David Lee Roth Refuses to Pay Tribute to Eddie Van Halen

Published:

Van Halen rockers David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen had a tumultuous relationship that ultimately led to the cancellation of a planned reunion tour after Eddie’s passing, according to the band’s drummer Alex Van Halen, who is Eddie’s brother, in an interview with Rolling Stone.

Strained Relationship Leads to Tour Cancellation

Alex Van Halen revealed that the breaking point in their relationship came when he suggested acknowledging Eddie during the tour, similar to how Queen honors their late lead singer Freddie Mercury. This suggestion did not sit well with David Lee Roth, causing a heated confrontation that ultimately derailed the reunion plans.

sajdhasd

Lessons from Queen

Alex Van Halen had sought advice from Brian May of Queen on how to navigate touring without a key band member. With Eddie’s passing in 2020, the band faced the challenge of moving forward without their iconic guitarist.

Roth’s reaction to the suggestion of acknowledging Eddie’s legacy during the tour was met with resistance, leading to a breakdown in communication between the band members.

Emotional Confrontation

Alex Van Halen described a heated exchange with Roth, where tensions escalated, and Roth’s reaction was one of anger and defiance. The confrontation marked the end of any hopes for a reunion tour.

Despite attempts to reach out to Roth for comment, he declined to respond, leaving the situation unresolved.

Reflecting on the Past

Alex Van Halen expressed his disappointment in the breakdown of communication with Roth, emphasizing the importance of working together as a team rather than as individuals.

While the failed tour was a setback, Van Halen acknowledged that his own health issues also played a role in accepting the outcome.

Moving Forward

Van Halen reflected on the significance of honoring Eddie’s legacy in a meaningful way, rather than simply performing the band’s classic songs without him. Finding a replacement for Eddie was not a viable option for the band.

Despite the challenges, Van Halen mentioned that he and Roth still maintain communication, indicating a sense of closure despite the unresolved issues.

In his upcoming memoir, “Brothers,” Van Halen delves into his experiences with Eddie, offering a personal insight into their relationship and the challenges they faced.

FAQs

Q: Why did the planned reunion tour for Van Halen get canceled?

A: The cancellation of the reunion tour was due to a breakdown in communication between band members, particularly David Lee Roth and Alex Van Halen, over how to acknowledge the late Eddie Van Halen during the performances.

Q: How did Alex Van Halen’s conversation with Brian May influence the band’s decision?

A: Alex Van Halen sought advice from Brian May on how Queen managed to continue touring without Freddie Mercury. This conversation shed light on the importance of honoring a band member’s legacy in a respectful manner.

Q: Will there be any future collaborations between David Lee Roth and Alex Van Halen?

A: While the current situation remains unresolved, both parties have expressed a willingness to maintain communication. The possibility of future collaborations cannot be ruled out entirely.


Credit: ew.com

Related articles

You May Also Like