Alex Van Halen Confirms New Album Featuring Unheard Eddie Van Halen Material

In a recent interview, Alex Van Halen has revealed exciting news for fans of the legendary rock band. For the first time, he confirmed that he is working on a new album that will feature previously unreleased material from his late brother, Eddie Van Halen. Previously, Alex hinted at a collaboration with guitarist Steve Lukather, but the specifics of the project remained unclear until now.

The Collaboration with Steve Lukather

During an interview with the Brazilian YouTube channel KazaGastao, Alex shared insights into the ongoing project. He expressed his gratitude for having Steve Lukather, a close friend of Eddie’s, on board to help bring the music to life. “I’ve been fortunate enough to have Steve Lukather, who was a good friend of Ed’s, and we’re working on putting a record together,” Alex stated.

Why the Delay in Releasing Unheard Songs

Addressing the long wait for these unreleased tracks, Alex explained, “Many people have asked, what about releasing unreleased stuff? Well, we’re not gonna release it in its embryonic form because it wouldn’t make any sense.” He emphasized the importance of quality, stating that the music must meet the high standards set by the band. “It has to be of the quality and the level of where we left it,” he noted, indicating that the songs need to resonate with the legacy of Van Halen.

Origins of the New Material

According to Alex, the new album is built upon recordings that were intended to be part of the next Van Halen record but were left unfinished due to Eddie’s untimely passing. “The drums are already recorded. The drums, the guitar, and the bass are already in there,” he explained, confirming that Wolfgang Van Halen, Eddie’s son, played the bass parts for the project.

Finding the Right Vocalist

Despite the progress made, Alex revealed that they are still searching for a vocalist to complete the project. Although Paul Rodgers, the iconic frontman of Free and Bad Company, was considered, he declined the offer due to personal health issues. Alex highlighted the need for a singer who resonates with the band’s musical experience. “What we didn’t have is a vocalist… Luke and I are looking for somebody right now,” he said, leaving the door open for potential candidates.

Potential Candidates and Musical Vision

While he did not mention previous Van Halen vocalists like David Lee Roth or Sammy Hagar, Alex did express admiration for Robert Plant, suggesting he would be an ideal fit; however, Plant is currently engaged in touring. “He would’ve been an ideal choice, but nothing is etched in stone,” he remarked, suggesting a sense of optimism that the right vocalist will emerge for this unique project. “We have no other intent other than to have it come to fruition,” he concluded, emphasizing the importance of creating a shared musical experience.

Conclusion

With Alex Van Halen and Steve Lukather at the helm, the prospect of a new album featuring unreleased Eddie Van Halen material is an exciting development for fans of the band. As they work diligently to find the right vocalist and ensure the quality of the music, fans can look forward to a project that honors the legacy of one of rock’s most influential guitarists. The anticipation continues to build as the Van Halen family embarks on this heartfelt musical journey.

FAQs

What is the new album about?

The new album will feature previously unreleased material from Eddie Van Halen, intended to honor his legacy and maintain the quality expected from the band.

Who is working on the album with Alex Van Halen?

Steve Lukather, a close friend of Eddie Van Halen, is collaborating with Alex on the project.

Is Wolfgang Van Halen involved in the album?

Yes, Wolfgang Van Halen has contributed by playing the bass parts for the new material.

Are any former Van Halen vocalists involved in the project?

As of now, no former Van Halen vocalists have been mentioned, although Alex is actively searching for a suitable vocalist.

When can fans expect the new album to be released?

A specific release date has not been announced, as the project is still in progress and dependent on finding the right vocalist and finalizing the music.