Steve Lukather responded to claims he is benefiting financially from Van Halen, clarifying his role in a project involving unreleased music with Alex Van Halen. In comments shared by Guitar Player, he said he is not stepping in as the band’s new guitarist.
Lukather addressed speculation about his involvement and said his connection to the project is based on friendship and trust rather than money.
When asked, “What did you think about the initial rumors that you were taking over as guitarist of Van Halen?”, Lukather dismissed the idea outright.
“Well, first off, that’s the most ridiculous and humorous thing I’ve ever heard,” Lukather said. “I am no more qualified to try and play like Ed Van Halen than I am to be the first man to tug my dick on the planet. [laughs] I don’t know how anybody could think that would even be a reality. Honestly, it’s laughable. I don’t play… I couldn’t… I don’t play like Ed. It’s crazy.”
He then spoke about his relationship with Alex Van Halen and why he agreed to help with the material.
“We’ve always been pals with Al,” he continued. “It’s like Al’s missing a piece of himself. That’s how I feel. He looks at me as somebody he trusts, and who was close with Ed.”
Lukather also rejected the idea that money is motivating his involvement.
“I don’t have ulterior motives,” he said. “This is not about money. This is about love of the guys and trying to help. I’m not gonna be involved in an obvious way. So, I wish people would get the f*ck off my back!”
His comments came as discussion continues around Alex Van Halen’s plans for unreleased Van Halen recordings.
As more details emerge about the project, Lukather has been open about exactly what his role entails and what fans can expect from the material itself.
AXS reported that Lukather is co-producing the record alongside Alex Van Halen. His responsibilities are focused on the technical and quality-control side of the work rather than contributing as a performer. He has been clear that his fingerprints, or those of his band Toto, will not appear on the finished product.
Guitar Player noted that the unreleased recordings are completed performances featuring both Eddie and Alex Van Halen. They are not unfinished scraps being pieced together after the fact. Lukather described his function as that of a “wingman” to Alex, with possible involvement in areas such as vocals and mixes.
Blabbermouth reported that Lukather has been emphatic that the material is “not throwaway stuff.” He described it as something Alex needed trusted help organizing and bringing to completion. The project is also not being framed as a new Van Halen album in the traditional sense.
Ultimate Guitar covered Lukather’s reflections on hearing the recordings, where he stressed the significance of the unreleased material. He made clear the project carries real weight for everyone involved. He is approaching the work as a close friend of the family rather than as an outside collaborator looking to capitalize on the Van Halen name.
