
Steve Lukather addresses rumours about new Van Halen album
Rumours have recently circulated that Steve Lukather has been recruited by Alex Van Halen to finish a new Van Halen album. The news received mixed reactions. While some were excited by the prospect of new music, others didn’t like the idea of the late Eddie Van Halen’s work being interfered with.
Lukather seemingly confirmed the rumours. Following an interview with the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, he was asked whether or not he was working on the project.
“Did Alex say that?” said the Toto guitarist, “Oh, in that case, the news is true. Ed, Alex and I were very close for years. It is true that we worked on it together.”
As a result of the controversy following the news, Lukather had to take to social media to confirm that while he is working on a new Van Halen album, his involvement won’t see him playing the guitar or trying in any way to interfere with the work that Eddie Van Halen previously did.
“For the record: Ever since Alex Van Halen dropped we were gonna work together I think there is a huge misunderstanding. I will not ever play a guitar note on a VH song ever!” he wrote, “Al asked me to help him go thru a ton of unfinished recordings of Al and Ed writing and recording that never saw the light of day. As of now, that’s all I got.”
Lukather said that he would never be able to play on a Van Halen record because his respect for the band and their work is too great, plus he and Eddie Van Halen had completely different playing styles.
“The fact that ANYONE would think for even a second that I would play anything on this is ridiculous,” he wrote, “I have too much love and respect for that and … I play nothing like Ed… more as a co-producer or something. I am honoured Al would ask me though. Let’s see…”
This is a developing story. News of a release date or any upcoming singles are yet to be confirmed.
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