I’ve heard the term “my Mt. Rushmore” mentioned several times on podcasts recently, where the speaker is referring to influential or heroic people in their lives.
This morning before work, I asked AI to generate my own personal Mt. Rushmore, featuring men I find inspiring: Steve Vai, Edward Van Halen, Billy Martin and Edward Gorey. The results are mixed.
Van Halen had a big impact on me as a youngster. I played Eruption for my dad when I first heard it, and he was impressed, which impressed me. I felt like I had made an important discovery. I had a poster of Eddie Van Halen in my bedroom, grinning out at me. He seemed to be encouraging me, somehow.
I wrote a chapter in my undergraduate thesis on Eddie Van Halen, and his importance to guitar, rock music, and the lasting influence his innovation brought to us. And, as I mentioned, the band Van Halen had a lasting impact on me. They were fantastic musicians, and brought a positive energy into my life that mirrored my adolescent existence.
I think Alex is underrated as a drummer. I think he perfectly matched Ed’s musicality, and her certainly inspired me as a young drummer. But, more importantly for me, the band Van Halen contained virtuosity, humor, brilliant innovation, excitement and “ShowBiz.”
I cried when Eddie died of cancer in 202o. I’ve never cried over the loss of a celebrity. And so, it was with great anticipation that I listened to Alex Van Halen read his book, Brothers.
It was nice hearing his voice – he sounds just like Eddie. This is by no means an exhaustive history of the band, and Wolfgang Van Halen is only mentioned once. It does give a lot of insight into addiction, how sensitive Ed was, and an honest appraisal of David Lee Roth’s role. I don’t have anything against Sammy Hagar, but I don’t listen to those records. I am glad he didn’t get into all that.
I think this book is a gift. Alex is a smart guy, and a good storyteller. And, it made me cry, once again. I loved it, and couldn’t stop listening.
My favorite quote, which took me by surprise, is:
“It takes a long time to sound like you.”
~Alex Van Halen
Finding one’s authentic voice, in other words, takes a long time and a lot of work.
