Alex Van Halen.. Man Or Myth???

I find it really odd that when you hear anyone talking about the band Van Halen, you always hear either David Lee or Eddie being brought up..
Even Michael Anthony seems to get some occasional lime light..
But what about Alex??
He's always in the back ground.. You never seem to hear a word out of him..

Doing some reading about him this morning I see that both him and Eddie were trained as "Classical Pianist".
At first Alex played the guitar and Eddie the drums..
There were a few bands Alex started before Van Halen..The Broken Combs.. The Space Brothers...

Attending Pasadena City College is where he met David and Michael and they formed the band, Mammonth..

Anyways.. I just wanted to open a thread about "Alex Van Halen" and see what anyone wanted to contribute..

I consider his drum playing to be top notch.. I just wonder why he dosn't get much credit..

Maybe he is lucky to not get all that press coverage!! Some people are happy as a lark not being in the Lime Light, I think Alex could be one of those people.

Not many drummers are widely known as vocalists and guitarists which because they are moving around and in the spotlight seem to get far more attention.

I have always considered Alex a good drummer and a perfect fit for Van Halen.

However, speaking from a "Producer/Engineer's" perspective I always felt both him and Michael Anthony were too muted on VH's early albums. Don't get me wrong I love all the David Lee Roth era albums, but for some reason they are just not given as much space as Eddie's guitar. Considering they were a three piece band + vocalist and much beefier live that just always confused me.

Alex smokes...very great drummer indeed and agree LG...turn him up!! But I think he should rank up there in the top list of drummers for not only his talent but for his originality and set up as well.

I always thought there was more "awareness" for Alex Van Halen than Michael Anthony.

Thumper said:

Alex Van Halen.. Man Or Myth???

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Indeed. I've been thinking of including Alex Van Halen in one of my underrated drummers polls but I'm not entirely sure he exists either.

alex is a monster. behind that kit.

From :Icons Of Rock by Blaine Sayer {10-18-08}

Yes, you all know Eddie Van Halen from his blistering virtuoso guitar solos and his creation of the legendary finger tapping. Of course, he’s influenced such guitarists as Dave Mustaine, Kirk Hammett, and ‘Dimebag’ Darrell (R.I.P.); however, many often fail to recognize the other Van Halen brother, Alex, for his place in rock and roll history.

Alex Van Halen belongs in the same category as Eddie in regards to his dominance of the double bass drum. While Eddie was known for his speed with his “Frankenstrats”, Alex kept up with his lightning quick hands and double kick bass skills. Following in the footsteps of his drum idols, Ginger Baker of Cream and Keith Moon of The Who, Alex would spend countless hours practicing alongside his brother, trying to match him for speed and intensity. These sessions focusing on speed and pure rock n roll lead to Alex adopting the double bass drum, which he added to his arsenal in 1977: “Alex added a second bass drum to his kit, creating a double bass tower behind which he was a monster.” With his massive drum ensemble, his brother’s alien-like guitar riffs, a loud mouthed lead singer named David Lee Roth and the calm, yet skilled Michael Anthony on bass, Van Halen took over the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. By February 1978, the band released their self-titled debut album. This album would become a staple for 80s rock, influencing nearly every metal and hard rock band throughout the entire 80s decade


I always loved Alex, he complimented Ed And Dave and Michael very well...and his MASSIVE drum kit was amazing !

The drum intro to HOT FOR THE TEACHER is classic Alex

Astrid Kirchherr65 said:

The drum intro to HOT FOR THE TEACHER is classic Alex

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That is, in my opinion, one of the most memorable drum parts ever.