Alex Van Halen has expressed ongoing resentment over his late brother Eddie’s decision to collaborate with Michael Jackson on the legendary track “Beat It.”
In 1982, Eddie, the celebrated guitarist of Van Halen, was approached by producer Quincy Jones to contribute his skills to Jackson’s song.
Aware that this choice would breach a long-standing band rule against outside projects, Eddie proceeded anyway, much to Alex’s dismay.
“Why would you lend your talents to Michael Jackson?” Alex voiced during a recent interview with Rolling Stone, his first since Eddie’s passing. “I just don’t fucking get it.”
Recalling Eddie’s attempt to downplay the collaboration, Alex shared, “Oh, who knows that kid anyway?”
He criticized his brother’s rationale, stating, “You made the mistake! Fess up. Don’t add insult to injury by acting stupid.”
The fallout from Eddie’s appearance on “Beat It” extended beyond family tension. Inspired by his brother’s decision to branch out, frontman David Lee Roth also pursued a solo career, further straining the band’s dynamics.
Meanwhile, Jackson’s Thriller soared to become the best-selling album of all time, overshadowing Van Halen’s own 1984, which never reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard chart.
