Alex Van Halen, the legendary drummer from Van Halen, shares stories of his journey from an immigrant childhood in California to rock star antics, including fiery drum stunts with his late brother Eddie. Selena Gomez reflects on her evolution from Disney star to leading roles, including her gripping performance in the film Emilia Pérez. They also discuss the balancing act of fame, the challenges of collaboration in music, and the transformative power of personal experiences in both music and film.
Alex Van Halen reflects on the band's dynamic and iconic performances, showcasing their unique blend of musicianship and theatricality that defined rock music.
Selena Gomez discusses her transformation from a Disney star to a versatile actress, highlighting her role in the musical film Emilia Pérez.
Deep dives
The Legacy of Van Halen
Van Halen, renowned for their high-energy performances, is highlighted as one of the most influential rock bands, credited with shaping the genre. Founded by Alex and his late brother Eddie, the band formed in 1974 and produced remarkable hits over their career, including 12 studio albums and 56 singles. Their memoir, 'Brothers,' serves as a tribute to their musical journey, from their immigrant roots in the U.S. to their groundbreaking influence in rock music. After Eddie's death in 2020, the band disbanded, marking the end of an era in rock history.
Early Musical Influences
Alex Van Halen recounts his childhood experiences with music, influenced heavily by his father's background as a jazz musician. His first band, The Broken Combs, played local school functions, igniting their passion for performance. The British Invasion, particularly the Beatles and other bands like the Dave Clark Five, significantly shaped their musical aspirations and style. The transformation of their sound came when Alex transitioned from playing guitar to drums, as Eddie's extraordinary talent carved out a distinct musical path for the duo.
The Showmanship of Rock
The dynamic between Alex, Eddie, and frontman David Lee Roth is explored, emphasizing how Roth's flamboyant showmanship complemented their musical prowess. While Alex notes their initial reluctance to focus on visuals, it became clear that captivating performances were essential for success in the evolving rock landscape. Their iconic stage presence, including Alex's unforgettable burning drum set, exemplified their commitment to performance art. This blend of impressive musicianship and theatricality set them apart from their contemporaries, creating an unforgettable experience for fans.
Eddie Van Halen's Musical Genius
Eddie Van Halen's extraordinary talent as a guitarist is central to the band's identity, with his unique style and ability to make the guitar 'sing'. Key moments in their history, such as his groundbreaking solo 'Eruption,' showcased his technical prowess and the emotional depth of his playing. This exceptional skill often led to struggles for Eddie in finding his own voice amidst various influences. His collaboration on Michael Jackson's 'Beat It' not only broadened his musical horizons but also introduced Van Halen's sound to a wider audience, emphasizing the complexities of artistic integrity and personal relationships within the band.
We continue our series featuring some of our favorite interviews from 2024, this time with Alex Van Halen and Selena Gomez. Alex Van Halen talks about his life and the career he built with his late brother Eddie, and the formation of their band Van Halen. From growing up as immigrant kids in California, to the wild antics of life on the road as rock stars and some of his stunts, like setting his drums on fire.
Selena Gomez talks about her role in the Spanish-language musical film Emilia Pérez, where she stars as the wife of a brutal drug cartel boss. We talk about the evolution of her career, from a Disney kid to a pop star.