Eddie Van Halen Took 1,000 Steroid Pills Before Death, Says Brother Alex Van Halen
In a candid and emotional revelation, Alex Van Halen has shared startling details about his late brother Eddie Van Halen’s final days, including the guitarist’s reliance on steroids in the lead-up to his death in 2020. During an interview with Rolling Stone, Alex disclosed that Eddie, the legendary Van Halen guitarist, consumed 1,000 steroid pills before he passed away, as part of a desperate attempt to combat his declining health.
Eddie Van Halen, who died at the age of 65 after a long battle with cancer, struggled with various treatments and health complications in his final years. His brother Alex, 71, recounted how Eddie’s mindset shifted during this difficult time, often embracing extreme measures in hopes of improving his condition. “Eddie thought, ‘If two’s good, 20’s better,’” Alex explained, referring to Eddie’s approach to medication, particularly the steroids prescribed to help manage his cancer symptoms.
The steroids, often used to reduce inflammation and ease pain, became a regular part of Eddie’s regimen as he fought to extend his life. However, Alex suggested that Eddie’s overuse of the pills was not necessarily under the guidance of medical professionals. “It was a lot. He was trying everything,” Alex admitted, expressing the complexity of watching his brother’s health deteriorate despite the interventions.
This new insight sheds light on the immense physical and emotional toll Eddie endured during his final years. The guitarist had previously been open about his health battles, including his tongue cancer diagnosis in 2000, which later spread to his throat. Despite his condition, Eddie continued to record music and perform live, but behind the scenes, the fight was becoming increasingly difficult. His use of steroids, as revealed by Alex, was part of his personal quest to stay alive and perform for as long as possible.
Alex’s comments add to the growing understanding of Eddie Van Halen’s final years, a period marked by perseverance, pain, and a fierce desire to continue doing what he loved. While the excessive use of steroids may have had side effects, it underscores Eddie’s determination and the lengths he was willing to go in order to combat his illness.
Eddie’s death left an indelible mark on the music world, as fans and fellow musicians mourned the loss of one of rock’s greatest guitarists. His innovative playing style and contributions to Van Halen’s success are etched into rock history, and his legacy continues to influence countless musicians across genres. Despite his health struggles, Eddie’s passion for music never wavered, a testament to his resilience and artistry.
As Alex Van Halen prepares for the release of his new book Brothers, which honors Eddie and explores their lives together as bandmates and siblings, this latest revelation adds another layer of understanding to Eddie’s final chapter. The book, due out on October 22, promises to provide an even deeper glimpse into the life of the guitar icon, both as a rock star and as a brother who fought valiantly in the face of illness.
