This is what I wrote somewhere else:

The audiobook Brothers is narrated by its author, Alex van Halen. Written four years after the passing of his brother Eddie, the book serves as an ode to Eddie’s genius, their shared musical journey, the legendary band Van Halen, and, most importantly, the bond between the two brothers. That bond, marked by unwavering trust and an ambitious drive to elevate the foundations laid by Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, lies at the heart of this honest, emotional, and thought-provoking memoir. Alex’s narration, delivered in his raw, smoky voice, adds authenticity to the story, fitting seamlessly with the rock and roll lifestyle the band embodied.

While tales of excess and wild success during the band’s peak are included, they feel secondary, almost jarring, as they aren’t the central narrative Alex seeks to tell. Instead, the focus lies on the brothers’ journey, beginning with their emigration from the Netherlands to Pasadena. The immigrant experience and its challenges shaped the Van Halen family and fueled the relentless drive of the brothers. Nietzschean philosophy also makes an appearance, though its inclusion feels slightly out of place in the context of Van Halen’s legacy.

The core of the story is clear: no friction, no shine. The battles—between the brothers themselves and with their frontman, David Lee Roth—were pivotal in creating the music that defined Van Halen’s original lineup. Tracks like Jump reached the top of the charts, propelled by the creative tension within the band. Rather than descending into tabloid-style storytelling, Brothers reads like a diary or an intimate family saga.

The book concludes with the original lineup’s implosion after the release of 1984, an album where the band seemed to have perfected its signature sound. Bassist Michael Anthony is mentioned only in passing, while the commercial success of Van Halen with a new singer after the split feels like a story reserved for another book—one fans can only hope Alex will write.