“We’ve Known Him For A Long Time. He Was One Of The True Best Friends.” Alex Van Halen Confirms New Album Plans With Steve Lukather

Alex Van Halen has revealed that he is moving forward with a new album, and that longtime friend and guitar icon Steve Lukather will be a central part of the project. In a candid reflection on their decades-long bond, the Van Halen drummer spoke warmly about Lukather, calling him “one of the true best friends,” and confirmed that the two musicians intend to collaborate in the studio.

The partnership feels both natural and deeply personal. Van Halen and Lukather have shared parallel careers at the highest level of rock music, bonded not just by success, but by mutual respect and genuine friendship that stretches back to the classic era of Los Angeles rock. Over the years, Lukather, best known as Toto’s guitarist and a legendary session player, has often spoken about his admiration for Eddie Van Halen, making this new collaboration resonate with added emotional weight.

For Alex Van Halen, the upcoming album represents more than a simple return to recording. Since the passing of his brother Eddie in 2020, Alex has been selective about musical projects, choosing only those that feel meaningful and authentic. Working with Lukather, someone who understood both the musical brilliance and the human side of Eddie, offers a sense of continuity rather than nostalgia.

While details about the album remain under wraps, no title, release date, or stylistic direction has yet been announced, the confirmation alone has sparked excitement among fans. The combination of Alex Van Halen’s unmistakable rhythmic identity and Lukather’s expressive, seasoned guitar work promises a sound rooted in classic rock musicianship while leaving room for something fresh and reflective.

Lukather’s versatility is likely to play a key role in shaping the album’s tone. Known for his melodic instincts and emotional phrasing as much as his technical ability, he brings a collaborative spirit that aligns with Alex Van Halen’s current creative mindset, focused less on spectacle and more on substance.

Ultimately, this project appears to be driven by friendship as much as music. As Alex Van Halen puts it, working with Steve Lukather isn’t about chasing the past; it’s about honoring shared history while creating something new. For fans of both Van Halen and Toto, the prospect of this collaboration stands as one of the most intriguing rock developments on the horizon.