Alex's powerful and dynamic drumming style and voice are as unique and instantly recognizable as Edward's guitar sound. The term "brown sound," which is universally linked with Edward's tone was actually coined by Alex and refers to the warmth of his own snare drum sound.

But, don't overlook the finesse and sensitivity. He plays what's right for the song. Not to grandstand or just to draw attention to himself. He will however, let loose live in his unaccompanied drum solo.

In this instance you've got to expect the unexpected. From lighting his kit on fire during the Van Halen II tour, to the Latinesque version of " Outta Love Again," complete with congas and horns on the III tour, you're always in for a treat.

Though he appears ominous, silent and brooding to many (which is further enhanced by his usual all-black garb), Alex has a rapier-sharp wit and a love of practical jokes.

In 1986, he shaved his head completely bald as a part of a bet, even appearing on an episode of Night Tracks and in the Hank Williams, Jr. video for "My Name is Bocephus" with his newly shorn dome.

A word to the wise: don't ever leave your shoes unattended in his presence. Otherwise you may return to find them nailed to the floor.


Alex's rig has changed through times, but this is one of his standards:

• (1) 18" Paiste Signature Power Crash
• (2) 20" Paiste Signature Heavy Crash
• (3) 20" Paiste Signature Full Crash
• (4) 22" Paiste 3000 Ride
• (5) 20" Paiste Signature Full Crash
• (6) 20" Paiste Signature Heavy Crash
• (7) 15" Paiste Hi Hats (upper is 14" power hat, lower is 15" sound edge)
• (A) 22 x 20 Ludwig Bass Drum
• (B) 22 x 16 Ludwig Bass Drum
• (C) 14 x 8 Tama Snare
• (D) 10 x 8 Ludwig Tom
• (E) 12 x 8 Ludwig Tom
• (F) 16 x 16 Ludwig Floor Tom
• (G) 18 x 16 Ludwig Floor Tom
• (H) 11 3/4 x 30 L&D Conga
• (I) 12 3/4 x 30 L&D Conga
• (J) 14 x 3 1/2 Remo Piccolo Snare
• (K) Trigger Pads (Simmons)
• (L) Latin Percussion Rock Cowbell

In addition to the drums, Alex is also an accomplished pianist. The instrumental "Respect the Wind" from the Twister soundtrack features Alex on keys and marks his first and only appearance on a record outside of Van Halen. The piece has a melancholy, classical flavor to it, which isn't surprising due to the fact that Alex had several years of classical piano training as a young boy.

Alex will be the first to tell you he's not a rock star. He's a musician. He'll be making music until the day he dies, in one form or another.