Alex Van Halen recently discussed his upcoming album collaboration with Toto guitarist Steve Lukather. He explained his decision to work with the renowned musician in a statement shared on Kazagastão.
The Van Halen drummer addressed questions about releasing unreleased material from his late brother Eddie Van Halen. He detailed why he selected Lukather as his collaborator for the project.
“Ed [late Van Halen guitarist and Alex’s brother, Eddie Van Halen] and I had a lot of stuff that we made, that we made musically that we never let go,” Alex Van Halen said. “Many people have asked, what about releasing unreleased stuff? Well, we’re not gonna release it in its embryonic form because it wouldn’t make any sense.”
“But I’ve been fortunate enough to have Steve Lukather, who was a good friend of Ed’s, and we’re working on putting a record together, but it has to be of the quality and the level of where we left it,” he continued. “Not just to say, ‘Hey, here’s some music that we made. If you like it, that’s great.’ No. It has to be the quality that we expect.”
Van Halen praised Lukather’s versatility and musical abilities. He explained how the guitarist serves as the perfect collaborator for the project.
“I call Lukather Luke affectionately. He is the connective tissue,” he said. “Luke can play anything… But because of this talent that kind of blends in with everything, he doesn’t get the recognition that I think he deserves. And I may be wrong. Maybe he is recognized the world over. He should be, because I can’t play guitar.”
The drummer detailed their working relationship and how Lukather’s expertise helps streamline the creative process.
“I went to Steve’s house several times and we played a piece of music and he goes, ‘Yeah, I got it. That’s it. That’s all we need,'” Van Halen explained. “Then he can do all the connective tissues. He knows where to put the solo, as far as structure and organ and structure and an organization. I have my opinions and he has his, and they are just opinions. So he can facilitate things that would’ve taken me 10 times as long. And I love the guy. We’ve known him for years.”
This collaboration marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to preserve and complete Eddie Van Halen’s musical legacy following his death in October 2020.
Blabbermouth reported that Alex Van Halen has confirmed that the album he is working on with Steve Lukather includes previously unreleased, unfinished Van Halen recordings. The project represents more than just a tribute album, as it contains material that was originally intended for future Van Halen releases.
The significance of these recordings becomes clearer when considering their origin. Ultimate Guitar revealed that Alex Van Halen disclosed these recordings “were going to be the next Van Halen album.” This revelation adds weight to the project’s importance, as fans will essentially be hearing what would have been the band’s next official release.
The collaboration between Alex Van Halen and Steve Lukather extends beyond just completing existing tracks. BraveWords noted that the project involves careful consideration of how to present these unfinished works while maintaining the artistic integrity that Eddie Van Halen would have demanded. The process requires not only technical expertise but also deep understanding of the Van Halen sound and Eddie’s creative vision.
The choice of Lukather as collaborator reflects both practical and emotional considerations. His long-standing friendship with Eddie Van Halen and his reputation as one of rock’s most versatile guitarists make him uniquely qualified to handle such sensitive material. The collaboration represents Van Halen’s effort to honor his late brother’s musical legacy while maintaining the high standards associated with the Van Halen name.
