Trivia

When Van Halen became successful, one of the first things Alex and his brother, Edward Van Halen, did with their earnings was to tell their father he could retire and take things easy for the rest of his life.

For years after the band members became multi-millionaires following the release of their first albums and subsequent tours, Alex said he and Eddie's mother, Eugenia, would still ask them when they would give up their rock-and-roll careers, go to college and get jobs.

Like his brother, Eddie, Alex spoke very little English upon arriving in America from The Netherlands.

Did not like the song "Dancing in the Street" and did not want it on the 1982 "Diver Down" album. Has said in interviews that, if up to him, he would never have put the song on the album, adding that the song "Isn't Van Halen".

Likes to begin his drum solos by banging a gong.

Started off playing the guitar while his brother Eddie played drums. One day, Alex decided to try out Eddie's drums and found he was much better at them than at guitar. Eddie, in turn, tried out Alex's guitar and saw he was much better at that.

Suggested in Van Halen's early days that Eddie give up singing lead vocals and for the band to hire David Lee Roth, saying that David had a great stage presence and it would be cheaper than having to constantly rent his P.A. system for gigs. (Ironically enough, David failed an early audition to be the band's lead singer).

Described his parents as different in their personalities and approaches. Said in an interview that his father, Jan Van Halen, was a happy-go-lucky, let's-have-a-drink-together type while his mother, Eugenia Van Halen, believed he and Eddie should focus on having a career where they could wear a suit and tie to work.

He one time attended a Led Zeppelin concert and very stealthily crawled under the stage while the band were playing so he could see John Bonham's performance up close; he noted the angle of John Bonham's foot on the drum pedal and the make of it, a Ludwig Speed King.

Older brother of Edward Van Halen.

Current member of the rock band Van Halen.

Has 1 child (Aric Van Halen) with his former wife, Kelly Van Halen (nee Carter), and 1 (Malcolm) with his current wife, Stine Schyberg.

Ex-brother-in-law of Valerie Bertinelli.

Has a reputation of being a practical joker, such as nailing unattended shoes to the floor.

Drummer for Van Halen.

An ordained minister, he officiated at the wedding of his brother, Edward Van Halen, and Janie Liszewski on June 27, 2009. His nephew, Wolfgang Van Halen, was the best man.

Following an intervention and a trip to rehab, Alex quit drinking in the late 1980s and has since been sober. According to ex-sister-in-law Valerie Bertinelli, Alex would later encourage Eddie to become sober as well.

Likes to use the biggest drum sticks available and once described the ones he uses as "miniature baseball bats".

Sammy Hagar once referred to Alex as "The craziest man I know in the rock-and-roll business.".

Brother-in-law of Janie Liszewski.

Uncle of Wolfgang Van Halen.