😱 Steve Lukather’s Role in Alex Van Halen’s Comeback: A Friendship or a Risky Gamble? 😱

In an exciting development for rock music fans, Alex Van Halen has revealed that he and Toto guitarist Steve Lukather are gearing up to work on a new album together.

During a recent appearance on the Metal Sticks podcast, hosted by longtime Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain, Alex shared, “I’m getting ready to do this record with Lukather and a couple of other people. It should be exciting.”

The announcement has generated buzz within the music community, as it suggests a significant creative endeavor for the legendary drummer.

However, Alex did not delve into specifics about the nature of the album, leaving fans to speculate about what the project might entail.

What is particularly intriguing is the possibility that this new album could include unreleased music featuring Alex and his late brother, Eddie Van Halen, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 65.

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In previous discussions, both Alex and Lukather have hinted at the potential of completing some of the music that has remained unheard for years.

In November 2024, Alex revealed that there were three or four albums’ worth of unreleased material stored in the vault, stating, “They will stay there until we figure out how and why and what to do with them.”

He elaborated, “You have to remember it has to be on the level of where Ed and I used to play. We’re not just going to shovel it in.”

This commitment to maintaining high standards reflects Alex’s dedication to honoring his brother’s legacy while exploring new creative avenues.

Moreover, he noted that they have access to some of the greatest musicians in the world who are willing to collaborate on this project, which adds to the anticipation surrounding the album.

In early 2025, Alex reportedly told the Dutch newspaper, the Telegraph, that he had enlisted Lukather to assist him in completing some of the unreleased music.

Alex Van Halen confirms new music with Toto's Steve Lukather - The Music  Universe

He stated, “Ed and Steve Lukather were very good friends and they often worked together. There is no one who can do this process with me as well as he can.”

This sentiment underscores the deep bond and mutual respect between the two musicians, which is likely to play a crucial role in the creative process.

However, Lukather was quick to clarify the nature of his involvement in the project, describing his role as more of a co-producer.

He made it clear that he would not be playing guitar on any Van Halen songs, emphasizing his respect for Eddie’s unique style.

“Al asked me to help him go through a ton of unfinished recordings of Al and Ed writing and recording that never saw the light of day,” Lukather explained.

He added, “As of now, that’s all I got. The fact that anyone would think for even a second that I would play anything on this is ridiculous. I have too much love and respect for that. And I play nothing like Ed.”

Alex Van Halen and Steve Lukather to work on new album | GuitarPlayer

This clarification aligns with Alex’s earlier comments about Lukather’s role being open-ended and based on their long-standing friendship.

“We have a long history together,” Alex noted during the Metal Sticks interview.

He emphasized that their collaboration goes beyond a mere contractual obligation, saying, “If you’re in this line of work, it goes beyond a superficial contract and I want you to do this and do that.”

Instead, their partnership is rooted in a shared passion for creativity and music.

Alex’s perspective on collaboration reflects a deeper understanding of the artistic process, recognizing that rigid contracts can stifle creativity.

By maintaining an open and flexible approach, he and Lukather can explore the vast potential of the unreleased material while ensuring that it meets the high standards set by the Van Halen legacy.

Alex Van Halen recording 'exciting' album with Toto's Steve Lukather

As fans eagerly await further details about the album, the prospect of new music from Alex Van Halen, especially with the involvement of Steve Lukather, is generating significant excitement.

This collaboration not only holds the promise of new material but also serves as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Eddie Van Halen and the creative spirit that defined the iconic band.

As the music world watches closely, the journey of this new album could very well mark a pivotal moment in Alex Van Halen’s career, allowing him to reconnect with his musical roots while honoring his brother’s memory.

With the combination of Alex’s drumming prowess and Lukather’s production skills, fans are hopeful that this project will bring forth something truly special, blending the past with a fresh perspective for the future.

In a time when music often serves as a means of healing and connection, the collaboration between Alex Van Halen and Steve Lukather stands as a testament to the power of friendship, creativity, and the enduring impact of music on our lives.

As they embark on this new journey, the anticipation for what is to come is palpable, and the legacy of Van Halen continues to resonate in the hearts of fans around the world.