VAN HALEN NEWS DESK

Eddie talks about the Future

ed_2009_matt_bruck_vhnd

The current issue of Hustler magazine has an exclusive interview with Eddie Van Halen. Here are the highlights where he talks about his upcoming wedding plans and making new music with David Lee Roth:

When can we hope for the new CD?

First, Wolfgang graduates, and then Janie and I are getting married. Then we’ll sit down, give Dave a call and ask him if he feels like whooping and hollering a little bit. I’ve got a ton of music.

Will your wedding be a traditional wedding or a rock star bash?

It’s a small wedding, with only family and a few close friends here at home in our backyard. It’ll be nice. My brother is going to marry us. He can actually legally marry us. He’s an ordained minister. Reverend Al. It’s gonna be great.

Who will be the best man?

My son Wolfgang, of course.

It’ll be a real family affair.

I have very few friends. Janie and I, we don’t go out much, except to the market. She’s a great cook, so why go out? I’ve never been the tye to hang out much or do the hollywood thing and that kind of shit. That’s why you don’t see me in the tabloids very often. We enjoy our privacy.

Do you still play every day?

I do now. After the tour I was a couch potato for a good five months, but I’m back! I’m writing, I’m doing everything–including interviews. (Laughs.)

What is the best part about being Eddie Van Halen in 2009 ?

I guess for the first time in my life I really feel good. I don’t really wanna get into the whole sobriety trip. But I’m just workin’ on a lot of things to get better at being here in the moment and stay clear, ya know? I have been drinking, smoking, and playing guitar since I was 12 years old. I still smoke, and I’m definitely playing guitar better than ever. I guess one of the three had to go. Along with some other shit. But alcohol was the wonder drug for me. It’s a trip to look back and go, Fuck, I’ve been doing this for over 40 years. I’m lucky to be alive. I’m healthier and happier than I’ve ever been.

Janie and I are getting married in June. She’s a beautiful, sexy, sweet, strong and smart woman who loves me unconditionally. And of course vice versa. I mean the love part. I have the most insanely gifted, talented, wonderful son (a direct gift from God), whom I love more than he’ll ever know. My brother Alex, who I just love so fucking much, it makes me wanna cry out of joy that I’m so blessed to have him since the day I was born. My best friend Matt, who I’ve known for over 20 years and works with me on just about everything I do. My friend Ryan and a few other people. A great career. And of course my own company, EVH brand of guitars, amps and accessories. What the fuck more could I ask for ? I feel like my life is just beginning. That’s what the best part of being Eddie Van Halen is….in any year.

  • Karl

    “None of my guitar students had even heard of the band until I showed them.”

    How depressing is that! Guess there won’t be much ‘standing on the shoulders of giants’ going on there, then…

  • Yes!

    My hope is that he can stay sober…that’s the trick to VH’s future. New music or not, I just want the guy to stay alive and healthy for the next 20+ years.

  • http://www.johnnybeane.com Johnny Beane

    Thanks for posting this!
    Great photo and awesome read!
    We will see VH on the road again sometime soon!
    JB

  • Jason Kline

    So….in other words,we should not be on pins and needles waiting for a new record(surprise). Besides,last I knew VH didn’t even have a label.Eddie has droned on and on for YEARS about all this material, the best of which I suppose was used on a porno soundtrack.Sorry, but I am not excited about the release of a “live”(you know exactly what I mean..) DVD from the last tour. I remember back in ’96 Eddie said ,” We’re not here to make a quick buck and f**k off..”. Seems that is the only thing they’ve done since.

  • ringostore

    “My brother is going to marry us. He can actually legally marry us. He’s an ordained minister. Reverend Al. It’s gonna be great.” ……….interviewed in “Hustler”? Both guys did music for a porn movie?

    Hmmm….obviously not an ordained “Christian” minister.

    What is the religion?…..Church of the Holy Cabbage??

  • Erik

    Congratulations Ed! It’s so great to hear him sound happy! I think givin up the booze was the best thing he could have done.I’ve seen VH live about 8or9 times since ’86 and this last tour w/ Dave was the best 1. Ed sounded so amazing! I’ve never heard him play so well. I’ve also never heard him sound like he’s just relaxed and happy w/ what he has in life. In answer as to why they’re waitin to call Dave, I read that Dave is an EMT now p/t and he’s finishin up a schedule with them. Either way, I can’t wait to hear some new music and I’m really happy for the band and all involved. And it even seems to be workin out for Sammy and Michael. I heard a little of the stuff Chickenfoot’s done and it sounds great!

  • Brian Gold Coast Queensland

    Happiness is all important so it’s wonderful to read how happy Ed is. God for you Ed….. and congrats on your wedding plans. Hope all goes well for you!

    Cheers

    Brian

  • jon De Rosa

    yeah! eddie is back the real van halen band eddie try to write me back you rock and make good music to change this world and i know who can do it with david lee roth anyway g2g man peace out i wish i can play my guitar like you man

  • Mike Powers

    How come John Cougar Mellancamp is in the picture with Ed’s guitars?