“Alright, Ed, from this point forward, you’ll be composing all the songs,” the instant Eddie Van Halen revealed his songwriting brilliance.

And this was not related to speed at all. “It was unrelated to articulation,” states Alex.

In addition to being among the finest guitarists in rock history, Eddie Van Halen was recognized for creating many of the genre’s most memorable guitar solos and chord progressions.

In a recent interview, Alex Van Halen discusses Van Halen’s initial creative approach and recounts the moment he recognized his brother’s exceptional songwriting talent.

During an episode of Anderson Cooper’s All There Is podcast, the drummer mentions [according to Ultimate Guitar]: “We all used to bring musical bits into the basement.” I recall when Ed introduced Runnin’ With the Devil, that chord arrangement and everything surrounding it.

As soon as I heard that, I remarked, ‘Alright, Ed, you’ll be the one writing all the songs from now on since we can’t match that.’ [Laughs] And this was unrelated to speed. It was unrelated to articulation. Had no connection to anything else; it simply sounded utterly brilliant to me. “It was incredible.”

Although the members faced challenges in Van Halen’s early days, for Alex, the happiness of creating music collectively was sufficient to help them overcome those difficulties.

“Being in the basement with the dripping pipes and lacking heat, and it didn’t smell good, we didn’t mind,” he states. “Add a few more, let’s have some fun!” However, you share a mutual objective, and you possess a drive because you’re eager.

“I still possess the piano that we brought along when we arrived here.” It’s located in the corridor, with cigarette marks from when Jump was composed. They remain there. Such small details revive memories and evoke the scents, sensations, and textures.

In another part of the conversation, Alex — whose latest memoir Brothers has just been released — discusses how the younger Van Halen’s death surprised him.

“None of us truly believed he would pass away.” “He has consistently recovered,” states Alex [through Blabbermouth]. “He was able to consume more drugs than anyone else and still get up the next day and deliver.” I don’t believe anyone truly expected him to die. “Therefore, when he died, it truly came as a surprise.”