Alex Van Halen Hated That His Brother Eddie Van Halen Worked With a Famous Pop Legend
Alex Van Halen recently dished on a lot in a new interview with Rolling Stone. In the interview, he opened up about some things that bothered him about his late brother, Eddie Van Halen. The duo were part of the band Van Halen for many years. After Eddie’s death in 2020, Alex has sold most of his equipment and memorabilia and hopes to live a quieter life away from touring.
Over the years, the brothers would fight about everything under the sun, including some musical collaborations. In 1982, Eddie performed a guitar solo on Michael Jackson‘s hit song “Beat It.” Now, Alex says that he felt like it led to Van Halen’s demise, as Jackson went on to beat Van Halen on the charts. Before Eddie agreed to do the solo, Alex said that he told Eddie not to do it and wanted Jackson to make a guest appearance on a Van Halen album instead. Eddie didn’t listen and went ahead with the collab, which became a delight for fans.
Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
However, Alex said, “Why would you lend your talents to Michael Jackson? I just don’t f—ing get it. And the funny part was that Ed fibbed his way out of it by saying, ‘Oh, who knows that kid anyway?’ You made the mistake! Fess up. Don’t add insult to injury by acting stupid.” Alex was even madder when he learned that Eddie didn’t even get paid for the solo and was not credited at first. He reportedly shrugged it off because it only took about 30 minutes to record.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Although Alex recalls their fights, he would give anything to see his brother again. He added, “I just miss him. I miss the arguments. I live with it every day. And I can’t bring him back. I can’t make things right.” Eddie passed away after a battle with throat cancer at 65 years old.
Now, listen to “Beat It” and let us know what you think about this drama:
Oh What A Year: 1980
January 2020
Take a look back at our retrospect of the year 1980 where we celebrate the hottest in movies, music and TV.
Buy This Issue