Recently, the music world watched closely as Alex Van Halen, the famed drummer of the legendary rock band Van Halen, decided to part ways with a collection of his personal gear and instruments. This move, executed in collaboration with Backstage Auctions, Inc., drew the attention of fans and collectors from all corners, eager to own a piece of rock history. Among the treasures up for grabs were drum kits played on world tours, cymbals echoing the beats of classic tracks, drumsticks that fueled iconic performances, prestigious awards, behind-the-scenes setlists, and family-sealed encyclopedias. Spanning from June 1 to June 9, the auction listed 350 items, each accompanied by a signed certificate of authenticity from Alex himself.
The Financial Scorecard
The highlight of the auction, a drum kit that accompanied Alex through 111 shows in 1986 and again throughout Van Halen’s 2015 North American tour, captured the highest bid, selling for $125,000. This kit, adorned with the band’s logo and packed in road cases ready for the next tour, stood as a significant piece of the band’s storied career.
Other items found new homes as well, such as a drumhead used during the 2015 tour and personally signed by Alex in 2023, which fetched $3,312.79. A set of family encyclopedias, harboring the histories and stories of the Van Halen family, sold for just over $1,000, proving that even the most personal items held great value to fans.
Additionally, three handwritten copies of practice notes, including titles like ‘Van Halen Trio Jam: (We Learn),’ ‘Van Halen Trio Jam: (We Know),’ and ‘Van Halen Practice!’, secured a collective $1,000. These lists, preserved through photocopies to maintain their condition, offered a rare glimpse into the band’s preparation and work ethic.
Alex’s Gratitude
In a heartfelt message shared with his fans, Alex Van Halen expressed his thoughts on the auction’s outcome. He thanked those who participated, expressing satisfaction in knowing his cherished items were moving on to people who would appreciate and perhaps use them as he did. His words were poignant:
“What a fantastic auction! I am so happy to see my drums, gear, awards, and collectibles go to new homes. Enjoy and use them like I did. And a huge ‘thank you’ for supporting the ride on therapeutic horsemanship. Van Halen fans are the best!”
This auction wasn’t just a sale; it was a celebration of a 40-year career that saw Van Halen become one of the world’s best-selling bands, with nearly 100 million albums sold globally.