Alex Van Halen Thread

[Jungle Drummer]

I definitely believe Al was part of the "lets give them a show" aspect of Van Halen. As much finesse that he has, a lot of his stuff is "flashy" so to speak but not spastic. It's well placed, like an artillery engineer. The kits he put together were aesthetic to the audience. I can't count the time anymore where I've read "Dude, I remember seeing them in 1980 and Al's kit was like this space ship, man!" He was always experimenting though with other types of drums and sounds. Just like his brother does, maybe that's where he got it. Ed was not the only jazz fusion listener. Rototoms, octabons, hell even the simmons pads were being used by progressive and jazz drummers of his day. He used the Pearl varipitch drums for several tours as well. And look at the 1988 tour kit. Northstar drums and such.

Yeah the monster kits were flashy, but listening to old boots and seeing what film footage there is, he was all over those kits, making use of all the drums he had up there.

It's ridiculous for anybody to call out Alex for not being a purist(as I've seen in another thread here) because he used Simmons drums. People forget just how popular those things were for several years. As you said, even jazz drummers were using them. But, seems like bagging on the Brothers for everything is the "in" thing to do on EVERY VH forum on the net. Gets old.

[Outtalove]

I do think the 1984 kit was sold as well or given to someone.


I've read that several of his snares were given to various roadies and drum tech over the years. I wonder if he even still has the original super sensitive from the first three albums, or the Rosewood from FW, DD, and 1984.

The TAMA rosewood snare I actually used to own, it was stolen by a friend on friend in the early 90s

[Nick AVH fan]

The TAMA rosewood snare I actually used to own, it was stolen by a friend on friend in the early 90s

That's unfortunate. Those snares aren't made anymore and cost a lot now. They have a really nice sound when tuned. Ludwig actually based AVH's limited edition snare on it, only 100 made though.

[Nick AVH fan]

What's surprised me about Al is how much he's always promoted Ludwig, but has had several kits of different makes over the years (Never sponsored though). From Rogers all the way to Peavey.

Here's the Rogers kit from the infamous "Loss of Control" video.



But he's also had Tama octobans, Remo rototoms, Tama hardware, Pearl Varipitches, and I've even heard Slingerland drums in the early days.

[Heisenberg]

[Nick AVH fan]

I may not be enthralled with the new tour and shite, but Al's kit looks really slick. A lot like the '79 tour with the stainless steel/chrome.

[The Rover]

I may not be enthralled with the new tour and shite, but Al's kit looks really slick. A lot like the '79 tour with the stainless steel/chrome.

Yes, I thought that Alex's new trim on his drumkit looked fantastic. Real sweet!!

Alex is my favorite rock drummer behind John Bonham.

I still don't know if I will go and see the band in Dallas. It will be a day of show decision.

[PrideofPasadena]

I agree! One of his best drum kits, I think!