The audiobook version of Brothers, the new memoir from legendary Van Halen drummer Alex Van Halen, features an unreleased song titled “Unfinished,” composed by Alex and his late brother, the iconic guitarist Eddie Van Halen. This track, the last piece of music the brothers created together, plays as Alex narrates part of his story in the audiobook. Fans can now download the full version of “Unfinished” at Van-Halen.com or stream it online. with that said, a Van Halen member did forget how to play a song recently for some reason.
The Brothers memoir, set for release on October 22 by HarperCollins Publishers, is a 384-page tribute from Alex to his younger brother Eddie, reflecting on their shared journey through life, music, and fame. Priced at $32.00, the book is a heartfelt account of brotherhood, chronicling their early years in the Netherlands, their move to Pasadena, California, and their rise to rock superstardom as part of the legendary band Van Halen.
Written with New Yorker writer Ariel Levy, Alex recounts their family life with a musician father and a strict, yet proud mother who helped shape their values. The book also delves into the highs and lows of their musical careers, including the struggles, infighting, and wild antics that often came with being rock stars. At its core, however, Brothers is a tribute to the deep bond the Van Halen brothers shared.
Along with personal anecdotes, Brothers includes never-before-seen photos from Alex’s private collection and is available as both a 720-minute audiobook and an eBook.
Alex and Eddie formed their first band, Mammoth, in 1972 in Pasadena before renaming it Van Halen when David Lee Roth and Michael Anthony joined. Van Halen became one of the most successful rock bands of the 1980s, known for hits like “Jump,” “Panama,” and “Runnin’ With the Devil.” They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. Alex hopes to use this memoir to shed light on their legacy and set the record straight about Eddie’s life and untimely death.