Alex Van Halen has claimed that plans for a Van Halen reunion tour were scrapped following Eddie Van Halen’s death after an argument between him and David Lee Roth nearly turned violent.
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone magazine, the 71-year-old drummer, who is Eddie’s older brother, revealed that he and the 70-year-old singer stopped rehearsing for a tour after Eddie passed away in October 2020 from a severe stroke following a battle. I recalled how I started. With throat cancer.
After discussing with Queen’s Brian May about how the band honors the late frontman on tour, Alex approached Ross about honoring the late frontman at their shows.
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“That was what broke the camel’s back. I can be honest about it now,” Alex said. “I said, ‘Dave, at some point you need to show your appreciation to Ed with a live show, not a bow. If you look at the way Queen do it, they’re showing old footage. ‘And the moment I said I had to admit Ed, Dave blew a fuse…’
Alex Van Halen has claimed that a heated argument with David Lee Roth led to the cancellation of his reunion tour. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
“The amount of pain that came out was unbelievable,” he added.
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The drummer claimed that Ross completely rejected the idea, calling it “offensive.”
A representative for Mr. Ross did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Alex recalled having a strong reaction to a disagreement with Ross.
“I’m from the streets,” he said. “‘If you talk to me like that, Mom—I’m going to blow your brains out. Got it?’ And that’s how it ended.”
“Oh my god, I don’t think I even knew him anymore,” he told Rolling Stone. “I have nothing but the utmost respect for his work ethic and all of that. But Dave, you have to work as a community, Mom—-. You’re not alone anymore.”
Alex recalled that Ross rejected the idea of honoring Eddie Van Halen during a tour performance. (Finn Costello/Redferns/Getty Images)
Before the game, Alex said the duo plans to bring guitarist Joe Satriani and potential Van Halen original bassist Michael Anthony on the reunion tour.
However, Alex told Rolling Stone that a spinal injury he suffered in 2022 has limited his mobility and he would not be able to tour under any circumstances.
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“On one hand it’s disappointing, but on the other hand it’s okay,” Alex said. “Because, in retrospect, playing old songs doesn’t really show respect to anyone. In my opinion, it’s like a jukebox. … Find a replacement for Ed. That’s not the same thing.”
“The scars that came out were unbelievable.”
“The heart and soul, creativity and magic was Dave, Ed, Mike and me,” he added.
Van Halen last toured in 2015. (Steve Granitz/WireImage)
Van Halen’s last tour took place in 2015, and the band consisted of Alex, Eddie, Ross and Eddie’s son Wolfgang Van Halen, and after Anthony’s departure in 2004, they were replaced by Anthony on bass in 2006. He took over as bass player.
In 2021, Ross announced he was retiring from his music career, but has since hinted at a possible return.
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In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Alex said that he was always the closest band member to Ross. He told the outlet that he first called Ross after Eddie’s death and insisted that the two were “still in touch.”
Alex said he and Ross “still keep in touch.” (Finn Costello/Red Ferns)
On a January episode of Ross’ podcast, The Ross Show, Ross launched a blistering attack against Wolfgang, repeatedly calling him “you son of a bitch.”
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During an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Alex took a light-hearted attitude towards Ross’ tirade against his nephew, explaining that it should be seen as a compliment.
“To me, it’s a sign of respect,” Alex said. “He actually thinks that Wolfie is on the same level as his old master Dave, right? The other thing is that Wolfie can easily take care of himself. That’s fine.”
