Alex Van Halen and Steve Lukather Team Up for New Album

Announcement on Metal Sticks Podcast

In an exciting revelation, legendary drummer Alex Van Halen has announced plans to collaborate with Steve Lukather, the iconic guitarist from Toto, on a new album. During a conversation with Nicko McBrain, the renowned drummer from Iron Maiden, on the Metal Sticks podcast, Van Halen shared, “I’m getting ready to do this record with Lukather and a couple of other people. It should be exciting.”

The Nature of the Collaboration

While Van Halen did not delve into specifics regarding the album, he emphasized that Lukather’s role remains undefined. The musician, celebrated for his guitar prowess and extensive studio work, has not committed to a particular position in the project. However, there are hints that this collaboration might involve completing unreleased music that features both Alex and his late brother, Eddie Van Halen, who passed away in 2020.

Unreleased Music Vault

In a previous interview in November 2024, Van Halen disclosed that there are “three or four” albums’ worth of unheard material stored in the Van Halen brothers’ vault. He mentioned, “They will stay there until we figure out how and why and what to do with them.” He stressed the importance of maintaining the high standards that he and Eddie once held in their music, stating, “We’re not just gonna shovel it in.” With access to some of the world’s greatest musicians, he is eager to ensure that any new releases meet their legacy.

Lukather’s Involvement

In early 2025, Van Halen revealed to the Dutch publication De Telegraaf that he had enlisted Lukather’s help to sift through the unfinished recordings created by him and Eddie. He remarked, “Ed and Steve Lukather were very good friends and they often worked together. There is no one who can do this process with me as well as he can.”

Defining Roles

Despite his involvement, Lukather quickly clarified the boundaries of his participation. He described his role as more of a co-producer and firmly stated, “I would not ever play a note of guitar on a Van Halen song.” Lukather elaborated, “Al asked me to help him go through a ton of unfinished recordings of Al and Ed writing and recording that never saw the light of day. The fact that ANYONE would think for even a second that I would play anything on this is ridiculous. I have too much love and respect for that and I play nothing like Ed.”

Creative Dynamics

Van Halen echoed this sentiment during his podcast interview, highlighting the importance of creative collaboration over rigid contractual obligations. “We have a long history together… If you’re in this line of work, it goes beyond a superficial contract. We do it because we like something or we want to do it because it’s creative,” he explained. He believes that overly specific contracts can undermine the creative process.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Alex Van Halen and Steve Lukather holds promise for music enthusiasts, particularly those eager to hear the legacy of Van Halen continue through unreleased material. As both musicians navigate their creative partnership, fans can anticipate a project that honors the rich history of the Van Halen sound while exploring new creative avenues.

FAQs

What is the nature of the new album Alex Van Halen is working on with Steve Lukather?

The album is expected to involve collaboration on unreleased music that features both Alex and his late brother Eddie Van Halen, though specific details about the project are still under wraps.

Will Steve Lukather play guitar on the new album?

No, Steve Lukather has stated that he will not play guitar on the album; instead, he will be involved in a co-producing capacity, helping to sift through unfinished recordings.

How much unreleased music do the Van Halen brothers have?

According to Alex Van Halen, there are “three or four” albums’ worth of unheard material in their vault, which they are considering for future release.

What is the significance of the collaboration for fans?

This collaboration represents a continuation of the Van Halen legacy and offers fans a chance to hear unreleased music that was created by the iconic duo, potentially providing new insights into their creative process.