I don’t know if there’s an amount of money that would make me take that job lol.
I was personally introduced to both Alex and Eddie in 1980 in 1981 at the Cow Palace and the Oakland Coliseum through mutual friends. Eddie and Alex were two of the Nicest musical artist’s I have ever met and I have nothing but Respect for them both. Michael Anthony, on the other hand, made me feel very uncomfortable. I remember Introducing myself to Michael Anthony and I put out my hand to shake his hand and he looked at my hand and slowly gave me a limp handshake As though he did not want to shake it. I’ll never forget that and I thought what an asshole. Dave was somewhat standoffish but very nice and he called me bro. I also was invited to an event where Narada Michael Walden, Sammy Hagar and Linda Perry were being inducted for lifetime achievement awards by the Grammys. I remember after Sammy was inducted. There was a concert with Ronnie Montrose playing guitar Anthony on bass and Eric Martin on lead vocals, I don’t remember who the drummer was and the background singers were the glide memorial gospel singers. When I saw Michael Anthony, I didn’t say anything to him because of the memory of the handshake.
@@organicsoda6633I met them in 1979 in Anaheim CA while they were rehearsing for their vh 2 album before they went out on tour ( dance the night away, and later little guitars). This is also when they would play at the avio dutch club in Anaheim on katella ( Eddie and Alex talk about on a RUclips video. 💃
Even Kurt Jeffries, the MTV Lost Weekend contest winner (I think I have his name right). He said that for night 2 when they showed up at the arena, drinking was the last thing on their minds, as he and his buddy were both still hung over He said that first thing when they rolled in there was Alex handed them each a beer. They both told him “nahhh we’re good” turning those beers down He said that Alex came back into the room with one of their BIG road guys and the two midgets, then Alex handed Kurt and his buddy a beer each once again and said “I have to go do something real quick. When I come back, those cans better be empty…” As Al exited the room, the big road guy and the two midgets just stared at them making sure that they emptied those beer cans, which I believe Alex gave them piss warm ones on his second offering as an additional slap in the face for turning him down the first time. The midgets and the big dude did as Alex told them, which was to make sure they emptied those beer cans, and NOT down the sink neither! If I’m not mistaken, Kurt’s buddy ended up going into convulsions from alcohol poisoning, or something like that
But then, Neil Zlozower has said in interviews (the end of tone talk interview) that Gregg left that tour because everybody, all the other people on the crew were giving Gregg a really hard time. I can believe Alex was not nice at the time, but it sounds like there was more going on with that whole situation. Zlozower said he had heard that all the other crew guys (who were new) had a problem with Gregg (who was old school).
Maybe, but if Van Halen was all about loyalty...why would Alex allow it? It would take one minute before, during or after soundcheck: "Anyone disrespecting my drum tech better pack your bags. Got it?" Done, but Alex didn't back his buddy up. You know who did? Michael Anthony's bass tech, is now his manager, they've been together since the beginning too.
2 hour gigs that you can't just take a break from when nature calls? He'd be crazy not to have a piss bucket nearby. It doesn't mean it was filled every night. It just means he was prepared. Probably because of a previous gig where he wasn't, and learned from it... signed, a drummer in LA.
@@mrscary3721 According to Sam’s book, they put a big rubber trash can behind the riser because Al would shotgun a case of Schlitz malt liquor during the show. He had to pee.
Read the book and judge Als attitude off of it,, We know that he rails on Sammy, Yet Sammy made them millions. Even bad mouthed him over a EVH tribute In the very least we know Alex is a dikhead , Your also dealing with one of the hottest bands in the world, The 80s and early 90s was a crazy music scene,, Rock stars was out of control,
Being a former drinker and hearing some things from other former drinkers I wouldn't doubt the story and being a former musician playing in South Florida I can tell you that bands are just another form of dysfunctional family it doesn't matter if you're local or major the only difference between them is the money and the fame and the monster that was Van Halen I'm pretty sure that it was off the charts more than likely because there's been a lot under the rug stuff since Eddie's passing and it sounds very familiar to be honest. I really believe that Ed was put upon a lot because he was the musician in VH and he was the one that had to come up with all the music and songs that the fans love and also to be honest it was a band decision that Mike was cut out of royalties and made him just a contract musician but someone had to put the bug in their ear and I really have to applaud Sammy for sticking by MA all this time with no complaints from either one of them. Their closeness is obvious.
Not shocked. I've heard stuff like that about Alex for years. Gregg was in a VH documentary years after he was out & he never said anything bad about his experience. Also Gregg passed away so you won't be hearing anything from him. I believe the roadie. I wish it wasn't true because I've loved VH since the 70's but like I said many many people have talked about the brothers being hard to get along with. And I use my own piss bottle because I'm always on a job site far from a bathroom but no one handles the bottle but me. I'm nobody important but if I was I couldn't do something like that to anyone.
@@marleyhatesyouall8394Yes. Alex fired him and years (decade or more) later Alex visited with him and Greg gave Alex all kinds of memorabilia he'd saved all these years and gave them to Alex, if I remember right. Soon after Greg killed himself.
That’s fucked up. That makes the story much worse. Alex fires Greg and then the guy kills himself. Did Alex at least give him a shout out of some kind? After he died?
I know That's wild what a trip I believe Alex was an a****** Greg was probably really a good dude surely he didn't take his own life because of Alex wow unbelievable@@phnigra111
@@joelclark9944 Gregg took his own life 19 years after he had stopped working for the band. It wasn't because of Alex. Gregg was having marriage problems. He actually also wounded his wife.
The majority of headlining bands back then had piss jars side stage for up front band members and behind the drum kit for the drummer. This was only really a thing for drinking bands. All Drinking bands😂. Thats why they each had a solo. I had one when I played, otherwise you can’t slam beers😂. Great video brother.
Nothing new there. Everybody knows his arrogance than and now. What was, is over. There will be no tribute to EVH by his brother of Dave. His book is a narrative to control the past. How cares, it's done. Odd how "Unfinished" sounds precisely exactly like what he didn't what to do in his version of a tribute. I will take the drum tech over Al any day. Too many people I know have met them and said the same about the EVH brothers.
2 things can be true, Eddy and Alex were amazing musicians, they were raging alcoholics and both had different drug addictions, fame and money also almost always changes people
Just another rock and roll tale, But I believe it. I really don't see what the guy has to gain from lying. I will alway's love the VH tunes but the more I learn of the VH bros. the less I like them as individuals. And how they did Michael Anthony was just disgraceful!...IMO
As for the piss bucket, it would have been nothing for Al to take a quick piss between songs when the lights were low and with Dave going on one of his rants. Plus, having 4 bass drums and a row of octabons in front him, Alex had plenty of cover Then came the clear acrylic vistalite kit for 5150. For the longest time I wondered why Al went with the REMO ebony heads for the 4 kick drums, rather than a clear ambassador to help really sell the transparency effect of the see through drums, but then after hearing about the piss bucket, it made sense to use the ebony ambassador heads, as those helped provide cover for whenever he needed to take a leak And I later learned that those ebony heads weee actually fastened to plywood cut to each drum’s diameter, then fitted in securely. Each plywood board also contained a piezo pickup, which essentially made an improvised Simmons pad
I wonder why this guy came forward with these accusations now? He could have come clean a couple of years ago. It's hard to say who is right and who is wrong. I would expect there will be other techs in Van Halen that may step forward with some kind of story like this guy did. I read Van Halen's book that was written by Van Halen's manager. He didn't really put anything in his book that suggested Alex was being a jerk to his drum tech. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
@@jumpingjacks5558 In his recently released book Alex was speaking affectionately about his tech Greg Emerson and was lamenting that he took his own life. (Paul)
No, Noel Monk didnt mention anything about Al being a jerk to his tech but he did mention how Al tried to F*** Noel's wife. Which wasn't just "Oh, he's just being a drunk Rock Star" it was Al being a drunk POS.
@@walterevans2118 See, I didn't know that, and that wasn't mentioned in this video. If I were this guy, I would have done all my research (read Al's One and Only Book) before going on video and making comments that could be misconstrued?.....
I bet a lot of big rock acts have have ways of relieving themselves without having to leave the stage. Especially if it’s a big act when you gotta go you gotta go and a lot of these guys were alcoholics. So they all had to go a lot. The show must go on
i do belive this story of a piss jar is probabaly very possible. i played in a local band in the area of where i lived that was working reguarly and making good money. but, the band leader was an absoulute ahole and terrorized us to death. almost impossible to work with. there was constant verbale abuse and threats of physical violence everyday. and constant threats of losing your job. the fact is i would have quit and found another job, but the fact is i didn't have many more skills if any at all and had to eat, and had a family. so for afew years i dealt with this. untill finally i had the guts to find another job and quit. so, as far as alex's tech being abused, it's quite possible that there was all that abuse and more. but if the money is good and someones danggaling that carrot in front of you and you've got a family to feed you'll put up wi th and keep the job.
Edd and Alex were abused by their mom from a young age . She was very vile with her mouth, she would belittle them. She even belittled their father telling him to go get a real job and that he was a shitty musician. The men ran to music to escape their mom.
It doesn't matter now. None of this Van Halen infighting matters now. It's not fair if you're judging someone back in their drinking days. It's a chapter from a long time ago when we all didn't have many problems and I wasted too much of my youth trying to emulate these guys!
Too bad Instagram and Ticktock wasn't around back then because the drum tech and Alex Van Halen could've sold those jars of piss to hardcore Van Halen fans. HA !!! Imagine the money that could've been made.
I've worked for everybody from Celine Dion, to Slayer to Beyonce'. But the fact I was made to clean bed sheets on 5 tour buses for Daddy Yankee's crew... Yeah! I believe it and I believe he knows Al probably don't drink enough water. Growing up in Oakland, CA I know what SCHLITZ malt liquor smells like.
I had the opportunity to speak with the guy who not only toured as Alex’s drum tech but also fabricated and painted several of his highly customized kits. He told me about the piss bucket, and how one of the kick drums was actually a beverage cooler in disguise. He had nothing but good things to say about Alex. I’m sure he was no angel, but like you mentioned he struggled with alcoholism most of his life so I’m not surprised that he mistreated some people. Let’s give Alex the respect he deserves for his legacy as a key component to one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
I think having a piss jar sounds totally reasonable, but having someone else tend to it ain't right. The rest of the stuff is f'd up, especially Schmidts Malt Liquor - that's some nasty piss beer!
The piss jar story reminds me of the story I heard about why Tommy Aldridge quit Black Oak Arkansas. Rumor has it that Jim Dandy was quite infamous for crapping his pants. And the final straw for Tommy was when Jim dandy wiped his ass with Tommy's sweat towel. Some say that's the true reason Tommy Aldridge quit Black Oak.
Well as a guy that’s been on that side of the music business, as well as on the stage with a guitar in my hand. But on that national level you half to wonder about these stories that come up. I’m sure it’s true, and the reason I say that is a simple fact, your on that level of fame your on top of the world and feel untouchable. Everything and everybody is at your mercy and your young and very wild in them days. And on the road crew side, you work your ass off and it’s pretty much damn Groundhog Day every single day. Your build a relationship rather it be bad of guy either the musical family and they is sort of a routine that plays out. Not taking sides by any means l, I love VH, and you hear both good and bad bad things about it all. But I believe this story. Sure there is more to it. But believe me, some very wild events happen that’s not normal and if you’re on the wrong end of them, it’s sucks. But I’m sure that road guy played the game and did his part. I mean, it’s Van Halen, who else can see that part of the band! Interesting story, I’m very sure there is more to unfold
all anyone has to do is watch the videos of Eddie and Alex when Dave and Sammy were fired. both of those men sat there and wallowed in the nasty. the first time, Dave, I was shocked at Eddie and Alex was a revelation because he had never really even spoken before. the second time was "okay they both are really nasty guys". what they did to Michael was just a continuation of that time and thought. Alex has said Michael "didn't add anything" musically. well neither did he in that sense. at least Michael added the high vocal backup singing ALEX.
Hell yeah! I use a piss bottle to this day so I don’t have to get up at night. Been doing it since military days. Just don’t put your water bottle by it 😂
Yes, i believe the roadie (1-view point) also Al (his vantage point). Mr.Drum Tech, most likely will not come forward to talk about the peejar. I'm going to say Mr.Drum Tech had to clean pee splash of the equipment. I wonder if there was those car scents hangin somewhere, so it didn't smell like a urinal. Thanks for your post.
I’ve heard mixed reviews on Eddie’s personality, some good-some not so good. Have to say I’ve never heard anyone say anything positive about Al’s personality though. He had a reputation for being a mean, drunk, bullying kind of guy.
Even if he had a piss jar, not wanting to leave the stage for a toilet break is somewhat professional and dedicated in itself.. if this is so.. not like he was asking him to drink it!
Two questions... First: Was Alex a Mel Blanc fan?? Second: How often did Al say... "Oh piss boy... Wait for the shake!!" Bahahaha!!! Sorry, sorry... can't help me-self!! 🤣🤣🤣I'm quite sure that Al wasn't the 1st to think of this method of relieving himself!! Just ask Phil Collins! Kidding...
Gotta "separate the artist from the art" sometimes. VH music sounded "different" to me after I read the book by their former Manager. Wish I had NOT read the book!
Van Halen was a great band, Eddie revolutionized rock guitar playing every bit as much as Hendrix did, Alex was the perfect drummer for the band. That being said the brothers pretty much fucked over everyone they worked with in one way or another; Roth, Sammy, Mikey, the Extreme guy, and a few singers that were told they had the VH gig but didn’t. So yeah I believe Alex treated his tech like shit.
You know Hagar's monumental ego has been bruised at not really even rating in the AVH book. Almost unintentionally, AVH comes down on Roth's side simply by asserting, quite genuinely imo, that the original line-up WAS the formative guts of the Van Halen story and that what came later were literally other bands, which is not to say better or worse, but simply different. But Hagar won't hear it that way. So, my theory? The drum tech was put up to it, if not even paid to do so, by a smarting Hagar. And the first call AVH made re: EVH'S death was to DLR? A big OUCH to the Samster. What makes it even worse is that AVH is speaking 'unedited' from the heart and is not really consciously investing in the perpetual Dave-vs-Sam dck-shaking contest (which imo Hagar keeps alive far more than Roth). This purely innocent diminishment of Hagar by the surviving brother adds to the sting. Btw I found myself utterly riveted to the AVH-Levy interview the other day for reasons well beyond mere VH fandom. My one nit? That Alex didn't even name-check Michael Anthony. A tad shabby there, Alex my friend. Otherwise what an insightful guy with some true wisdom to impart.
Awful GOSSIP ….Just leave poor Alex alone. He has the right to tell Edward’s story and his own story without all this. This source could be totally unreliable. (Paul)
The piss jar was a real thing during 5150 because Al was drinking so much he had to piss pretty much after every song so they had a bucket on the side of the stage for Al for Al to piss in
Sounds like Watkins has an axe grind with Alex. John Douglas who was Alex's drum tech in later years has nothing but glowing things to say about AL. Gregg was Al's tech for over 13 years(around '74 to '87) so it couldn't have been that bad. I would tend to believe AL more than I would some clown that seems butthurt.
Well, about the book Brothers: it is a very relaxed and easy -to-read book full of humor. I know I had to laugh a lot. Al's book was a pleasant surprise and I enjoyed reading the stories from the back seat of the tour bus very much. Do I believe what the roady who's name is not mentioned has to say about the relationship between Al and Gregg? No, I certainly don't. If you want to tell stories like that without telling me your name, I don't believe a word of it.Al says in his book that he pretty recently visited Gregg in Florida, I believe he even says that was shortly before Gregg shot himself, and to me that sounds plausible. I don't know why people shouldn't believe what Al has to say? I see some people are trying to compare your statement from "a horse with no name" with some details out of Sammy's book: please don't do that? Sammy's book can not compete with Al's book Brothers, because it is written out of mixed feelings .You will never get a balanced story when it is a one way street. . I am also a fan of Sammy's music, but he shouldn't have sold out his former band mates that way. And finally, whatever has been said about Al's piss jar: even if he had one, and I even believe he did, it is of no use to throw that kind of comment onto the socials because it is too personal .And so, it is just meant to do damage to someone 's personality : it just adds nothing at all. Al's book Brothers is on the New York Times bestsellers list already: let's congratulate him and just forget about the bad mouthing by people who want to remain anonymous. 💙💜
Sir i remember seeing the 1984 tour from the side of the drum kit an yes alex was drunk an throwing sticks n yelling at that drum tech an trying to knock drinks n glasses over while he played
Not seeing the issue with carrying a urine container off stage so that the show can go on. Pretty sure a lot of performers have had to utilize this procedure. If it’s in the roadie’s contract to carry out the waste, what’s the big deal?
1. The roadie, of course! 2. No, but he got paid for doing it. I bet he also had free drug and booze as well. 3. ? Hey, both Alex and Eddie grew up in a very toxic environment that Alex wants to romanticize to not traumatize more than he already is. His mom and dad treated them like useful garbage. Sarcasm and belittling was their every day to the point that they couldn't tell was was funny and what was bullying. The VH brothers treated MA like shit but, guess what? The only person they couldn't get in their web of bullying was Dave... Dave will bully both of them to work harder, he would beat up any sass they could come up with to the point that it was after Dave left Van Halen that I knew EVH could speak 😂 Is it healthy Dave's way of taming them? No!... but that was the only way those 2 could thrive, cause they were raised like that. What do you expect from 2 talented alcoholics and coke addicts in the 80s? I am still in awe they could produce that wonderful trayectory of awesome music in the state that they were then. Don't expect an addict to remember his actions and mental state from 1984.🤭
Ok here’s my two cents. Alex is a rock icon and will forever be one of my drum heroes. That said, he and his brother historically were never really the nicest of people. You can kind of tell as they got more famous and rich, that they became more arrogant. Anyways I was a little disappointed watching this, that you didn’t include more specific stories or details of what his drum tech Greg, had to say. You basically just touched upon, how Alex berated him regularly and made him dump out his piss, during performances. Which is pretty extreme yes. In Alex’s defense, I doubt he’s the only rocker to put his roadie through hell. They probably always remind you, that you’re lucky to be in their presence at one time or another and along for the ride. So to answer your first question, the roadies probably telling the truth. As for dumping his urine 🥴 I’m guessing Alex probably had some kind of urinal next to his drum throne, like the ones they give you in the hospital. And I’m hoping Greg used gloves and didn’t shake anyone’s hands after 😅. He may as well worked in a nursing home lol. Who knows but probably true.
When you're as talented as Alex is there is a likelihood of a prima donna attitude. So while I can't verify it I think it is quite likely that it is true.
![Twenty One Pilots - “The Line” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/E2Rj2gQAyPA/mqdefault.jpg)
I believe the roadie! Those guys were arrogant entitled assholes!
Yep Al was a drunk asshole, long before Eddie got bit by it.
He’s not a nice guy, and his story book is a fairy tale.
Well...just look at how they treated Michael Anthony.After the book tour you won't hear from Alex again.Good !
Alex had a lovely funny story about Mike in his book… Leave poor Alex alone. He has suffered enough. (Paul)
Seriously, i agree why this gets Extra Cred, because the brothers would emitional take advantage of meek people, in there circle.
Why is it just the bros? I love Dave but he was part of that and long before Sam was around….the rest happened in 2004.
Right on.
@@walterevans2118 The more I learn about the Van Halen brothers off stage, the more it ruins the magic they made onstage and in the studio.
After what the brothers did to Mikey ? Yea, I believe this. It’s a shame too, because I am a huge fan. Don’t they say, never meet your heroes ?
Agreed.
Met Alex Van Halen in 1986 in Westchester, California at an am/pm, he was a drunken jackass.
Gonna need more of this story!
@@mikeshelogowski434no you don't
I I know for certain that Alex Van Halen is MEAN SPIRITED HUMAN BEING, ESPECIALLY WHEN DRUNK . My close friend Brian Hendry,who was a professional monitor sound engineer for most of the 80s top groups used to work for Van Halen. He told me on a couple occasions of Alex Van Halen‘s behavior and how he treated crewmembers and he was a total bully. It is also backed up by Van Halen‘s manager, Noel Monk, who, out of the whole band, said he was I mean and brutal person to work for. In his newest interviews promoting the book he has stated one of the reasons he saw professional health was because angry and mean he treated loved ones and friends around him. So he has to live with whatever scrutiny comes back to him.
Not Alex…he’s a Licensed MINISTER!! 😂
Wow that's a shame. He sure could play, he was the reason they were so tight IMO.
He seems chill, grateful, & absolutely approachable nowadays, having seen the recent interviews & book signings. I quit them after abomination Sam Halen born😅, but don't ever remember hearing him speak. Not surpised he was a dk being in GOAT live band, but when i finally heard him speak, i thought how lovely it would be to just shoot the sht about life with him. Wouldn't have to talk music at all!😅 Of course he's selling a product, but I was amazed how cool he SEEEMED???
🤘🌎❤️
@@satyadasgumbyji8956I’ve listened and watched interviews with Alex dating back to when I was around 9 or 10 years old… when OU812 was all the rage on MTV and VH1, and I always got this impression that he was a cool dude. Never did I get the impression that he was this tyrant
But to hear of that these days, I totally believe it, and it is a shame. Based on things I read in Monk’s book, it was basically a non stop party every single day that did not let up
So take that, along with Alex doing mountains of cocaine while also drinking, and doing so knowing that you’re in your mid to late 20s with what seems like endless disposable income in your hands… and all the while, the world LOVES YOU and thinks you hold the keys that unlock the secrets to the universe… but the only keys those guys held could only unlock their hotel room doors. And that was only if they managed not to lose them
It was inside these hotel rooms that seemed to unlock another dimension. A dimension of life that Alex would sometimes find himself wandering around in… a horrifying world that made the Twilight Zone look like Mary Poppins… a dimension where giant male weiners were the dominant species, as they were seen by Al protruding through the plaster walls talking to him in these demonic voices saying that they were going to KILL him!!!
That’s when Alex bought a 12 gauge shotgun and began sleeping with it… that way if the giant alien male weiners began protruding from his walls… I guess they planned on choking him to death 😂… whatever the case, big Al was ready to fight to the death at all costs if one of those… things… got anywhere near his face and mouth
When partying THAT HARD… it’s no wonder he went into a state of delusional psychosis. I seriously doubt he slept very much, probably afraid he was going to miss something. And no way in hell was he eating “right”, very likely going a few days at a time eating nothing.
So yeah, I totally believe every word of what Noel Monk said about Alex’s delusional episodes he would have where all these dicks wanted him dead
It’s psychotic AND metaphorical both… as if his guilty conscience was telling him “you keep being a DICK… live by the sword, die by the sword”
True! Look at the way they treated Michael Anthony
I think drugs and alcohol were partly to blame for the dysfunction of the band. Of course ego enters into the equation as well.
I disagree, at their core, the VH brothers were all about themselves first. Alcohol and drugs only amplify those things, whether good or bad. Alcohol and drugs were always their and fans excuses for these episodes.
Al has been sober for decades. They were just A holes
I worked in the touring industry for 45 years -
Not an unusual occurrence….
Anytime drugs and alcohol enters someone's life they morally decline and so does there behavior.
Well Said! So true!
I regret about 80% of my twenties for that reason (mostly).
💯
I believe the roadie I met Alex at Los Angeles airport many years ago. I asked him a Drum question he answered it, but I can tell he did not want to talk to me at all and I was annoying him. I didn’t get an autograph or picture I thanked him and left.
I try to put myself in their shoes. If people come up to you on a nonstop basis, I think anyone would get annoyed after awhile. Especially if you are hungover or whatever. At least he signed and took a photo for you. I met Gene Simmons once and he was less than polite.
Have Respect for your fans
I didn’t ask for an autograph or picture, but he did tell me about the drum set up. He used on one of the Van Halen albums.
Wow unapproachable,.. and we all put him where he was. Without fans love, you're nothing...!!!
@@rogerstoodley7113❤❤❤!!!!!
I was an LA studio player in the 80's and 90's. I used to get my hair cut by the same person as Al. She assured me he was a jerk....
What does LA studios have to do with who cut your hair cut? Are you sure you're not just trying to seem cool online? The added backstory makes you stand out as a potential BS artist according to my hair stylist.
@@joea9608 No doubt he's FOS
Al is a hypocritical scum bag. Him and Eddie were frictionally abusive people. Great music but just the same.
It’s possible he was a jerk to her. However, everyone is a jerk to someone. As I’m sure you are.
@@organicsoda6633 It's possible. lol
Sammy wrote it in his book!
The nursery rhymes? The attack filled “memoir?”or is it the sign in sheet for the blue oyster?
Sam is self righteous…..and should stop doing interviews. He’s been responsible for now drama than anyone. Facts period. He had to be vindictive and now regrets writing that book.
@@Kinger1625 The Bros did Sammy wrong. Sam was right to put it all down on paper. Never backtrack and apologize if you're telling the truth.
Sam Halen SUCKS!!!😅
🤘🌎❤️
Sammy was too good a dude to deal with those two. And Roth was a joke of a "musician". He was TERRIBLE live.
@@tommybotts no. They’re not perfect and DLR had nothing to do with Sammy so don’t drag in that drama.
Sammy was just a singer and a decent one. His writing of lyrics is questionable while in VH and I can talk about his solo stuff cause I don’t care for it. I should’ve a little less sleep deprived when I commented.
He’s screws Vic, Jason, Satch who seems to oblivious to how not good he’s playing VH and I’m a Satch fan.
Kenny was better but I heard he left too.
Jason is a good drummer and what other bands out there have to play songs from someone’s solo career? Yet ignore what got them there. Sam wouldn’t sing much from original VH. Then wanted another 2 years to sit around at his bar that ever helped him get.
So Dan wrote a book and when that didn’t work he made FU EVH videos in Mikes name. Let Nike speak for once and shit the hell up. He decides fans like VH so his legacy is to play 70% VH from a so called “great career focusing on mainly one decade. VH were successful in spite of Sammy not because of him. LSD and Fave has it too but at least he earned his way in. Sam…well he wasn’t even a thought for a replacement singer and got lucky. Fact. Got bitter and write a book he regrets his words. Can’t get a cal back from Al so what does he do? Insults the guy after bashing his bro. They had a contractual obligation and he wanted time? Ironic that Dave left because of not wanting to so be too much time and give it a live feeling.
I say this all the time if you love what you love and that’s cool. Sammy does have a decent voice. Btw? How diid Dan get wronged by VH? This should be interesting. They helped open a bar….then pulled out. I say good move Wolf!
Dispose of your own pee. It is YOUR private biz. Lol.
100% My brother also worked for Van Halen. Said the same thing about Alex...and Ed was no peach either
I know this post is about Al, but bouncing off your response, it had to be a nightmare working for them. Especially Eddy. I forgot where I read it, but it was like nightly he’d take the guitar apart fully to tweak something. He was hammered 100% of the time in the day. I bet his tech had to put the damn thing back together constantly lol. Not being clairvoyant the poor guy couldn’t predict what the hell he was trying to do. I don’t know if there’s an amount of money that would make me take that job lol.
I was personally introduced to both Alex and Eddie in 1980 in 1981 at the Cow Palace and the Oakland Coliseum through mutual friends.
Eddie and Alex were two of the Nicest musical artist’s I have ever met and I have nothing but Respect for them both. Michael Anthony, on the other hand, made me feel very uncomfortable. I remember Introducing myself to Michael Anthony and I put out my hand to shake his hand and he looked at my hand and slowly gave me a limp handshake As though he did not want to shake it. I’ll never forget that and I thought what an asshole. Dave was somewhat standoffish but very nice and he called me bro. I also was invited to an event where Narada Michael Walden, Sammy Hagar and Linda Perry were being inducted for lifetime achievement awards by the Grammys. I remember after Sammy was inducted. There was a concert with Ronnie Montrose playing guitar Anthony on bass and Eric Martin on lead vocals, I don’t remember who the drummer was and the background singers were the glide memorial gospel singers. When I saw Michael Anthony, I didn’t say anything to him because of the memory of the handshake.
@@organicsoda6633 Hmmm.... urban legend has the personalities on those three switched up..... But hey, everyone has an off night. C'est la vie.
@@organicsoda6633I met them in 1979 in Anaheim CA while they were rehearsing for their vh 2 album before they went out on tour ( dance the night away, and later little guitars). This is also when they would play at the avio dutch club in Anaheim on katella ( Eddie and Alex talk about on a RUclips video. 💃
Even Kurt Jeffries, the MTV Lost Weekend contest winner (I think I have his name right). He said that for night 2 when they showed up at the arena, drinking was the last thing on their minds, as he and his buddy were both still hung over
He said that first thing when they rolled in there was Alex handed them each a beer. They both told him “nahhh we’re good” turning those beers down
He said that Alex came back into the room with one of their BIG road guys and the two midgets, then Alex handed Kurt and his buddy a beer each once again and said “I have to go do something real quick. When I come back, those cans better be empty…”
As Al exited the room, the big road guy and the two midgets just stared at them making sure that they emptied those beer cans, which I believe Alex gave them piss warm ones on his second offering as an additional slap in the face for turning him down the first time.
The midgets and the big dude did as Alex told them, which was to make sure they emptied those beer cans, and NOT down the sink neither! If I’m not mistaken, Kurt’s buddy ended up going into convulsions from alcohol poisoning, or something like that
I believe he had one,wow,.I guess him standing up during the concert is starting to make sense now
haha TMI? or Too Much Truth....ahahaha
But then, Neil Zlozower has said in interviews (the end of tone talk interview) that Gregg left that tour because everybody, all the other people on the crew were giving Gregg a really hard time. I can believe Alex was not nice at the time, but it sounds like there was more going on with that whole situation. Zlozower said he had heard that all the other crew guys (who were new) had a problem with Gregg (who was old school).
Maybe, but if Van Halen was all about loyalty...why would Alex allow it? It would take one minute before, during or after soundcheck: "Anyone disrespecting my drum tech better pack your bags. Got it?" Done, but Alex didn't back his buddy up. You know who did? Michael Anthony's bass tech, is now his manager, they've been together since the beginning too.
2 hour gigs that you can't just take a break from when nature calls? He'd be crazy not to have a piss bucket nearby. It doesn't mean it was filled every night. It just means he was prepared. Probably because of a previous gig where he wasn't, and learned from it... signed, a drummer in LA.
That’s all fine. It’s the part about treating the guy who is taking care of it FOR YOU (was Al too lazy/good to do it himself?) like a sub-human.
@@mrscary3721 According to Sam’s book, they put a big rubber trash can behind the riser because Al would shotgun a case of Schlitz malt liquor during the show. He had to pee.
Empty your own damn piss jar.
This dude would be shocked at what Truckers get up too 😮
@@dwaynecole6636he was a sick pig
Read the book and judge Als attitude off of it,, We know that he rails on Sammy, Yet Sammy made them millions. Even bad mouthed him over a EVH tribute
In the very least we know Alex is a dikhead , Your also dealing with one of the hottest bands in the world, The 80s and early 90s was a crazy music scene,,
Rock stars was out of control,
Sammy talked so much shit about Ed in his book. Sometimes it is ok to be quiet. The brothers moved on. Sam never did
Being a former drinker and hearing some things from other former drinkers I wouldn't doubt the story and being a former musician playing in South Florida I can tell you that bands are just another form of dysfunctional family it doesn't matter if you're local or major the only difference between them is the money and the fame and the monster that was Van Halen I'm pretty sure that it was off the charts more than likely because there's been a lot under the rug stuff since Eddie's passing and it sounds very familiar to be honest. I really believe that Ed was put upon a lot because he was the musician in VH and he was the one that had to come up with all the music and songs that the fans love and also to be honest it was a band decision that Mike was cut out of royalties and made him just a contract musician but someone had to put the bug in their ear and I really have to applaud Sammy for sticking by MA all this time with no complaints from either one of them. Their closeness is obvious.
Not shocked. I've heard stuff like that about Alex for years. Gregg was in a VH documentary years after he was out & he never said anything bad about his experience. Also Gregg passed away so you won't be hearing anything from him. I believe the roadie. I wish it wasn't true because I've loved VH since the 70's but like I said many many people have talked about the brothers being hard to get along with. And I use my own piss bottle because I'm always on a job site far from a bathroom but no one handles the bottle but me. I'm nobody important but if I was I couldn't do something like that to anyone.
As a former Drum Tech of a touring band you do whatever it takes to support the drummer
Van Halen in the late 70s early 80s? I'd be more surprised if there wasn't a Piss Jar
Greg is not going to comment. He committed suicide years ago.
That's how he died?
@@marleyhatesyouall8394Yes. Alex fired him and years (decade or more) later Alex visited with him and Greg gave Alex all kinds of memorabilia he'd saved all these years and gave them to Alex, if I remember right. Soon after Greg killed himself.
That’s fucked up. That makes the story much worse.
Alex fires Greg and then the guy kills himself.
Did Alex at least give him a shout out of some kind? After he died?
I know That's wild what a trip I believe Alex was an a****** Greg was probably really a good dude surely he didn't take his own life because of Alex wow unbelievable@@phnigra111
@@joelclark9944 Gregg took his own life 19 years after he had stopped working for the band. It wasn't because of Alex. Gregg was having marriage problems. He actually also wounded his wife.
Rock stars are dix. Nothing new here.
Alex drinking all of that beer probably had to piss a lot.
🤣😂🤣
When ya gotta go - ya gotta go!!
I’m a Van Halen, Ed and Al fan, but I would believe the roadie about the drum tech, because Ed and Al were extreme drunks.
The majority of headlining bands back then had piss jars side stage for up front band members and behind the drum kit for the drummer. This was only really a thing for drinking bands. All Drinking bands😂. Thats why they each had a solo. I had one when I played, otherwise you can’t slam beers😂. Great video brother.
Sammy said in his book that alex pissed in a garbage can so he didn't leave the stage.
Nothing new there. Everybody knows his arrogance than and now. What was, is over. There will be no tribute to EVH by his brother of Dave.
His book is a narrative to control the past.
How cares, it's done.
Odd how "Unfinished" sounds precisely exactly like what he didn't what to do in his version of a tribute. I will take the drum tech over Al any day. Too many people I know have met them and said the same about the EVH brothers.
This was all in Sammy's book. Just sayin
2 things can be true, Eddy and Alex were amazing musicians, they were raging alcoholics and both had different drug addictions, fame and money also almost always changes people
Just another rock and roll tale, But I believe it. I really don't see what the guy has to gain from lying. I will alway's love the VH tunes but the more I learn of the VH bros. the less I like them as individuals. And how they did Michael Anthony was just disgraceful!...IMO
As for the piss bucket, it would have been nothing for Al to take a quick piss between songs when the lights were low and with Dave going on one of his rants. Plus, having 4 bass drums and a row of octabons in front him, Alex had plenty of cover
Then came the clear acrylic vistalite kit for 5150. For the longest time I wondered why Al went with the REMO ebony heads for the 4 kick drums, rather than a clear ambassador to help really sell the transparency effect of the see through drums, but then after hearing about the piss bucket, it made sense to use the ebony ambassador heads, as those helped provide cover for whenever he needed to take a leak
And I later learned that those ebony heads weee actually fastened to plywood cut to each drum’s diameter, then fitted in securely. Each plywood board also contained a piezo pickup, which essentially made an improvised Simmons pad
Great video!
This is known however what a lot of people didn't know is that Eddie had a shit bucket behind his speaker cabinet.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🎉
Gregg was the nicest guy in the world!
I don't care what is said about anyone who participated in VH. I love their music and always will.
I totally believe it. I never liked ed or Al. Didn't know them , just a radar I got from thier interviews!!
I’ll tell you this. Most drummers have a bucket or jar to pee in for long shows. The show must go on. 😂
I wonder why this guy came forward with these accusations now? He could have come clean a couple of years ago. It's hard to say who is right and who is wrong. I would expect there will be other techs in Van Halen that may step forward with some kind of story like this guy did. I read Van Halen's book that was written by Van Halen's manager. He didn't really put anything in his book that suggested Alex was being a jerk to his drum tech. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
@@jumpingjacks5558 In his recently released book Alex was speaking affectionately about his tech Greg Emerson and was lamenting that he took his own life. (Paul)
No, Noel Monk didnt mention anything about Al being a jerk to his tech but he did mention how Al tried to F*** Noel's wife. Which wasn't just "Oh, he's just being a drunk Rock Star" it was Al being a drunk POS.
@@walterevans2118 See, I didn't know that, and that wasn't mentioned in this video. If I were this guy, I would have done all my research (read Al's One and Only Book) before going on video and making comments that could be misconstrued?.....
@@jason-hy8ci yes
I bet a lot of big rock acts have have ways of relieving themselves without having to leave the stage. Especially if it’s a big act when you gotta go you gotta go and a lot of these guys were alcoholics. So they all had to go a lot. The show must go on
i do belive this story of a piss jar is probabaly very possible. i played in a local band in the area of where i lived that was working reguarly and making good money. but, the band leader was an absoulute ahole and terrorized us to death. almost impossible to work with. there was constant verbale abuse and threats of physical violence everyday. and constant threats of losing your job. the fact is i would have quit and found another job, but the fact is i didn't have many more skills if any at all and had to eat, and had a family. so for afew years i dealt with this. untill finally i had the guts to find another job and quit. so, as far as alex's tech being abused, it's quite possible that there was all that abuse and more. but if the money is good and someones danggaling that carrot in front of you and you've got a family to feed you'll put up wi th and keep the job.
All these testimonies and comments seem to line up with what Sammy had to say !
Edd and Alex were abused by their mom from a young age . She was very vile with her mouth, she would belittle them. She even belittled their father telling him to go get a real job and that he was a shitty musician. The men ran to music to escape their mom.
It doesn't matter now. None of this Van Halen infighting matters now. It's not fair if you're judging someone back in their drinking days. It's a chapter from a long time ago when we all didn't have many problems and I wasted too much of my youth trying to emulate these guys!
FYI - Greg Emerson won’t be responding because he sadly committed suicide per Alex’s book.
U tube content is really starting to suck...all drama and bs
Greg is no longer with us
If I was charged with handling that jar, then I’d be PISSED!!! 😂😂😂. J. Kramer
I can understand this roadie being pissed on how he was treated. There’s always Three Sides to Every Story.
The only people I'll ever put any stock in are people who were close, thats it.
Piss jar is no big deal. Look at what hospital workers deal with every day.
Too bad Instagram and Ticktock wasn't around back then because the drum tech and Alex Van Halen could've sold those jars of piss to hardcore Van Halen fans. HA !!! Imagine the money that could've been made.
It's great ur I believe Alex got the book on audible I haven't finished yet but love ur show
3:02 that reaction lmao
I knew about slop bucket but heard it was a 35 gallon rubber trash can. I believe the roadie.
I've worked for everybody from Celine Dion, to Slayer to Beyonce'. But the fact I was made to clean bed sheets on 5 tour buses for Daddy Yankee's crew... Yeah! I believe it and I believe he knows Al probably don't drink enough water. Growing up in Oakland, CA I know what SCHLITZ malt liquor smells like.
I had the opportunity to speak with the guy who not only toured as Alex’s drum tech but also fabricated and painted several of his highly customized kits. He told me about the piss bucket, and how one of the kick drums was actually a beverage cooler in disguise.
He had nothing but good things to say about Alex. I’m sure he was no angel, but like you mentioned he struggled with alcoholism most of his life so I’m not surprised that he mistreated some people.
Let’s give Alex the respect he deserves for his legacy as a key component to one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
I believe you are speaking of John Douglas. Who is a accomplished Drummer and Artist, drum Tech 🥁 🤘
I think having a piss jar sounds totally reasonable, but having someone else tend to it ain't right. The rest of the stuff is f'd up, especially Schmidts Malt Liquor - that's some nasty piss beer!
I believe Gregg passed away in 2005
The piss jar story reminds me of the story I heard about why Tommy Aldridge quit Black Oak Arkansas. Rumor has it that Jim Dandy was quite infamous for crapping his pants. And the final straw for Tommy was when Jim dandy wiped his ass with Tommy's sweat towel. Some say that's the true reason Tommy Aldridge quit Black Oak.
😂😂😂😂😂😂!!!!!!!!
Jim Dandy: “natas! natas! natas!” 😈
@Hedwallfxtd LMAO, that's the rumor. "Dirty squirty to the rescue!"
@@Hedwallfxtd that's the rumor, lmao. "Dirty squirty to the rescue"
Well as a guy that’s been on that side of the music business, as well as on the stage with a guitar in my hand. But on that national level you half to wonder about these stories that come up. I’m sure it’s true, and the reason I say that is a simple fact, your on that level of fame your on top of the world and feel untouchable.
Everything and everybody is at your mercy and your young and very wild in them days.
And on the road crew side, you work your ass off and it’s pretty much damn Groundhog Day every single day.
Your build a relationship rather it be bad of guy either the musical family and they is sort of a routine that plays out.
Not taking sides by any means l, I love VH, and you hear both good and bad bad things about it all.
But I believe this story. Sure there is more to it.
But believe me, some very wild events happen that’s not normal and if you’re on the wrong end of them, it’s sucks.
But I’m sure that road guy played the game and did his part.
I mean, it’s Van Halen, who else can see that part of the band!
Interesting story, I’m very sure there is more to unfold
Just think . Alex tossing his sticks to the audience they probably had a little someting extra on dem . 😂
If he threw his sticks I dont know .
According to Sammy's book, or it might have been Noel's can't remember.....it was a big plastic trash bin, not a jar.
all anyone has to do is watch the videos of Eddie and Alex when Dave and Sammy were fired. both of those men sat there and wallowed in the nasty. the first time, Dave, I was shocked at Eddie and Alex was a revelation because he had never really even spoken before. the second time was "okay they both are really nasty guys". what they did to Michael was just a continuation of that time and thought. Alex has said Michael "didn't add anything" musically. well neither did he in that sense. at least Michael added the high vocal backup singing ALEX.
It's not the first time we heard how badly the Van Halen brothers treated people
Hell yeah! I use a piss bottle to this day so I don’t have to get up at night. Been doing it since military days. Just don’t put your water bottle by it 😂
Yes, i believe the roadie (1-view point) also Al (his vantage point). Mr.Drum Tech, most likely will not come forward to talk about the peejar. I'm going to say Mr.Drum Tech had to clean pee splash of the equipment. I wonder if there was those car scents hangin somewhere, so it didn't smell like a urinal. Thanks for your post.
The piss jar remind’s me of the scene from the movie “ Car Wash “
I’ve heard mixed reviews on Eddie’s personality, some good-some not so good. Have to say I’ve never heard anyone say anything positive about Al’s personality though. He had a reputation for being a mean, drunk, bullying kind of guy.
New.sub here. I believe the roadie. Like u said, drinking brings out the worst in people. Piss jar??????????z that's a new one!!! I believe it also.
Yeah, we've known about this for 30 years...
Even if he had a piss jar, not wanting to leave the stage for a toilet break is somewhat professional and dedicated in itself.. if this is so.. not like he was asking him to drink it!
It makes sense they were doing 2hour pulse shows a night
And here I thought he was just holding three drumsticks at once 😂🍆🍺
Probably not a good idea to mistreat somebody who has a jar of piss at the ready.
geeze I think Alex has been spelling his name wrong, it's "T" "U" "R" "D".
Two questions... First: Was Alex a Mel Blanc fan?? Second: How often did Al say... "Oh piss boy... Wait for the shake!!" Bahahaha!!! Sorry, sorry... can't help me-self!! 🤣🤣🤣I'm quite sure that Al wasn't the 1st to think of this method of relieving himself!! Just ask Phil Collins! Kidding...
Gotta "separate the artist from the art" sometimes. VH music sounded "different" to me after I read the book by their former Manager. Wish I had NOT read the book!
Yes their's a piss jar, and Alex can't remember what he done while he was drunk or on drugs!
Funny, no complaints about all the trim he got. Maybe go rodie for boy George or Milli Vanilli 😂
Van Halen was a great band, Eddie revolutionized rock guitar playing every bit as much as Hendrix did, Alex was the perfect drummer for the band. That being said the brothers pretty much fucked over everyone they worked with in one way or another; Roth, Sammy, Mikey, the Extreme guy, and a few singers that were told they had the VH gig but didn’t. So yeah I believe Alex treated his tech like shit.
You know Hagar's monumental ego has been bruised at not really even rating in the AVH book. Almost unintentionally, AVH comes down on Roth's side simply by asserting, quite genuinely imo, that the original line-up WAS the formative guts of the Van Halen story and that what came later were literally other bands, which is not to say better or worse, but simply different. But Hagar won't hear it that way. So, my theory? The drum tech was put up to it, if not even paid to do so, by a smarting Hagar. And the first call AVH made re: EVH'S death was to DLR? A big OUCH to the Samster. What makes it even worse is that AVH is speaking 'unedited' from the heart and is not really consciously investing in the perpetual Dave-vs-Sam dck-shaking contest (which imo Hagar keeps alive far more than Roth). This purely innocent diminishment of Hagar by the surviving brother adds to the sting. Btw I found myself utterly riveted to the AVH-Levy interview the other day for reasons well beyond mere VH fandom. My one nit? That Alex didn't even name-check Michael Anthony. A tad shabby there, Alex my friend. Otherwise what an insightful guy with some true wisdom to impart.
Awful GOSSIP ….Just leave poor Alex alone. He has the right to tell Edward’s story and his own story without all this. This source could be totally unreliable. (Paul)
The accuser could be a disgruntled ex-employee or he could be telling the truth. Either way, he has a right to speak his piece.
@@6StringBuckeye917 ok
this behavior keeps getting corroborated by other parties. It looks like they were assholes.
The dealings were the dealings, and the show went on! Tone Raven-We Are The Black Things-W.Hollywood CA! Worse Shit the guy was handling than Piss!
Look: I love Van Halen; one of my favorite bands but damn, the Van Halen bros seem like a complete NIGHTMARE.
The piss jar was a real thing during 5150 because Al was drinking so much he had to piss pretty much after every song so they had a bucket on the side of the stage for Al for Al to piss in
Sounds like Watkins has an axe grind with Alex. John Douglas who was Alex's drum tech in later years has nothing but glowing things to say about AL. Gregg was Al's tech for over 13 years(around '74 to '87) so it couldn't have been that bad.
I would tend to believe AL more than I would some clown that seems butthurt.
It is what it is.
Alex, maybe did not mention Hagar because Hagar trashed the brothers all the time or most of the time.
How can Gregg "Speak out" , he passed on 19 years ago?..
Not ONLY 'passed on', but he committed suicide!
Who cares? Van Halen s old news
@@Jack-b6g7j His FAMILY care for a start . (Paul)
Noel Monk in his book said Alex had a 5 gal piss bucket he used.
Well, about the book Brothers: it is a very relaxed and easy -to-read book full of humor. I know I had to laugh a lot. Al's book was a pleasant surprise and I enjoyed reading the stories from the back seat of the tour bus very much.
Do I believe what the roady who's name is not mentioned has to say about the relationship between Al and Gregg? No, I certainly don't. If you want to tell stories like that without telling me your name, I don't believe a word of it.Al says in his book that he pretty recently visited Gregg in Florida, I believe he even says that was shortly before Gregg shot himself, and to me that sounds plausible.
I don't know why people shouldn't believe what Al has to say? I see some people are trying to compare your statement from "a horse with no name" with some details out of Sammy's book: please don't do that? Sammy's book can not compete with Al's book Brothers, because it is written out of mixed feelings .You will never get a balanced story when it is a one way street. . I am also a fan of Sammy's music, but he shouldn't have sold out his former band mates that way.
And finally, whatever has been said about Al's piss jar: even if he had one, and I even believe he did, it is of no use to throw that kind of comment onto the socials because it is too personal .And so, it is just meant to do damage to someone 's personality : it just adds nothing at all.
Al's book Brothers is on the New York Times bestsellers list already: let's congratulate him and just forget about the bad mouthing by people who want to remain anonymous. 💙💜
And yet you go by an anonymous name? You killed any point you wanted to make by your own qualifier eh, rocksteady4019?
Sir i remember seeing the 1984 tour from the side of the drum kit an yes alex was drunk an throwing sticks n yelling at that drum tech an trying to knock drinks n glasses over while he played
I saw the same with Eddie during the 5150 tour constantly yelling, during the show, over the microphone for his tech Zeke Clark.
Not seeing the issue with carrying a urine container off stage so that the show can go on. Pretty sure a lot of performers have had to utilize this procedure. If it’s in the roadie’s contract to carry out the waste, what’s the big deal?
1. The roadie, of course!
2. No, but he got paid for doing it. I bet he also had free drug and booze as well.
3. ?
Hey, both Alex and Eddie grew up in a very toxic environment that Alex wants to romanticize to not traumatize more than he already is. His mom and dad treated them like useful garbage. Sarcasm and belittling was their every day to the point that they couldn't tell was was funny and what was bullying. The VH brothers treated MA like shit but, guess what? The only person they couldn't get in their web of bullying was Dave... Dave will bully both of them to work harder, he would beat up any sass they could come up with to the point that it was after Dave left Van Halen that I knew EVH could speak 😂 Is it healthy Dave's way of taming them? No!... but that was the only way those 2 could thrive, cause they were raised like that.
What do you expect from 2 talented alcoholics and coke addicts in the 80s? I am still in awe they could produce that wonderful trayectory of awesome music in the state that they were then. Don't expect an addict to remember his actions and mental state from 1984.🤭
Ok here’s my two cents. Alex is a rock icon and will forever be one of my drum heroes. That said, he and his brother historically were never really the nicest of people. You can kind of tell as they got more famous and rich, that they became more arrogant.
Anyways I was a little disappointed watching this, that you didn’t include more specific stories or details of what his drum tech Greg, had to say. You basically just touched upon, how Alex berated him regularly and made him dump out his piss, during performances. Which is pretty extreme yes. In Alex’s defense, I doubt he’s the only rocker to put his roadie through hell. They probably always remind you, that you’re lucky to be in their presence at one time or another and along for the ride. So to answer your first question, the roadies probably telling the truth.
As for dumping his urine 🥴 I’m guessing Alex probably had some kind of urinal next to his drum throne, like the ones they give you in the hospital. And I’m hoping Greg used gloves and didn’t shake anyone’s hands after 😅. He may as well worked in a nursing home lol. Who knows but probably true.
As a drummer the piss jar is normal we all have them part of tge kit ffs
When you're as talented as Alex is there is a likelihood of a prima donna attitude. So while I can't verify it I think it is quite likely that it is true.
talent is no excuse for being a scumbag!