Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
informative
reflective
medium-paced
This isn't a tell-all memoir.. it's a love letter to a little brother gone too soon, mixed with the story of how, together, they formed one of the greatest rock bands ever, while having to deal with an egotistical asshole singer to make it big. There is clearly no love lost between Alex and David Lee Roth, and it's interesting that the book basically wraps up quickly after Dave left the band. I would have liked more about Ed's later years, touring with Wolfie, etc. but Alex really didn't seem to even want to touch the Sammy Hagar years or Dave returning to the band.
I was at Van Halen's final concert at the Hollywood Bowl in October 2015 with Wolfie on bass and Dave back singing. Hearing Alex's opinion of Dave's costume changes even early in the band's history made me crack up, because other than Ed's amazing guitar solos and tons of rain clouds threatening to downpour on us, that's what I remember most about that show... like a 10+ costume changes from Dave. LOL. I'm so glad the rain didn't fall. It was an honor to be at the last Van Halen concert ever. I miss Ed... there will never be another musician like him.
I was at Van Halen's final concert at the Hollywood Bowl in October 2015 with Wolfie on bass and Dave back singing. Hearing Alex's opinion of Dave's costume changes even early in the band's history made me crack up, because other than Ed's amazing guitar solos and tons of rain clouds threatening to downpour on us, that's what I remember most about that show... like a 10+ costume changes from Dave. LOL. I'm so glad the rain didn't fall. It was an honor to be at the last Van Halen concert ever. I miss Ed... there will never be another musician like him.
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Brothers by Alex Van Halen reads like a love letter to his younger brother "Edward, maybe Ed, but never Eddie". Alex opens his heart and pours forth the memories, love, arguments, pain, drugs, alcohol, sex, innovations, loyalty, theatrics, good and bad decisions, and pride to life for his readers. He is honest about how Ed's sensitive personality impacted and at times impaired his life. Even four years later, Alex openly mourns all the times that have been cut short by Ed's death in 2020, all the while honoring Ed's life and gifts.
While reading this, I laughed, I cried, and watched so many YouTube videos of Van Halen! The evolution of two little boys from Holland to the brilliantly talented musicians they became was an amazing journey cut short too soon. (Alex is very honest when he writes about the choices Ed made ultimately lead to his death.)
After reading Brothers, I read some of the reviews. I feel many reviewers had expectations that were not met. I strongly believe Alex wrote this as a catharsis and memorial to Ed - not to share every detail of their lives together with the readers. While Alex wrote a beautiful tribute to Ed that may have left some readers wanting more, I think Alex did exactly what HE needed to do in writing this memoir and I hope he finds peace in knowing that he will see Ed once again on the other side.
While reading this, I laughed, I cried, and watched so many YouTube videos of Van Halen! The evolution of two little boys from Holland to the brilliantly talented musicians they became was an amazing journey cut short too soon. (Alex is very honest when he writes about the choices Ed made ultimately lead to his death.)
After reading Brothers, I read some of the reviews. I feel many reviewers had expectations that were not met. I strongly believe Alex wrote this as a catharsis and memorial to Ed - not to share every detail of their lives together with the readers. While Alex wrote a beautiful tribute to Ed that may have left some readers wanting more, I think Alex did exactly what HE needed to do in writing this memoir and I hope he finds peace in knowing that he will see Ed once again on the other side.
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Really enjoyed this. I love Van Halen so much and it was great to hear these stories. I'm not sure what Eddie and Alex had against Sammy Hagar, but Alex barely mentions Sammy. But the book is called, "Brothers," and it's about Al and Ed. Al really loved his brother and he was in awe of Ed's talents, just like the rest of us. A must for any fan of VH.
3.5 stars
RECOMMEND
Yes, I grew up listening to Van Halen, but they were around 10 years older than me. So I missed the garage band and small venues they played locally (I grew up near Pasadena, California where they were founded). Getting off the Pasadena Freeway at the end, there was a "Van Halen Country" poster. Wild!
I expected much more from the brothers' story. It abruptly ends in 1984 and there isn't much further. It is obvious that Alex and Ed were very close, but more about their relationship was needed as the title was BROTHERS.
There was a huge opportunity to make this a great book instead of a good book. It's too bad it wasn't a stronger book for the readers, fans, and the Van Halen legacy.
For a more detailed review, check out my blog - booksbydorothea:
https://booksbydorothea.blogspot.com/2024/12/review-brothers-audiobook.html
RECOMMEND
Yes, I grew up listening to Van Halen, but they were around 10 years older than me. So I missed the garage band and small venues they played locally (I grew up near Pasadena, California where they were founded). Getting off the Pasadena Freeway at the end, there was a "Van Halen Country" poster. Wild!
I expected much more from the brothers' story. It abruptly ends in 1984 and there isn't much further. It is obvious that Alex and Ed were very close, but more about their relationship was needed as the title was BROTHERS.
There was a huge opportunity to make this a great book instead of a good book. It's too bad it wasn't a stronger book for the readers, fans, and the Van Halen legacy.
For a more detailed review, check out my blog - booksbydorothea:
https://booksbydorothea.blogspot.com/2024/12/review-brothers-audiobook.html