The legendary Van Halen co-founder and drummer, Alex Van Halen, is currently promoting his book Brothers, which tells the story of him, his brother, and the band up until the mid-80s. He shares many funny moments from their live performances and recalls a time when his arm caught fire while playing live, but the roadie thought it was part of the show and didn’t help him.
Alex Van Halen recalls when his arm caught fire while playing live
(Via Laist) “For me, fire represents the temporariness — that only the moment counts. I mean, the flame is there and poof, it’s gone. So it’s life, right? So to me, that represented that. And there was an element of danger because we did it on such an amateur level.”
“My favorite memory of all of that was — we kind of gotten it down to a science. And as we’re doing it during the performance, the lighter fluid starts to come down my arm. And then I look over and I notice my arms on fire.”
“So I’m thinking, that can’t be good, right? So I look at (my tech) Greg, who, in theory, he’s there with a fire extinguisher. So I look at him and he’s looking at me and he gives me the thumbs up. ‘Looks great, man!’ I’ll never forget that as long as I live,” Alex Van Halen said.
With the audiobook of “Brothers”, a final instrumental song made by the two, called “Between Us Two” was released. The beautiful six-minute instrumental track really sets the incredible mood for his book and audiobook, which was narrated by himself.
He also revealed recently that David Lee Roth ruined the reunion tribute tour that would me made for Eddie Van Halen.