New Music from Eddie Van Halen Coming

When legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen passed away in 2020 after a stroke, fans believed any chances of new music died with him. Not so. Recently, his brother Alex Van Halen announced that unheard material recorded by Eddie is on the horizon.

According to Alex, who is collaborating with Toto leader Steve Lukather on the project, “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. It has to be of the quality and the level of where we left it. Not just to say, ‘Hey, here’s some music that we made. If you like it, that’s great.’ No, it has to be the quality that we expect.”

He added, “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.”

Eddie’s son Wolfgang will be handling the bass parts. Brother Alex also said, “They’re building on a foundation of recordings that were going to be the next Van Halen record, and that were stopped because Eddie didn’t live that long. The drums are already recorded. The drums, the guitar, and the bass are already in there.”

Alex and Steve are currently searching for a vocalist who would be a good fit after longtime Bad Company frontman Paul Rodgers declined.

 

Rodgers explained his decision on social media. He specified that the offer was to participate on one track, not an entire album. “To squash the rumors…My health is good. I feel fit and strong, and I am rehearsing to perform on March 2nd at the Adopt the Arts Sound and Vision Awards in Palm Springs. Thanks to Van Halen for inviting me to work on a track with them, but I am in my acoustic, Zen phase of life. At this time, I have to prioritize my health. I have no problem singing; it’s the stress of everything else. Thanks for understanding.”

Ideally, Van Halen and Lukather would love to bring former Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant on board, but the British rocker is touring for his new record, Saving Grace.  Alex is keeping his fingers crossed, saying, “He would’ve been an ideal choice, but nothing is etched in stone.”

There is hardly any doubt that a vocalist will be found who meets their satisfaction. In fact, Limp Bizkit leader Fred Durst has even tossed his name in the hat to help complete the project, with a simple reply, “Let’s go!! I’m ready.”

-Sharon Oliver

Photo: Eddie Van Halen, 2014 (Abby Gillardi via Wikimedia Commons)