Michael Anthony Opens Up About Why Alex Van Halen Selling All his Gears

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He's 71... he gave his all and his brother for Rock n Roll. Now he probably just wants to retire and walk away and live in peace for the next 10-20 years! He's earned it!

Its bizarre to me how everyone talks about older musicians as if they are disappointing everyone by calling it quits. Hes 71. He has every right to stop. Drumming is tough on the body. He lost his brother and best friend. He can stop and enjoy life if he wants. No explanation needed. Dont need the hysteria and dramatics. First Sammy saying he has a stick up his ass. Now Mike even acting like its some sad pathetic situation. He just got old and his #1 teammate died. Leave him alone. He owes us nothing. He music will always live on. Now go listen to Outta Love, Van Halen 2, and remind yourself how lucky we were.

He shared his life with his brother, I can’t imagine what he’s going through. Everyone heals in their own way.

I participated in the auction, and I am the very proud owner of a set of his drum sticks that he used in the 1990s. They will be framed and hung on a prominent wall in my home.

Don't blame Alex any bit, thanks to him for the great music, and his brother. Peace be unto him.

Dark days will do a number on all of us. As a musician, I've experienced the same thing. Got divorced, threw all of my compositions away (literally in the trash can), sold all of my equipment, etc. completely walked away from a life-long career. I didn't play my axe or even listen to music for 5 years, couldn't do it. But now, I've slowly gotten back into it and I love it. I've re-connected and it's better than ever. -- It wouldn't surprise me at all if Alex Van Halen turns a corner at some point. Welcome to life. It happens.

MUCH RESPECT!!! All these other 99.999% of band members ALWAYS chasing the last penny....God Bless him and his family. Family 1st than making $$$.

Sometimes you turn a page and write a new chapter. He also had back problems so he lost the joy, mentally and physically. Pray for Al to find joy in something else, yall.

Alex lost his brother and played with probably the best rock guitar player ever...thanks for the the music Alex

My wife is also Dutch Indonesian. Both families came from the Netherlands at almost the same time to the U.S. Both parents were very good friends. They all were members of the Dutch club Avio in Anaheim,California. Van Halen played there all the time in the 70s. My Father in law often help book them initially for gigs around Southern California. Never met them myself but felt they were extended family nonetheless. I was very sad upon hearing Eddie had passed away. And Alex certainly is devastated beyond being brothers they were just very tight musically and had slightly different personalities. Alex being the oldest probably feels he would go first. Alex though was a phenomenal drummer. He just wanted Eddie to take the spotlight in my opinion. I imagine he is selling to end a major chapter in his life and I’ll bet anything he feels Eddie wants him to do this.

Grieving a lost of a loved one is one of the hardest things to deal with in life imo 😢 such an emptiness 😢

In the end it's only stuff and Alex knows this more than anyone. He's done which is ok he deserves a peaceful retirement. Take care Alex much respect.....

This just reminds me of how old we’ve all gotten. David Lee Roth helped me begin my musical life’s journey. The amount of hours that I have spent listening to these four men is tremendous. I thank them for the memories. ❤

If you're a drummer what Alex says at the end here is earnest and sincere. He is not sad but instead happy to share his drums with fans and players alike. He ain't lyin'

Alex Van Halen you are a drumming legend! You have influenced thousands of drummers to get into drumming - I know I was one of them! The drum intro to "Hot for Teacher" was and still is insanely hard to play. I appreciate all you have given to the music industry, and I hope you find peace and tranquility in your new endeavors, what ever they may be. I look forward to reading your new book - "Brothers" We will miss your incredible drumming!

Lost my brother who played, and he was my number 1 fan aswell, it hurts and you will never be the same again......................

Alex is 71 years old. Time has a funny way of slowing you down and draining your energy.

I can fully understand this. My best friend of 40 years died of cancer 2 years ago. I am still struggling with it he was like my own brother. Getting over a loss like a brother is almost impossible. A piece of his heart is just gone and never will return. I hope he doesn't stop playing he is one of the greats right there with Bonham.

Everyone needs to realize, he's pretty much did it all. In reality, I've always felt Alex never got the recognition he deserves for being an excellent drummer. Being the engine of the colossal Van Halen machine, he made it interesting, steady, and with a very unique tone. I don't think any other could have filled his shoes; he was as much an indispensable ingredient as the other 3 that made up the greatest Rock and Roll band of their era.