There is no question that Van Halen is one of the most popular and influential rock bands of all time. But what often gets overlooked is the incredible drumming of Van Halen drummer Alex van Halen.
His unique style and exceptional timing have been a massive part of the band’s success. In this post, we’re going to take a closer look at Alex’s playing style and some of his most famous moments behind the kit. So without further ado, let’s get started!
Who were the original members of Van Halen?
The members of Van Halen were David Lee Roth (vocals), Eddie Van Halen (guitar), Alex Van Halen, Michael Anthony (bass).
Edie and Alex had several bands together; the one that evolved into Van Halen (their last name) was Mammoth. Since this band name (Mammoth) was already taken, they changed it to Van Halen.
In the beginning, Edie was a lead vocal, but after some time, he had enough and Asked David Lee Roth to join the band.
Before that, they rented a PA system from Roth. According to him, he takes credits for a band name. He says he named it after Alex. At that time, Alex was in charge of all the bands managing duties.
In 1974, Roth joined the band with bass player Michael Antony and Van Halen as we knew was set for success.
How many Van Halen brothers are there?
Two brothers, Edie guitarist and Alex, a drummer. Born in the Netherlands in the 60s then emigrated to California.
With a father who was both an accomplished jazz and classically trained musician, it’s no surprise that these two brothers started playing music early.
At first, Edie played the drums while Alex played the guitar.
What happened to Alex Van Halen?
Alex is live and well, leaving in California with his family. On Friday, September 10th 2021, the Van Halen Brasil YouTube channel uploaded a clip of Alex driving down a Los Angeles freeway in his Porsche 911 GT2 RS.
After his brother Eddie died of cancer in 2020, that was it for the band. It is hard imagining their reunion without the legendary Eddies’s guitar sound.
With a net worth of around $95 million, Alex should have an excellent retirement time.
What drums does Alex Van Halen play?
Alex is known for various drum kits throughout his career. Although most of them were Ludwig, Alex played St. George and Pearl drum kit at the very beginning.
Ludwig supported Alex from start with custom made drum kits. On tour in 2015, he played Ludwig Chrome & Copper kit.
He also used Paiste cymbals, and together with the company, he developed his signature ride cymbal.
It is a 24″ ride made under the 2002 series, called Reverend Al’s Big ride.
His Ludwig 1980 Invasion Tour Kit has been listed for sale for $275 000 + shipping. You can find this drum set here, but the listing is ended, not sure if this means somebody both this kit.
Here is a website dedicated to all the drum kits Alex used for years.
Did Alex Van Halen use electric drums?
We closely examined all Alex’s drum kits he’s been using over the years, and we couldn’t find any of the electronics whatsoever.
Did Alex Van Halen take drum lessons?
He did take guitar lessons. Yes, you heard well. Alex started as a guitar player, but after some time, he switched to drums and from that point on, he is a self-taught drummer.
Is Alex Van Halen one of the best drummers?
This isn’t easy to answer because it depends on who you ask. Some people might say that he is one of the best, while others might say that he has some flaws in his playing. But, overall, Alex is considered to be an excellent drummer.
Have you heard the term “Brown Sound”? It is usually used to describe a specific sound produced by the guitar. In Van Halen’s case, it describes the big and warm sound Alex’s snare drum had.
Eddie tried to replicate that kind of sound on his guitar. He wanted his sound to be, as he said, “big, warm and majestic”.
Alex Van Halen’s amazing drumming was there from their first album, and then it got even better with each release. His signature style can be heard in hits like “I’m The One” or “Ice Cream Man.”
What snare drum does Alex Van Halen use?
It is Ludwig Special Edition made specially for Alex. It can be found under code LM402AVH.
It is a customized version of Ludwig Supraphonic 6.5×14″ Aluminum Snare Drum.
Today, this snare drum is worth over $2000, and it’s been sold for over $4000 in good condition.
What drum heads does Alex Van Halen use?
Alex endorses Remo drum heads. Here you can find a complete list of all the drum heads he is using.
What Van Halen song has the drum solo?
The song “Hot for Teacher” has a famous drum intro. Ted Templeman produced the song, released on their sixth studio album “1984”.
The song features Alex Van Halen’s double bass drum performance.
The opening of this single begins with a 30 second lengthy solo from drums before going into an instrumental intro that lasts another thirty seconds or so.
VH1 named this song as the 36th best hard rock song of all time.
What was Van Halen’s biggest hit?
Some of Van Halen’s biggest hits include “Jump,” “Panama,” and “Hot for Teacher”, Ain’t talking bout love”.
However, many cite “Jump” as their biggest hit song that hit number on Billboard hot 100 and number two on Billboard 200.
Which Van Halen album sold the most?
Their album “1984” sold the most, with over 10 million copies sold in the United States.
This is their sixth studio album released in 1984. It’s the last album that features David Lee Roth on lead vocals.
Rolling Stone ranked it as the 81st album on the 100 Greatest albums of the 80s.
You may remember, or you heard the moment when Michael Jackson’s album Thriller ran the world. This album was right after Thriller on a second-place across top charts.