Music Notes: Alex Van Halen Pays Tribute to His Profound Bond with Eddie in ‘Brothers’
In a 240-page book, the 70-year-old drummer intimately shares his personal story of family, friendship, music, and the deep bond he shared with his younger brother and bandmate, legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen.
Alex Van Halen’s much-anticipated memoir, Brothers, is set for release on Oct. 22.
In the 240-page book (Harper Collins, $32), the 70-year-old drummer intimately shares his personal story of family, friendship, music, and the deep bond he shared with his younger brother and bandmate, legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen.
Written while still mourning Eddie’s untimely death in 2020, Brothers delves into the boys’ childhood; immigrating from the Netherlands to Pasadena, California, in 1962; forming their eponymously named group; and the infighting and bad-boy behavior that accompanied their meteoric rise to becoming one of the world’s most revered bands.
Brothers is also available as a 720-minute audiobook narrated by Alex that includes the last piece of music he and Eddie wrote together, a song titled “Unfinished.”
To promote its release, Alex is participating in a brief book tour. Fans can purchase $50 virtual tickets to the now sold-out in-person event, entitling them to view the interview with the author on Oct. 29 and receive a signed book.
Boingo’s Back for Spooky Season
Halloween time is always more of a treat when served with some Boingo. Or at least the next best thing — in this case, the awkwardly named Oingo Boingo Former Members.
The nine-piece band, which includes five original members, is playing Humphrey’s on Oct. 26. Yes, it doesn’t include the group’s founder and original frontman, Danny Elfman, but Johnny “Vatos” Hernandez (drums), Sam “Sluggo” Phipps (saxophone), Carl Graves (keyboards), Steve Bartek (guitar), and John Avila (bass) are sure to keep the “Dead Man’s Party” rollicking with wickedly good hits like “Weird Science,” “No One Lives Forever,” and “Who Do You Want To Be.”
General Public, Bow Wow Wow, and Untouchables are also on the bill, so come dressed in your best ‘80s costumes.
The Cure Releases New Music, Sets Course for the Future
Legendary alt-rockers The Cure will release their first new music in 16 years on Nov. 1.
Songs of a Lost World will feature eight songs all written by frontman Robert Smith, including the first two singles “A Fragile Thing” and “Alone,” which they played last time performing in San Diego in May 2023.
This new music, an exploration of loss, grief, and mortality, is just the tip of the iceberg. In a very telling 1:41 interview, Smith shared that the band has recorded enough material for two additional albums, and they are working on a documentary film.
The singer also suggested that 2029 — the 50th anniversary of the band’s first album (1979’s Three Imaginary Boys) and when Smith turns 70 — may be the year they choose to put an end to things. “If I make it that far,” he said, “that’s it.”
In the meantime, fans can celebrate Songs of a Lost World when The Cure performs the album in its entirety on Nov. 1 at the Troxy in London, which will be livestreamed for free on YouTube.
Monster of a Band to Play The Sound
Colorado-born rock band Big Head Todd and The Monsters has amassed quite a following since forming in 1986, particularly in San Diego and throughout the West.
Highly underrated, the quartet has released 12 studio albums to date, with 1993’s Sister Sweetly (produced by Prince protégé David Z) serving as their high-water mark, spawning three singles and earning platinum status.
But Big Head Todd is best experienced in a live setting, which is perhaps why the band has also appeared on six live albums, including 2020’s Live at the Belly Up.
While I’m uncertain about the math, their upcoming gig at The Sound on Nov. 21 is being billed as their 40th Anniversary Tour. In addition to crowd-pleasers like “Bittersweet” and “Broken Hearted Savior,” the band is likely to play new music from their 2024 release, Her Way Out.
Bob Schneider, a singer-songwriter who has the distinction of winning 55 Austin Music Awards, is opening with a special solo set.
Donovan Roche, a San Diego-based writer and editor, has covered the music, entertainment and arts scene for more than 30 years. To be considered for an upcoming edition of Music Notes, send your story idea to droche617@gmail.com.
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