Alex Van Halen recently revealed his first music project with Toto’s Steve Lukather after selling all his gear. This sparked speculation among fans about potential vocalists for the collaboration, as reported by music journalist Mitch Lafon on X.
Van Halen’s announcement outlined his upcoming musical venture and his history with Lukather.
“I’m getting ready to do this record with Steve Lukather and a couple other people, it should be exciting,” Alex Van Halen said. “We have a long history together. He sang on a couple of records with us.”
Music journalist Mitch Lafon raised questions about the project’s direction on social media following the announcement.
“If the Alex Van Halen and Steve Lukather album is all instrumental. I’m out,” Lafon wrote. “Would you still be interested if there are no singers involved?”
The post generated significant discussion among Van Halen fans, who offered various suggestions for potential vocalists. One fan responded, “Probably not. I’d like a singer to really highlight the melodies. If not different singers, then one with a strong voice. A Jeff Scott Soto or Myles Kennedy type.”
Another fan expressed concerns about finding suitable vocalists, noting David Lee Roth’s current limitations and the unlikely collaboration with Sammy Hagar. The fan wrote, “An instrumental album would be a lot less interesting to me, but honestly, David can’t do it anymore, and he’ll never work with Sammy. I just don’t see who would even sing on it.”
Additional suggestions from fans included Kevin Cronin, Mike Patton, and Corey Taylor. Some also advocated for Mike Anthony’s return on bass and vocals, and wrote, “Mike Patton and Corey Taylor, there are two, and you do need Mike Anthony on bass and vocals.”
The collaboration between Alex Van Halen and Steve Lukather represents more than just a new musical partnership. It’s an effort to preserve and complete unreleased Van Halen material that has remained in the band’s vault for years.
BraveWords reported that the project involves completing unreleased Van Halen recordings from the band’s vault, with “three or four” albums’ worth of material available. This treasure trove of unfinished music provides a unique opportunity to hear previously unknown Van Halen compositions that fans have never experienced.
Lukather’s role in the project extends beyond his guitar expertise. Ultimate Classic Rock noted that Lukather will not play guitar on the tracks. Instead, he will act as a co-producer out of respect for Eddie Van Halen. The Toto guitarist demonstrated his reverence for Eddie’s legacy with his statement about the collaboration.
“I have too much love and respect for that and I play nothing like Ed,” Lukather explained, emphasizing his commitment to honoring Eddie Van Halen’s musical vision rather than attempting to replicate his distinctive guitar style.
The announcement came during an interview with Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain on his Metal Sticks podcast. WGLX confirmed that Alex revealed his plans to work on music with Lukather during this conversation. This collaboration marks Alex’s first major musical project since Van Halen’s hiatus following Eddie’s passing in 2020.
