Eddie talks about the Future

March 4, 2009 59 Comments

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.

Filed Under: Eddie Van Halen, Van Halen

Joe S

I like what I have read so far. Eddie is talking about his sobriety, family and friends that is the most in-depth he has ever been in an interview I can’t wait to read the rest.

I certainly hope this continues for his sake. Just remember Eddie we the fans care about you and also remember keep coming back.
Peedah

Awesome !!! Seems like his head and heart are in the right place(s).

Gives me something to look forward to!
http://michaelquinn.com.au Michael

So no new music for at least another 12 months – if not 2 years.
Batch

..ed is everywhere..
http://michaelquinn.com.au Michael

Could the photo be any more of a Ego trip ?
will

First of all I am so happy for Ed. Second of all the photo doesnt represent an ego trip to the real VH fan. It shows all of us that things are going well for him & he’s interested in making music for us again. The naysayers should really find something else to do!
Ian

Hustler? I’m going to run right out and pick up a copy. Do you think my wife will believe that I bought it for the articles?
SCAR

EDVH – dude, keep enjoying your privacy and happiness – it’s sounds like the new music is going places. Shit,after he makes that phone call to DLR, we are going to get our asses kicked by some new VH tunes!!!!!!!!!!
Myron Philpot

That’s what I was thinking as I was mentally adding up the 10 guitars, 8 amps, 6 cabs, and 1 legend.

Seriously, great to hear Ed give some human depth and warmth to his interviews lately. I think his last bout in rehab was a humbling experience so he now understands his place in the “big picture.” He has so very much to be thankful for, I really think he doesn’t want to blow it. Looking back, I’m glad I stayed away from the ’04 tour because Ed was looking pretty scrungy and couldn’t play for shit from the boots I’ve seen. The two shows I saw in ’07/08 were both refreshing surprises.

Still, who knows when VH will put out new music? For me personally, the ’80s hard rock ship has long sailed. I’m not saying that I no longer listen to it, but I don’t wait with baited breath anymore for new releases and tours. If they come around, cool I’ll go see ‘em. If not, there are plenty of other distractions to fill the void.
Bill 1521

The one theme that still is troubling is that Dave is still not considered part of his inner circle. Dave broke his heart when he married Valerie by not singing at his wedding-he sang at Michael’s-and what a great time to come full circle, but no mention of DLR with the wedding.

I hope Dave and Ed have that figured out and it was simply not mentioned.

About the music, time to start working on Janie since she has his ear. Live VH is a true gift and it hear it professionally released is amazing. The Youtube from LostWeekend On MTV and hearing EVH jam Ain’t Talkin ‘Bout Love is enough said.

Reverend Al, who knew.
pushtoshove

I am happy Ed is happy ( he doesn’t need me to approve jack shit for his happiness-just saying) But why cant anyone get a schedule? Very UN professional.Guess they don’t have a record deal or else there would be time frames.Hope they get one-or whatever the equivalent is these days.
pushtoshove

Having a guitar company and being a ‘legend’ does not automatically dictate having corporate backing for a tour and CD promotion….good luck guys..
http://www.myspace.com/pridesettemusic PrideSette

Nice!!!
Keith

Great Ed ! But why the wait to call Dave until after the wedding ? Doesn’t sound too promising to me either. Too bad.
Kevin

It’s cool to see that Ed still has at least some of his Wolfgang prototypes; at least 5 are in the picture.

what’s up with the beige 5150III head?

This is slightly off-topic, but was i the only one who noticed that Ed used the 5150III before he announced the switch to Fender? At that Sacred Sin party at his house he used them, as well as in the video for “Catherine”? How come no one at the time noticed that and mentioned it back then? And that was in ’05 or ’06 (didnt officially join with Fender and create EVH Gear till ’07)!
DANOOOSH

GREAT NEWS..HE MADE IT VERY CLEAR THAT NEW MUSIC IS DEFINITELY IN THE PLANS.AS FAR AS DAVE AND THE WEDDING GOES,ITS POSSIBLE THAT THEY AGREED TO KEEP THEIR WORK AND PERSONAL LIVES SEPERATE..WHICH WOULDNT BE ALL BAD ..LESS CHANCE OF SOMETHING GOING WRONG.ED ALSO MADE IT VERY CLEAR THAT DLR IS STILL THE FRONTMAN,…START SAVING YOUR MONEY FOR TICKETS FOLKS!!!THEIR GETTING MARRIED IN JUNE, SO MAYBE AROUND AUGUST??
Kevin Malone

I guess I just don’t understand what he’s waiting for.

Pick up the phone. Send DLR some tapes. Get the ball rolling.

Eddie’s been “talking” about all the music he has for over a decade, where is it?!

These guys are in their mid-fifties. Sitting around until July to pick up the phone is just a cop-out.
Cabo Joe

I am happy for Eddie.

What I never understand is there is still nothing definite.
“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.”

What the fuck is that? For anyone that’s in a band or any other type of business, do you ever throw cards up in the air and hope they land in your favor when talking about the future?
I can’t believe that Dave has no particular arrival date at the studio to record OR has totally committed to staying on the band.

At this point, as a life-long fan, I am getting tired of the bullshit and the wait-and-see attitude.

I guess it’s good that his is sober..nothing else is as promising.
~Joe
pushtoshove

You are right on the money Kevin
Gee Lopz

I´m glad to see Eddie happy. But The one theme that still is troubling is that Dave is still not considered part of his inner circle. This is sad.

He thanks God to have Alex, Wolfie, and other people and friends in his life, in his story, but i think he´s got to be gratefull for meet Michael Anthony, David Lee Roth, Sammy Hagar, Valerie Bertinelli…people who walk side by side with him in his life and succesful career.

This people worked and help him (and the band)in the early days and hard times.

This is a ocasion to make peace and forgive.
Dooley

Gee Lopz, you are right about that. Plus,Ed never thanked Michael Anthony and Sammy Hagar for the kind words they sent his way at the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame induction two years ago.
http://Www.myspace.com/matthewgreenia Matt

Sounds good! … But, Van Halen fans want the live DVD!
SCAR

Sounds like some of posers need a tissue to dry up your pathetic whiny tears. Can you be any more negative? You bitch when there’s no news about new tunes then you bitch about the news of possible new tunes. Make up your puny little narrow minds. Shit, my beer mug is half full – what about yours??????? Experts like Cabo Joe should be more positive and be AFU like Danooosh is! Danooosh sounds like a true fan so – what about the rest of you negative posers? Pissed yet posers????????
http://vhnd Tman

I am a Van Halen fan regardless of what incarnation! I have stuck with them regardless what drama that has gone on. The news that we have been getting has been the best in many years! Progress is the key! I check the new’s like a crazy person two time’s per day. Have patience. We have waited this long? Remember, the new music may not be what we are expecting? Do I think it will be as good as or sound like Fair Warning? No! It will be different. Then there will be this negative vibe going on about the band. If Zeppelin put out a new cd. It would be different. We will see.
Peedah

Usually I think that SCAR like to get on VHND and Bully the Shit outta anyone one who doesn’t see things his way…BUT he’s right this time. People sit and moan about “Nothing new” “Same old Stories” “No Updates” and now VHND is giving us new INFO almost DAILY. Remember when you could check this site everyday and see NOTHING new. FINALLY it seems as if there is light at the end of the tunnel. SO stop crying about “There’s no dates” and WHEN WHEN WHEN? What you sew is what you will reap, be negative and pessimistic and new shit will never come out.

Hell I hung on to the hope (for 22 years) that they would perform with DLR again DESPITE what everyone (including them) said.

Stop your bitchin and go with it! A real fan would hope for the best, not rag on the fact that there is no specifics.

PS the Amps in Sacred Sins where prototypes and the Beige amp is a 5150 III with no tolex covering (it’s just wood).
SCAR

Well said Peedah!!!! It’s not that I’m here to bully, like I said before I am a complete asshole when it comes to VH music. I admit what I am – those who are ashamed for bashing the band you claim to love so much – admit that you are posers, maybe you’ll feel better.
Eric

You guys already posted most of this stuff on February 17, how about something new.
Homer

I have been a VH fan for 30 years. However, I predict that it will be many years, if ever, we get any new commercially released material from VH. These guys seem to come up with any excuse not to get into the studio and produce new work. I mean the last tour was great but new material needs to be created. The hunger seems to be gone. I used to feel sorry for Michael Anthony for the way Ed, Alex and Dave treated him and brought Wolfgang in. Now, I think it is a blessing in disguise(for Mickey). The very limited stuff I have heard and read about from Chickenfoot really gets my fur up. No matter what you think of Sammy as a musician (I have no problem with him) he would be a great guy to be in a band with (as long as he shares the tequila!!!). Let the flaming begin…
Scottso

Michael Anthony may be better off being away from VH. Van Halen needs a band leader and unfortunately, Eddie is NOT it. Alex needs to step up, get his little brother in line, and make VH a real band again. One that writes, records and releases new music as well as tour. Ed is a good soldier, but a horrible general. Don’t hold your breath waiting for any new VH music. It’ll probably only happen after Eddie’s death and the vaults of 5150 are opened and the volumes of unreleased recordings are uncovered.
SCAR

Shit, we are gonna need more tissues!!!!!!!!!!!
Richie812

I love you EVH!
Now enough talk, enough interviews, where is the ton of music you are talking about? Please.
Jor-L5150

…REVERAND AL ..??????
…an ordained minister…?????

…wtf?

———————————

chill about DLR , he hasnt been ” inner circle ” since about ’80 ,’81. its good enough he’s the singer.
Kerry

I’d love to hang with Ed for a day. Imagine all the materiel he has stored at 5150. I can’t wait for what comes next.
pushtoshove

Hey Scar-cese…they may be right and tissues will be the only thing we will need to bring to Van Halen anything…..There’s no sin like a sin put off til the last minute
ben

Ed seems really happy and that’s what matters, he was in a dark hole from 2000 – 2006
Now the time is right for Ed and the boys to come back and kick ass!
Daniel

We’re all “whining” for new music because we all KNOW that (I hate to say it) ed’s smoking unfortunately will catch up with him before long. Personally, I’d rather him take his time than put out another album like VHIII.

The fact that he thanked God is a glimmer of hope that the AA is actually teaching him something. I think he is happi-ER, but only temporarily. It seems like his happiness comes from people, who will ultimately fail him at some point. We all fail again and again. I just hope he doesn’t relapse like on the last tour. I love Ed and he has truly changed my life in significant ways. I wish the best for him, but I wonder if the smiles are only on the surface.
Mitch

Al is a minister? That’s crazy. . . .
Every interview from the last ten years I’ve read, Ed seems to be all over the place. He can’t put together clear thoughts. No wonder there isn’t any new music!
april

On a more human level…I am TRULY happy that Ed appears clean and full of new vigor.

He is a great guitarist, but more importantly mortal and I’m glad that he is doing well..

He has already given us so much anything else is just extra…he need not prove anything…but we love ya Edward.

Keep it up. You are blessed as are we to have enjoyed your music.
Diamond DLR

Same old EVH playing the same old songs with slightly different names: Dave/Sammy, Valerie/Janie. Mikey/Wolfie.

“I’m not Hollywood / not a rockstar.”

“I’m healthier and happier now than I’ve ever been.”

Any VH fan knows this is the same old recycled garbage he’s been shovelling for the last 30 years.

If you want to read an EVH interview from June 2009, you don’t need a time machine. Just pickup any interview he’s ever done, ever, and replace the names that have fallen out of his good graces with the current lineup.
Rocko

Live DVD and CD would be nice. Ed, I hope your wedding goes well and Wolfie’s Graduation too. Take your time for now and hopefully some good new music will fall into play.
~?Mikey?~

I think it is great ,these are the best of times,the happiest moments of Edies life,and i am sure it will be a kick ass album,i am sure of it,everyone is in full force and confident…Ed keep on smiling you deserve it!
Thanks,your number one fan.
Kevin Malone

Scar – One word for ya:

DENIAL.
http://www.ericleland.com Jungleland

I think Ed and Dave have finally realised (for real) that they do not have to be friends to have a musical partnership. They spent most of their lives being personally insulted by each other for having personalities that do not mesh.

Ed’s inner circle should be his friends and family, not his band. Same with Dave. I am re-reading “Crazy From The Heat” and Dave is not about the “gang” he is a loner. They both just want respect from each other, and that is what they have finally achieved.

This is Ed’s band with Dave as his “preferred vendor” of vocal & attitude. If they can all respect each other and work on a common goal (Ed’s goal) they can make great music again
Daniel

Jungleland, Crazy from the Heat is a GREAT book. I loved every page of it. You are right in that they need to remain apart. However, I’d have to respectfully disagree about your last statement. VH is EVERY BIT Dave’s band as Eddie’s. There was an undeniable magic lost when Dave left. Dave knew that all along and Ed only learned to admit that (to himself) in 2007.

Granted, alot of people like the Hagar years, but they are different in sound obviously. The Cherone YEAR was just awful. They had success with Hagar, but VHIII killed the band. He’s probably still hesitant to record anything even though that was 12 years ago.

I suspect Ed knows that he can probably make more money off selling his name than his music. I promise you he made more off his MXR Phaser than VHIII. Even if they do record, it’s not like kids are going to rush out and buy a new Van Halen album. None of my guitar students had even heard of the band until I showed them.

Believe me, I wish they would record. I like a handful of the Sammy songs, but the two tracks with Roth off the greatest hits record were better than ANYTHING post ’84. Anything.
phillster

Jungleland,Daniel,F`N-A RIGHT!!!you`ve said it all.
phillster

don`t forget- they DID record tracks with DLR in 2000 but it “didn`t work-out”.`Give my left nut to hear that:>-Even when there`s conflict, it`s still great music.
David St. Hubbins

I don’t think it is really a big deal that DLR won’t be called until later. He is more than likely a hired hand now and certainly not a full share of the band. If you think Dave would not jump when called – whenever that is – I think you are crazy also. What is he going to do – revive that solo career that was on life support or go back to being a EMT? He’s ready when Eddie is ready and Eddie knows that.
http://vhnd.com evhrocks

Eddie, congratulations! from all angles it seems like life has improved dramatically for you and your family in recent years. I hope you new wife and marriage bring continued happiness to your life. The 07/08 tour was great! I saw you guys 3 times. It goes without saying that all VH fans would welcome the opportunity to see you and the band on stage again. I for one am glad to hear the enthusiasm in your voice about making new music. Take Care man, you rock!
Tammy in Georgia

I’m so happy to read Eddie’s comments; it makes my heart sing to see him so happy & healty. His comments on Big Al brought a tear to my eye. I love to watch them together live; they are in awe of one another & that is totally awesome. Good luck & all the love, happiness & peace from me to you EVH!!!!!! Rock on & I can’t wait to hear all your new music & see you all live again!!!!!!
Jeff

Say what you will about either of the 2 singers for the greatest band ever, but the greatest tunes ever written, were written by ALL 4 MEMBERS OF THE INNER CIRCLE. Unless Dave gets back into that circle, I have a hard time believing that the same magic will ever be created again. A big part of what made those songs great, was the fact that it was 4 members of a legendary rock and roll “family”, that chose to invite everyone to their own private party!!