The Artist: Alex Van Halen
Van Halen: The Polaroid Print
“Very early on, we were told, ‘Don’t ever lose your sense of humour,’ and taught to have fun in everything we did. When we practised or when it came down to business, things were serious, but on stage and off, we just wanted to have a blast.” – Alex Van Halen
Alex Van Halen formed Van Halen with his brother, Eddie, in 1972. Alongside David Lee Roth and Michael Anthony, they became one of the most successful rock bands in history, selling over 75 million records worldwide and earning induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
Born in Amsterdam and raised in Pasadena, California, Alex began as a classical pianist before switching to drums. His powerful, distinctive playing became the heartbeat of Van Halen, driving a succession of multi-platinum albums including Van Halen, Fair Warning and 1984, and influencing generations of drummers.
Taken during the band’s 1979 tour using Alex’s Polaroid camera, these photographs capture that spirit at a formative moment in Van Halen’s story. Drawn from his personal collection and previously unpublished, they preserve the performances, friendships and spontaneous moments of life on the road.