Eddie Van Halen Consumed Entire Bottle of Steroid Pills Prior to His Passing, Believing They Made Him “Feel Like Superman”

Eddie Van Halen’s Final Days: Chasing a Superhuman High with Steroids

In a poignant revelation, Alex Van Halen, drummer and elder brother of the iconic guitarist Eddie Van Halen, has opened up about the circumstances leading to Eddie’s untimely death in October 2020 at the age of 65. In his recent interview with Rolling Stone, Alex disclosed that Eddie’s final days were marked by a desperate pursuit of vitality through a potentially dangerous use of steroids, primarily taken to alleviate the swelling following surgery for a brain tumour.

Eddie, perhaps the most influential guitarist in rock history, was known not just for his legendary riffs with Van Halen but also for his chaotic lifestyle that mirrored the highs and lows of rock ‘n’ roll. According to Alex, Eddie didn’t take the steroid pills to self-destruct, but rather to chase the feeling of invincibility they could offer. "If two’s good, twenty’s better," Alex humorously recounted, referencing the pair’s impulsive philosophy towards life and substance use.

"He had a bottle, like, a thousand pills in it," Alex reflected, admitting the danger involved but emphasizing that Eddie’s intentions were rooted in a desire for a "superhuman feeling." The irony is central to the narrative of Eddie’s life—a man who reached unimaginable heights only to succumb to the toll that greatness exacts.

Eddie’s struggle with his health was kept largely private until his passing, creating a stark contrast to the thunderous sounds of guitar riffs that defined a generation. As fans struggled to process the loss of such a pivotal figure in rock music, this recent admission adds both a deeper insight and an emotional weight to Eddie’s legacy.

This week also brought a bittersweet gift for fans: the release of "Unfinished," the last track Eddie wrote with Alex, now available as part of the audiobook for Alex’s new memoir, Brothers. “This is my tribute to my brother; my way of saying goodbye,” Alex expressed, channeling his grief and love into the music. The track serves as both a testament to their enduring bond and a reflection of the musical journey they shared.

The Van Halen legacy remains a crucial component of rock history, with their dynamic duo ushering in a new era of guitar-driven music. Disbanded shortly after Eddie’s death, the band’s influence resonates through their twelve remarkable albums and the indelible impact they left on countless musicians.

In a world now filled with tributes and nostalgia, Alex recalled the unexpected paths the band could have taken. Interestingly, he revealed interviews with potential new singers after Eddie’s departure, including legends like Ozzy Osbourne and Chris Cornell, noting that expectations are seldom met when it comes to rock stars. “When you get an Ozzy, you get Ozzy. Play the music, he’ll sing, and it’s gonna be great,” he mused, capturing the unpredictable essence of the music world.

As we remember Eddie Van Halen, his story is a tapestry of soaring successes intertwined with poignant struggles. While he may have sought the illusion of superhuman strength in those final moments, it is the music—and the brotherly bond shared with Alex—that will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations. So here’s to Eddie: a titan of rock, a brother, and a soul whose legacy will resonate through the ages.

Written by 92.9 The Torch