
As a lifelong Van Halen fan, cracking open 'Brothers' felt like finally getting backstage access to the most personal jam session of all time. Alex's voice leaps off the page with the same rhythmic precision as his drumming - you can practically hear his Ludwig kit keeping time between paragraphs.
The GOOD: The childhood stories are absolute gold. Learning that young Eddie practiced in what was essentially a glorified closet (no lock, just pure dedication) reframes their entire origin story. Alex's recollections of their immigrant parents - especially their suit-obsessed mother - add hilarious and touching layers to the VH mythology we thought we knew.
The BAD: If you're craving juicy details about the Sammy Hagar era or Eddie's later health struggles, you'll leave thirsty. Alex treats these chapters like backstage areas marked 'Band Members Only.' The abrupt stop at 1984 feels like an encore that never comes.
REAL TALK: This isn't just another rock bio. It's a love letter wrapped in drumheads, with passages about Ed's shy genius that'll give you chills. When Alex describes finding new guitar sounds 'in the ether,' you realize these weren't just musicians - they were sonic alchemists.
PERFECT FOR: Diehards who've read every VH book (the Templeman callbacks are chef's kiss), music biz nerds craving 70s/80s industry insights, or anyone who's ever air-guitared to 'Eruption' in their underwear.
Pro Tip: Keep your vinyl collection nearby while reading - you'll be cueing up 'Van Halen I' before chapter three.
