Drummer and co-founder of American rock band Van Halen, Alex Van Halen is putting 350 of his pieces from his music collection for sale at an auction event.
Houston-based auctioneers Backstage Auctions announced the sale as “The Alex Van Halen Collection”. The company stated, “It is an unbelievable honor to represent one of the greatest rock drummers of all time, and we could not be any more excited. Alex is the reason why so many people picked up a pair of drumsticks, and this auction is a fantastic opportunity to see so many of his instruments and gear go to new homes.”
The collection features the Van Halen legend’s drum kits, snare drums, kick drums, road cases, drumheads, cymbals, gongs, sticks & mallets, personal items, record awards, autographed pieces and other assorted memorabilia.
Among the standout lots are the legendary 5150 Tour kit with a starting price of $75,000. The 2015 Tour kit that was the last kit Alex ever used in concert is also there with a starting price of $60,000.
Also for sale we have the drummer’s collection of vintage Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) record awards, the exceptional rosewood snare drums that helped define his signature sound, as well as a piano from the Van Halen family home.
The online auction starts from Saturday 1st to Friday 7th June 2024, and interested folks can register HERE!
Alex Van Halen’s comments on the auction
Alex comments, “I always have pursued the best possible sound, which drove me every single day, every single album, and every single tour to be on top of my game. I hope that passing on all these pieces will inspire current and next generations to be the best they can be. Now, let’s have some fun – Van Halen style!”
The 71-year-old rock legend also expressed his gratefulness in passing on his collection to the fans. “I kept all these drums, cymbals, heads, and all other kinds of gear, instruments, and road cases in my warehouse for decades and it will bring me great pleasure to see them end up in the hands of my fans and fellow drummers.”
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“A portion of the proceeds will go to the Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship charity to further support the services they provide to those in need”, he adds. The Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship promotes the welfare of youth in danger or people with any type of disability by means of activities and therapies involving horses.
Sources revealed last February that Alex has turned down the opportunity to tour as he ‘just doesn’t like playing’ without his late brother Eddie Van Halen.
