Alex Van Halen and Steve Lukather join forces to create a new album
Alex Van Halen, the renowned drummer of the band Van Halen, is teaming up with Steve Lukather from Toto to embark on a new musical endeavor. This exciting collaboration was confirmed during an interview on the “Metal Sticks” podcast with Iron Maiden’s Nicko McBrain, where Van Halen shared that he and Lukather, along with a few others, are preparing to work on a new album together.
The upcoming album is said to feature previously unreleased and unfinished recordings from the Van Halen vault. Both Van Halen and Lukather have expressed that the primary objective of this project is to pay tribute to the legacy of the late Eddie Van Halen, who passed away in 2020. Lukather made it clear that although he will be involved in the project, he will not be playing guitar on the tracks. Instead, he will have a role similar to that of a co-producer. Lukather conveyed his immense respect for Eddie, stating, “I have too much love and respect for that and I play nothing like Ed.”
Van Halen revealed that there is reportedly “three or four” albums’ worth of material stored in the vault, and the aim is to handle this treasure trove of music meticulously and complete the unfinished recordings in a manner that does justice to the music. As the project is still in its nascent stages, both musicians are committed to devoting the necessary time and effort to ensure that the end result lives up to their high standards.
The collaboration between Van Halen and Lukather is underpinned by a long-standing friendship, with Eddie and Lukather having collaborated in the past. The album is anticipated to provide a new perspective on the unreleased tracks while staying true to the distinctive sound that is synonymous with Van Halen.
In conclusion, the musical partnership between Alex Van Halen and Steve Lukather is set to breathe new life into previously unheard music from the Van Halen vault. With a deep-seated reverence for Eddie Van Halen’s legacy, the duo is committed to creating an album that will honor his memory while offering a fresh take on the band’s iconic sound. Fans can look forward to this collaboration as it unfolds and eagerly anticipate the unveiling of this musical tribute to one of rock music’s most influential figures.